Nandini decided that if Manik were truly sorry and committed to making things right, he would have to earn her trust and forgiveness. She was determined to make him understand the pain he had caused and to see if he was sincere in his efforts. This was not going to be an easy path for either of them.

The next morning, Nandini was up early, and she found Manik waiting outside the Murty mansion as usual. With a determined look, she called him over and handed him a list of tasks.

Nandini decided that Manik needed to experience the challenges and efforts she had endured alone for the past two years. She wasn't doing this out of spite but to give him a real understanding of the emotional and physical toll she had carried. She made it clear to Manik that if he was serious about making amends, he would have to step up and prove it through actions, not just words.

"I need you to help with these chores today," she said sternly. "If you want to prove yourself, then start by doing what I have to do daily."

Nandini handed Manik a long grocery list one morning. "If you want to help, start by getting these," she said, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Manik looked at the list, his eyes widening. "This looks like a month's worth of groceries."

"It's just for the week," Nandini replied, her tone nonchalant. "And make sure you get everything right. No mistakes."

Manik nodded, determined. He spent hours at the supermarket, fumbling through the aisles, trying to distinguish between different types of flour and spices. He even FaceTimed Neyonika for help, much to Neyonika’s amusement.

"Wow, Manik. You've become a domestic hero," Neyonika joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Manik smiled wearily. "It's the least I can do, Mom. I need to show Nandini that I'm serious about changing."

Neyonika sat down at the kitchen counter. "You've got a long road ahead, my son. But I can see you're determined. Just remember, actions speak louder than words."
When he returned, Nandini inspected every item meticulously. "You got everything," she said, slightly impressed. "But you took so long. Next time, be quicker."

Manik smiled, knowing he had passed the first test.

The next day, Vivek handed Manik a recipe book. "You're cooking dinner tonight."

Manik's confidence wavered. He had never cooked more than instant noodles and once for Nandini that too because he saw his Dadi making that. He spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, boiling pasta, and trying to make a decent sauce.

When it was finally time to eat, everyone gathered around the table, eyeing the dishes skeptically. Nandini took the first bite and winced. "This is... interesting," she said diplomatically.

Navya, who was visiting, couldn't hold back her laughter. "Manik, what is this?"

Manik blushed, scratching the back of his head. "It's supposed to be pasta with homemade sauce."

Vivek patted his back sympathetically. "It's a good effort, Manik. But maybe next time, follow the recipe a bit more closely."

Ishita handed Manik a basket full of laundry. "You're doing the laundry today."

Manik frowned, "Isn't it just putting clothes in the washing machine?"

Ishita laughed. "Oh, you'll see."

Manik spent the next hour sorting clothes by color and fabric type and then figuring out the washing machine settings. He ended up with a load of whites turning pink because of a stray red sock.

Ishita burst out laughing when she saw the result. "Well, at least you learned something today."

Manik grinned sheepishly. "I'm getting better, I promise."

One evening, Nandini decided it was time for Manik to understand the upcoming responsibilities of parenthood. She handed him a baby doll. "Practice changing diapers."

Manik stared at the doll. "Are you serious?"

"Very serious," Nandini replied. "And don't forget the baby powder and the wipes."

Manik struggled for an hour, trying to get the diaper on the doll correctly. Each time he thought he had it, Nandini would point out a mistake. "You need to make sure it's snug but not too tight. You don't want the baby to be uncomfortable."

By the end of the evening, Manik was exhausted, but he had managed to change the diaper correctly. Nandini couldn't help but laugh at his determination and the serious expression he wore while handling the doll.

Nandini decided to test Manik's patience and endurance. She asked him to accompany her on her morning walks, carrying a small backpack with water, snacks, and a blanket.

As they walked, she made him stop frequently, complaining of mock labor pains. Manik would immediately spring into action, offering her water, making her sit down, and even fanning her with a small portable fan he brought along.

One day, she pretended to have a severe contraction, and Manik panicked, calling out for help and almost carrying her back to the house. When she started laughing, he realized it was a test.

"You're cruel," he said, but he was smiling.

"And you're learning," she replied.

Nandini decided to let Manik redecorate the living room. She handed him a list of tasks, from rearranging furniture to hanging pictures.

Manik struggled with the heavy furniture and ended up with a lopsided picture frame. At one point, he accidentally knocked over a vase, which shattered on the floor.

Nandini walked in to see the mess and couldn't help but laugh. "Well, at least you tried."

Manik sighed, picking up the broken pieces. "I just want everything to be perfect for you."

One evening, Manik was sitting on the porch, exhausted from the day's tasks. Abhimanyu joined him, handing him a cold drink.

"You're putting in the effort, huh?" Abhimanyu said.

Manik nodded, taking a sip. "I need her to see that I'm serious. That I've changed."

Abhimanyu looked thoughtful. "You know, actions speak louder than words. But sometimes, it's the small, consistent efforts that make the biggest difference."

Manik smiled. "I'm starting to see that. It's not about grand gestures, but being there for her every single day."

Abhimanyu patted his shoulder. "You've got this, Manik. Just keep showing her how much she means to you."

Manik decided to plant a small flower garden for Nandini. He spent the entire day digging, planting, and watering flowers, hoping it would bring a smile to her face.

When Nandini saw the garden, she was genuinely touched. "This is beautiful, Manik."

Manik beamed. "I wanted to create something for you that would grow and flourish."

Nandini's heart softened a bit, but she reminded herself to stay strong. "Thank you."

One night, as Nandini was lying in bed, she heard a soft knock on her door. She opened it to find Manik standing there with a cup of tea.

"I thought you might like some," he said, offering the cup.

She accepted it, and they sat on the porch, sipping tea in comfortable silence. After a while, Manik spoke. "I know I've made so many mistakes, Nandini. But every day, I'm learning. I'm growing. And I will never stop trying to make things right."

Nandini looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. She was still hurt, but she could see he was genuinely trying.

Manik continued to do all the household chores, from cooking and cleaning to helping Nandini with anything she needed. He even attended prenatal classes, taking notes and practicing breathing exercises with her.

One afternoon, while they were walking in the park, Manik gently took her hand. Nandini didn't pull away this time. They walked in silence, but the simple gesture spoke volumes.

Manik looked at her with hope in his eyes. "Thank you for giving me this chance."

Nandini squeezed his hand lightly. "It's not going to be easy, Manik."

Manik smiled tears of relief in his eyes. "I won't let you down."

The days turned into weeks, and while Nandini remained cautious, Manik's unwavering dedication and genuine efforts began to melt the walls around her heart.

Manik decided to surprise Nandini with breakfast in bed. He woke up early and tiptoed to the kitchen, determined to make her favorite pancakes. He followed a recipe he had memorized, but as he worked, he couldn't help but get a little creative.

When he brought the tray to her room, Nandini was already awake, propped up with pillows and reading a book. Manik set the tray down with a flourish. "Good morning! I made you breakfast."

Nandini looked at the plate and burst into laughter. Manik had used blueberries to make a smiley face on each pancake, and there was even a little flower made of orange slices on the side.

"It's adorable, Manik," she said, smiling.

Manik grinned, his heart swelling at her reaction. "I thought a cute breakfast might brighten your day."

Manik was determined to redeem himself after his first laundry disaster. He carefully sorted the clothes and started the washing machine. When it was time to hang the clothes to dry, he found himself struggling with the fitted sheets.

Nandini walked by and saw Manik wrestling with a particularly stubborn sheet. She giggled, leaning against the doorframe. "Need some help?"

Manik looked up, his hair disheveled and a frustrated pout on his face. "These things have a mind of their own!"

Nandini joined him, showing him the trick to folding fitted sheets. Manik watched closely, trying to mimic her movements. He ended up wrapping the sheet around himself like a cape. "Look, I'm Super Laundry Man!"

Nandini laughed, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

Nandini had mentioned wanting to paint the nursery, so Manik took it upon himself to get started. He picked out soft pastel colors and spent the day painting the walls with clouds, stars, and a moon.

When Nandini came to check on him, she found him covered in paint, a smear of blue on his cheek, and a splash of yellow on his shirt. He turned around with a sheepish grin. "I think I got more paint on myself than the walls."

Nandini chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "It's beautiful, Manik. You did a great job."

Manik beamed. "Thanks. I wanted our baby to have a magical room."

Manik had bought a bunch of baby clothes and decided to show them off to Nandini in the most entertaining way possible. He set up a little runway in the living room and walked down it, holding up tiny outfits and making exaggerated model poses.

Nandini sat on the couch, laughing so hard that tears streamed down her face. "You're insane, Manik."

Manik struck a final pose, holding up a onesie with "Daddy's Little Star" printed on it. "I just want to make you smile."

Nandini clapped, still giggling. "Mission accomplished."

Manik decided to take on the garden again, this time planting a vegetable patch. He donned a floppy sunhat and oversized gloves, ready to tackle the task. As he worked, he sang silly songs to himself, making up lyrics about tomatoes and cucumbers.

Nandini watched from the window, amused by his antics. At one point, Manik accidentally sprayed himself with the hose and ended up drenched. He stood there, dripping and laughing, looking up at Nandini with a boyish grin.

"Well, at least the plants are getting watered," he called out.

Nandini shook her head, smiling. "And so are you."

Determined to redeem himself after his previous cooking disaster, Manik decided to make dinner again. This time, he meticulously followed a simple recipe for spaghetti and meatballs. He even donned an apron that said "Kiss the Cook."

When Nandini came to the kitchen, she found Manik singing along to a cheesy love song on the radio while stirring the sauce. He turned to her with a hopeful look. "I promise it tastes better this time."

Nandini took a bite and nodded appreciatively. "It's really good, Manik."

Manik's face lit up with pride. "I'm glad you like it."

One night, Nandini was feeling particularly tired, and Manik offered to read her a bedtime story. He grabbed a children's book and sat beside her, reading in an animated voice and making funny faces to match the characters.

As he finished the story, Nandini felt a warm glow in her heart. Manik was trying so hard, and despite everything, she couldn't deny that he was making her smile again.

Nandini couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm. "You're getting into this, huh?"

Manik nodded, his eyes twinkling. "I want to be the best dad and husband I can be."

"You look cute Manik," Nandini said pinching his cheek.

Manik said proudly winking at her, "Don’t call me with these girly nicknames, you can call me hot, sexy, and handsome."

Nandini said with a straight face giving a pitiful look, "Manik Illusion is beautiful like flowers while the truth is painful like a thorn, and if you touch it, it will hurt."

Manik shouts after understanding the meaning. "Nandini." She burst out laughing and fell asleep.

Manik's efforts were not just about winning Nandini back; they were about showing her that he was committed to being there for her and their baby.

Each day, with his silly antics and heartfelt gestures, he chipped away at the walls around Nandini's heart, hoping to earn her forgiveness and love once more.
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Hope you all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik...

Few words for Nandini...

Will Nandini forgive Manik???

What will Manik do now???

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???

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Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️