Nandini's POV

"Nandini! Flowers lene gayi thi ya ugaane?"

"Aayi.."

I huffed as I tried carrying the basket of flowers all by myself, when two muscular arms came from behind me lifting it from my hands. I shot Manik a grateful smile as I made my way towards other arrangements.
Time flew by like wind, and its already Mukti's eighth month (almost ninth month) of pregnancy. And Alya's seventh month. So they decided to have their baby shower together. Hence, the commotion.

Well, about Manik and I, we've become closer than before. We went on a few more dates, be it movies or a simple takeaway dinner with movie at home, I loved it as long as we could spend time together.
We are not official yet but we both know our feelings towards each other, so there's no need to give it any tag. But to be honest, a little part of me still nags behind, about becoming official. Come on, every girl likes to call him as hers in front of others..

Moving on, everything's going fine. Our project has been finished and Mr. Sinclair was really happy with our work. Abhi bhai has temporarily taken leave, so everything was on my shoulders but I was really ecstatic to see the proud look on his face when we nailed this project.

"Bhaiya, wo dekho wahan balloons theek se nahi lage hain, and please hurry up we don't have all day.." I told one of the workers and moved to check on the caterers.

After checking that all the dishes are perfect in taste, I did a double check with other decorations. Feeling satisfied, I went to the dining area and drank some water, when a plate of food slid in front of me. I looked up and met with a certain pair of chocolate brown eyes, that I always feel myself drowning into.

"Sit," He said as he gently made me sit on a chair and took a seat next to mine, "And now eat." He took out a spoonful of rice and fed me. I smiled at him, but felt myself frowning as I saw his face.

I gently caressed his cheek, "Mani, you okay? You're looking tired." He did look tired. He had bags under his eyes and his eyes were a bit red like he hasn't slept in days.

"Nothing much, Nandu. Don't worry!" He replied and I shook my head.

"Manik, tell me. I hardly see you these days and you look tired as hell like you haven't slept in days!" I said voicing my thoughts.

"I'm sorry, we aren't able to meet these days. It's just, workload bohot hai. Dad has also gone to Chicago, toh saara kaam mujhe hi karna pad raha hai.." He finally told me and sighed, after feeding me my last morsel.

I moved my chair a bit closer, "It's okay Mani. Sab theek ho jayega. I know you can manage, but promise me you won't stress more. And raat ko toh bilkul kaam mat kiya karo. Take care of yourself tabhi toh you can take care of your company!" I told him and rubbed soothing circles on the back of his hands.

He smiled back in reply, "You always know the right thing to say na?" I nodded grinning and he chuckled. He kissed my temple and went to the kitchen, with me following behind. "Achha you go and get ready, guests would be here anytime. I'll manage here." He playfully pushed me out of the kitchen, while I fake glared at him. I stuck my tongue out and semi-jogged to my room.

Hmm, now the bigger problem! What to wear?! Uff, why can't we just attend a function in sweatpants and Tshirt! Now don't get me wrong, I love dressing up but sometimes you just wanna throw on the first thing you see. I finally decided on a cropped lehenga blouse with a peach coloured ghagra. I curled my hair and applied a bit of mascara and kohl. Done!

I descended downstairs and saw that the guests had started arriving. I went and sat next to Mukti and Alya who were both looking gorgeous in there outfits.
A few minutes later, all our relatives and friends had arrived. So we started the pooja.

(A/N : Godh bharai is a baby shower celebrated during pregnancy to welcome the unborn baby to the family and bless the mother-to-be with abundant joys of motherhood.)

Chachi came forward first and adorned both of Mukti and Alya with jewellery, made them wear bangles and fed them sweets, then gave them a small basket of fruits and a lot of gifts. All other women followed by, even Navya and I did.

The ladies sang a song for both the to-be-mums and gave blessings for the good health of their little ones.
The rest of the ceremony was filled with singing, dancing and a fair amount of teasing and fun.

It also included some games such as guessing the gender of the baby by the size and shape of both the girls' belly. There was also a game where everyone created a names list for their baby. 

After all these fun games, everybody proceeded to eat lunch. When I was suddenly pulled aside by Mr. one and only.
"Haan ji." I said nonchalantly as I was so used to him pulling me aside like that.

He laughed not fazed by my non-surprised behaviour, "Bohot khoobsurat lag rahi ho." He spoke in a quiet tone.

"Well, I try." I said shrugging but couldn't keep the big smile off my face.

"Nandu, I-I wanted to.."

"Nandu!!" He was interrupted by Chachi who called for me. He sighed but reluctantly gestured me to go.

"Haan Chachi!" I shouted back then, giving him an apologetic look, I went to her.

"..Dammit!" I faintly heard him say, but brushed it off and went ahead.

***

After around 3 hours, the guests left not before congratulating the girls again. We all ate our lunch, when I saw Manik sitting alone on the bar stool. I approached him and I asked the question lingering in my mind since afternoon.

"Manik, what were you gonna tell me, before we got interrupted?"

He seemed hesitant for a bit as if he was having an internal battle with himself, "I w-was gonna say ki-"

"Manik!" I groaned as Noni ma called him, interrupting our conversation once again.

"Haan mom.." He went mouthing a sorry on his way. I waited for him to finish talking with her but seems like I'm not gonna know what he was going to say today because he had to go to the airport to pick up Dadda.
He gave me a quick hug and rushed out.

Great! Now he has left me all curious.

What was he going to say anyway?!
___________________________________

Anya : I'm back! I. Am. Back!!!
Hello lovely readers. How are you all? I missed you guys!

Manik : We too!

Anya : Yeah Yeah, they missed you too. But I kinda missed you guys more. *Manik glares at her and they both start arguing*

Nandini : Moving on from these two, how was the update guys?

Anya : Yess! Batao.. kaisa tha? I know thoda chhota hai but bear with it, next will be a long one. Do let me know if you guys want pictures of their outfits. Also the new cover is of course by Angeline a.k.a Angiee 💕

Navya : Hii people! I'm so excited to be here today.. Btw Fab cover Angiee! Thanks a lot for making such an amazing cover for our boring story. 💞

*Anya shoots her a death glare*

Navya : Aaaand I'm outta here! It was great talking to you guys.

Cabir : Hey guys! Sorry I'm a little late. So, what did I miss?

Manik : Yahi ki the readers missed me the most!

Anya : Excuse me Mister! Don't go so ahead of yourself. They obviously missed me more!

Manik *mutters to himself* : And I'm the one who's ahead of themself.

Cabir : Well guys, guess what?! Newsflash! I still beat you both in the 'who's the most missed contest'.

*They both glared at him while he walked out dramatically*

Nandini : Um.. Guys? *They all ignored her* Guys! *Nope ignored again* You all are impossible! *She huffs and turns to the audience* Ok so please vote and leave your sweet comments. And also help me solve their fight by telling me, whom did you miss the most?? 😉