Hello guys!😊

It's almost after a month that I am back with an update.
But this time I m not sorry about it. Why am I late then please question those readers who are reading the update on about daily basis but are just too ignorant to vote and comment. If anyone is to be blamed for the delay then it is only and only the silent readers. This time you guys have crossed all the limits and I am actually very very pissed. At one point I had decided to quit writing and leave wattpad.
Had it not been for my daily active genuine readers and my friends who calmed me down then I am sure by now I would have left wattpad. So if you guys want an early update then I am you all are smart enough to know what you have to do. ☺

Also one more thing I had decided to put the entire past together but then suddenly I got this out-of-the-box idea. So I decided to divide chapter 13 in two parts. Part one is here. Part two completely depends on the kind of response I get.☺

Do give inline comments.
#4700+words
No proof reading done. Please ignore the typing errors.
Enjoy!😀

P.S. Credits for the banner in the media box goes to one and only my personal favourite Ms. Creator / Designer ImLilMissComplicated. Thank you so much angiee❤😘. I personally love the banner a lot.

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I knew she wouldn't listen to me unless I would hear her out. Say it mom. I saw her looking towards the glass window from where one could clearly see the corridor if the curtain were not drawn. I saw nandini standing over there looking at us.

I....I....want...you to....marry the girl.....waiting outside.Mom's words shook me. She wanted me to....marry..NANDINI. I was shocked. I was speechless. I didn't know how to put forth my emotions. Of course my happiness knew no bounds hearing the word marriage. It was a dream that I had been watching since the time I opened upto her.

I had lots of plans for our marriage. I wanted to make our marriage the most beautiful memory of our entire being. I wanted to make this marriage so beautiful that nobody on this entire planet would have witnessed such a beautiful union of two opposite cultures.

Me and nandini were from two different cultures. Rather two opposite cultures to be very precise. I had made lots of plans for the best day of our life. I had always dreamed of nandini walking down in a nice lehenga with beautiful ornaments adorning on her beautiful white skin skin. Her face glowing brighter, dulling the effect of the cosmetics . The smile on her lips widening with each step she takes towards the wedding dais.

Manik..... I didn't realise I was so lost until mom called me.

Mom.... I looked at mom with a helpless look. Her wish was something that I couldn't fulfil. Not right now. Not in this situation. Please mom.

Manik don't you want to marry her? I looked at Mom. A small smiled played on my smile.

Of course I want to marry her. Infact she is the only one whom I want to share my everything with. Bohot zyada pyaar karta hoon main usse maa.

Mom too smiled at my confession while dad sat there looking at me and mom all bewildered.

Toh phir manik? Itna kya soch raha hai? I looked back at mom who was lying amidst drips.

Mom......iss waqt situation is not right......woh yahan aayi hai lekin uski family.....They don't know about her.....Mom this is a big decision....I don't want things to take place like this....can we wait for sometime. Aur phir ek baar aap theek ho jao.

Mom smiled. Manik I want you this fulfil my this wish please. Mujhe nahi pata how longer will.....will I....be able to......

MOM!

What was she talking? The doctor just said that she is alright. Then why was she thinking so negative. Her words instigated the emotions that had subsided the moment I saw mom opening her eyes. I got up and angrily moved out of the cabin.

As soon as I got out I saw nandini standing there with a small smile on her lips. I just pulled her from there and made her sit on a bench. I sat beside her and held my face between my palm.

Writer's POV

Manik and nandini both settled down on the bench. Nandini wrapped her arms around his biceps and rested her head on his shoulder providing him the much needed support.

You cannot loose yourself manik. Uncle, aunty amd moreover Nishchal they need you. Agar tum aise haar jaoge toh unhe koun sambhalega?

Manik looked at nandini with tearful eyes and pulled her in a hug. She too hugged him tightly and kept patting my back. Manik calm down! You can't loose yourself! I m there for you.

Nandini whispered words in his ears giving him much needed strength. Manik broke the hug and looked straight in Nandini's eyes. Mom wants me to marry you. Manik's voice was lower than a whisper. If nandini hadn't been sitting so close to him she surely wouldn't have been able to hear him.

What? Nandini didn't knew how to react to this. She was looking at manik with a blank face. Your mom....wants ....wants us....to get......

Married. Manik completed her broken sentence. For the next few minutes There was complete silence around both of them. They sat there looking at the floor holding each others hand. Their fingers were entwined. They didn't know how to react.

They both wanted to achieve something in their professional lives and only then they wanted to get married and lead a happy settle life.

Nandini looked at manik. She saw how tense he was. She could easily read his thoughts. Though manik wasn't much expressive but his eyes spoke volumes. His eyes always told what his heart was going through. For some reason nandini had developed a feeling of liking for his this nature.

No wonder manik was very romantic when it came to her but also he was a person who preferred keeping things to himself. Many a times nandini had to coax him to let it all out. While the other times even her immense pampering didn't do the magic.

She was very well aware about the fact that he loved her beyond the word love could express. Like he said it was more than love. It was his junooniyat; like he used to say; that makes him so different from the others.

Manik was a person of feelings. A person who valued relations almost equivalent to one's life. If he said that he loved his family, he meant every bit of it and would go to any extent to protect them. Thus when he said that he has developed feelings for nandini, she knew he meant every word of it.

She knew what she had to do. All this while he had been there for her when she missed her family, her friends, her brother, her parents. He had always been there telling her "Nandini why fear when manik is here! You know you just command and this genie will fulfil it all."

He pampered her when she missed her mother. He teased her when she missed her brother. He did some crazy mischievous stuff when she missed her grandfather. He scolded her like a father when she refused to focus on her studies. This one year in London had become like a beautiful dream for her. And all because of manik. He had made sure to make her each moment special and memorable just like he promised her.

He had fulfilled her promises. It was her turn to fulfil hers. She stood and forwarded her hand in front of manik. Manik looked up all confused. She smiled, Let's get married manik.

Her words left manik dumbfounded. He looked at her stunned amd shocked. His eyes wide as a saucer and his jaw almost touching the floor. Hain? He exclaimed. His voice echoed through the almost empty corridor while the few nurses and ward boys over there stopped by hearing his loud voice.

On realising that he had invited attention he immediately cleared his throat; to avoid the air of awkwardness; and passed the on lookers a small embarrassing smile, dismissing them. He turned his attention back to nandini who still had a smile on her lips.

Tumhe pata hai tum kya bol rahi hoon? He asked in a dazed tone. Haan manik, I know main kya bol rahi hoon. She replied in a very calm tone.

Nandini marriage is not a trivial thing. You know your parents don't know about us. You have come with me without informing them and now this. Nandini you are their daughter and you do owe them answers. You can't take this decision without their permission. They have an equal say in this as you do. Tum mom ki chinta Mar karo. Main unse baar karo. I will explain her.

Hogaya? Nandini asked after a pause of almost 70 seconds. Huh!...haan. Manik nodded. Ab main bolu? Manik simply nodded indicating her to go ahead.

Manik I know marriage is not a trivial thing. Yes I know my parents don't know about us manik Yes I have come without informing them. Yes I do owe them answers. Yes you are right they have an upper hand on deciding who should I marry and who not . But trust me they would have no problem with you. I know them. You are the best any girl could ask for. Aiyappa has made me for you. Its like Nandini tailor made only and only for her manik.

Manik was once again speechless. His eyes were moist. How much this girl loved him. At that very moment he made a promise that never ever will he leave her.

In the ICCU room.

Mira, How did you come to know that the girl is manik's girlfriend. Manik's dad questioned his wife as soon as manik left the room.

Gaurav, I am a mother. I can read through my son's eyes even if he puts a mask over them. I can tell what's happening in his life only by hearing his voice. Yes he never told but throughout the past year I have noticed a change in maniks behaviour. Though he wasn't physically in front of me but I can make out what my baby is going through by his simple "hello"

Gaurav smiled at his wife who was the most understanding person he had ever met. He was lucky to have found a wife like Mira.

According to him no lady on this earth could have handled his family like Mira does. Though they live in mumbai but Mira had managed to always keep her family connected to their extended family in punjab. Mira had always been a support to Gaurav in his days of hardships. She had always respected his parents who lived in punjab along with his elder brother.

Gaurav I see them in us. Mira said pointing to the glass window from where manik and nandini ;who were sitted on a Bench; could be seen. Gaurav keenly observed both of them who were sitted in mere silence with no movements. Nandini's head was on his shoulder while manik had his eyes closed.

Yes, I think you are right. They so resemble us Mira. I didn't know that in today's generation something like this existed. Gaurav passed Mira a smile. Both of them were looking at each and were going down the memory lane remembering their days of love and happiness.

Both of them were lost in each others memories. They were disturbed when manik coughed while nandini hid her smile and looked at the floor.

Kya dad! Kuch toh sharam kijiye. Aapka beta aur bahu yahan khade hai aur aap openly romance kar rahe ho. Tch. Tch. Manik had an evil smirk on his face while nandini was suppressing her laughter seeing Mira's pint tainted cheeks.

Oye! Baap hoon main tera. Tamiz se baat kar. Gaurav glared at him for making a mockery of his in front of nandini. Accha! Mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha. Manik's sarcastic reply made Gaurav more furious while a small giggle escaped nandini's lips.

Accha ab tum dono bas karo. Urm beta yahan aao. Mere paas. Mira spoke looking at nandini. Nandini smiled and walked closer. She sat on the bench where manik was sitting sometime back. Kya naam hai tumhara?

Nandini. Nandini replied smilingly at Mira's question. Waah! Kitna pyaar naam hai. Nandini. Must say your parents are very lucky to have you as their daughter. Mira said stroking her fingers on nandini's chubby cheeks.

Ni aunty, main lucky hoon to have them as my parents. Mira had a shine in her eyes listening to nandini. She caressed nandini's hair. Shaadi karogi mere bete se? Mira asked.

For a moment there was complete silence in the room. Mira was looking at nandini with hopeful eyes. While nandini was in deep thoughts. Somewhere she felt something not right in this entire situation. Her instincts were telling her that somewhere something was not right. But one look in Mira's eyes and she smilingly nodded ignoring the intuitions that she was getting. Manik and Gaurav too smiled and looked at each other.

Post the emotional moment the four were sitting and chatting about random stuffs when Gaurav who was standing behind manik tapped his head. Yes! He exclaimed. The ladies looked at him confused while manik was glaring at Gaurav for hitting him.

Ghoor kya raha hai! Baap hoon main tera. Aur waise bhi ab meri team zyada strong hai. He said to manik while walking towards nandini.

Accha aur woh kaise? Manik asked giving tough looks to his father who very expertly ignored them. Arrey jaise meri biwi teri team main waise teri biwi meri team. Kyun nandini?

Before nandini could reply manik spoke, zyada khush hone ki zaroorat nahi hai. Meri biwi meri team main hi rahegi. Haina nandini?

This time nandini replied. Of course not manik. Main toh dad ki team. Manik's jaw dropped open wide seeing his own girlfriend / soon-to-be-Mrs. Manik Malhotra ditching him for his father.

Nandini tum apne eklaute boyfriend / soon-to-be-Husband ko dhoka de rahi ho. Manik asked completely shocked. Haan. Kyu? Nandini smirked and stood next to Gaurav while manik was looking at her as if he will gobble her up any moment.

Mom aap dekh rahi hai aapki bahu apke bete se kaise baat kar rahi hai. Manik said with a bichara face while Mira too played along and fake scolded nandini.

The entire day passed lightly all trying to forget the painful hours. Next day passed with nandini taking care of Mira and adjusting herself with the Malhotras. Manik and nandini had got the date of one week later for their court marriage.

One week passed with lots of happiness around them. Manik and nandini had adjusted in the mansion. In this entire week nandini had very expertly dodged the calls from her family citing study issues. She knew right now she had no option then lying. It hurt her to tell them lies but she could not risk by telling them he truth. Mira had called Nishchal and assured him of her health, asking him to calm down and focus on his studies, making her feel more proud.

The day of marriage is considered the most beautiful memory for a couple. But for manik and nandini it turned out to be the most worst memory. Since Mira still wasn't discharged from the hospital Gaurav had arranged for the registrar to come with the papers in the hospital. After manik and nandini signed the papers Gaurav and Mira were asked to sign as witness. Gaurav after signing passed the papers to Mira who happily signed.

After signing Mira asked manik and nandini to go home spend sometime and comeback the next day as she would be discharged the next day. Manik and nandini both tried reasoning but Gaurav and Mira ordered them and send them home.

Manik and nandini after coming home celebrated their happiness in their own way. The entire night passed in Cuddling and romancing each other. Almost after two weeks they were cuddling each other. Nandini was cladded in maniks black shirt that exposed her curves giving her body an alluring shine while manik was only wearing tracks.
All day all night they stayed in the room enjoying their sweet time together.

Next day morning nandini's face was glowing bright. Anyone who saw them was sure that both of them must have consummated but no they didn't. They wanted to wait till everything sorts out and also wanted to tell nandini's family first. They both reached hospital to get the most shocked news of their being.

We are sorry Mr. Malhotra your wife is BRAIN DEAD!

Manik and nandini's stood their all shocked. Their feet froze over there refusing to move any further. While Gaurav too stood their all stunned. His fingers turning cold while his mind and heart just refused to accept the reality. He sunk himself on the bench while manik stumbled on his foot steps. Nandini too was shattered.

The news had unnerved each one of them. Just 24 hours back everything was so happy in their lives. Things were taking such a beautiful turn. All of them were happy and content. Just 24 hours back Mira Gaurav Malhotra was all happy and laughing with them and now she was Brain dead!

The doctors had temporarily put Mira on ventilator. They had declared that keeping her on ventilation was of no good as she had reached too far to come back again. Understanding the family's grief they told them to think over it and will remove the ventilation only when the family members tell them to do so.

For almost more than six hours neither of the Malhotra men spoke nor they moved. While Gaurav was seated on the bench outside like a statue, manik too was seated near Mira's bed. Nandini had a very tough time controlling her emotions and handling them. She didn't knew what to do.

Everytime she offered food or water to manik and Mr. Malhotra they would just push her hand away. Taking a deep breathe she pulled out manik's phone from his jacket and tried calling cabir. Unfortunately his phone was out of coverage area. Next she called Navya.

Luckily Navya picked up the phone. Haan manik, Hi. Kaisa hai tu? Accha manik sun main na actually ek Annual meet ke liye out of station aayi hoon mom dad ke aur yahan na bohot network problem hai. Main tujhe do din main wapas aane ke baad phone karti hoon. Tab tak tu apna dhyaan rakh theek hai. Chal bye.

Even before nandini could say a hello or open her mouth to break the most devasting news navya had cut the call. Sighing helplessly nandini too sat down on a bench to gather much needed courage. After almost 2 hours she got up and walked upto manik. She placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke soothing words to him

Manik. Tumne promise kiya tha na you will not fall weak. Mera manik sabse strong hai. You are the strongest. Dekho wahan pe. Look at dad. From morning he is sitting over there like a statue. Manik talk to him. He needs you. He has lost his love. The lady who ruled his heart. He is shattered and only you can help him manik. Manik please make him talk to you. Share his pain. He might fall sick manik. He has been sitting there for almost more than 6 hours.

Initially nandini was very calm but by the end of it she herself broke down very badly. All this while manik was holding Mira's hand in a death grip. Nandini's last sentence made him look up towards nandini. She nodded her head amidst the tears and pointed towards Gaurav. Manik got up and started walking towards Gaurav. He sat next to him.

Without Exchanging any words manik hugged Gaurav tightly. Both the men who were trying to fight their inner emotions gave up and broke into hysterical wails. That day marked the end of the peace that prevailed in Malhotra Mansion. Since that day Malhotra mansion had become a house made of expensive and exquisite furniture. The house lost its charm and serenity.

Almost after a week manik and nandini headed back to London. Manik along with Gaurav completed all the formalities. They wanted to keep Mira on ventilator but later nandini made them realise that this was only going to torment her soul. She needed to be freed from this drips and wires so that she could reside in heaven peacefully.

While the doctors removed the ventilator manik and Gaurav felt a part of them bing brutally killed. Tears stung once again in their eyes both of them mourned and cried their hearts out while nandini just couldn't see her family like this and was praying to aiyappa to provide her the needed strength to handle them.

With Mira's body, Manik and Gaurav's cries burnt into ashes; and with her soul, a part of their heart made its way to heaven; leaving them both devoid of any feelings.

Manik and nandini had no wish to leave Gaurav alone over there. They wanted to stay back till he was alright. Gaurav not wanting to be a hindrance in his children's career he told them to leave back to London while he will go to punjab and spend some time with his family.

With a half heart manik agreed as he needed to go back so that he could handle Nishchal. Gaurav left for punjab the same day as manik and nandini left for London. Gaurav ordered them to give him a call as soon as they land.

Manik and nandini took a cab from the airport to manik's apartment. By he time they reached the apartment it was midnight. Manik was fidgeting with the keys while nandini stood their with he luggage. They hadnt even entered inside when they heard someone stumbling and falling down. Both of them turned around to see Nishchal trying to balance himself and tripping after almost every step.

Manik immediately left the door as it is and moved towards Nishchal. Manik immediately held Nishchal. A strong smell of alcohol hit manik's senses. Nishchal was badly drunk. He couldn't even walk without support.

Nandini immediately moved the luggage inside and helped manik get Nishchal to his room. She moved to the kitchen and came with lime juice. Handing that to manik she moved in the living room leaving the two brothers alone. Manik noticed that he had got scratches over his forehead that had turned purplish blue. Manik made Nishchal sleep and came out to see nandini pacing around. Is he ok? Manik nodded at her question. Both of them slept in maniks room. Manik made a mental note to question Nishchal the next morning.

Next morning nandini was working in the kitchen while mukti too arrived knowing that manan were returning today. Nishchal was still fast asleep. Good morning guys! Mukti greeted them. She hugged manik and then moved to help nandini in kitchen. As soon as she saw the vermillion and nuptial chain she freaked out.

Nandini calmed her and then explained her the scenario. Mukti too was shocked learning about manik's mother's sudden demise. Waise guys how's Nishchal now? Her sudden question intrigued both manik and nandini.

How's Nishchal matlab? Nandini asked mukti.

Arrey he didn't tell you. Oh! Maybe he didn't want you guys to get unnecessarily worked up. Mukti spoke in a nonchalant tone.

Mukti stop beating around the bush puri baat bata. Manik was getting tensed by each passing second. Nandini came close to manik and stood by him. She looked equally tensed.

Woh three days pehle he was involved in a fight with some juniors who brutally beat him. Luckily the authorities have suspended those guys from college and also paid the entire amount for his treatment.

Manik's POV

Now I know why those marks on his face. I sunked down on the sofa while nandini had palmed her mouth. This was just too much to handle. And in all this how will I tell Nishchal about mom. I was still thinking all this when we heard a noise from Nishchal's room.

I quickly ran inside to see the glass that had lime juice in it shattered on the floor while Nishchal trying to wake up with lots of difficulty. I quickly ran towards him and helped him sit on the bed. Nandini and mukti followed me. I sat on the bed next to Nishchal.

Bhai. He sounded weak and tired. I immediately took him in my embrace. How will I break the news of moms death to him. Seeing his condition I was scared thinking of the consequences. But I cannot hide it anymore, it's his right to know.

I looked at nandini. She blinked her eyes. I had got my answer. I had to tell him. It was his right. Nishchal...bacche tu theek hai?

Haan bhai....woh bas thodasa headache hai.... i will be fine aap batao how's mom? Unki health toh theek haina. Aur aap itni jaldi kaise aa gaye. You should have waited there atleast till mom is completely fine.

I had no courage to look in his eyes. I was breaking from within. How will I tell him? I didn't want to loose him. Bhai say something na. Aap chup ku ho? Aap itni jaldi kaise aayi. Aur nandini tum.......

Oh my god! Nandini. Oh damn! I looked up to see Nishchal standing in front of nandini looking at her with a different glint while nandini was blushing. Seeing them a small smile played on my lips.

Nishchal got up from the bed took nandini in his arms and twirled her around. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much nandini. Main bata nahi sakta ki iss waqt mujhe kitne khushi ho rahi hai. Tumne toh mera promotion kar diya. Ab toh main officially tumhara eklauta devar aur tum meri eklauti bhabhi.

I smiled seeing Nishchal so happy. He put nandini down who sighed in relief. After few seconds she hit Nishchal on his chest. Pagal ho gaye ho kya? Nishchal laughed and took her in a side hug.

Kya bhai mere Bina shaadi kar li. Cheating hai yeh toh. Mere saare plans par pani pher diya aapne. Kitna kuch socha tha maine aapki shaadi ko leke. Aapne mere saare sane choor-choor kar diye.

I smiled seeing the Nishchal who was standing in front of me faking a con plain with a sad face. Nandini had started colecting the broken pieces of glasses. I know it was just a bahana to hide her blush.

The scene in front of me was so beautiful. Nishchal, nandini and mukti were smiling laughing. Aur jab cabir and navya ko pata chalega toh yeh moment aur bhi beautiful ho jayega. And what am I going to do. Apne hi haatho se iss moment ko tod dunga. How can I do this? How can I let my own family suffer because of me? Kya karu? Iss waqt har decision sahi bhi lagta hai aur galat bhi.

I looked at nandini who was looking at me with a tensed face. She walked towards me and placed her hand on my shoulder. She too was looking at mukti and Nishchal who were bickering over something not-so-serious. Nandini and me both shared a worried look.

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Hello lovely people!
So how was it?

More than Half of the Flashback given.😊
Only one-fourth left

How was the bonding between nandini and the Malhotra's?💞

So manan finally got married! Ab toh pata chal gaya na how they married

But the question is how did they end up splitting?😆

Don't worry next update I will tell you guys that also.😉

Hopefully you guys loved the Flashback.

Please do give your feedback.
#okthanksbye.
❤

P.S. If you are interested in knowing more about me then do read my interview on sayitaloud 's book->"Into the World Of Authors" and akshu_03 's book -> "Interviews"
Thanks to both of for taking my interview. ❤