Hey, hey! Hello readers :') Good news for you! The previous chapter got an overwhelming response! 250 votes! HAAYE! <3 Made me so happy! Also, I have decided to comment on the previous chapter comments as soon as I post the next chapter so that way I don't miss out on typing time :P

I love that so many enjoy this story, and I know the circumstances seem quite unfair, but frankly, Nandini is suffering because she refuses to express, and Manik is suffering because he actually believes it's all because of him :( Anyways, without further ado, you can read. Don't forget to vote if you really like it :') thanks! <3

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Manik

The doctors had advised me to give my relationship with her a second chance, if we genuinely still felt anything. It wasn't just Nandini anymore; I made regular visits to the counselor too, to discuss our story from my point of view, to sort my issues out. At first, it was weird for me to be telling an insignificant third person our problems. What kind of a man was I if I couldn't deal with the issues on my plate? My ego stiffened me from opening up at first. Coming to think of it now, it wasn't really that bad an idea.

We were in for Naina's first doctor's appointment. Nandini was holding the sleeping baby, kissing her and cuddling her. Just as it was our turn, someone called me.

"Mr. Malhotra? Can I see you for a moment?" My throat went dry. My face was devoid of color as I began to think about the possibilities for her call. I looked pale, and that upset Nandini. I didn't want to bother her and so I gave her a smile enveloped with ardor. I stepped out of the room and walked across the long scary halls. I met with the nurse and leaned into her, hoping for some good news.

"Your father's bills for this month haven't been paid yet and this is the second warning we're giving you."

"I'm so sorry, I really am. I've been so busy with other commitments. Please keep this for now. I'll look into it..." I unhooked my wristwatch and gaped at it. It was Nandini's gift to me and I, in no means, meant to part with it ever. I gave her a sympathetic smile as I hesitantly stretched out my arm to her, with my watch placed in my hand. She closed my palm that held my watch and shook her head. I gave her another grateful smile. People would say I was good with people, but I'd rather believe that I was a lucky person.

I headed back to the room where Nandini laid, admiring my watch that I almost lost. I was obstructed by a short figure that I recognized without even looking. I made eye-contact, feeling adrenaline flush into my cheeks, in fear. My heart beat fast as I felt the intensity of her stare. I had a feeling that wasn't going to go well. Confrontations, they weren't our thing.

Her face held something behind. It seemed to me that she was hurt, but I couldn't understand exactly why. I tried to hold her hand in mine, but she flinched at my attempt. The people around were staring. We were creating a scene as I tried cajoling her, all in despair.

"Ghar chale?" (Can we go home?)

I nodded, devastated by her reaction. For the rest of the ride I didn't hear from her, though I tried to ask lame questions, just to check on her. We went home, but even when we reached, she left the car before I said a word. I ran to catch her pace, stopping her with a stretched arm.

"Say something, Nandini." She looked into my eyes, but hers were pained beyond measure.

"Your father is ill." She stated in a calm tone. Her indifference was scaring me. When she was angry with me, she'd hit-rather punch-me and that was okay. Anything was better than her silence. 

"Yes but..."

"When the hell were you planning to tell me?" Her teeth were grit together and it was clear that she was trying hard to control her temper. Our baby lay in her arms, restricting her actions. The only thing I was worried about was that she'd misunderstand my intention for hiding my father's condition from her.

"I'm sorry, Nandini. I didn't mean to hide it from you, I really... I didn't want you to worry, especially now, you need complete rest and need to take good care of our little one." I was being genuine, as words slipped from my heart. Nobody else mattered to me as much as those two souls in my life, not even my father as much. Somehow, she seemed to sink it in, walking away. I chased her but she ran straight to our room, placing our baby in her crib.

Holding the bars of our girl's crib, she sensed my presence behind her. "Since when?" Her voice toned down significantly. Her question scared me. I took a deep breath, praying to the strength above me. Under no circumstances did I want anything to happen to her, to us.

"Over a year." I paused after confessing but quickly covered up my pain, sensing her changing expressions. My father's condition had emotionally disturbed me, but Nandini was more important to hold onto, at that moment. "Nandini, but that's insignificant, I..."

"What the hell, Manik? You never told me about him, you didn't tell me you couldn't afford to pay his hospital bills, you never told me anything about money matters; you know what? I don't even think I know you anymore!" She spat with great indifference in her tone. Her voice was going to break and her eyes turned a slight shade of red. Ah... don't cry, Nandini. I took a deep breath, placing my hand over my heart.

"Can you sit down, please?" I coaxed her to take a seat on the bed but she had to protest. When I physically touched her, she jerked away from me with such severity, I felt my world collapse. I gulped the lump in my throat. "Just hear me out?" I pleaded, as she took a seat. She was on the verge of crying.

"Manik..." She breathed and then literally began crying. I was confused, and scared. I was on my knees in front of her, with my hands on her lap. I was desperately trying to hold myself together but I couldn't stand her tears. It was entirely my fault. I never wanted to make her cry but that was exactly what I was doing to her. I was causing her pain. She wiped her face quickly with her hands, and rubbed them on her dress childishly.

"...do you know how I am feeling right now? I feel... betrayed!" It was as if a storm hit me, and her declarations were like thunderbolts, pricking through my heart, causing it to shatter and bleed. I shook my head negatively, as if dismissing her thoughts as I raised myself to hold her. "You hid so much from me, God knows how much more!"

"Believe me, this isn't as important or as big an issue..." I was losing my breath. How could one woman turn my entire life upside-down? I couldn't touch her and so I did what felt just as right. I placed my hand over my chest, grazing over my racing heartbeat, feeling my heart beat for her.

"Really, Manik? Oh right, all this comes easy for you now, doesn't it? You've married me, now you own my property." Her voice was loud, as she flapped her hands around, gesturing the surroundings to add to her effect. My facial muscles twisted in utter confusion.

"What?" I couldn't believe my own ears. The helpers who'd silently assembled at the doorway of our bedroom were astonished and thought she was just moody. I thought the same too and I thought it would be best to believe that.

"Now I get it... You don't love me, you love my money!" I sighed, hoping she didn't mean the things she said. I could revoke but it might've just added to the troubles. Just shut up and listen to her, Manik! And I did. Manik Malhotra, who fought for what he felt was right, was completely numb.

The absence of a reaction from me was misinterpreted by her, making her believe her own accusations. She looked at me in disbelief. She should've known me better by then to know what I was really with her for. I was missing something in the puzzle. As if trying to justify her own conclusions, she went on.

"Yes! All these things you're doing now, it's all just to use me and throw me, once you get what you need from me!" At that point, I really couldn't take it. My eyes filled with painful tears. How could she ever think that? She knew how much she meant to me!

It was nothing but her expectations from me that failed her; neither was it my fault, nor was it hers, entirely.

"How else do you think a woman like me would ever, EVER fall for you? You played sick games with me, lured me into your trap, and finally, you got everything you wanted, right?" I feared to listen further. My heart was pounding in my mouth.

I wanted to stop her, prove myself to her but I didn't. I was eager to know what she had to say to me. I wanted to know what was really bothering her. The Nandini I was witnessing was not the Nandini I knew. There was something wrong.

All the pain in her seemed to sink their way through only at that instant. "I have your baby now, and now I'm scarred for life! You must be enjoying this, your new claimed right!" For the first time, she'd addressed our baby as 'mine' entirely. I had a feeling I was losing her. My nostrils flared out of pain or anger, I couldn't tell.

I clasped her hands with both of mine, holding tightly and desperately onto her. Anger would get me nowhere. The tears were flowing and I was losing control over myself. A raging heart couldn't think right. It took me several moments to comprehend what she said, as I'd like to think me holding her hands that tightly, helped a little.

Shit, you're hurting her, my conscience reminded me as I became aware of the strength I was using on her. I let go, almost like letting her free as I began to understand what she said, and what it meant. Yet, I couldn't believe myself. This can't be it.

"W-what are you saying, Nandini?" I looked pained, and I was pained. My soul was ripped apart. Trying to put the pieces together, I found an underlined remark. "You think I want your money?" I reiterated, trying to register it into my head. She let out a sarcastic chuckle, distancing herself.

"Of course you do! You're not rich enough to live your own dreams so you thought, 'I'll marry a rich woman and spend hers instead, easy way to become a millionaire!' right?" The last word came as a threat. I felt my legs tremble and my head throb. It was unbelievable to me. It was her who'd chased me, her who chose to marry me and have my baby but she conveniently blamed it all on me. But I loved her; truly. I couldn't say things as hurtful as she did.

My face contorted painfully. "Nandini, you really think I... That-that's what you think of me?"

"Oh, come on Manik, stop pretending! I cannot believe I gave in to this! I should've known better, I never let my walls down before. Just this charming face of yours swept me..." I shook my head negatively, hoping all that wasn't real. She was a shaking mess. "You know what? You should leave! You can take your daughter along because you disgust me! I couldn't care less about it, your possession! From this day on, I hate everything that is yours, including myself!" She threw bombs at me, one after the other. She walked away quickly, out of my sight. I wanted to stop her, hold her back but... Just this charming face of yours swept me... I couldn't care less about it, your possession... it took me by surprise.

Naturally, tears adorned my face. I never cried before, why now? Why did it hurt that much? None of it was really true, so I wasn't supposed to be affected. Maybe it wasn't what I heard, but who I heard it from that bothered me. Nandini. How could a mother deny her baby? That string pulled me. I closed my eyes once painfully, and then glanced at my sleeping baby, who deserved better. I packed my bags, hurt and agitated, with my little girl who I promised to live for.

"And you walked away..." I nodded. She didn't stop me when I left the house. In fact, she forced me out. "Maybe that was what she didn't want you to do." I ran my fingers through my hair. Kaise samjhu iss ladki ko!? (How do I understand this woman!?)

***

Nandini

"...I wanna live while we're young..." I gasped, shrugging my arms in the air momentarily with the chorus playing in the background. I continued switching legs, as I stared into the monitor. 19 m 58 s... 19 m 59 s... 20 m 00 s. I pressed the 'stop' button on the treadmill, and halted but not really due to inertia. I held the side-bars and threw my head up in the air, closing my eyes for a moment.

I hopped off the treadmill, feeling a little worn out. I took two deep breaths and smiled at myself, dabbing a hand towel over my face. I was getting better by the day. I felt like I was finally feeling alive again. I joined the gym club at work to get back in shape.

"It's good to see you here, Ma'am." I was in the mediocre gym room, where some other casual employees had memberships. I nodded humbly. I genuinely started feeling concerned about myself and the people I truly loved. I helped my helpers at home cook food and four out of seven days, Manik and I would sleep in the same house, switching between his and mine. We were growing closer too, taking baby steps but only God knew if he'd leave again after I would be fine.

This is a pity stay after all. My heart sunk. I remembered Manik's words from the other night: Nandini, I'm here. I'm here to take care of you. Could that be actually true? Okay, maybe now that I need him, he will stick to that, but for how long?

I headed to the room beside the gym, the refreshment room. I grabbed a mini water bottle, cracked the lid open and gulped mouthfuls. I unlocked my locker, pulled my bag out and slammed it closed, heading to the shower stalls. I washed myself, changed into my work clothes and stepped in front of the wide mirror hanging on the wall over the sinks. Dabbing on my makeup, I smiled confidently. I felt like a better person, after the short exercise.

A lot of backlogs got cleared that week, most of which happened because of the change in my mood. Our project was half-way complete. People were starting to see something between Manik and me, because I was asked several times if I was Naina's mother, witnessing my boundless affection for her.

I reached my desk, reviewing a small stack of paper Manik handed in that morning. A sense of pride overtook me. I dialed a number and a woman as tall as me, with excessive highlights on her face walked in. "Sweta, get me photocopies for these handouts." I needed to show off in front of Aryamann, who publicly attempted to humiliate me the other day in the meeting. I wanted twice the audience to see his downfall. 

There was a lot work left, but lately it was something I enjoyed doing. I reached HyLyte with the photocopies I requested one of my subordinates. Thankfully Aryamann's party held no confrontations for me. Sonali had passed out way before I had which Mr. Mehta took to his advantage. Everything they made up was tolerable until he conveniently accused Manik of sleeping with her; and everyone knew my temper could reach no bounds when it concerned Manik or Naina.

I stormed into the boss's cabin and defended Manik. For me, his character couldn't be questioned, no matter what the equation was between him and me. Sonali came into the picture right then, testing my temper. I pointed at his daughter and humiliated her as savagely as I possibly could. She began crying. I rolled my eyes, drama!

Manik came in just then and Sonali began sobbing louder for sympathy. If only he knew what they were plotting against him. On a neutral stand, his eyes trailed from a crying Sonali, to a furious Nandini and a helpless, agitated Mr. Mehta. "What's wrong?"

"Ms. Murthy screamed at my daughter." WHAT? What about the rest of the reason? Manik gave me a suspicious look. He knew I wouldn't scream at her just like that yet, to play along,

"Madam, pata hai na? Inke project pe aapka kaam ho raha hai. Soch samajhkar boliye." (Madam, you are aware, right? They're working on your project. He smirked at me and put one of his arms around her shoulder as a simple gesture of care. It was one of those moments Manik could take advantage of, and strike two birds with one stone.

I glared at that stupid hand of his, hoping it burnt to flames. Then he'd know how to touch another girl! I couldn't believe he was defending her. In one swift flip, I marched my way out, making sure my heels slammed against the floor roughly, enough to express my feelings.

In his defense, Mr. Mehta had given him so much freedom. He could carry Naina around work all the time; he could take random breaks to be with her; he could even take her to meetings and those reasons made him obligated to serve the man right. He could support himself and the baby only because of Mr. Mehta's lenience when it came to Manik and Manik knew that in order to sustain, he had to be considerate of Mr. Mehta and his bitchy daughter, Sonali Mehta!

He quickly caught up with me, nudging my shoulder and giggling. When he figured it wasn't really helping him turn my anger down, he pulled me in his grip. "Oi, gussa ho?" (Oi, are you angry?)

"Am I?" It was like stating the obvious. Manik was having a great time. "You toh want her only na? She also wants you! Go sleep with her." I snapped in irritation.

"WHAT?" After a moment of realization, instead of trying to console me, his lips curved again as he plotted something in his head. "Oooo! Really?" His eyes brightened up at the idea of a backup, just in case I failed as a wife/mother or whatever. He chuckled at my wry look.

"Tumko hasi aa rahi hai? Idiot! Gadhe ki aulaad!" (Is this funny to you?) I hit him and pinched him on his arms and parts of his arms that were most easily accessible to me.

"Mere papa bahut acche hai, tumhare pa-" (My father isn't a donkey, he's a nice person unlike your-) He stopped mid-sentence and gawked at me. He thought I'd panic again at the topic, but I was super chill. He was proud of me. I was healing, slowly and steadily.

I pulled his arm and rested my head on it. We weren't a thing officially yet, but we were still some'thing'. Should I tell him what I knew about them?

Subconsciously, my hands searched for his, to interlock them the way it used to be. I craved for that same relationship with him. I was wrong, I admitted. Manik was my protector, not my enemy.

I drew little circles on his hand, with my free hand. "Manik, please stay away from her?" I was engrossed in our hands that fit perfectly in each other's. He somehow seemed to understand there was more to the drama than just jealousy. He didn't know about their intentions.

"Coffee pine chale?" (Let's go out for coffee?) He nudged, with his charming smile, making his mole peek between the creases of his stretched lips. Coffee to us meant hanging out together, just the two of us, but that time, a baby accompanied. The new addition was an overall addition-a bonus-to the two of us. We were off on a family date.

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So there was the much awaited past :P Knowing Nandini's side of the story, how many of you think Manik should've just stayed? Also, should Nandini have really said those things if she didn't mean them?

Question: What is the fundamental step to get out of depression?

I wanna hear from you, most pyschology students/fans! Also, rest assured there won't be pain and only pain in any chapter :P you'll get a mix! ;) I'll be getting back to the comments now!

Next update, the family date. Any ideas, any specifics, any suggestions? :P Tap the star if this was fun. Comment below and let me know which part was your favorite! Yaay! If you already did, YAY! Thanks for the support <3