Dedicated to akriti1995 DeepaMehta2 ShrutiLandage13

In the days that followed their intimate moment, Nandini and Manik found a new sense of normalcy. Although they hadn't gotten close physically again, they had grown more comfortable with each other in other ways.

Every night, they slept holding each other without any awkwardness, a comforting routine that made them both feel more secure.

They shared smiles and laughter more freely now. Manik would tease Nandini playfully, and she would respond with mock annoyance, their interactions filled with a light-heartedness that had been absent before.

Cabir, ever observant, noticed the change in Manik's behavior and was delighted to see his friend finally coming back to himself. He often teased Manik about it, but there was genuine happiness behind his words.

Manik made small gestures that spoke volumes to Nandini. He would take her out for ice cream, a simple pleasure that she cherished. During these outings, she felt the warmth of his presence and the sincerity of his efforts.

Despite this, a small part of her remained scared. What if he pushed her away again? The thought lingered in the back of her mind, but she tried to focus on the positive changes she saw in him.

They celebrated Diwali with the family, a festive time filled with lights, laughter, and togetherness. Nandini felt a deep sense of belonging as she participated in the celebrations.

The flickering diyas and the sound of laughter filled the house, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere. Manik stayed close to her, making sure she was comfortable and happy.

Now, Nandini was in her last month of the second trimester, entering the sixth month of her pregnancy. She could feel the baby moving more frequently, and turn a reminder of the new life growing inside her. Manik was attentive and supportive, often talking to the baby and placing gentle kisses on her growing belly.

It was past midnight when Nandini found herself unable to sleep. Her mind kept wandering to a particular craving that had been gnawing at her for the past hour. Finally, unable to ignore it any longer, she hesitated but then decided to wake Manik up.

She gently shook his shoulder. "Manik," she whispered, trying not to startle him. "Manik, wake up."

Manik stirred, blinking his eyes open. He looked groggy and disoriented. "Nandini? What's wrong? Are you okay?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep.

"I... I have a craving," she admitted softly, feeling a bit guilty for waking him.

Manik rubbed his eyes, trying to fully wake up. "A craving? Now? What do you want?" he asked, still processing her words.

Nandini bit her lip, feeling a little embarrassed. "I want some chocolate ice cream with pickles," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Manik stared at her, blinking in confusion. "Chocolate ice cream with pickles?" he repeated, making sure he heard her right. "Are you serious?"

She nodded, looking at him with wide, pleading eyes. "Yes, I want it now. I can't wait until morning."

Manik sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was exhausted, but he couldn't say no to her, especially when she looked so desperate. "Okay, okay. Let's go get it," he said, getting out of bed.

"Really?" Nandini's face lit up with relief and excitement.

"Yes, really. Come on, let's go," he replied, grabbing his car keys.

They both got dressed quickly and quietly left the house. The cool night air hit them as they stepped outside, and they walked to the car. Manik helped Nandini into the passenger seat before getting in himself.

As they drove through the silent streets, Manik glanced over at Nandini. "Are you feeling okay otherwise?" he asked, his concern evident.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just... really craving this," she said with a small smile. "I'm sorry for waking you up."

"It's okay, Nandini. Anything for you and the baby," he replied, trying to hide a yawn.

They reached a 24-hour convenience store, and Manik parked the car. He turned to her. "Stay here. I'll be right back."

Nandini nodded, watching as he got out of the car and headed into the store. She felt a wave of gratitude wash over her.

Despite everything, Manik was trying so hard to be there for her, and she appreciated it more than words could express.

Manik returned a few minutes later with a bag in hand. He handed it to her as he got back into the car. "Got your chocolate ice cream and pickles," he said with a smile.

"Thank you, Manik," she said, her eyes lighting up as she opened the bag. She started eating, savoring the unusual combination.

Manik chuckled as he watched her. "I can't believe you're eating that."

"It's surprisingly good," she said between bites. "Want to
try?"

"I think I'll pass," he replied, shaking his head with a smile.

As they drove back home, Nandini felt a warmth in her heart. These small moments of care and consideration were slowly building a stronger bond between them.

When they got home, Manik helped her back into bed. Nandini felt content and happy, her craving satisfied, and her heart full. As they lay down, she snuggled closer to him, feeling a sense of peace.

"Good night, Nandini," Manik whispered, wrapping an arm around her.

"Good night, Manik," she replied softly, closing her eyes with a smile on her face.

In the following weeks, Nandini's cravings and demands became more unpredictable and sometimes downright peculiar. One night, as Manik was just drifting off to sleep, he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve.

"Manik," Nandini whispered.

Manik opened one eye, struggling to stay awake. "Yes, Nandini?"

"I really want to eat some peanut butter with onions," she said, looking at him with wide, pleading eyes.

Manik sighed deeply, rubbing his face. "Peanut butter and onions? Are you sure?"

"Yes, I can't stop thinking about it," she said, almost pouting.

Manik chuckled, unable to resist her adorable expression. "Alright, let's go get some peanut butter and onions."

Another night, just as they were about to go to bed, Nandini turned to Manik with a serious expression. "I want to smell freshly cut grass."

Manik blinked, trying to process her request. "Freshly cut grass? It's the middle of the night, Nandini."

"I know, but I just really need to smell it. Please?" she asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.

Manik sighed but smiled. "Okay, let's go find some freshly cut grass."

They drove to a nearby park, and Manik found a patch of grass that had been recently mowed. Nandini closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her face lighting up with contentment.

On another occasion, Nandini woke Manik up at 2 a.m., insisting she needed to paint her toenails with different colors for each toe.

Manik, though confused and sleepy, sat with her and handed her the nail polish bottles as she carefully painted each toenail a different hue.

Despite the bizarre nature of her requests, Manik complied without complaint. He found himself growing more patient and understanding as he realized how important these moments were to Nandini.

One evening, Nandini woke Manik with a new request. "Manik, I really want to watch a sunrise from the beach," she said, her voice filled with longing.

"It's 3 a.m.," Manik groaned, but then saw the earnestness in her eyes. "Alright, let's go."

They drove to the nearest beach and sat together on the sand, wrapped in blankets, watching the sky slowly change colors as the sun rose over the horizon. Nandini leaned against Manik, her heart full of gratitude for his unwavering support.

As the days passed, Manik found himself anticipating Nandini's unusual demands, wondering what she would come up with next.

Despite the oddity of some of her requests, he cherished these moments, seeing them as opportunities to bond and grow closer.

One particularly strange night, Nandini woke Manik up with a sheepish look on her face. "Manik, I want to eat spaghetti with chocolate sauce."

Manik stared at her in disbelief. "Spaghetti with chocolate sauce? Are you serious?"

"Yes, I know it sounds weird, but I want it," she said, biting her lip.

Manik couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, spaghetti with chocolate sauce it is."

Everyone was gathered in the living room of the Malhotra mansion. Raj, Neyonika, Dadi, FAB 5, Nandini, Navya, Abhimanyu, Vivek, and Ishita, were all chatting and laughing together. Nandini, feeling a bit peckish, shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I'm feeling hungry," she murmured, her hand gently resting on her belly.

Neyonika immediately took notice and called out to a butler. "Could you make some pasta for Nandini?"

The butler quickly returned with a plate of freshly made pasta. Nandini took a bite but wrinkled her nose. "I don't like it," she said apologetically.

Neyonika and Ishita exchanged concerned looks. "Don't worry, Nanna," Ishita said gently. "We'll make something for you."

Both mothers headed to the kitchen and prepared a paratha, but Nandini's face fell after the first bite.

Seeing her distress, Navya, Alya, and Mukti all took turns trying to make something to please Nandini's taste buds. Despite their best efforts, Nandini just couldn't find any of the dishes appealing.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm so sorry," she said, her voice breaking. "Because of me, everyone is working so hard, and I'm just being difficult."

Everyone hurried to reassure her. "No, no, don't cry!" Neyonika said, sitting beside her and patting her back.

Ishita added, "We're happy to do this for you. It's no trouble at all."

Navya nodded. "Really, Nandini, we're all here for you. It's fine."

Nandini sniffled. "You must be angry with me. I'm making everyone work."

Manik, who had been quietly observing, suddenly stood up. "Alright, let me try something." He went to the kitchen, his mind racing with possibilities.

He decided on a simple, comforting dish he knew Nandini had always liked-paneer butter masala with garlic naan. He set to work, the familiar motions of cooking calming him.

As the aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, a sense of confidence washed over him. He finished the dish and brought it out to the living room.

He placed the plate in front of Nandini. "Here, try this."

Nandini took a bite and her eyes lit up. She quickly devoured the entire plate, smiling with satisfaction. Everyone stared in astonishment.

Cabir grinned, nudging Dhruv. "Looks like the baby wants food made by dad."

Alya joined in, laughing. "Manik never makes anything for us, but he is cooking for her here."

The younger clan's teasing made both Manik and Nandini blush deeply.

Manik tried to defend himself, his ears turning red. "Well, I... I just thought she might like it. It's no big deal."

Vivek and Ishita exchanged pleased glances. Neyonika looked at Raj, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Navya leaned over to Mukti and whispered, "I think Manik's finally realizing what it means to be a dad."

As the laughter and teasing continued, Nandini looked around at her family and friends, feeling a warm sense of love and support.

Despite her cravings and the challenges, she knew she wasn't alone. And for Manik, seeing Nandini happy made all the teasing worth it.

Nandini's seventh month of pregnancy had started, and her baby bump was becoming more pronounced. She often felt heavy and tired, but today she and Manik were heading to Navya's hospital for a checkup.

Manik helped her into the car, making sure she was comfortable before driving off. Navya conducted the routine checkup, monitoring the baby's heartbeat and Nandini's vitals.

Once the examination was complete, she turned to Nandini with a reassuring smile. "Everything looks good. Just make sure you're taking it easy and following the diet plan."

Nandini nodded, feeling a sense of relief. Navya then asked her to wait outside for a moment as she needed to have a word with Manik.

Nandini gave Manik a curious glance but complied, stepping out into the waiting area. Manik, sensing something serious, turned his attention to Navya.

"Manik," Navya began, her tone serious yet gentle, "as Nandini progresses into her third trimester, there are a few things you need to be especially mindful of. This is a crucial time for both her and the baby."

Manik nodded, listening intently.

"Firstly," Navya continued, "Nandini will be feeling a lot of physical changes. She's going to feel heavier, more tired, and might experience some discomfort as the baby grows. Be patient with her. She'll need your support more than ever."

"I understand," Manik replied. "What else should I be aware of?"

"Emotionally, she'll be more sensitive," Navya explained. "She might have moments of insecurity, especially about her weight and how her body is changing. Her clothes will start feeling tight, and this can sometimes make her feel low or frustrated. She might have mood swings, and her demands could increase. You need to be calm and understanding."

Manik nodded, absorbing the information. "I'll do my best to be there for her."

Navya smiled, appreciating his sincerity. "Good. Just remember, this is a temporary phase. She needs reassurance that she's beautiful and loved, no matter what. Small gestures can go a long way."

Manik took a deep breath. "I'll make sure she knows that."

As he walked out of the office, he found Nandini sitting in the waiting area, absently flipping through a magazine. She looked up and gave him a small smile, which he returned warmly. He helped her up, and they made their way back to the car.

On the drive home, Manik kept glancing at Nandini, feeling a renewed sense of determination to support her through this time. She seemed lost in thought, her hand resting protectively over her belly.

"Nandini," he said gently, breaking the silence, "you know you can talk to me about anything, right? If you're feeling uncomfortable or if there's something on your mind, I'm here for you."

She looked at him, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Manik. I know."

He reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get through this together."

The Malhotra mansion buzzed with activity as everyone gathered in the living room. Raj, Neyonika, Dadi, Cabir, Dhruv, Alya, Navya, Mukti, Abhimanyu, Vivek, Ishita, Manik, and Nandini filled the room with chatter and laughter.

The air was filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement, especially since Dadi had called them all together for an important announcement.

"Dadi, what's the occasion?" Dhruv asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Yes, Dadi, why have you gathered us all here?" Mukti added, looking around at the expectant faces.

Dadi, seated at the head of the room with her usual regal demeanor, smiled warmly. "I'm glad you all could make it. The reason I've called you here is very special. Next month, Nandini will enter her eighth month of pregnancy, and it's time for us to celebrate with a baby shower."

The room erupted in excitement. Nandini blushed, feeling the warmth and love from everyone around her. Manik squeezed her hand, sharing in her joy.

"Oh, Dadi, that's wonderful news!" Navya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Yes, we must make it a grand celebration," Raj agreed, nodding enthusiastically.

"Absolutely," Neyonika added. "This will be a very special event for Nandini and the baby."

Dadi raised her hand to quiet the room. "I have a plan for the baby shower. We will hold it at our ancestral home in Punjab. Both Neyonika and I had our baby showers there, and it's a tradition I'd like to continue."

"Punjab! That sounds amazing!" Alya said, her excitement palpable.

Cabir grinned. "This is going to be epic!"

"Alright, then," Dadi continued, "I have tasks for each of you to make sure everything goes smoothly. Navya, Mukti, and Alya, you will handle the decorations and themes. Raj and Vivek, you'll oversee the arrangements for travel and accommodations. Neyonika and Ishita, you will take care of the traditional ceremonies and rituals. Dhruv, Abhimanyu, and Cabir will handle the logistics and ensure everything is in place. Nandini has to rest and Manik must take care of her."

Everyone nodded, eager to start planning.

As they dispersed to start their preparations, the excitement only grew. Plans were made, lists were written, and calls were made to arrange the perfect baby shower.

The thought of celebrating in Punjab, surrounded by family and tradition, filled Nandini with a sense of joy and anticipation.

The following days were a whirlwind of activity. Navya, Mukti, and Alya discussed decorations, choosing themes that combined tradition with a modern touch.

They decided on vibrant colors, intricate floral arrangements, and beautiful drapes that would adorn the ancestral home.

Raj and Vivek coordinated travel plans, ensuring everyone had comfortable accommodations and that the journey would be smooth.

Neyonika and Ishita delved into the rituals, preparing for the traditional ceremonies that would bless Nandini and the baby.

Dhruv, Abhimanyu, and Cabir tackled the logistics, ensuring all the necessary supplies and equipment were ready. They coordinated with local vendors in Punjab to ensure everything was perfect.

Neyonika sat with Nandini and Ishita, surrounded by old photo albums.

"Nandini, come here. I want to show you something special," Neyonika said, patting the seat beside her.

Nandini, curious, moved closer. Sitting across from them, Dadi smiled warmly, ready to share in the memories.

Neyonika carefully opened a large, leather-bound photo album. The pages were filled with photos, some faded with age but still capturing the joy and love of past generations.

"These are the pictures from my baby shower," Neyonika said, pointing to a photograph of herself, radiant and smiling, surrounded by family and friends. "It was held right here, in this very house."

Nandini leaned in closer, her eyes wide with amazement. "You look so beautiful, Mom. The decorations, the smiles... everything looks perfect."

Dadi nodded, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. "It was a wonderful celebration. We made sure Neyonika felt loved and cherished, just like we will do for you."

Neyonika turned the pages slowly, each photo telling a story. There were pictures of traditional rituals, family members laughing together, and Neyonika's glowing face as she received blessings and gifts.

"This one is my favorite," Neyonika said, pointing to a photo of herself with a garland of flowers around her neck, holding a beautifully decorated tray. "It was such a special moment, feeling the love and support of everyone around me."

Nandini felt a wave of emotions wash over her. She could almost feel the warmth and happiness radiating from the photos. "It's incredible to see these moments. Thank you for sharing them with me."

Dadi reached out and gently squeezed Nandini's hand. "This is a beautiful tradition, Nandini. And now it's your turn to create these memories. We'll make sure your baby shower is just as special, if not more."

Nandini smiled, feeling a sense of connection to the women who had come before her. "I can't wait to create these memories and share them with our child."

Neyonika closed the album and placed it gently on the table. "And one day, you can show these photos to your child, and tell them about the love and traditions that brought them into this world."

As they sat together, sharing stories and memories, Nandini felt a deep sense of belonging and anticipation. The baby shower would not just be a celebration of the new life growing inside her, but also a continuation of the love and traditions that had shaped their family for generations.
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Hope you all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik...

Few words for Nandini...

akriti1995 DeepaMehta2 ShrutiLandage13 so this chapter is dedicated to you guys as you asked me to show your fantasy. Nandini has cravings, weird demands and likes only food made by manik.

Suggest me the fantasy you want me to write. I will mention you in that chapter for that particular scene. Like them fighting, Nandini getting high on harmones and all???

Favourite moment???

Do comments and vote...

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️