Loving someone and being loved by someone is destiny but being able to keep that relationship blissful throughout the life is willingness

(_thehijabiwrites)

Anyone can fall in love and anyone can be loved because it was written in his destiny but to be able to fight every odds of that relationship and keep it unbroken is based on the willingness of him to fight for his love.

Our Nest

Manvik: But Mamma, we have already prepared for it. Just a little more practice is left.

Nandini, who was busy in cooking raised her eyebrows at Manvik and then at the rest two of them.

Nandini: So, you knew, you were going to get permitted?

Karthik (smirked): Isn't it obvious that no one can resist our talent?

Nandini rolled her eyes while Manvik and Prathik supported Karthik.

Prathik: Exactly, there's no one in the world who could say NO to our music.

Nandini (muttered): Too much of Manik Malhotra in them, not their mistake actually.

Manvik (frowned): Did you say something, Mamma?

Nandini just shrugged her shoulders and concentrated back in cooking.

Karthik: Er, Mamma...

Nandini: Haa?

Karthik: Do you know that guy, Manik Malhotra?

She got halted in her place and snapped her head at Karthik, who was busy in studying her features.

Prathik (frowned): What kind of question is that?

Karthik ignored him and this made Prathik to raise his eyebrows at Manvik, who was also observing Karthik keenly and then gave a look to Prathik which meant, they're not aware of their brother's intentions.

Nandini: Um..why? Why such a sudden question?

Karthik: That's not the answer to my question, Mamma.

She sighed at the way he makes her spit everything out, just like how Manik does.

Nandini: Yeah. I know him. He's Bhabi's brother, so I ought to know him.

She prayed in her heart that Karthik believes it.

Karthik: Oh.

Nandini: What's wrong, Karti?

Karthik (smiled): Nothing, Mamma. That guy, Manik, he was telling me that you both were friends, but you never said anything about him before.

She curled her hands into a fist on realizing it was Manik's first step to create misunderstanding between her sons and her.

Nandini: There's nothing to talk about it, Karti. Yes, he was a friend but that doesn't mean I need to talk about him to everyone. I've got plenty of friends and there are many whom you don't know. Maybe, one day I could introduce all of them to you.

She smiled at him who smiled at her back and nodded. All this while, Manvik and Prathik didn't bother to look at Karthik but only their mother. The way how her expressions changes on the mere mention of that Malhotra's name was making them, quiet restless.

Karthik: Manvik...

Manvik: Mamma, I'll just come around.

He moved out of the kitchen making Karthik confused.

Karthik: Pr..

Prathik: Where's Ashu? This girl, I tell you. Always late. Let me check on her, Mamma.

He too walked out and Karthik made a frustrated face.

Karthik: I'll be back, Mamma.

He too walked out like his brothers but Nandini could only nod because she was way too angry at Manik that she could even kill him now.

Boys' room

Manvik: I can't believe that he hid something from us.

He was pacing around with a reddened face which showed his anger, something he got from his father, his anger, that doesn't go well with anyone.

And he broke another vase!

While Pratik was busy in assaulting his punching bag. H speaks nothing when he's angry. He wants to vent it out all by himself without hurting anyone because he knew, once he opens his mouth, he will speak only hurtful words.

"What the f*** is wrong with you both?" they heard the voice which is now unpleasant to the surroundings.

Manvik: Get lost Karthik!

Karthik stood there bewildered but entered the room and banged the door close and turned only to get a punch.

Karthik: Ouch. Manvik!!

Manvik: Shut up! Just shut up! You've got no right to yell at me when you know its you who's at fault.

Karthik: What the heck did I do?

And this time, it was the punching bag which hit him, and he stumbled behind.

Karthik: F***. That hurt, dude!!

Prathik: Good for you!! Because, that was my last ounce of anger.

And he settled on the bed while wiping his sweat.

Karthik: Could you just explain my fault, now?

Manvik: You..Forget it!

Karthik: Fine then. Don't tell.

Karthik punched the wall and was about to move out when he heard Prathik's voice.

Prathik: You hid it from us about your conversation with that Manik guy. You know we don't have secrets in between us.

Karthik turned behind in shock.

Karthik: Are you freaking serious? You guys were hitting me just because you didn't know about that stupid conversation?!

Manvik (yelled): It might be stupid for you, but not for us. You broke our rule.

Karthik pressed his nose and then composed himself.

Karthik: Fine, listen. Its not like how you're thinking. I was angry after speaking with him and then we went to our garage where I vent all my anger out. After that Mamma called us to kitchen and on seeing her, my conversation with that arrogant man was the first thought came in my mind and I spoke it out. I knew I wouldn't be able to leave that topic soon. You know we never discuss over a matter which makes us angry. We always spit it out without thinking what should be done.

On listening it, Manvik and Prathik calmed themselves down.

Manvik: What did he say?

Karthik sighed in relief after knowing he didn't have to bear his brothers' ignorance anymore. He narrated the entire conversation and by the end, the rest two were raging like a hulk.

Manvik: What does he want actually?

Karthik: Something. That's why he was speaking like that.

Prathik: Correction. He was instigating you and we need to find out why.

They nodded at him in determination.

At night

MukBhi's Room

Mukti: I'm not gonna spare her, no matter what may come in between.

Mukti, spoke in her high-pitched tone to Abhimanyu, who didn't have anything to answer.

Abhimanyu (sighed): Do whatever you want but make sure you don't regret at the end, Mukti.

"Why would she regret when she won't do anything, Abhi?" they turned to the voice and Mukti glared at the person.

Mukti: You still are supporting her? I can't believe that you could leave her easily when she broke you to this extent, Manik.

Manik settled on a couch which was placed in front of Mukti and Abhimanyu.

Manik (smirked): Who said I'm leaving her?

Abhimanyu (suspicious): Manik?

Manik (spat his anger): Haa Abhi. I'll make sure that your sister like girl gets rewarded for what she did to me.

Though Mukti was also smirking, she too had that unknown concern for Nandini on seeing Manik's determination to destroy Nandini.

Maybe, friendship never dies!!

Abhimanyu (sighed): Why are you guys behind her? She has moved on but how are we even holding any right to question it? She left you, Manik. That too 10 years back. Phir kyun picha kar rahe ho uska?

Manik stood up making Mukti to flinch while Abhimanyu sighed again on knowing he won't budge.

Manik: Isiliye, isliye peecha kar raha hun uska. She left me. She bloody left me when I was nowhere at fault. Kasoor kyat ha mera? That I was so much in love with her that I couldn't see her with anyone else?

Abhimanyu stood up and held Manik by his shoulders while Mukti was shedding silent tears. They have never seen him speaking against her. He never let anyone to talk about her and today, he himself, was trying to hurt her. Hurt his love and that was enough o realize that he's a lot hurt.

Abhimanyu: Manik, I know you weren't at fault but where is she at fault? Her new family? Kya wahi galathi hain?

Manik (raged): Usse galathi nahi. Betrayal kehthe hain.

And he walked out with that raging breathe while Abhimanyu pulled his hairs being helpless.

Abhimanyu: Why don't you understand guys? She wasn't at fault. Hamesha tum dhono bhai behen ko ek saath rehna hai kya? Try to be mature, Mukti.

Mukti (shouted): Just like how you consider her as your sister and can't see her in pain, I too consider Manik as my brother. In fact, he is my brother and I can't see him hurt. I'll stand by his side even if its you who come in between.

She too walked out, and Abhimanyu let out a humorless laughter.

Abhimanyu: She will choose Manik over me which means, she's gonna regret too.

He thumped on the bed and a tear fell of his eyes.

Abhimanyu (whispered): Galathi nahi, naa insafi ki hai tune..Cabir!!

He palmed his face to control his emotions.

Abhimanyu: I need to protect her, anyhow.

Outside Manik's Bedroom

Manik was walking towards his bedroom when Mukti too walked behind him.

Mukti: Manik..ruko.

But, he didn't budge.

Mukti: Manik..

He still was walking ahead.

Mukti (sighed): Bhai, please.

That did melt him. She calls him Bhai only when she needs that brotherly warmth. He was always her support in that darkness filled life of hers.

Manik: Jaa Muku. I don't wanna hurt you.

Mukti: Will you hurt yourself?

Manik turned behind and chuckled sadly.

Manik: Ab aur kithna hurt karoon khudko?

She sniffed on knowing what he meant. She knew, he's hurt for hurting Nandini but just like him, even she was angry at her.

Manik turned behind and walked ahead only to stop by hearing that voice.

"Manik Malhotra.." he turned behind followed by Mukti to see an angry Nandini strolling towards him and the next moment, she punched him making him yelp.

Mukti: What the f***!! Nandini..

Nandini showed her palm to Mukti making her to halt in her place while Manik turned to Nandini, whose gaze was still fixed on him.

Nandini: Hope you understood what I would do to them who instigate my sons to get away from me.

Manik, was smirking instead of being angry at her.

Manik: So..it worked, huh?

Nandini held his collars in her fist and stared in his eyes in pure anger.

Nandini: Zindagi mein aaj thak mene tumse jude hone keliye regret nahi kiya hai Manik.

His eyes softened for a moment.

Nandini: Par iska mathlab ye nahi ki kabhi aisa ehsaas nahi ho saktha hain.

She left his collars and glared at him hard.

Nandini: Stay away from my sons. They mean the world to me. If at all you try to let them away from me, then you know who Nandini Dhawan is!!

She walked away but this time, something caught Mukti's attention.

Mukti (thought): Nandini Dhawan?? Why isn't she using her..husband's surname? Is it because, she still fascinates to be a Dhawan?

Manik: And now, I'm so sure how to destroy you Nandini.

He walked inside his bedroom while Mukti stare at the duo in confusion.

Mukti (muttered): Ho kya raha hain?!!

She held her head in frustration and let out a sigh.

Next Day

Manik: Why are we here?

Mukti: Naila is getting admitted in this school, Manik.

Manik nodded while smiling at Naila, who's enjoying her new school's surroundings.

Abhimanyu: Uncle, yaha rehna zaroori hai kya?

Manik smirked on knowing what could the reply be.

Raj (nodded): Haa Abhi, it is. It will take nearly a year to get our new Empire to get built and then bring it to a spontaneous leve. I told you that you can go back with Mukti and Naila since it would be a trouble for you guys in your hospital.

Naila (adamant): Meinnahi jaungi Mamu ko chodke.

She hugged Manik who held her in his arms securely.

Abhimanyu (smiled): Isiliye tho Daddy ne already mana kiya wapas jaane keliye.

Naila peeked from Manik's shoulders to see her father's assuring smile making her to squeal in joy and jumped in his arms.

Naila: Thank you Daddy!!

Abhimanyu smiled and ruffled her hairs making the rest to admire them. Manik bit his lips to control the aching that formed in his heart on realizing how happy it will be to be a father.

Soon, they were done with the admission formalities and was about to move out when Mukti's gaze fell on someone.

Mukti (grinned): Its Alishka.

This made the rest to follow Mukti's gaze and they got to see Alishka talking with some boy of her age. They walked ahead only to realize that she wasn't talking but was arguing with the boy.

Alishka: Are you blind or you decided to be blind only when you get to see me. Move out of my way. Don't instigate my brothers to punch that stupid nose of yours, Sammy.

They gaped at Alishka on hearing her while the boy in front of her was raging in anger.

Sammy: And who are these stupid brothers of yours? London president?

Alishka: Get.The.Hell.Out.Of.My.Way!!

Sammy: What would you do, if not?

Alishka (smirked): Why don't you feel it yourself?

Sammy frowned but then soon enough, he was towered by three boys.

Mukti kept gazing at the boys and then stared at Manik.

Mukti (thought): Why do they look a lot like Manik? Nandini ke bache aur Manik ke beech aisa kaunse rishtha hai?

But, it wasn't just Mukti, even Nyonika was staring at the boys.

Manvik: Again Sammy?! Damn!!

Karthik (groaned): You know, I'm seriously bored with punching the same guy every day.

Sammy took all his courage in him and spoke angrily.

Sammy: Why don't you get punched this time?

Some boys gathered behind Sammy and smirked at them.

Prathik: Seems like, they're not from our school, huh?

Sammy (smirked): Seems like, you have never been outside our school.

The three brothers looked at each other and smirked and then removed their watches and gave it to Alishka.

Karthik: Ashu, keep them safe.

Alishka nodded with a victory smirk as if she already knew who's gonna win.

Manvik: So, who's first?

Sammy (yelled): Ron!!

The boy, Ron walked ahead to punch when Manvik threw him away in a blow making the Malhotras and Thakkars shocked.

Manvik: Dude, your Ron is full of Bones. Why can't he eat something?!

Sammy: What the f*** are you gaping at?! Move ahead!

Before anyone could predict, Karthik picked Prathik up who kicked two-three boys altogether.

Alishka (whistled): That's called "Kicking Butt" oops, "Kicking Heads"..

At the end, the boys were lying on the ground with bruises all over their bodies while the brothers dusted their uniform by using their hands like nothing happened.

All this while, Malhotras stood there with jaws hanging down, especially Manik and Mukti.

Mukti (muttered): Oh God! It looked like Manik was fighting!!

"What the hell is going on"

The Principal of the school walked inside the playground after getting to know about the fight, which is actually usual for the school management.

Principal: Oh my God!! What happened to them?

The workers of the school helped the boys to get up from the ground.

Sammy: Mam..its all done by them!

Sammy, who was also on the ground after getting kicked brutally, spoke with great difficulty as he had swollen lips.

Principal (shouted): Malhotras!!

Raj stared at the principal dumbfounded.

Raj (muttered): When did I or my family take part in this fighting competition?!

Nails, who heard it chuckled while the rest were too shocked to react.

Karthik: Chill, Mrs. Klimpin.

Principal: Its. Mrs. Kimplin!!

Prathik: Whatever it is. Just chill, Mrs. Klimpin!

Manvik: Gosh Prathik, its Mrs. Kimilpin, right Mammmmm?!

The students who were gathered around, started to laugh loud while the Principal was raging in anger.

Principal: Shut up!!

It halted everyone laughter but not Alishka's. She kept giggling much to Mrs. Kimplin's anger.

Principal: I said shut up!!

Karthik: And why would our sister listen to you, Mrs. whatever PIN?!

Prathik: Its Klimpin not any Pin, Karthik.

The laughter started again and this time, even elder Malhotras joined them.

Principal: You little Malhotras..!!

Karthik (glared): Watch your tongue, oldy!! Its not any little Malhotras.

Principal: How dare you?!

Manvik: Well, we do dare. Mr. Fred.

He stared at the man beside the principal who gulped even by looking at the boys.

Manvik: You do know we have the right.

Fred nodded meekly and raised his lashes up to look at Mrs. Kimplin.

Fred (stuttered): Mam..They are..Miss D's sons!!

This raised her anger.

Principal: So what? I don't care if they're some Miss D. or any bitch's sons!!

The next second she was towered by the boys while Manik stood confused. Who's Miss D.? Isn't the man supposed to take Nandini's name instead of some Miss D.?

Karthik: Never speak a shit about our mother or else, we wouldn't mind to pluck that tongue out.

Mrs. Kimplin gulped after meeting Karthik's monstrous gaze.

Prathik: Fred!!

His shout was so loud that everyone, who were present around, flinched.

Fred: Miss D. is the only Trustee of this school, Mam!!

This made the Mrs. Kimplin more scared. She didn't know about it.

Prathik (smirked): Seems like, you won't be able to complete even 2 months in this school by being the Principal.

Mrs. Kimplin started to sweat.

Manvik: Fred!!

Fred stared at Manvik, who was smirking.

Manvik: You know what's to be done next!

And the boys walked away while holding Alishka's hand, who stopped them and came back to the Principal and punched in Fred's nose.

Alishka (smiled sweetly): You're a woman which is why I can't do anything. Take that punch in your bucket list.

She glared at Mrs. Kimplin and held Prathik's hand who smiled at her and pulled her in his embrace to walk away and Mukti kept staring at them.

Principal: Drama is over.

And she too walked out while all Malhotras and Thakkars did were staring everything in shock.

Nyonika (muttered): They're so much like Manik!!

Mukti, who heard it, fortunately or unfortunately, slipped into her memories.

Flashback..

"Kya? Sachi???" I asked Manik while jumping in joy. Oh my God! I can't believe it. I'm so happy. I knew it. I so knew that this duffer is in love with Nandu.

"Mukti, shh, dheere bol. Kisiko bhi patha nahi siva tum dhono ke." Manik spoke in a hushed tone while eyeing me and Navya. Ooh! Navya. I looked back at her to see her sitting still.

"Navu, tum kuch bol kyu nahi rahi ho?" I frowned at Navya. Isn't she happy? Come on, it was our dream to see our only brother getting hitched, and now on finding its Nandini, she should be happier than me.

"Huh. Yeah." She spoke while looking here and there and Manik held her hands in his grip.

"Navu, kya hua? You tho love Nandu, phir?" Manik spoke and I could feel fear in his voice. To be honest, even I'm getting scared of my stupid sister's silence.

"Bhai, Nandu mujhe bohath pasand hain. In fact, I love her like my own sister, not like my boyfriend's sister. Par..Cabir." she spoke in a concerned tone before adding, "You know him, right. Whenever I used to tease you with Nandini's name, I've noticed him getting uneasy and when I confronted him about it, he said, he can't see his sister in any relationship soon. He needs to get himself ready to let her go with someone else, even if its you." She completed, and I sighed in disbelief at Cabir's overprotectiveness. I mean, I can understand, they both had a tragic childhood and we still are a support in Cabir's life but for him, its always Nandu in his priority list. He just can't sleep without talking to her more than 10 times in a day. But, that doesn't mean, he can't let her fall in love, right?!

"Navu, I can understand his feelings. He's a lot insecure when it comes to Nandini, but don't you know your Bhai? Do you think I'll get her away from her brother whom she, consider as her God.?!" Manik spoke and this time we both could feel how hurt he is.

"Bhai, aisa kuch bhi nahi hain. Don't take me wrong. I was worried for all of us, not just Cabir and Nandini's relationship. I know you can never separate them. Its just, I'm not sure whether Cabir will like you both getting together. I don't want us to get separated. Fab 5 never got broken and you both are the pillars of our group." Navya spoke softly and I smiled at her.

"Navya, tum kuch zyada hi soch rahi ho. We are Fab 5, and nothing can break us. Just because one of the members has fallen in love with another's sister doesn't make any changes in us. Agar aisa hai tho Manik tumhe aur Cabir ko accept kiya na, mujhe aur Abhi ko accept kiya na." I pointed out and she heaved a sigh.

"Cabir Manik Bhai jaisa nahi hain. When it comes to his sister, he sees nothing and no other relationship." Navya too pinted out. Well, she has got a point.

"Acha listen, ab tum dhono ko ye sab sochne ke zaroorath nahi hain. I'm there to get everything alright. I'll confess it to him and prove myself the best for Nandu. Par use pehle mujhe Nandu ko propose karne dho. Patha nahi himmath hai mujhmein uskeliye ya nahi." Manik joked at the end and we both chuckled. He pulled both of us in his embrace before kissing our foreheads and like always, a traitor slipped out of my eye. No matter how much he tells that I'm like his own sister, I always feel so gratitude towards him, towards this family. After all, its because of them, I'm alive or else, my father's family would have taken me to any orphanage. When Maasi brought me to Malhotra Mansion, I was scared that I might lose Manik and Navya thinking maybe, they wouldn't like me staying at their place. I didn't want to lose the only siblings I have, though, they're not blood related to me. But, they proved me wrong, not only they welcomed me happily, they accepted me as their sister.

From then, I have vowed that, no matter what may come, I'll protect this family. I'll make sure that this family gets only happiness and prayed to God that He can let me drown in pain but give them only smiles.

And I know, I'll follow it till my last breath!!

Flashback ends..

Our Nest

Adyant: How was the hangout, Cabir?

Cabir, who was seated on his couch, in the living room looked up from his mobile to see Adyant's glance and then the people around them. Of course, Malhotras and Thakkars.

Cabir: Yeah, it went well. I think, I got a better place for our Empire, just need to discuss it with you, Nandu and..Malhotras!

He stared at Raj, who had a blank look on his face while looking at him and to be honest, Cabir hated that look. That face always had warmth in it whenever Cabir used to meet him but now..

Everything's changed!

Adyant: Raj, tumhe kya lagtha hai beta?

Raj (smiled): I too liked one place. The same area which we visited at the end.

He looked at Cabir who looked at him in surprise.

Cabir: Er, it was the same place I liked.

Raj shook his head like nothing happened. He didn't want to give in to any emotions.

Adyant: Wah, ye tho ache bath nikla. Iss namune ka pasand aur tere pasand ek nikla.

Cabir glared at Adyant while Raj just smiled. Manik and Abhimanyu looked at each other and smiled sadly.

Nandini: Naanu, aap ne..

She stopped in the middle on seeing Malhotras and Thakkars seated around.

Nandini: Um, sorry. I thought, Naanu and Bhai were alone.

Adyant: Tu ithna formal kyu hora hi ho, Nandu? Raj apna hi hain.

Nandini stared at Adyant with a nervous smile and Raj just looked away. Manik kept staring at Cabir and Nandini accusingly.

Nandini: Yeah, sorry. Bas bhool gayi.

Adyant: Koi nahi. Chal batha, kya kaam tha tujhe? Wo bhi muhse jab tere khatharnak bete ghar pe hain.

Nandini (glared): Naanu!!

Cabir (chuckled): Wo ghar pe nahi hain. They went for practice, will be returning soon.

Adyant (bad face): Tabhi tho isko meri yaad aayi.

Nandini (sighed): Naanu, aapne dawai li? Bas wo batha dho.

Adyant (grinned): Zaroori hai kya?

Nandini (sarcastically): Nahi. Bilkul bhi nahi. Cholesterol tho mujhe zyada hai na, aapko thodi hai.

Adyant grinned again making Nandini to glare at him.

"Ab no more excuse, lena padega." Adyant looked over his right to see Navya with his medicines forwarded to him.

Adyant (sulked): Iss dunya ke saare medicines ka anthim sanskar hone dho aiyappa!!

And he gulped down the medicine while the rest chuckled hearing his complain.

Nandini: Of course, wahi ek kaam hai aiyapa ke.

She walked away followed by Navya.

Adyant (cribbed to Cabir): Kisiko mujhse pyar hi nahi. Jo bhi ho, mere chote shaitans hi tum logo se behthar hain.

Cabir (disbelievingly): I don't even want to get old after seeing you cribbing.

Manik (smirked): Wo tho hain. Zyada gusthakiyan tho kar nahi sakthe na, after being old, bache jaise soft jo banjaega.

Cabir crooked his eyebrows at Manik and then walked away not before saying,

Cabir: Kabhi kabhi gusthakiyan karna zaroori hotha hain. Excuse me!

Abhimanyu (thought): Jo tumne kiya, usko gusthaki nahi kehthe hain, Cabir.

Manik's gaze fell upon Nandini, who climbed upstairs, and he too slipped from there.

Upstairs

Boys' room

Nandini: Oh God! Har rath mujhe ye clean karna hain.

She spoke while cleaning the mess that her sons have created in the room.

Manik, who stealthily walked inside got to see the mess and for once, he thought he was in his bedroom.

Nandini: Books bhi floor pe rakhna hain in theenon ko.

This brought him out of his trance and he looked at Nandini, who was arranging the books in a shelf while muttering some or the other thing. Unknowingly, a smile broke into his lips on remembering how she used to complain to him regarding his bedroom being untidy and how she used to clean them all by herself even if he protests not to.

Manik: Busy much?!

In a reflex, Nandini turned behind in shock and got to see Manik leaning on the closed door of the room.

Nandini: Tum yaha? What the hell are you doing here? Aur..darwaza bandh kyu kiya?

She walked to him and all he did was chuckling.

Manik: Kyu? Darr gayi? Ooh, shayadh apne bachon se..

Nandini ignored him and tried to push him off.

Manik: Ya phir..apne husband se?

She snapped her head at him to see him blank which spoke his anger out.

Nandini: None of your business. Move away. I need to open the door.

Manik stepped aside and walked ahead while Nandini took the knob to open it but it didn't happen.

Manik: Hum tum..ek kamre mein bandh ho..aur chabi mere paas hain!!

She turned behind to see him playing with the keys making her to groan in annoyance.

Nandini: Chahthe kya ho tum, Manik Malhotra?

He settled on the bed while looking at the photos around.

Manik: Bas, thoda time spend karna chahtha hun..

Nandini (frowned): What?

Manik (nodded): Yeah, this room looks so cool. I need to spend some time with this room.

Having enough with his drama, she marched towards him and held his hand.

Nandini: Give me the key back, Manik.

Manik: Nahi diya tho?

Nandini: Problem kya hai tumhara? Ye mere bachon ka kamra hain, tumhe yaha kya kaam hain?

Manik (chuckled): Bachon ke barein mein bohath bath kiya, par yeh, bachon ka papa kaha hain. Dikh hi nahi raha hain kahin pe bhi.

He spoke in a high-pitched tone at the end making her flinch.

Nandini: My husband, right? Uske barein mein jaanne ke zaroorath nahi hai tumhe. So, stop playing around. Give me the keys back.

She tried to get the keys back when he held it up in the air and then in his pocket. She tried to get it rom there too, when she slipped, and they fell on the bed with her above him.

Key was a long-forgotten business, now!

They kept staring in each other's eyes after a very long time. After 10 years of their lives, they got to be this close. He held her waist with his hands totally lost in her forgetting that he had to take revenge from her.

She shivered when his hands came in contact with her skin just like how it happened when he held her for the first time after they met each other.

He tucked her hairs strand behind her ears and caressed those cheeks while pulling her face more to him and eyed her lips which he wanted to taste after being away from them for 10 years.

He flipped their positions and hovered over her to claim her lips and she closed her lips like a command from him.

"Mamma, are you in there?" Karthik's voice was heard and this broke their trance. She opened her eyes in a jerk and realized in what position they were in.

"Mamma.." this time it was all three of them and her gaze fell on the door and she pushed Manik off her and got down the bed in worry.

This broke Manik's trance.

He sat up in frustration on realizing what they were about to do.

Nandini (whispered): Oh God!!

Manik looked up to see Nandini holding her head and panicking. Though, he didn't want her worried, his mind walked over his heart.

Manik: Tch tch..seems like, I still have that effect on you!

He stood up and faced her and she stood there staring at him with heavy breaths.

Manik (smirked): Ab baahar kaise jaoge, Mrs. whatever you are!!

He leaned to her level and she gulped while looking at the door where her sons were still knocking at.

To be continued..