I can't believe we're just 4 chapters into the story and we've already made it to the 156th rank in Fanfiction :') You babies, I tell you! I wasn't planning on updating today but you guys deserve it. Thank you for the votes and comments, babykins <3

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Manik

"Yeh dekho, kaun aaya hai!" (Look who's here!) I squealed at my father in an attempt to catch my baby girl's attention. She smiled at my excitement as we entered the hospital ward, her head bobbing in the sling she sat in front of me. My baby and I were on a little picnic to see her Dada, her grandpa, on a Saturday morning. He was overwhelmed to see us, especially the baby. It was the second time after her birth that he was seeing her and grandparents, as such, just love their grandchildren.

"Manik! Aww, Naina..." He stressed on the name, uncertain whether he was right. My approving smile lit his face up too. The room smelled of flowers and I learned lately that floral scent excited her. Perhaps it was a consequence of making her spend time with the plants in our garden, which were living things that needed our attention. She chattered incessantly, placed her fist into her mouth and flashed a bit of her baby gums at my father. Dad's nurse tried to entertain her too, amused by her cuteness. Dad carried her and made her punch the air gently with her limbs that she enjoyed. She loved punching.

"Where's your wife and how's everything now, all okay?" I gave him a confused look. What?

"Huh?"

"Apparently you two fought over hiring a helper for this angel. I was informed." He chuckled with that famous Malhotra smirk. I sighed. He was never really approving of Nandini. He always thought there were language barriers-she was a Mangalorean and I was a Punjabi, and obviously she was at a higher position in terms of a job, earning more than twice my salary. We weren't supposed to be a good match, even by astrology. Somewhere down the line, maybe they all were right.

"When did she come here?" I tried to think of the possible things that could've happened while she was here. Did she tell him that we'd broken up?

"Just a few days ago, actually. She complained about you and went away." He giggled at how he was always the person people came to when they needed help with handling me. Ahh, well, he was definitely an expert at that.

"Typical." I spat under my breath and covered up with one of those fake smiles I'd practiced for situations like those. I think the only pain close enough to heartbreak is the pain of seeing your parents distressed for something you were to be blamed for. That was the biggest reason for me hiding the harsh reality of my relationship with Nandini from him. He had enough problems of his own to deal with. I didn't want to add to his worries. His job was to raise me well, and he did his best there. An inevitable little smile surfaced over my profile.

"Are you happy, Manik?" I furrowed my eyebrows together, pretending that his question was ridiculous.

"Of course! How can I NOT be?"

"Your face doesn't show that. You seem... lost... and exhausted." I shrugged quickly, trying to avoid revealing too much. I attended to my baby with a childish passion. She drooled as she smiled, and I rubbed her saliva off with my long shirt sleeve. I kissed her baby skin with my stubble poking her and she screamed baby noises in happiness. Babies were bliss. "At least shave your beard, Manik. You look horrendous!" I swear there can't be a man as obsessed with clean shaves as him.

"I've been told it makes me look handsome!" I heard a loud chuckle and my world seemed to stop momentarily. His laugh, followed by my baby's sounds was what I lived for.

***

Nandini

It was a bright Saturday afternoon. I was trying to brighten the atmosphere around me by cleaning the mansion with a few of my helpers. I lived in a massive house and it would help if I knew what belonged where. I began by cleaning the TV unit, removing every part from it and dusting it thoroughly. If there was something I didn't need, I'd place it in the heap of trash in the balcony.

I'd plopped myself on the floor as I reached my arm inside to pick the items out. My hands found some dusty cables, a small plank of wood and under it, I found a little disk. I pulled it out and as my eyes scanned the title, a small smile spread across my lips. Call of Duty WWII. A flash of a memory with him made its way through my head.

"Manik... Manik..." I was screaming for him from the kitchen but he paid no attention. He was just across the room but he was too engrossed in the game to respond.

"Haan..." (Yeah...) He was on his toes, pumping with excitement and adrenaline. The sound of a few bullets being shot echoed through the home-theatre system in the room and he howled in happiness! MEN! "This game is sexy!"

"Manik, are you even listening to me?" I hopped before him, pulling the joystick from his hands and pressing a random button that actually put the game on pause. He was annoyed at my invasion and with one jerk--I was twirled into his grip, with my back against his chest and one of his arms caressing my stomach. He ran his fingers along my exposed arm, torturously as he breathed into my ear. Even the proximity turned me on.

"I'm listening now... tell me." He wheezed, his lips travelling along my skin. He dug his nose into the curve of my shoulder and inhaled deeply. A silent groan followed as his nose trailed along the side of my neck. "Bolo na?"

I let out an involuntary plead. "Maanik..." I felt him smirk against my skin as he pressed my body into his. His strong arms confidently wrapped around my body, locking me within. As a gesture of surrender, I leaned back, to place my head on his shoulder. He took that moment to steal the joystick from me. Before I could realize, he began playing again, chuckling at my desperation. I tried to wiggle myself out but his laugh only got louder and he held on to me tighter. I stood caged between his arms like a trapped animal.

"You're so cute, look at those pink angry cheeks!" He poked and laughed again. I pursed my lips in annoyance, pushing him on the couch with all my might, throwing myself over him. I clasped both his hands with mine, cuffing him to the couch.

"Ab bolo, mere cheeks pink hai ya tumhare?" (Now tell me, are my cheeks pink or yours?) I teased as I caught him flushing with embarrassment. I'd learned that I making the first move was a huge turn-on for Manik. I knew I had all his attention the moment I had him under me. The joystick dropped to the floor as I lowered myself to feel his lips. The game was long forgotten then.

My fingers ran over the dusty CD disk. I looked around my own house, to picture us together in every part of it, creating beautiful memories together. I felt that familiar ache of repentance. I missed Manik so much. I slipped my phone off the dining table and tapped his contact.

Nameless. For professional reasons, of course.

I tapped on the Message app and took a snap of the video game I'd hunted out. I was about to tap 'Send' when I saw him type something too. His display name flashed and his profile picture took me by surprise. It was a picture of my baby in a white frock with blue-green polka dots on it. She was shooting a classy pose as the hem of her dress lingered in her mouth. My heart melted.

I erased my message, waiting for his to reach me. I waited and waited and waited, until the three dots disappeared. I stared at the screen then and he was offline. Off my line, too.

***

I stood before the door, in a dilemma. Should I knock the door or just wait outside until he realizes who the creepy woman at the entrance is? I'd made it all the way to his house, but I feared knocking? Who'd have thought Nandini Murthy was scared to face a mediocre man? I shook my head, boosting my ego and I raised my hand to strike the door.

"Nandini. Tum yahan? Seriously? You're here to apologize now? After all these months? What made you change your sick mind? GET OUT!" (Nandini. Are you here? Seriously?) The door slammed at my face and I stepped back, almost tripping. Was I dreaming? Come on, Manik would never do that. Besides, you're here to return something that belongs to him, right? I heard a door creak open in the adjacent apartment, and a little toddler ran outside with his toy truck. He stared at me and I gave him a friendly smile. I didn't want the kid to think I was a robber or something and create a scene. That would be more embarrassing.

"Didi... kaun chahiye?" (Elder sister, who do you need?) He had a chirpy baby voice. I felt my smile widen.

"Manik..."

"Manik bhaiyya raat ko aayenge. Aap kaun?" (Manik brother [respect] will come back at night. Who are you?) He cranked his head backwards to see me clearly. I figured for the first time, I didn't feel as short in my life. That was one proud moment for every short person, believe it or not. Especially after with the tower in my life, I could never give some rest to my neck.

"Main..."

"Nandini? Kya hua, beta? Chaabi chahiye kya?" (What happened, my child? Do you need the keys?) The boy's mother, I assumed, had come out to lock the door behind. I weighed the pros and cons quickly in my head. If I said yes, she might poke further but if I said no, she might be suspicious of what I was doing there. As such, Manik was having a tough time. The least I could do was not add to those troubles. I nodded with a smile. She brought me his spare house keys and I thanked her about a couple of times before jamming the bunch of keys into the keyhole, one at a time.

I stepped inside the house that was just a tiny two bedroom apartment. The couch was a bright orange, accenting a yellow patterned wall we'd painted together once. A little television sat in front of the couch and an elegant rectangular coffee table was placed in between, giving the classic look of a house. Clothes were thrown about casually, but not too many hung around. I headed into the kitchen and found veggies all over the place. So many memories flooded my mind, making my heart clench in pain. Could I ever move on from him?

My stomach let out a low grumble. I decided to make something to eat, for the two of us, as an act of kindness. I inched closer to the fridge, where a picture of Manik and I was pinned with a magnet. I was sitting on a park bench and Manik was standing behind me, bent with his arms around my neck, which I was holding onto, happily. We were smiling wide at the camera, forgetting the world around us. We were so in love. My finger grazed the side of his face on the picture. I smiled unaware of it myself. I picked the only veggies there were. I turned on the flame, put some oil in a pan and chopped tomatoes, chillies and onions. I found some pasta shells in one of the cabinets. I boiled them in another pot with water and made some edible sauce with the limited vegetables, to blend the ingredients together. In a matter of fifteen minutes, after some struggles to find spices, I was ready with a not-so-tasty meal to serve the two of us.

By then, more than just returning the disk, I wanted to see Manik. I had to admit it was very hard for me to control myself and not run back to what felt like home, for the first time. I was afraid to take the risk though. I feared that my heart would be broken if I stuck on to Manik. I believed that if I lived with Manik, despite what I needed rather expected from him, I'd be the child I was 19 years ago, neglected and lonely. Never did I think about Manik in the process. I never thought about what would happen to him or my child if I let go. I was selfish, but I couldn't deny that I was hurt too. I let go of my baby, my daughter, and I don't think any mother takes that loss well. The pain of losing a baby can compare to the pain of losing a soul mate. If he lost me, I lost her. How much of a difference does it make?

I wanted to linger around and sort things out, maybe. Manik can't give you what you want, are you okay to sacrifice that to just be with him? I couldn't answer my own conscience, so I decided to keep myself occupied. I began by doing laundry, picking his clothes that were scattered across the hall. I didn't know how to wash clothes even in the machine. I was stupid, but I never did such things before. I put all the clothes together, scooped some detergent and turned the machine on. As soon the machine spun, I heard a key being inserted in the keyhole. I hurried to the couch and placed myself gracefully. I heard a soothing faint toned lullaby in the room as the switches flicked on.

"Whoa! Nandini!" He actually took a step back. I stood up taken aback too. I didn't know if he was surprised that I had come over, or surprised that the house was in a better condition than before. He scanned the living room and then landed his eyes on me. I couldn't even face him. What would I say? Manik, I wanted to return your CD so I sneaked in like a creep and cleaned the house instead?

"Main bas... main..." (I... I just...) I fiddled with my hands, staring at them to cook some lies.

"Sit down." He said politely, hanging his keys on the key hook beside the door. Our baby lay peacefully in the sling over his torso. His hand retreated to cup our daughter's head. I didn't understand his concept of carrying the baby and also pushing the stroller, it failed its purpose. I was awkwardly standing there, not doing anything.

"Khaana khaalo pehle?" (Eat first?) I wanted to sound a little louder than how the words actually slipped, vulnerable and trembling.

"Later." He walked inside the kitchen, dismissing my request. I followed him. He reached for the cupboard to get the baby bottles. I offered to help. He pressed his lips together, seeing me struggle to reach the cabinet handle. "Tum help karogi? Height dekhi hai apni?" His mock seemed unusually pleasing. At least he was talking to me.

"You eat, I'll feed her." He gazed into me, taking my whole presence into consideration. His eyes were yearning for something but before I could figure out, he pulled away, holding our daughter defensively.

"I don't need any favors from anyone to take care of my daughter."

***

Manik

I woke up to the vibration of my alarm. I arched my back and stretched my body, snoozing the phone alarm. I pulled the covers over and turned to watch my baby sleep soundly. She let out baby snores that brought a spontaneous smile over my face. Her hands were clutched in fists on both sides of her face. I placed a kiss over either hand, out of which one held some of Nandini's tresses.

My eyes trailed from my baby's fist to Nandini's straight, silky smooth hair to her chin, her nonexistent jawline, chubby white cheeks and closed eyes. A hand was under the side of her face, which forced her lips to part. Even in her sleep, she was breathtaking. Surely, there were women like Emma Watson and the Kardashian sisters who were hotter and prettier than she was, but that's not an insult. I fell for this mess, this imperfection, and I can't seem to get out of it, her trap.

"I think we should..." She scooted next to me, taking my hand in hers as I spoke. How I missed those hands! I felt my thumb brush over the back of her hand subconsciously. She smiled at our hands and then alternately watched my eyes and lips, waiting for words to be spoken.

"Bolo na?" (Tell me, please?) She almost pleaded. I shut my eyes and tightened my fists to control myself. I couldn't let my heart break again. I ensured I didn't look at her or anywhere in her vicinity otherwise she would read me, maybe?

"...move on..."

I couldn't believe how I'd managed to save myself from her the previous night. Yet, we lay on two ends of the same bed the very next morning, courtesy: my daughter. What was I trying to do? She'd come to me to be with me, to talk to me but my heart was too fragile to handle it. I wasn't ready for another heartbreak yet; so I withdrew. The food she made for me the previous night was delicious, unlike my burnt rotis and watery dal that I was used to eating. My wounded heart felt a string, a string that could bind it back together, when she said she'll take care of Naina while I ate. She'd broken me terribly but if there was anyone who could fix me, it was her only. It took so much courage in me to step up and protect myself from losing my barriers. I loved her so much that it hurt me to love her, but I still did. She was the sunshine of my life, bright and warm; and then she left one day, isolating me in complete darkness. The darkness I'd gotten used to over the days, but when she made her occasional appearances, like sudden flashes of bright light in darkness, I'd be defenseless, uncomfortable and exposed, breaking myself slowly, like how poison breaks down a living organism. She was poison, but the poison I'd love to consume.

Her lips moved as she adjusted her blanket around her, and I couldn't help but pay attention to those skillful lips of hers. Her kisses could make the world stop. It'd been so long since I kissed them, or even felt them. I could feel my lips pulsate in need. Ahh, the things love does to you... My baby yawned and I realized what I was doing. I sprung away from her and lay on my side, watching my daughter. Naina's facial muscles tightened in irritation and then relaxed as she sensed me beside her. She let out a loud clonk as her tongue hit her palette and moved gracefully, as if she was expressing her delight to see me already awake. She didn't have to waste some energy!

"Breakfast time?" I whispered in her ear, blowing into it. I loved how babies were so sensitive. Even the lightest touch could get them moving. As expected, she shuddered at the sensation, enjoying it. Like Mommy, like baby. I sighed as I unclasped her hand from her Mommy's hair and carried her in my arms to the kitchen.

***

Nandini

I lazily dragged my fingers over my laptop keys. I wasn't in the mood for anything. I wanted to cry, to scream out the pain that was killing me, my heartache. Since the previous night, after Manik and I talked, I wasn't feeling very well. Certainly he had nothing new to say to me. Why was I even expecting him to? Yet again, my expectations failed me. I was the one who broke up with him.

The intercom buzzed and I picked it absentmindedly. "Ma'am, there's someone here to see you." Must be Manik, but why would it be him? ...move on... I felt ripped at the reminiscence of his words. I let out a deep, pained 'hmm' and hung up. I was carried away with my work when I heard a knock at the door, followed by a tall, handsome man with a bewitching smile.

"Hey, hi, MD!" His beautiful set of teeth was on display. I couldn't help but stare at him for his sense of fashion. He looked too classy to be real. He caught me staring and shifted uncomfortably. "Nandini?" And that tone didn't seem confident enough for a man dressed like that. What's class with no confidence? Manik-1, hot guy-0.

"Uh... yeah... Sorry, you were saying?" I rubbed my chin as my eyes scanned him once. I was judging him, yes. After all, Manik told me to move on and I was doing just that. That familiar ache of loss struck me again as I thought about him and to divert myself of Manik, I straightened myself, as my eyes appeared to be lidded, exuding a seductive appearance. Wow! Just what you need, Nandini!

"Hi, I am Aryamann... Aryamann Khurana. I... uh... my dad owns this place..." Oh, you! I hadn't seen him before, but certainly did hear a lot. He extended his hand for a handshake, and I smiled a fake smile as I shook his. "God! You look so much more beautiful than I'd imagined you to be." I raised one of my eyebrows in doubt as his lips twitched to their sides. Was that a compliment or a rude comment? "Anyways... I would like to take you out, maybe for coffee?"

Coffee. That word struck too many memories. I really wanted to say no but for some reason; I heard my voice say--"Sure!" He nodded formally, turned around and did a little happy dance. I felt my lips mold into a smile. This guy has the money to keep you happy!

He led us to his car, in the real sense. He owned a silver Mercedes that he unlocked with a beep. He was a rich ass-the scores are one all now-which was supposed to make me feel satisfied, but I wasn't pleased. He didn't do the littlest of things, like hold doors or walk together or anything. He walked rapidly, not bothering to see if I was following even. Manik was such a gentleman, in contrast. Manik-2, hot guy-1. My vision blurred as I thought about Manik. I can't move on, can I? I stared at the trees through the window to pass time. A few moments later, Aryamann and I reached an executive bistro a few crosses away from my office building and he ordered the costliest drink.

"You can have whatever you wish, I have a VIP pass here." He shot proudly, with a smirk. If earlier I hadn't mentioned missing Manik, I was after that remark of his. He went on and on, talking about his life, his dreams, his passions, his property, and I was getting bored. I missed Manik again. If he were here, he'd be interested in me speaking. In fact, I was the one who spoke more in our relationship. I hardly knew much about Manik's life; even his father's illness was not known to me until long. I seemed to realize how neglected he must've felt when I did that. I was guilt-ridden. Aryamann was still not done with his speech. I threw in a few fake smiles here and there and rolled my eyes sometimes but he didn't seem to get the hint.

"Umm... so I have no family actually!" I said randomly, sipping my coffee loudly, just to shut him from speaking a word. Yeah, mannerless, I know. He was so in his own la-la land. His eyes widened in surprise and I smirked. Some relief to my ears!

"Oh." He meddled with his cup for a moment, looked it up and then placed it back on the table, after taking a sip. "Well, rich ladies' got the benefit of doubt anyways, haha." He cackled just low enough for me to hear. I didn't even find his comment funny. That was rude to say. I glowered at him, cringing in disgust.

"Sorry, what?"

"No offence huh? It was a joke!" He was still chuckling. I tapped the table in irritation, rolling my eyes.

"I DON'T FIND IT FUNNY, MR!"

"Hey, calm down, relax... yeah?" I took two deep breaths. I didn't want to create a scene in such a high-standard café. "Having no family is cool, you don't have to listen to shit from anyone, my uncle's wife has no family either and her life is so chill!" That was the last string of patience I had. I couldn't tolerate him longer. Having no family is chill?! Man, go fuck yourself! I flung my chair away from the table and stood on my feet.

"I think I should leave now." I turned away without looking back at him. I heard him call me a couple of times but I was sick of him. I sounded so hypocritical. When I had a man who loved me, I chased after money and now when there's a handsome man who's sleeping in the middle of some money stacks, but I can't seem to, forget love, even like him.

I walked slowly and steadily over the Mumbai footpaths. How could I just move on? How was it so easy? You did when you were away from Manik. That was a long time ago. I couldn't believe how I didn't let him affect me at all. Maybe it was because I'd stepped behind, I'd taken the decision and maybe that was why I didn't hurt much. It was my choice to make, and I pained him then. I was expecting him to forgive me and blame my expectations, they always fail me.

I walked for long, fighting with my own self, until I became aware of a car that was following my trail rapidly. I turned around defensively, trying to stare through the glass panes like a hawk and scare the trespasser. The windows lowered and he leaned down to address me from the car. He looked distressed and in a mess, yet his voice remained composed. Was he worried about me?

"Come inside, Mr. Mehta is waiting for you, fast." I blinked at him twice, tilting my head painfully. Manik, are you really... there? I thought I was hallucinating. His face brought some calmness into my soul. I got inside the car and buckled my seatbelt, before the car zoomed onto the streets. I watched his hand that was over the gearbox, yanking the gears. My hand yearned to touch his, as I felt the pain he must have when I neglected him. I had to control myself; otherwise it was going to be very hard for me. I closed my hands in fists, placing them over my lap, looking through the window. The black tar was glistening in the heat and the speedy car made even the rough chunky roads look smooth. Why couldn't my chunky soul attain peace like that? The answer was to my right.

"Tumko kuch puchna nahi hai?" (Don't you have anything to ask me?)

"Nahi." (Nope.) He said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. I stared at him, lost in his charm. He was so beautiful. Have I really lost you, Manik? Are you really over me? He sensed the tension and retracted his hand to the stereo, turning the volume knob. I shifted my focus onto my hands on my lap, fiddling with them, as tears filled my eyes.

"It's over I know that, you and I can't go back, many words left unspoken, you need some time alone." The melody whirred in the confined space. As the words played, I took in his expressions, validating myself of any feelings if they existed. That song was seemingly meant for us.

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Dark? Did you guys really think Nandini would choose Aryamann? Overall, what do you think could change in the book?

Question: What does it mean to really 'move on'? How can someone achieve that?

You guys are going to be relationship counselors for Manik and Nandini! :P Thanks for the patience and for staying on your feet with this book! Some appreciation for you guys, so what do you want to see exclusively for you? Tell me in the comments below! Alvidah!