Nandini Pov

He was early I was happy, I walk towards him and was about to say something but he pulled me right into his lap.

I was shock infact my heart beat skipped. I looked at him with my wide eyes while he played with my finger his long fingers caressing my small ones. He was in some deep thoughts probably something had happened.

Nan: Manik are you okay ?
I asked starring at our intervene fingers.

Man: No but I will be okay.
He said entangling our hands together.

Nan: You can share.
I said softly not knowing how he will react.

Man: You had food ?
He asked changing the topic, looking into my eyes, his eyes had concern for me and not sympathy which made me smile.

I nooded my head.

Man: You slept for so long almost the whole day. Are you okay ? Do we need to get some test done ?
His eyes were full of concern and patiences after so many years he was talking to me like this as if I am his baby.

I looked at him in dilemma Should I tell him all....How will he react....no I should wait.... this is not the right time....he himself is so stress, worried and tensed about something. He won't share and if I tell him my....NO he will get more worked up. How much he will handle. I can't see him so much stress. He too deserve to be happy.

Nan: No it's just because of climate change.
I lied conveniently.

It was wrong, but I can't let him know. He will shatter or will probably feel guilty that he could not take good care of me while I needed him most. I don't want him to feel I am a burden.

He nooded I again tried so ask him what happened but he spoke himself.

Man: I know I am not a ideal kind of guy Nandini. And I don't want to be one also so I can't be good at pretending to be one for along time.
He sighed.

While I waited for him to continue.

Man: I love Naman I really do. But I probably don't know how to express it.
He said hanging his head low.

Nan: Manik I understand....
He cut me off.

Man: No u don't....if you would understand he would never think of me hating him.
He said this abit angrily but then he looked the other side to control his rage and calm himself.

Nan: I am sorry.
I said with tears.

I don't know where I had gone wrong I try my level best for making Manik image as best infront of his son. I always have made him understand and belived that how much we love him. But probably he is growing and letting the external entities talk getting into his head.

Man: In the morning the Sorry I told you was all pretended.....I didn't mean that word from my heart. I am a egoistic man. I love power over things. Nandini but after that the fever and all I didn't pretend I was really worried.
He said looking into my eyes genuinely.
He confessed all his true feeling.

After so many days we were having like this heart to heart conversation without any misunderstanding.

I was hurt that he pretended his sorry but the care and concern was not fake.

Nan: It's okay you don't need to say Sorry Manik. But trust me I had never tried to create any misunderstanding or hateren between you and Naman. I try my best to make him a better human being strong just like you not vulnerable like me.
I said with watery eyes looking at him sincerely.

Man: I trust you for that...
He said making me smile.

Man: I am tired....let call it for a day.
He said resting his head backward on the couch closing his eyes.

He was really worked up.

He face palmed himself and looked back at me while I starred at his wrist. His knuckle were abit swollen. What kind of person I am I noticed it now after such along time although I was sitting on his lap.

I took his hand and caressed them.

Nan: Manik what is this are you hurt.
I asked him worriedly.

While he just jerk my hand and pulled his hand away, out of my grip.

Man: Nothing.
He said being least interested to talk about it.

Nan: You look upset... what happened ?
I tried again to receive an annoying look from him.

Man: Why do you ask so many questions. Do you realize how annoying it is to keep on listening to your rant of why how what.

I didn't say anything and looked away.

Why he always has to be so rude. I was worried that's why I asked but he is such a Arrogant Monster I was pouting angrily.

Man: Will you do the needful of getting up so I can change and sleep in peace.
He asked me sarcastically.

I got up from his lap and stood beside while he got up and went upstairs.

I filled the jug of water and went upstairs.

He was yet in washroom. I had my medicine's and was sleeping on the bed covering myself with duvet.

The dose are so powerful it make me feel dizzy so I closed my eyes and was going in deep slumber when his voice broke my slumber and made me look at him dizzily.

He was taking out his tshirt from closet.
Man: I thought you would be now awake the whole night. Pacing in the house like owl. But you are off to sleep amazing. Kahase milte hai kitni needh.
He remarked me while chuckling.

Nan: I am feeling abit weak so....and the medicine they are of high dose.
I justified myself but he was least interested. He was looking at a medical file being confused in my shelf. And when I saw that I ran up to him. Like a mad bull.

He was about to open but I snatched it from his hands. Making him shock.

Nan: It's old report of one paitent I brought to study the case....wo actually I have got a similar case so....
I tried clearing his doubt.

While he starred at me. His eyes were scrutinizing me. I felt as if he was reading my face and I knew he was smart enought to.....my self talk was cut by him saying.

Man: You are lying.....look at your face, it's written that you are making up some story. The panick in your voice I can make out. So what is it show me.
He tried to take the file.

I had made such a big mistake of bringing this file at home.

I collected it late in the evening day before yesterday and brought it home.

Nan: Manik listen it's nothing.
I tried to explain but he being adamant didn't listen infact he pulled it so easily from my hand, my all efforts were deep down in ocean.

I covered my face in panick.
He will get to know all. I was in trouble and soon will be in great mess.

It made me freeze in my place as if roots had grown from my leg I was standing glued in my place with shock expression covering my mouth in panicked while he opened the file to read.

He read it calmly which made me more scared. One more minute and I am death. My heart was beating extra fast. I was sweating although it was cold.

He looked at me and then handed me the file.

I looked at him being confused while he said grumbling.

Man: You are behaving as if I will go and operate him out there.....
He said studying my expression.

I stared at it for a while and then open it to find some blood reports of some other patient.

It was a wrong file, given by the nurse to me.

I mentally thanked Ayyiappa.

Man: And waise bhi haemoglobin kaam hai toh what you want to study in this file.
He asked sitting on the bed.

Man: And you are gynelogist toh why the hell are you studying a male blood report. I thought you would be getting female paitents.
He asked the most obivous question which made me shock.

Why my husband has to be so smart and alert... kitna intelligent yeh ladka ko kyu banaya ayyiappa.

Man: What now male have too started giving birth in your hospital.
He asked while I stared at him in shock....he is too tired that's why he is saying something so stupid.

Nan: No
I said loudly making him roll his eyes.

Man: I know it's not possible... was joking. Science study kiya hai.
He said shaking his head in disbelief.

Man: And this is so oblivious that even an illiterate will know.
He said while I stood numb again I made a fool out of myself by my clumsiness.

Man: So ?
He asked me while I frowned.

I asked being confused.
Nan: So what.

While he glared at me.

Man: Nothing forget it. Next time practice first how to lie then try and I am definitely sure even if you practice thousand time I can easily catch your lie. Inbuild talented hai.
He said proudly sleeping.

Nan: This file is not the one which I had to study shayad nurse ni wrong file de hai.
I said looking at him.

Man: Haa shayad Nandini puri raat wrong file hold karki waha he khadi rahni wali hai.
He said making fun of me.

I pouted, kept the file inside, went and slept next to him.

I closed the bedside lamp and slept while he was looking inside his phone.

I saw him laughing while reading some message must be some joke.

I smiled looking at his face and turned another side facing my back to him.

I closed my eyes to sleep but my conversation with Navya came back in my head. Her words, her tone and her remarks they were hurtful unknowingly silent tear flow from my eyes. I really lost my relation with her was it my stubbornness or her ego which was responsible. I wanted someone to listen to me but there was no one around. I lost my sister my best friend today.

Manik pov

I was busy reading some joke in my phone.

Amaya messages were continuously popping in but I didn't open them. After whatever happened out there in meeting I am not at all interested to talk to her.

She kept on messaging I switch off my phone being irritated and kept it in the side table. I was about to switch off the light but when I saw on Nandini side she was shivering.

I moved towards her side and bent to see her face from above her pillow while removing her hair.

She was shocked to feel my touch and when I looked at her face I was surprised to find her crying.

Man: Now what did I do that you are crying all over again.
I asked angrily.

While she looked at me, wiping her eyes she nodded in a NO.

Man: Is crying your new hobby.
I asked while she cried even more, loudly crashing herself in my arms.

Man: What's wrong?
I asked this time alittle calmly.

Nan: I am missing amma appa
She said crying on my chest.

Like really, she is crying so much for missing her parents.

Well how would he understand what missing parents mean to girls. Leaving your parents house and suddenly staying with unknown people and in new place is not everyone cup of tea. Although you adjust and stay for rest of your life out there but a part of you always miss your house, your parents embrace.

Man: Do you think I am a fool.
I asked her breaking the hug.

While she starred at my face and nodded in a NO again.

Man: So what happened ?
I asked this time calmly wiping her tears.

Nan: Navya phone had come.
She said hanging her head down.

Man: So what did that Madhubala said that you are crying so much.
I asked annoyingly.

Nan: We fought.
She said sadly while sniffing.

Man: Ohh God Nandini.....I fight everyday with zillion of people if I was you I would have brought floods out here and we would be swimming.
Ohh I would be swimming and you would drown.
I said and chuckle to lighten her mood.

While she looked at me pouting.

Nan: You won't save me ?
She asked sadly.

Man: Why will I safe a cranky baby who would add more water to floods.
I asked her raising my eye brow.

Nan: Manik.
She said hitting my shoulder being irritated by my teasing.

I laughed out on her behaviour.

Man: Go to sleep your medicine was of high power na you said.
I said and kissed her forehead.

Nan: Good night Manik.
She said and slept putting her head on my chest and hands around my neck.

Man: Nandini I can't sleep like this it's suffocating.
I said to her while she looked at me and withdrew her hand and kept her head on pillow facing the other side.

Okay I don't know why I did the next thing but it felt perfect.

I back hugged her keeping my hands around her back and stomach.

She looked at me while I had my eyes closed I could make out her breathe felt on my face.

And then slept getting more close to me in my embrace. I smiled not knowing why but I had an peaceful sleep I know as I felt asleep soon. Without thinking about anything.

Nandini Pov

I opened my eyes to find Manik face inside my hair he was holding me close to him. His arms were around my waist, he was so close to me his hot breathe could be felt on my face as I turned my head to side to see his gorgeous face. He was sleeping peaceful with calm face but had few stress line above his head I moved my hand to his forhead trying to eraser them but it distrub his sleep. He left me and turn around hidding his face in another pillow.

I wish my every morning would be like before where he would kiss my cheeks and wish me Good Morning Sunshine. But I was expecting alot more.

Morning was as usual busy for me I got up at 6.00am and started with my daily routine I waked up Naman around 7.00am and got him ready. We had our breakfast with few mother and son talks. I went up to see on Manik he was in washroom. I was about to go and knock his door when he came out in his towel as always he had forgotten his clothes.

Nan: Good morning.
I said smiling at him standing alittle far away, behind him while he looked at me through mirror.

Man: Morning.
He is obsessed with his hair, he will stand infront of mirror adjusting his hair even before wearing his clothes and someone always complaint's that I act like kid what he does.....

This same hereditary he has pass on to his son too. He is too so obessed by his hair if I ruffled it in fun or lovingly the frown he give me Ohh God. Like father like son.

Man: What ?
He asked while I was in my trance and unknowingly I was staring in his direction.

Nan: Wo I was leaving came to inform.
While he moved to his closet to take out his clothes.

Nan: Byee...Have a good day.
I said waited for him to say a simple Bye atleast but no Mr Rude Malhotra is again in his Monster on mode.

I frowned and moved towards the door when he spoke.

Man: Take care.
Which made me smile brightly, he care's only pretends of being all hard and steel coated.

I turned around and smiled looking at him.....I was behaving like a stupid teenager who's crush had talk to her finally.....uff stupid me.....but definitely my day will go Awesome Blossom today. 😉

Man Pov

I reached my office and the first thing I did shouted on Jocab and threaten him I will fire him right now, firstly for the tasteless coffee and secondly for yesterday's meeting, he was suppose to get the details about the party on the other side. Although Amaya was confident but me being professional and perfect in my work can't trust her blindly.....but this stupid fellow didn't give me any information and I too didn't ask him again as I got busy with other project.

My mood was so bad that I was ready to eat a human alive. So I engrossed myself in work to calm my nerves down. I sat back on my chair busy with files and my new upcoming projects and deals. I have wasted a lot of my time on something which was not meant to happen, the deal which was a shit. I have cursed myself hundred of time from yesterday. It was a deep shit I should have personally check those asses details. Who the hell were those bastards.....

Just then someone banged into my cabin without knocking, and I so hate it.....

Man: Learn to knock.
I said angrily looking up to find the person I wanted to meet last today on this planet.

Amaya: Really Do I have to knock and ask your permission.
She asked with her all time attitude if it was another I would calm down but not today.

Man: Yes you have to, I hate people banging in like this it show what kind of character and manners they carry.
I remarked sternly which made her shock.

Amaya : Manik What wrong with you like.....I have being calling you since ages it seem you didn't for once bothered to drop a message or call me back...and do you have any idea what you did in yesterday's meeting Bob told me all I mean....
She started with her nagging which I cut off I am not interested.

Man: Do you think I am sitting here to answer you and your questions. Manik Malhotra is not answerable to anyone.
I said arrogantly this lady had crossed her limits this time and I would not tolerate this.....Friendship or whatever is secondly for me when it come to my work which is my priority. I have work day and night,hard to come up, to become best and when my reputation is on stake I don't care of any Tom Dick or Harry whoever it is will have to face my worse.

Amaya: Do you realized who you are talking to ???
She said with a frown

Man: I am not blind.
I too snapped back she better shut up now.

Amaya: Manik the deal yesterday would make us earns remarkable profit it was 120% profit margin can you imagine and your stupidity made us loose everything. Infact if we even try to talk to them again it will make no sense as you have beaten the guy black and blue.
She said raising her hand that she was the most wise person out here.

Yes I did hit the guy probably I would kill him but I tried controlling my anger.

Man: The collaboration contact which I had plan to extend will not be any more extended.....
I said with my fake arrogant smile.

Well after this encounter and her thinking I have to definitely take a wise decision.

While her mouth was wide open, she was shock I could make out.

Amaya : Manik why the hell are you over reacting like seriously this is the way you will do your business, handle such a big empire like an emotional fool.

Wow now she has crossed her line.. .I was being all good till now but now I am done.

I got up from my chair and moved towards her while she looked surprised at me.

She was not expecting this....

Man: I am fool right, first have a look on my companies shares rates.....I don't know how to handle MY business, MY empire well it is all MY not your so it's my problem whatever I do it's my lookout nothing to do with you....so no need to bother Miss Matur.
I said being calm emphasising on the word MY.

Amaya: I am shock this is the way now it will work huh....
She asked showing her hand in What.

Amaya: Manik it was a great deal.
She said moving towards me keeping her both hand on my shoulder while I just moved behind. These tricks don't work on me.

Man: Yup a very great deal of promoting a harmful drugs under the name of pharmaceutical like seriously.....
I said laughing out while clapping my hands.

Amaya: You are over reacting the profit it will fetch I mean
I cut her off she was explaining baseless thing.

Man: I am a Man of Ethics.....I am not greedy for some profit margins will sell off my morals and values....When something is wrong it is wrong.
I said sternly.

Amaya: Okay....I completely understand and respect you for this but....

Man: Then there should not be a but....and if it is also I am least interested in knowing about what it is.....I have lots of work so are we done with this meaningless talks infact utter nonsense.
I said in my attitude sitting back on my seat getting involve with what I was doing before she entered in.

Amaya starred at me probably she was shock by my this kind of behaviour, well she needed a reality check about who I am.

After sometime she spoke hanging her head low.

Amaya: Manik....I am sorry I should have realized this....I forced you for the meeting and you had to face so much trouble beacuse of me. I am really sorry.
She said sniffing her nose.

Man: Okay but the extension of collaboration for now keep it on hold... I am not really sure. I mean Amaya I need time.
I said this time calmly well I have to act abit sane.

I can't make her cry in my office.

Amaya: I understand take your time.
She said in assurance.

Man: Thanks....and next time be careful I won't be taking up such shitty projects.

She nodded.

Man: Well I have not punished you, you can have a sit.
I told her while chuckling to lighten up the environment while she smiled and sat on the visitors chair.

After sometime she said

Amaya: What kept you so busy yesterday that the whole day you didn't answer any of my calls....Jocab told me about the emergency is everything okay...
She asked being tense.

I smiled at her concern.

Man: Yup all good had some work.
I said not bothering to let her know about Nandini well it's personal.

Amaya: Yup it would be something very important I understand.....well Cabir had come to office too....I was leaving when he got in.
She said as if I didn't knew about it.

Man: Hmm
I didn't wanted to talk about it not now when I am busy with my offical paper work.

Amaya: He called you....and you could pick up his call.
She said being sarcastic while I looked at her being surprised.

Man: So ?

Amaya: Nope I just mean to say it's about priorities I am no one to you.
She said in a hurtful tone.

I sighed

Man: Amaya you called me up when I was dropping Naman and was busy with him.

Well it true case Naman had gone inside already it was Nandini.

She raised her eye brow.

Amaya: I thought his school was early in morning around 8.00am and I was calling you around 9.15

Well she knew the timing also, this is what I like of her, she is sharp. But right she was interrogating me as if I have committed a crime of not picking up her call.

Man: He got up late.

Amaya: So emergency ???
She asked again while I glared at her.

Man: You saw Cabir talking to me so I am damn sure you would have heard his conversation with me too....so stop acting all innocent that you don't know why I didn't come.
I said being annoyed.

She was nagging me.

Amaya: Wow So if I ask you something so you get all this annoyed and worked up, now. What's your real face the one which you showed me always or the one right now.
She asked yelling at me.

Okay this is it I am not going to tolerate this nonsense. No one dare to talk to me like this.....NO ONE and I mean it.

Man: Check your tone Amaya.....you are in my office. And I don't need to give any kind of explanation to you. If I want to answer your call I will orelse I won't.
I said in my deathly tone while she frowned.

Amaya: This is the way you will behave with me......I waited for you for one and a half hour out here in your cabin, called you zillions of time and what you did ignored me....I care for you and this you give me in return.

Man: I did tell Jocab to inform you.
I said calmly I was really checking out my tone.

Amaya: Jocab right.... you could too talk for 5 mins....Miss Murty would not die if you spared your 5mins for me... Manik for that bhenji you avoided me seriously.
She shouted.

This is it, she has crossed her all limits I had enough of her.

I stood up from my chair angrily banging my fist on my table.

Man: Mine your words Miss Matur....who the hell are you to talk about MY WIFE like this....and dare you say any ill word against her....I will not tolerate her insult or humiliation ever. And it's MRS NANDINI MANIK MALHOTRA not Miss Murty she is my better half so mine your tongue.
I shouted on her angrily while my eyes had turn red in anger.

How dare she talk about her death the mere thought of her dying left me blaffed.

Man: Leave.....
Is all I told her after that showing her the door.

While she starred at my face in shock.

____________________________________

A very long update....😅

Many of you put up that Nandini should take stand for herself, so she will definitely take a stand and will make Manik realize. But she will not leave Manik side till end rest what will happened to be soon revealed in the story.....😉

Happy Reading 😊😊😊