The next two weeks passed on in a blur for both Manik and Nandini. They were neck deep immersed in work all day. Nandini was being a little too over paranoid about everything as the day of the Grand Opening came closer. 

It was her first major project, and on top of that Harsh had made her the head instead of Manik. Though the idea of heading such a project seemed very exciting to her when it was given to her a few weeks before they got married but now, she couldn't help but feel stressed out about being able to stand up to the expectations. 

The last thing she wanted was everyone to be thinking that she got the project because of being a member of the Malhotra Family and that she didn't deserve it. She had spent day and night making sure everything was the way it should be and now that the big day was finally there she could literally feel her heart beating out of her chest.

Manik had tried his best to calm her down, again and again letting her know that she had done a great job. But Nandini didn't quite believe his words,

"U r just being biased!"

She knew he was trying to make her feel good, but then that was what made her feel even more stressed. To say the least, Nandini spent the big day rubbing her hands together and tapping her legs on the floor continuously. 

The event went on as a big success, Harsh was the person who was more proud of her than anyone else. While, Nandini just simply kept on thanking him and asking him if he actually meant it.

Her questions were answered automatically when the next day, she saw the headlines of the Business Times stating not too sarcastically, "The Daughter-in-Law finally proves her capabilities and Shuts thousands of mouths."

Well, Manik had been angry at the news, Nandini somehow seemed to be quite happy as it was finally an peaceful end to her nervous mind. That day at work, she finally received the praises open-heartedly from the entire staff, being fully assured now that they were being genuine and not just paying her the curtsy. 

Even Harsh, to her surprise, was pissed off at the sarcastic headlines when she caught him on a phone call with the PR person of the Company. Anyways after the hectic two weeks full of work, she couldn't be more thankful when she got an extra day to relax when Harsh asked the entire staff to take an off on Friday as well along with their usual weekends. Thus, after a silent take out dinner with Manik, in front of the TV Nandini was enjoying her peaceful sleep until the shrieking door bell woke her up.

Nandini: Urgh! Why can't people let me sleep yr!

She ignored the doorbell knowing Manik would get up and open the door until she heard it go on two more times making her groan louder. Getting out of her comfortable bed, Nandini got up and glanced at the bed side clock to find it to be 10 in the morning, but she couldn't care any less today coz it was her day off. She glanced at the mirror and saw herself dressed in her casual night dress and moved into the closet to wear something over it. The doorbell went off again making her pick up one of Manik's plain black Shirts as she hurried out towards the door. She pulled the shirt over her arms and held it up, leaving the buttons open before she finally opened up the door without even checking who is outside and thus broadening her eyes as her early morning guest smiled at her.

Nandini: Mom...

Nyonika: Good Morning dear! Were u guys still sleeping? Did I come too early?

Nandini: Ohh no no Mom... Come on in! We both were just being lazy today and slept so late.
Nandini smiled at her genuinely and opened the door further. Nyonika walked inside as she kept her bag on the table and Nandini closed the door. 

Nandini: U should have informed me na that u were coming I would have woken up earlier and made u some nice breakfast...

Nyonika: Chill Nandini.... No formality with family okay?
Nandini smiled as she scolded her and lifted up her hands in surrender.

Nyonika: Anyways.... I m hear to take u out for some amazing shopping. I have invited Navya too and we are gonna help u today.

Nandini: Shopping? For what?

Nyonika: For ur Honeymoon dear.... U know what I wanted to do this much earlier but u were both so busy in work so I let it go! But now, we finally have the time for it so just go and freshen up fast.

Nandini: But Mom- There is no need for shopping I already have so -

Nyonika: Sush... I m not listening anything, now come on!
Nyonika said and before Nandini knew she pulled her hand, dragging her towards her room. They entered the room when Nyonika pushed Nandini towards the closet.

Nyonika: Get ready fast now! By the way... Where is Manik?

Nandini: Ohh he must be sleeping till now!
Nandini said shrugging until she saw Nyonika's gaze move back to her bed and realised her mistake.

Nyonika: Slee-
Nyonika looked up to ask her the question that she dreaded the most but thankfully she heard a loud noise as Nyonika's phone started ringing. Nyonika looked down at her phone as a small smile came onto her lips as she picked up the call and said to Nandini that she will be back in a minute. 

Nandini sighed loudly as she saw her mother-in-law walk towards her balcony in her room and take a seat on the couch out there talking to one of her friends. The curtains blocked her view but she couldn't help but freak out.

Nandini: Shit..... What will I do now? What will I tell Mom? How could I let her in knowing manik is sleeping in the next room? She is gonna ask questions! Of course she will, what will I say?

Nandini glanced up again to see her figure standing up from the couch, saying bye on the phone when Nandini tensed up dreading what was gonna happen next.

She heard her heels clicking onto the floor making her even more anxious.

She knew Nyonika was almost at the door as she looked down closing her eyes in nervousness until she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist.

"Good Morning Wifey!"

She heard Nyonika's steps stop at his voice making her sigh as she felt Manik take her in a back hug, his voice still rough from sleep as he rested his head on her shoulder.  

Nandini: Manik Malhotra, I m still not talking to u! Leave me....

Manik groaned in his sleep holding her further tightly as he simply asked,
Manik: Why again?

Nandini: U r seriously asking me Why? Even after I threw u out of the room last night!

She felt Manik loosen his grip as he heard her words before he looked at her with a confused expression. Nandini saw his half awaken state, ruffled hair and confused expression, making her want to smile at his cuteness but she simply whispered to him,
Nandini: Please play along.... Mom is in the Balcony!

Manik's eyes broadened at her words as Nandini loudly said again,
Nandini: Now leave me! I don't wanna talk to u...

Manik: Come on Nandini... Forget it na, see I couldn't even sleep properly last night.

Nandini: Then u should think before doing crazy things.....
Nandini said finally pushing his hands off her as she turned to face him.

Nandini: I have told u before also, u can't just come in, pick me up and take me wherever u want!
Nandini said finally making manik smirk as he realised she was talking about last night when he had taken her out of office forcefully knowing she had to take rest after the busy day.

Manik: I can pick up Wife whenever and wherever I want!

Nandini: Not at work Manik.... U know how embarrassed i was, My entire team was there!

Manik: So what.... Team or no team, u still are my Wife!
Manik said shrugging casually making her actually angry.

Nandini: And what about the time when u pushed me up ur shoulder and dragged me away in front of the entire office.... That too UPSIDE DOWN!

Manik bit his lip, stopping his laughter as he remembered that day which was much before they got married.

Manik: Well, that time u were my girlfriend!

Nandini: They didn't know That.....
Nandini snapped making Manik chuckle.

Manik: Come on Nandini... Chill na, I don't care! Plus, that was fun, I know u too enjoyed it!

Nandini: I did not!

Manik: Ohh u did....

Nandini: Did not...

Manik: Did too...

Nandini: Manik.... U know that u r not helping urself in this situation right?
Nandini said raising her eyebrows at him when manik finally sighed,

Manik: Fine.... But I m not gonna apologise if that's what u want!

Nandini: As u wish... Then u'll be sleeping in the guest room tonight as well!
Nandini said shrugging at him as motioned towards the balcony with a smirk making Manik glare at her.

Manik: Urgh..... Fine! What do u want me to do to make it up to u?

Nandini smiled broadly watching him let go as she said excitedly,
Nandini: How about u make me my favourite sandwiches for breakfast and then if its good enough then I'll let u into the room tonight!

A small smile crept onto manik's face watching her excited face as he nodded,
Manik: As u wish, Your Highness...

Nandini jumped at her place, placing a soft kiss on his cheek,
Nandini: U r just the best!

She said before she rushed into the washroom to freshen up. Manik shook his head smiling at her excitement at something so small as a sandwich when he turned to see his mother smiling at him.

Manik: Mom!
Manik said suddenly as Nandini's excitement had totally made him forget about the presence of his mother in the same room.

Nyonika: Well, good morning to u too!

Manik: Ohh yes Good Morning...

Nyonika: So... Would I be given the honour to finally eat something made by my son or is it just ur wife who is privileged enough for that....

Manik smiled at her walking closer,
Manik: Come on Mom... U know, u r always my favourite girl...

Nyonika: Yeah yeah... Shut up and go freshen up now! U have to make some special breakfast today....
------------------------------------------------------

Nyonika: Wow... This tastes amazing!! I didn't know my son could cook so well... What is this sandwich called by the way?
Nyonika asked as she sat on the table eating the breakfast made by manik as he continued making more sandwiches for himself and for Nandini. While Nandini stood next to her serving coffee for the three of them.

Nandini: Umn I don't know... Manik just made it one day. Manik... What is this called?

Manik turned towards the two ladies as he snaked his fingers through his hair before rubbing the back of his neck.
Manik: Umn... Nandini's Favorite!

Nandini: Huh??

Manik: What? Its my recipe... U said u wanted eggs that day but I didn't want to make those boring omelettes, so I put together whatever I liked and made that.

Nandini smiled broadly at his words remembering how she had literally ordered him to get her eggs that morning. When she heard Nyonika gushing by her side,

Nyonika: Aww.... So romantic!

She felt her cheeks heating up at it as she gave Nyonika her coffee while manik joined then with two plates in his hands. He laid the plates on the table and smiled at Nandini.

Manik: Ur breakfast Ma'am... Just the way u like!

She blushed further at it, rolling her eyes casually trying to hide her heated face as she placed his coffee in front of him before taking her seat.

Manik: So what are u guys doing today?
Manik asked looking up at the two of them as Nyonika smiled broadly.

Nyonika: Shopping!

Manik looked amused at her excitement as he saw Nandini shuttering softly at her seat.

Manik: Great.... I m sure u r gonna enjoy the day well! Anyways, Nandini are u gonna head over to the Malhotra Mansion afterwards?

Nandini: Yeah... I was thinking I'll go directly why?

Manik: Nothing... I was suggesting that only coz I might get quite late tonight, its good u would be there.

Nandini rolled her eyes at his concern as she knew how he hated letting her be at the apartment alone at night. When Nyonika asked,

Nyonika: Where are u going?

Manik: Ohh we have a few media interviews lined up today and then a dinner meeting for the next album deal. I won't be here next month so I thought to finish it all off earlier.
Manik informed her casually as the conversation shifted onto the album theme and all.

Later that day, Nandini found herself moving from one store to the other in the mall as Nyonika dragged her along almost getting her an all new wardrobe for her trip. She would be lying if she said that she didn't enjoy her day.

Being with Nyonika, she always found herself filling up the time that she had lost without a mother figure in her life. Nyonika was everything that she would ever want in her mother and she had come to care to deeply for this lady. She looked up to Nyonika in everyway possible.

The day passed on pity well for her, until she finally saw Nyonika walking into a particular store that made her eyes pop out of her head.

Nandini: Mom...

Nyonika: Ohh come on... This is the most important of all!
Nandini said waving her hand at her as she walked ahead leaving Nandini with her mouth wide open and Navya laughing by her side.

Navya: U have the best Mother in law ever....
She said between her laughter while Nandini stared at the Victoria's Secret store in front of her with her eyes wide.

Nandini: Shut up Navya... This isn't funny!

Navya: Believe me it is... I can't believe Mukti and Aliya missed this for that stupid interview of theirs! Come...
Navya held her hand pulling her along as they entered the store behind Nyonika.

Nyonika: Ohh there she is!
Nyonika said looking at her as the petite attendant smiled warmly at Nandini.

Attendant: Good evening Ma'am! What can I help u with today?

Nandini opened up her mouth to say something but then closed it again feeling at the loss of words when Nyonika finally rolled her eyes.

Nyonika: She is actually heading for her honeymoon in a few days... How about u show us some nice things for her to take along!

The attendant smiled boardly at her words before joining her hands together in glee as she lead them through the store.

Attendant: Well, you can have some of these amazing night wears, not just for ur honeymoon but also to use it otherwise.... And then moving on we have these amazing lingerie, which I m sure u would like in ur luggage. We have a great variety for u to choose from on whatever u like or better on what u think ur husband might like...

The girl winked at Nandini making her turn completely red while Navya chuckled by her side and Nyonika coughed to stop herself from joining in.

Nyonika: Umn right... Nandini u know what, why don't u but whatever u like while I go on and wait for u guys at the food court. I really would not want to know what My Son prefers for his Wife!

Nandini's face gave competition to tomatoes as she saw Nyonika walk out while the attendant stood there with an open mouth and Navya finally gave off laughing out loud.

Nandini: I can't believe what just happened!
Nandini muttered to herself as she took a deep breath trying to calm her flustered state.

She glared at Navya getting her calm down before she swiftly took whatever got her gaze from the store. 15 minutes later, she paid for the few nighties, 5 sexy lingerie peices that Navya selected (not that she cared bcoz she knew she would never actually use them), and 3 swinsuits/ bikinis. Soon after that she rushed out of there wanting nothing more than to get far far away from what had happened in there.

The rest of the day passed in a blur as she chilled out with Nyonika at home. She moved to their room that night, or Manik's room originally, sighing contently as how the day turned out to be before lying on the bed as she left a simple Good Night msg for Manik, knowing he would be busy to talk to her at that time and finally let sleep take over her.
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Its 2 in the night... And I hv an xam tmrw with almost half of my course still left untouched!

Just wish for me to Pass if u like the chapter guys😅😅😅

Love,
Navya😍