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

Ohk people....

Here I m back again with an update.
This time the longest one I hv ever written before and even the most special one for this story.

So go ahead read along and yes, don't forget to put loads of inline comments coz there is a surprise for u at the end of this update. Make sure u comment a lot to make it even more better.

Do read the note later, till the very end!

Happy Reading😍😍

Part 85:

Nandini's pov:

THIS IS IT......

That's the only thought I had when I stood in front of the mirror. The glow on my face, clearly matching the same that every bride has. Well, the Haldi ceremony this morning could easily be stated as the reason for this glow. I moved away from the mirror and walked outside my room, to the balcony. Its good that Abhi knows my taste well enough, he had the biggest balcony in my room. I settled down on the swing there, rubbing my palms on my arms and looked up at the million stars shining in the dark sky.

Yes, the Haldi ceremony too finished today! It wasn't anything much special as such. We performed the ritual here itself in the living room of this penthouse that Abhi calls home. Well, to be honest, It does give off a very very homely feeling and I can actually see Abhi getting settled down here permanently as he plans. Probably with his better half, though we r yet to see how it happens.

The Haldi today didn't include any guests as such. It was just my family, though Aliya, Mukti, Dhruv, Cabir and Navya did join us. They refused to pick a side, they were stubborn to be representing both the bride side as well as grooms. And I can't be more lucky than this to have friends like them.

Manik was behaving cranky all day... He wasn't allowed to step out of the house after his haldi. Though there was no rule as such, but Dadi got him on house arrest just to make sure that he doesn't try to meet me. Crazy? I know.... But Dadi knows us well...😉

Anyways, she succeeded.... We didn't meet the entire day. We talked a couple of times but that too for just a few few mins each time coz someone or the other disturbed us with work. Wedding preparations could really be tiring. Though no one is letting the two of us work. But something or the other somehow comes up.

And here I m.... In my room! Counting the very few moments left before I Get Married.

Am I Happy???? well, I don't know.....

I m confused, I know I should be the one flying in the clouds with happiness. I m getting married.... That too to the guy that I love the most. But....The saddest part is that I m not!!!!

***Anxiety! Fear! Confusion! Stress! Impatience!***
These are the only thoughts and feelings going on in my head. See, u got the problem, now? I mean its the most important day of my life and all my thoughts are so Negative.

I look down at myself and feel my hands shaking. Before I knew I had my phone in my hands.

Tring tring... Tring tring... Tring tring!!
It kept ringing until it was finally received after 5 rings as I heard an almost sleepy voice.

Nandini: Manik...

Manik seemed to wake up by my voice as I heard his voice clear.
Manik: Nandini....

I heard stuff moving around which i guess was him sitting up straight when he continued,
Manik: God Nandini, its 2:30 am..... Are u fine?

Nandini: Manik I m scared!
I said in a low voice almost thinking whether I should tell him or not, but still couldn't stop myself.

Manik: Scared?
Manik asked his voice hoarse due to just waking up.

And at that time I felt so foolish to being calling him. How the hell m I supposed to be telling him what I m thinking?

Manik: Nandini...
He called out again in the ever so soft voice making me sigh.

'Yes, I can do this.... This is Manik, he is my best friend before anything else, he will understand'
I thought to myself as I started in confidence.

Nandini: Ohk so here is a thing, plz can u just forget for a few minutes that u r the person I m getting married to within a few hours...

Manik: I... I mean... Yeah, I guess!

I heard him fumble a few times before agreeing. I m sure, he must be thinking of me as a fool. Or worse, he might be imagining me with those freaking panic attacks of mine.... Well, to be honest, this might be one! Just a slight one? Maybe...

Nandini: Good thanks...

Manik: Ohk, so what happened?

Nandini: "I don't know... I don't know what happened. But this is all wrong. I mean think about it, I m being randomly proposed to one day, totally by surprise. Though its by the guy whom I love so much and so I agree, I feel elated to the sky in happiness... But then before I know I m here on the day before my wedding.

What a freaking fool, I m!! One freaking Month... Its like nothing! Just one month and we r getting married. Married... Plus I don't know why I stayed back in L.A. when I should hv been here, with u. We didn't even talk about anything. Its like I don't even know u..."

Manik: What?
Manik exclaimed as soon as I finished.

Manik: Nandini... U know me netter than anyone else! How can u not know me, we hv been together for so long...

Nandini: No... I don't know u. I mean I Do but that's different. I know Manik the boss, Manik the singer, Manik the friend, Manik the boyfriend.... I don't know how Manik the Husband would be!

Manik: Nandini U R Not Making Any Sense.... Will u just relax for a minute!
Manik snapped stopping me. His words immediately stopped me as I whispered.

Nandini: See, we r already fighting... U never snapped at me when we were in a relationship!

I heard him sighing softly before he spoke again, his voice back to being calm.

Manik: Nandini, Forget it all for a second just answer a simple question.. Do u Love me?

Nandini: Of course I do!

Manik: Do u Trust me?

Nandini: Yes!!
I whispered back to him instantly, I didn't even need to think about his words for once. I knew that!

Manik: Then how does anything else matter? This is not gonna change anything in between us... We r still in a relationship Nandini, just the name of it changes, and to say more it would just get us closer. Its me, u know Me... It doesn't matter if its Manik the Boyfriend or Manik the husband, its gonna be Manik... Ur Manik! We r together and rest will fall along eventually.

His words calmed me down, I knew I was just being paranoid and nothing else but it felt good to let it all out.

Manik: Felling better?

Nandini: Yeah!

Manik: Where are u?

Nandini: In the balcony... I was so stressed and I didn't know who to talk to. Abhi is good for nothing in such matters, Amms was sleeping and I didn't really want to disturb Bhai or Anjali.

Manik: U know u can rely on me Nandini.... I m glad u called me! Now get up and move to ur bed, its cold outside.

A smile crept on my face at his concern. But I still got up and moved in. Getting comfortable on my bed, I heard Manik say,

Manik: Nandini... Speak up! What's in ur head now... I know this was not all!!

Nandini: I m very nervous Manik.... I hv never been so nervous ever before. I mean I don't know what Dadi and Aunty would expect from me as their Daughter in Law. Would I hv to change certain things in my behaviour? Be a little more soft spoken, docile? Change my dressing style? I don't know if I would even be working after this, or do they expect be to be a House maker? I mean, this is all that is expected from a girl after marriage right. That's what everyone says. All this while I was so busy in my Dream World of Just the Two of Us, that all these add along responsibilities didn't even come to my mind. Amms always said, I hv been a girl of my mind, I did what came on to me and what I felt was right for me. I know I'll hv to work on that. Its gonna be the two of us now, I would hv to work on with u, and I know I can do that. I hv been doing that for a few years now, but I m scared, what if I do something wrong? What if I let u down? What if-

My long monologue came to an end when I heard him say,
Manik: Then I will keep on Loving u as much as I do now.....

His words caught me off guard when he continued saying,
Manik: "Nandini do u know what is the beauty of getting married!! There could be nothing more nobler than the fact that two different people see eye to eye together and decide to keep a house. It gives us the pleasure of going through all the small and big moments of our life together. It gives us that constant shoulder to lean on for out entire life. I know today, that no matter what comes up to me, u would be there by my side to support me and to stand up for me. I know that u r the one person who knows what I need, without me saying it. And to hv this comfort for the rest of my life, is something above which I want nothing. And if u hv the same faith and trust on me, then I m sure that we will face anything that comes our way.

Nandini, I love u for what U R! And so does my family. No one would want u to change a bit. I love u for all ur flaws as well and I know u do too. I don't care how u decide to dress up, it's ur life at the end of the day. I know U r not the person to sit idle at home, u love to work, and no one would want u to do otherwise. U r a self made person, and u hv ur choices to make. Just bcoz ur name would hv a Malhotra, doesn't mean it gives me or anyone else the right to make decisions for u! And even now if u feel that u need time to talk it out or class things up we can postpone the wedding. I don't want to do anything that u r not happy with.."

A gasp escaped my mouth at his last words. I could almost hear how difficult it was for him to say that but still he did just for me.

Pov ends!

Manik's pov:

There.... I said it!
Do I want this???
Hell no, I had waited for the entire month and now when the day was here, all I want is to get married to her. But, if she is not ready yet, then I just can't think of anything else but her happiness.

Thinking about it now, I realise how this girl has grown to become both my biggest strength and biggest weakness. So big that I m even ready to leave something that I was waiting for from so so long.

I heard a gasp from her side as soon as I said the words. I could literally feel my heart's frantic beating, "plz don't say yes, plz don't say yes".... I was dreading her words when I felt her almost shout.

Nandini: NOOOO.... Are u mad? How could u even think so?
She scolded me, but it only made me sigh a relief.

Nandini: Manik, I hv literally lived each minute of the past one month, dreaming about this day. And I know u hv too, maybe even more than me.... Just bcoz I m nervous, doesn't mean I don't want this...

Manik: To be honest... Aliya did warn me about this... She saif pre wedding jitters are quite normal for every girl.

I said trying to cheer her up when I heard her scoff, before she came up with her sarcastic comeback.

Nandini: Yeah right, thats such a relief.... In m not the only freak!

I laughed at her words making her join me too...
Nandini: I hv never been so thoughtful to say anything to u ever before.... Not even when I was just ur secretary. I really didn't want to say something idiotic and hurt u!

Manik: U can never hurt me Nandini... And I repeat, I m glad u called me up!

Nandini: Tommorow by this time... I would be Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra!! Last few hours as Nandini Moorthy...
I heard her whisper as I lied back down on my bed.

Manik: Last few hours away from each other....
I whispered back.

Nandini: Can't wait for this time to pass....
She said softly, her voice filled with sleep.

Manik: Go to sleep Nandini... I don't want my bride to look sleep deprived for the rituals tmrw!

Nandini: I love u Mani...
Were her last whispers before I heard her breathing calm down from sleep.

Manik: I love u too my star!
I whispered nonetheless.

I didn't get a reply from her but still stayed on the call. Her steady calm breath working their magic on me. Her phone was probably still next to her ear. I just couldn't wait for this day to pass before I get to watch her sleep, something that i hv grown addicted to in the past one year. She slept like an angle, her lips pulled together in a cute child like pout, calling me out to kiss her right there. Her neck in the crook of my neck, her hand right above my heart, which she said made her feel my heart beat as her lullaby.

Gosh, this girl is my Life!

After what felt like forever I disconnected the call keeping my phone aside as I let sleep take over me.
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Just 4 hours to go!

Yes, thats right.... Just 4 hours.

"Manik.... Where r u? Come fast! We hv to leave...."
I heard Mom's voice echoing through the entire house, which was mostly empty by now.

Everyone left for the venue long back. The mahurat for the wedding was 6 in the evening and so the pandit ji wanted to start with the rituals by 5. And here, the groom was still in his room at 2 in the afternoon, sitting in a worm out casual jeans and a batman Tshirt. Why? Coz no one is letting me work.

Apparently all my friends hv been on the venue since 8 in the morning looking over all the preparations and leaving me here alone. Any guesses of how I spent my day??? No, let me tell u.... I spent almost 3 hours on Pubg. Yeah, u got it right, Pubg.

The groom was ditched by all his friends on the day of his own wedding, including his bride. So, the last I heard from Nandini was last night when she called me after getting all hyper and nervous. And since then, I don't know where is she. The instagram reported me that she was seen entering the venue at around 12. There was a picture posted up on it where Abhi was seen walking in with his arm wrapped around someone in a white salwar suit, though her face wasn't visible.(I don't know how this girl masters in hiding from the cameras always) Can u imagine... Instagram knows her whereabouts better than Me.

I got up from the bed and walked downstairs pulling up the headphones on to leave some boredom away. I was busy listening to a few of Nandini's songs. Yeah, thats another thing I had grown addicted to, Her Voice. I m glad she has started singing again in this one month, though she says she won't get back onto it professionally, but I can see how much happiness music gives her. And plus, I don't hv any problem until and unless, I keep on getting all the new songs sung by her, that too exclusively.😉 She has magic in her voice, no wonder ppl loved her so much even after all her negative image in the end.

Moving down I saw Mom ordering Simi to prepare for Nandini's Garh Pravesh ceremony tonight. Dadi was ordering the servants to put off some stuff in the car. I joined them when Dadi smiled at me,

Dadi: I m so happy I m seeing ur wedding! I didn't really think I would live long enough for this....

Manik: Come on Dadi... U r still sweet 16, if u were not my dadi u would hv clearly given strong compitition to Nandini. And I might even hv chosen u!
I said to her with a wink, earning a slap from her.

Dadi: Who would say u r the groom.... Look at u, Still a kid!
Dadi said looking down at my attire disapprovingly.

Manik: Come on Dadi... Accept the fact, I m too hot to resist!
I said shrugging at her as I moved passed her.

Dadi: Show ur attitude to me as much as u want Manik... I m ur Dadi! Lets see how I let u enter that room tonight to see ur bride.

I heard her reply from behind me, making me stop in my tracks as I turned around to see Mom laughing while Dadi held a I_hv_an_upper_hand_over_u look.

Manik: Come on Dadi... How can u do that with me, Ur son, Ur manik...

Dadi: Shut up and get into the car now.... We r already getting late.
She replied with the same look, totally ignoring my words as the two ladies walked straight out of the house.

"Lets just say.... U should never underestimate ur Mothers or even Grand Mothers for that matter, they always know how to pull u back to the ground."

Soon we were finally on the way to the venue. I sat there scrolling through the Instagram again as more pictures and videos kept poring in, sometimes Cabir, Dhruv, Abhi and Rishab running around for the work and sometimes even Anjali as she tried her best to keep the ever so energetic Nayan in her control. To say the least, the reporters though outside the door, did get their camera's click some stuff.

The girls seemed pity much invisible which I guess was bcoz they were already getting ready since 12, or maybe helping nandini get ready. Aliya, Mukti and Navya had decided to be next to Nandini till the ceremony starts. Ever since I woke up and called Nandini, her phone too was with Abhi, as she was "busy". God knows, why am I so free today.

We reached the place and the guards got alerted keeping the reporters away. Mom and Dadi moved inside first, after which I got down the passenger seat waving and greeting the crowd. Well, they r anyways gonna click me, why not pose a bit for those poor creatures plus, I literally hv all the time in the world for them.

I saw some hotel staff around and asked them to serve the reporters with some refreshments and water before giving off my last smile and moving in. Soon I was in this big room which was apparently for me, Cabir and Dhruv to get ready. Our girls were in the other side of the hotel with nandini. And Abhi and Rishab being her brother had their room near hers. Was I allowed??? A Big NO....😒

It was just 2:30 and I still had like a lot of time before I start getting ready. Probably around 1 and a half hour. I moved out of my room moving around meeting my distant relatives present there but soon that too felt boring.

I got back to my room and called Mukti. After about 5 rings she picked it up.

Mukti: Yes Manik...

A lot of shuttering was heard around her with things moving and all as I asked,
Manik: Where r u? And what's all this noise.

Mukti: Nothing yr... Its just clothes and jewellery. U r on speaker, we r arranging Nandini's lehenga.

Manik: We?

Mukti: Aliya and me.... Navya left to help Nyonika aunty for getting ready.
Mukti said seeming distracted in her words as she continued doing whatever she was.

Manik: Ohk... Listen, I wanted to know nandini is fine na, I hope she isn't nervous or anything she-
Before I could complete Mukti interrupted me.

Mukti: Nervous?? Dude, Nandini is the most chilled out and cranky bride I hv ever seen... I mean all three of us here all ready wearing these uncomfortable dresses and sarees and getting her ready, while she is sitting here in her nighty shorts and getting all the make up and hair done. She even wore the jewelery already but bot the lehenga, coz it is freaking heavy and she refuses to get into it until its almost time. Like seriously, I never knew Nandini could be as much as a pain in the ass like u!

I busted out laughing at her words before saying,
Manik: Getting Mukti Vardhan so mad.... I m sure Nandini must be on fire!

Aliya: Manik she is literally shaking her butt at pappy punjabi hits while the make up artists are trying to get her sit still!

'That's all just an act!' I wanted to say to them but I stayed shut as I requested.
Manik: Girls get her on the call once yr... I really want to talk to her.

Aliya: But she is getting ready!

Manik: Aliya plz, we hvn't even talked since last night.

Mukti groaned at my voice as she picked up the phone from the table.
Mukti: Fine!

She got up from her place and moved towards the room where Nandini was getting ready. She opened up the door to see the artists working on her hair while Amms sat next to her.
Amms: So?? Ready for ur married life?

Nandini took a deep breath at her words and nodded.
Nandini: Yes!

Amms: And ready for Manik?

Nandini: I m Ready Bcoz Its Him Amms.... I don't know where I would hv been if not for Him!

I heard her words through the phone and immediately disconnected the call. That was it, all I wanted to know was if she was fine or not and I got my answers by this. I guess the strongest thing about our relation has been our pasts. We both know that we would hv been stuck in our awful pasts if it was not for each other.

Its no use stating what all Nandini has done for me, and similarly the way she is dependent on me, maybe I really did help her get out of her depression as she always says. I was lost in my thoughts for God knows how long until Cabir and Dhruv barged into the room.

Cabir: Manik come on get up! U hv to get ready!

Manik: So u guys finally remember me? Congratulations...
I said rolling my eyes as I got up when I received a cushion right on my face.

Cabir: Stop being sassy..... Its ur wedding Manik! Who will work if we won't?

Manik: Whatever Cabir...

Cabir: Achcha chal fine... U were missing us na! Sorry, I promise we won't leave u until the wedding. Now lets go!
Cabir said seriously making me leave the topic off as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

Manik: Go?? Where?

Cabir: U were going to take a shower na... Now we can't leave u, so lets go take a shower together. Good idea right?

I jerked his arm away in horror while dhruv busted out laughing.
Cabir: What, now u don't wanna stay with us?

Manik: Literally cabir... Plz tell me u r not playing around with Navya just to hide it from the world that u r Gay. Believe me I will kill u if u hurt her, she is a sweet girl!
I replied to him moving to my stuff as I picked out a towel and walked towards the washroom.

Cabir: Hahaha very funny Manik Malhotra!
I heard cabir say from behind me as I closed the door.

"Just one hour to go!"
-------------------------------------------

The pandit ji kept on chanting something or the other as I sat here waiting desperately for Nandini. Oh yes, the rituals started about half an hour back and still there was no sight of Nandini. I felt a pat on my back as Dad took a seat next to me and whispered.

Raj: She will be here in 5 my son, try not to show ur desperateness on ur face the guests might click it.

I immediately composed myself at his words making him chuckle as he said again.
Raj: Manik... I might not hv said it before but I want u to know one thing.

I looked right at him hearing his serious tone when he continued,
Raj: I m proud of u Son.... I m proud of what u hv made out of ur life. And I m proud of the kind of person that u hv made out of urself. Be happy always!

A broad smile crept onto my face at his words. The thing each and every sin wants to hear from his father is this, and the fact that he said it today made it all the more special for me.

Dad smiled back at me before getting up as he joined mom at back when cabir whispered to me.
"Here comes ur Juliet!"

His words bought me back to the wait as I looked ahead to see My Star actually walking towards me. She looked breathtaking in her red golden lehenga, her eyes fixed downwards as she walked next to Anjali. Rishan, Abhi, Kartik and another distant cousin of hers holding a chunni over heat head as she walked. The fairly lights glittering on that chunni making her look even more angelic if that was possible.

I could feel the entire hall get silent as they admired the bride. The happiness, I felt at that particular moment, couldn't be expressed in any form. I don't even know what my face looked like as I saw her walking closer. My eyes stayed fixed at her waiting desperately for her to look up.

As if right on queue, Nandini looked up her eyes landing straight on me. The small smile on her lips stretched further. But the only thing that blew me away, was the shine in her eyes.

My star was shining bright, for me!!

And in that moment, I saw my life flash in front of my eyes. Its said ppl see their life on the day when they leave the world, but I saw my entire future here, coz this is the day I took a birth again.

I saw us together holding hands as we walked through the path of life. I saw us lift each other to success like no one else could. I saw her getting together on our decisions. I saw our own small beautiful family on a happy vacation. I saw us taking care of our kids and watching them grow. And at last I saw us holding each others shaking hands to bring steadiness to both, as we dealt through the old age in our own blissful world.

All I know then, was that I saw Forever in her Eyes!

A tear unknowingly rolled down my eyes, as it did from nandini's. Yes, it was our dream, and it was finally on th verge of completing. I felt Mom's pat on my shoulder as I stood up for her, wiping my eyes to hide it from everyone.

I forwarded my hand towards her leading her, Nandini smiled up at me as she held my hand while Anjali helped her with the dress to sit down. We settled down and the ceremony finally started. I surprisingly found myself paying in more attention to all the festivities, I wanted to know what we were doing and what was its significance for Our Future!

Soon enough Abhi and Rishab did the KanyaDaan together, after which I was asked to fill in her hairline and made her wear the Mangalsutra.

The pandit asked me for my sisters to tie the sacred knot of togetherness between the couple. I turned around and looked at Aliya and Mukti who nodded as they walked ahead together. With that we took the seven rounds around the holy fire, promising a life together. I had never felt the power of the auspicious ceremony of marriage ever before, but now being here and doing that for myself, I couldn't help but be driven by it.

Everytime, I turned to look at Nandini, it was as if these simple rituals were increasing my feelings for her tenfolds. Just those mere words that called us as 'Man and Wife' made me even more connected towards her emotionally.

"SHE IS MINE!" I wanted to shout to the world.

Nandini looked up at me at those words, a smile playing onto her lips and before I knew, I pulled her closer, hiding her into my arms. I heard a loud burst of laughter all around us. But I couldn't care any less as Nandini hugged me back.

"I Love U!"
I heard her say softly just for me to hear.

"I love u too Mrs. Malhotra!"
A dark blush crept onto her face at my words, probably the darkest I had ever seen on her.

Cabir: Oo mere majnu.... Ab chhod bhi de!
Cabir's shouted from behind me making me roll my eyes as I pulled back to see Nandini giggling.

We moved towards our elders taking onto their blessings. Amms stood the first who simply engulfed both of us in a hug.

Amms: Live a long long life, and may this love of urs just keep on increasing!

Nandini held back her tears with a broad smile as we moved towards Dadi. And it wouldn't be wrong if I say that this person was much much more happier than the bride and groom today. She hugged the shit out of the two of us, her smile being broader than I had ever seen before.

Dadi: Chalo.... I thought this guy would never get married only, Thank God that u came along in his life Nandu!

I shook my head at her drama as we took blessings from Mom and Dad. Moving on from the elders. I was pulled in onto a big hug by Fab4 while Nandini crashed into Rishab's chest with Abhi joining in with them.

I knew her brothers were her weaknesses but I didn't want her to cry at all on this day. This was gonna be the most special day of our life and I didn't want to remember any sad tears, happy ones are more than welcomed😜.

Soon fab4 moved onto Nandini while the brothers hugged me. A round of 'Take care of her' and 'Don't u dare make her cry' came on my way again but well, lets just say I m not complaining, that is their right.
Navya and Anjali hugged us after that, congratulating both of us when Nayan pulled my sherwani. I sat on my knees in front of her in confusion when she bent closer and whispered to me,

Nayan: Manik uncle... Why is Daddy telling u to take care of Nandu Bua again and again?

Her question made me smile as I replied,
Manik: Because now she is my Wife.... We just got married na!

Nayan: Wife?
She asked looking at Nandini.

Manik: Umn... In the same way as Mumma is ur Daddy's wife...

Nayan: So u mean now Bua will also scold u like Mumma scold's Daddy everyday?
She asked innocently making my head snap up in surprise. Everyone busted out laughing at her words as Anjali's face turned red as immediately closed Nayan's mouth from speaking further.

Rishab: Even my daughter knows the truth!
Rishab laughed out along with all of us.
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Manik: Girls seriously... That's too much!

Aliya: No ways Manik... Its gonna be 1 lakh, 1 thousand and 1 rupee Now! Or u r not going in.
Aliya said firmly folding her arms around her chest.

Manik: Rubbish... This is supposed to me the 'Nek'... 101 Rs is enough for that!

Mukti: Stop being such a Cheapo Manik... I mean considering the fact that u r gonna loose ur virginity tonight, I don't think this amount is big at all...
Mukti said as the four of them chuckled earning a glare from me.

Cabir: Wah mukti... Kya point h! Now Manik Baba give us the money or get lost n pleasure urself.

Manik: Shut up!! And why the hell r u both supporting these girls.... This ceremony is for the sisters right.

Cabir: Actually kya h na Manik baba... Aapka ye room hum charo ne decorate kiya h! Aur rahi baat support ki, Toh dhruv to yahan Aliya ke liye khada h... And I hv a deal with Mukti, meri ek mahine ki saari parties ki daaru mukti ki taraf se h!

Mukti high fived Cabir at this while Aliya giggled.
Dhruv: U r trapped buddy...
Dhruv said patting my shoulder making me sigh in defeat as I pulled out my card from my pocket.

Manik: Cabir and Mukti.. U two just wait and watch, I m gonna take revenge for this.

Mukti snatched the card from my hands and smiled.
Mukti: We'll see.... Card ka Code kal bata dena, for now u can go!

All four of them moved aside pushing me inside as I heard their laughter.
"Have fun Guys!" was their last line as I closed the door shut.

I turned around to see the room decorated very beautifully with candles glowing all around, flowers spread in the entire room along with the bed as well. But what was missing was Nandini....

I had expected her to be sitting on the bed waiting for me patiently, well, thats what they show in movies at least.

I looked around trying to find her when the TV was suddenly turned on, taking in my attention.

A beautiful music filled onto the room as a picture of the two of us flashed onto the screen. I smiled looking at it when I saw Nandini's leg in a cast from the time when she had broken her leg and we became friends. That was when I realised that was the first ever picture that we had clicked together.

Nandini's voice filled onto the room as the song played with a number of pictures of the two of us flashing on one after the other. The song indeed was amazing and felt exactly right,

'We don't Need Much.... As long as we r Together!'
(Listen to the song, Together by Martin Garrix- Imagine it in female version😅😅)

The entire song continued but I was most stuck onto the amazing pictures of us flashing onto the screen one after the other when it came to an end....

A picture of me kissing her cheek from behind came onto the screen.
"Because our Forever starts Here!"
Came on the caption below it making me smile broad when I felt Nandini's presence next to me.

Manik: It was amazing.... Thank u!

Nandini held my hand, entwining our fingers together as she rested her head onto my shoulder looking at the picture.

Nandini: Not more than our Love story...
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THE END!!!!

With lots and lots of love for each and everyone of u, I hereby end this ff here.... I know I hv been evil by ignoring and not replying to ur comments of not ending the story but as its said everything has an end. So this is the end of "I Need U To Be There....... For a little more than Always!!"

I really don't know how much justice I did to it in this last part. But the journey from the start of this to the end has been so so amazing for me. I know I hv grown up, grown up as a person as well as a writer, this has made me improve and u all hv been with me through that journey. Thank u so much for all ur love and support towards me.

Plus, its always said, Ending one chapter can lead to the begining of a new chapter. So yes, with this new year, I m also planning on with something new. I hv some plot in my mind and it will be out very very soon. Do try it out, read it and shower me with ur love as u did for this story.

And yes, before anyone of u asks me for the epilogue, well yes not just one but I m planning a series of 5-6 parts as the epilogue of this story. It won't be out before January, and the number of parts clearly depends on the live that u all show here... So guys go on comment and tell me if u actually want it.

Stay tuned for further updates about the epilogue and the next story!

Till then read another Manan ff, written by me, "Love... What Bullshit!!"...

Its posted up on my profile. Do try out the story and express ur views over it as well.
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A sweet fragrance touched my nose the next morning when I was jerked up from sleep. I felt a kiss being pressed onto my cheek followed by her magical voice.

Nandini: Good morning Mani...

A smile came onto my face as I stretched my hands ahead to wrap it around her, only to hv the bed empty as Nandini moved away.

Nandini: I m not coming near u until u wake up Manik! Its 8 am...

Manik: Come on nandini that's not fair!
I groaned with my eyes still shut when I heard jingling of bangles as she continued getting ready.

Nandini: Everything is fair in love and war... Come on Manik, plz wake up na! I hv to make breakfast for everyone, its my first day as the daughter in law of this house, I can't be late.

Manik: Exactly... It's the first day, no one will say anything Nandini, they would understand that u r late.
I murmured pulling the duvet further over myself. Well no, I didn't mean what u r thinking by that sentence, though I m sure my friends are gonna think so. But I don't care as I had one of the best nights of my life. Even though we didn't spend the night making love to each other, we spent it showing our Love to each other.

Nandini: Shut up Manik... Wake up! I also hv to go to Abhi's place for the Pag phera rasam... Wake up!
Nandini said not getting irritated.

Manik: Nandini yr... U go! Let me sleep na...

Nandini: Manik Malhotra... Are u getting up or u want me to throw this water on u?
Nandini asked sternly making me groan again.

I picked up my pillow over my head saying out to myself,
Manik: Gosh... What did I get myself into?

And before I knew.... SPLASH....

I opened up my eyes to see Nandini standing there by the bed, looking beautiful in a light pink embroidery saree, holding a empty jug in her hands with a smirk on her lips.

Manik: Ohh no Nandini, u just started a war!
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With loads and loads of love❤❤❤

This is ur Writer,
Navya Mishra Navya_Mishra
Signing Off!!
😘😘😘