Cabir: Seriously... Don't u two get tired?? Bas bhi karo yaar.

Manik glared at Cabir as the rest of them laughed out loud while Nandini blushed hard.

Mukti: Exactly... I was thinking the same thing, the two of you seem to have a lot of stamina.

Manik: Ohk enough! Bye...
Manik muttered rolling his eyes at his friends as he wrapped his arm around Nandini's waist.

Fab4 laughed again as they waved at the two of them and watched them walk out of the hotel. Manik glanced by his side, smirking at his still blushing wife.
Manik: So? Any chances of checking our stamina limits tonight?

Nandini's eyes broadened as she looked up at him, blushing profusely. She saw his eyes dancing with sheer mischief as a smirk crept on her face.
Nandini: U never know, Maybe! But don't count on it.

Manik stilled at her answer, not actually expecting one from her while nandini bit her lip fighting her giggles and walked ahead of him, moving straight outside with an extra swing in her walk.

Manik shook his head for a second and smiled before following her outside. As soon as he stepped out, he saw Nandini taking up the car key from the valet. He walked next to her and stretched his hand forward for the key only for Nandini to raise her eyes at him and shake her head,
Nandini: It's a surprise... I'll drive.

Manik: Nandini u-

Nandini: I'll drive!
Nandini said again smiling sweetly at him making Manik resign to it as he walked around the car, holding the driver's seat door for her.

Nandini walked around the car, his favorite smiling shining on her face as she got behind the wheel.
Nandini: Why, thank you, Mr. Malhotra!

Manik: My pleasure, Mrs. Malhotra!
Manik replied to her in the same tone closing her door as he walked around the car and got in beside her.

They talked throughout the way, discussing all the happenings of the fan meet, laughing off at the craziness of a few fans. It wasn't long before she slowed down and took a turn, entering through a gate. It was then that Manik finally noticed where they were as his face whipped towards Nandini in a shock.

The atmosphere in the car became tensed within seconds with silence stretching between them as Nandini parked the car. She turned the engine off and turned to face him, her face filled up with determination while Manik didn't even know what to think of it. She had got him at one place that he could not have ever thought of to celebrate his birthday. The one place where he only came to run away from the emptiness of his heart, to deal with the absence of someone whom he loved beyond limits, his Di, his elder sister.

Nandini had got him to the same shabby hotel, where Manik owned one cottage. The one that they stayed in almost 10 months ago in a totally different situation.

Manik: Nandini why are we here?
Manik asked in a small voice, his face blank of any emotions.

Nandini: To celebrate your birthday with your most favorite person in this entire world! Come...
Nandini whispered back to him and got down the car, walking in the front. She stood there right in front of him, witnessing the battle going on in his head as he stared straight at her with indecision until she finally held up her hand towards him, nodding her head ever so slightly.

Manik got down the car and walked towards her, keeping his hand over hers as Nandini entwined their fingers and gave his hand a slight squeeze. They walked into the shabby looking building towards the brown dusty reception area, while Manik's head was revolving on only one question and that was they were there. The moment they reached the front desk his attention wavered as he heard a very familiar voice,
"Hello beautiful!! U don't know how happy I was when I received your call that you were coming here."

Nandini: Keys?
Nandini muttered in annoyance at the creepy owner.

"So soon?? Have patience, spend some time with me as well..."

Manik stepped in front, glaring at him murderously,
Manik: Keys!

The guy rolled his eyes, unfaced by Manik's hard glare and turned to pick the keys up along with muttering,
"Nothing's changed!"

Manik: Ohh it did... U are talking to my wife now so back out before it's too late for you to do so!

Nandini saw his eyes broaden just a bit as he glanced from Manik to Nandini and then back to Manik, who simply took the keys from him and turned around taking Nandini along with him. They walked out towards the cottages, Manik's mood shifting back to what it was earlier while Nandini did her best to hide her nervousness. She knew why she had got him there, she knew what she had to do, but there was no guarantee in which direction the night would move towards.

They reached the last cottage and Manik unlocked the door, holding it open for Nandini before he got in behind her closing the door. Nandini entered inside still holding his hand and pulled him straight to the couch taking a seat next to him when Manik noticed a cake already sitting on the table in front of them.

Manik: Nandini, I-

Nandini: Shh... I know! I know u r confused, maybe even angry at me but please hear me out for once!

Manik sighed out loud, closing his eyes for a few seconds before finally opening them as he nodded at her. Nandini smiled up at him, before leaning closer to him, resting her head onto his shoulder, she asked him,

Nandini: Before I say what I want to, can u just tell me what are u thinking? U have been awfully quiet.

Manik did not reply to her for a few seconds, making her further nervous. She was about to move back and look up at him when she heard him murmur very slowly,
Manik: "What the hell is she up to now?" are my exact thought that this moment.

Silence took over the small cabin for exactly three seconds before Nandini laughed out loud, turning her head into his chest to control her voice as she felt him wrap his arm around her. She felt him relax in her touch as he chuckled softly.

Nandini: So truthful... I m impressed Mr. Malhotra!

Manik: Why, thank you, Mrs. Malhotra...
Manik smirked repeating her line from just about an hour ago.

Nandini: What I m up to is that I have finally realised what this place is for you and I want u to know it too... This place is your swing park.

Manik: Huh??

Nandini: Yes... The last time when u got me here, I kept on thinking why did u choose this space specifically. If u just wanted to be away from home, you could have taken up any place you wished to, anywhere, but why here! And now I finally have an answer to it.

Manik: And what is it?

Nandini: When Appa passed away... The first place that I went to other than my house was the swing park, I ran to that place to grieve in solitude. And this was the place where u came to grieve. Both of us... We aren't just same in our choice of preferences, we have much more in common than that. We chose a place of our choice and stored the essence of our loved ones there. I felt Appa'a presence in that park in the same way as u feel Mansi Di's presence out here.

Manik thought upon her words, blinking his eyes as he glanced around him to the small cottage remembering each and every moment that he has spent in here. And before he knew, his grip tightened around Nandini as he whispered back in wonder,
Manik: U are right...

Nandini: U seem surprised!
Nandini stated moving a bit away to look at him as Manik too gazed down at her.

Manik: I am...

Nandini: It's time to let her Go Manik. It's time for a GoodBye!
She whispered to him in the sweetest voice possible as Manik's eyes broadened, suddenly getting her vulnerable.

Nandini got up from his side and moved towards the cupboard, knowing how his eyes were following her every move. Pulling the key out of her purse, she unlocked the cupboard, pulling out the familiar envelope and held it out towards Manik, taking a seat by his side.

Manik looked at her in confusion and then at the letter, before turning back to her when Nandini nodded at him in encouragement.

Nandini: Read it!!

Manik: Nandini, I know what is written in there.

Nandini: Trust me... Read it please!
Manik sighed at her, before giving in as he pulled out the letter and opened it up to read.

"Dear Manik,

I don't know when r going to read this letter, but it is surely gonna be after I m no longer in this world.... 

I m tired Manik. Tired of trying to fool myself that someday I will find happiness. Happiness in this marriage of mine. I m tired of making myself believe that this is the man I love. This man, who played with my feelings and for married to me just for Money. Yes, that's right Money.... Just as he knew that my parents would give me off for my own happiness. And when he saw me rejecting at that money from them, he started showing his true colors.

I m tired of his constant greed. I m tried of being punished. I can't take this anymore Manik.... I can't!

It hurts Manik.... It hurts a lot when I have to hide all those evidences of his immense anger that he takes out on me and put on a smile in front of the mirror, or the family, or you!

And I m not telling u all this coz I want u to make him suffer. No, i don't.... Coz even if he was just after money, but I did Love him at one point with all my heart.

As much as I m grateful for Mom and Dad to give me this second life by adopting me, I can't deny the fact that it's u that I love the most in this whole world. Yes Manik, it's u!! You r my life and no one is above u for me. Not mom-dad, not my husband and not even this child that is growing inside me.

Yes, Manik I m pregnant. But I won't let this child come to this world.... No, I can't! I can't bear a child whose own father kicked me, right on my womb on getting this news. How can I bring on an innocent soul to suffer something that I m actually going through??

Coz even if I decide to keep him today, few years later He will grow up and call me a Coward.... A Coward who couldn't save him from his evil father. No Manik, I'm not a coward... I m strong enough to get out of this hell! And I want u to remember that.... I won't let my child face any of this.

Manik, this letter is gonna be one of the many secrets that the two of us have shared in all these years, plz do not mention this letter to anyone else. I don't want it to be stored in some crappy file at the police station as a Suicide Note. This is not a suicide note, it is just a goodbye letter from a sister to her brother and I want it to be treated like that.

I didn't want to leave this earth with no single soul knowing the exact truth. And that is why I m writing to u today! Promise me to keep this Just to Urself Manik.

I love u Manik.... And I m proud of u!
I hope u grow up into a wonderful Man, fulfill all ur dreams and make Mom-Dad proud. They r our parents Manik, they always wish for our good, listen to want they say and do so..... Maybe, I would also hv been at a better place if I did that. They weren't in agreement to my marriage at first, but then they gave in for my happiness and see, where it got me today. Listen to them Manik, don't let them down!!!

Touch the sky with ur glory and make the world yours. Fall in love with someone to stand by u in all ups and downs of ur life, and just remember that I m up there watching over u and having that proud smile, shouting to the world that u r My Brother..

Lots of Love,
Ur Di❤"

Nandini saw his eyes glittering with unshed tears as he finished reading it before she held his hand,
Nandini: She had it there Manik... This is her goodbye to u, wishing u the best of everything and showering u with all her love. Everytime u read this letter, u just focus on the reason to why she did it. It's finally time to let it go and focus on why she decided to write this letter in the first place. Today I brought u here, so that we could fill this place with memories, to celebrate your birthday with Mansi Di, rather than always coming here just to grieve. U only asked me once, that why don't your parents have that pooja on her birthday instead of her death anniversary. Well, ask yourself why do u come to spend time with her just on her death anniversary and not on the happy occasions.

Manik did not look up at her, his eyes did not leave the letter even once. He stayed still staring at it with those unshed tears still in his eyes. Nandini waited for him to respond but then realized that he might need some time alone and decided to give him that as he left his hand.

Nandini: I understand that u might need time Manik... And u can have as much of it as u want. I will be right outside if u need me.
She whispered to him before getting up and turning towards the door.

She had taken hardly a step away from him when she felt a tug on her arm and before she knew she was lying on his lap with his lips moving over hers, kissing her with all his might.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulder, one of her hands burried in his hair as she kissed him back, her face getting wet from his now freely flowing tears while he kissed her as if his life depended on it.

Nandini felt him wrap his arm around her waist, supporting her in his lap while his other hand stayed behind her head holding her close.

By the time they pulled apart both of them were gasping for air as they rested their foreheads together, both their eyes closed. Nandini wiped off Manik's tears softly before lifting her head a bit to kiss his forehead.

Manik: I love you...

Nandini: And I love you! Happy birthday Manik...

A small smile crept onto Manik's face as he opened up his eyes and looked at her.
Manik: No matter how many times u say it, I don't think I m ever gonna get tired of listening to those words.

Nandini: What? Happy Birthday?
Nandini asked in surprise, faking innocence while Manik fake glared at her giving her his best deadpan look.

Manik: Why are u so irritating? I was trying to be romantic out there.

Nandini smirked at him and shrugged,
Nandini: I m irritating but don't judge me, it was u who just confessed that u love Me. Not my fault!

Manik chuckled at her, shaking his head while Nandini moved to get off his lap.
Nandini: Cake time!

Manik held her closer, not letting her move,
Manik: That doesn't require u to get up.

Nandini: But I want to call Mom and Dad, they wanted to be here while u cut the cake.

Manik: Then call them like this, not my fault!
Manik said with a shrug just like she did and smirked at her glare.

Nandini shook her head in resignation and simply picked up her phone video calling Nyonika. The call was connected almost immediately as Nyonika smiled at her from the screen.

Nandini: Hi Mom!!

Nyonika: Hello darling...
Nyonika smiled at them just as Harsh joined into the frame from her side.

Harsh: Hello Baby girl.

Nandini: I m not a baby Dad. I m married to your son.
Nandini replied chuckling at him.

Harsh: Speaking of whom... Where is the devil?

Manik tightened her grip around her waist, pulling her closer making her back bang with his chest as he looked into the screen.
Manik: Devil haan!! Baby girl to her and devil to me? Are u guys forgetting that it's my birthday today?

Both of them laughed at it while Nandini pulled her tongue out teasing Manik as Nyonika spoke up,
Nyonika: Happy birthday Manik... May you have all the happiness in the world!

Manik smiled at his mother's blessing and thanked her as Harsh too wished him.

Nandini: Ohk ohk cake time!

Nandini said as she kept her clutch on the table, followed by the phone so that the two of them where in the frame along with the cake. She proceeded to light the candle still sitting on Manik's lap. It was now that Harsh and Nyonika noticed their position as Harsh smirked,
Harsh: By the way... Where are you two, you guys seem quite cosy.

Nandini blushed hard at his words as Nyonika hit her husband for teasing their kids as Manik smirked at the screen,
Manik: Why dad, getting jealous that u r no longer strong enough to let Mom sit on your lap?

Nyonika laughed out loud while Harsh scoffed,
Harsh: I m stronger than u young man!

Manik: Yeah sure Old Man, as you say!
Manik replued rolling his eyes as Nandini hit him this time.

Nandini: Ohk enough come on... Cut the cake!

Manik smiled at her and moved forward to cut it when Nandini swatted his hand away,
Nandini: Hey!!! First make a wish and blow the candle.

Manik: Nandini, what are you 5?? Kids do that...

Manik asked smiling down at her, while Nandini huffed,
Nandini: Yes, I m 5! Happy?... Now make a wish.

Manik shook his head at her but still closed his eyes making a wish and blowed the candle as the three of them sang happy birthday for him and he cut the cake. He picked up a piece and fed it to Nandini, after which she too fed him some.

They talked to Nyonika and harsh for some time and then disconnected the call as Manik leaned back on the couch, taking Nandini along with him.
Nandini rested her head on his chest, snuggling closer as she felt Manik kiss her hair and take a deep breath.

Manik: So... Did u arrange anything for us to eat or are we just gonna sit here in silence.

Nandini rolled her eyes at him before picking up the bag that she got along with them and pulled out a few boxes followed by Manik's laptop. Manik raised his eyes at her in question while she smiled,
Nandini: This place is special for the two of us as well... It was here that u finally opened up to me, it was here where we got closer. I just thought why not recreate our stay here.

Saying so she opened up the box to produce some vegetable biryani and handed over the laptop for Manik to turn on some movie.

Nandini: It's not made by me... But I m hoping it's good enough!
She said handing over the plate to him as the two of them sat together snuggling into each other and had their dinner watching the movie.
----------------------------------------

Fuck.... Almost an entire month!!!😵😵😵😵

No wonder u all hate me so much these days! 
I hv been so late everytime, I feel like even apologizing is of no use here!

But do tell me how was the part guys!!

Love,
Navya😍