Hello Fam :)

I have told you already that Aryaman has left for Mars but nahi. There are a few comments in the previous chapter and Sabko Aryaman chahiye. Why? You have a surprise in here :P.

DO NOT MISS THE NOTE AT THE END

WARNING: Insanity Alert ;)

Happy Reading...

Malhotra Mansion

Manik got ready to go to the office and went to the living room. Surprisingly, he found a scared mixed with confused Nandu sitting on a couch and their parents opposite to her as if interrogating her. As soon her eyes landed on him, she sighed in relief and gave him a sad pout asking him to save her. Confused, he raised an eyebrow at her, but she gave an 'I don't have any idea' look to him. He went to them and sat beside Nandu, taking her into a side hug.

Manik: Yeh subah subah meri Nandu ko dara kyu rahe ho aap log. That too when she hasn't done anything?

Ishita: Matlab she did something.

Nandu: No, mom. Maine kuch nahi kiya. Manik, bata na.

Manik: Exactly. Usne kuch nahi kiya. Aur karegi bhi kaise. Ab woh bachi nahi hai. She is mature enough to handle a company. You should be proud of her. Instead, you are just scaring my girl.

Raman: Yeh ladka Nandu ko defend karte karte iski itni aadat pad gayi ki ab baat bhi sune bagair defend kar raha hai. Does that mean you don't trust her completely? You still know ki yeh ladki kuch utt patang kaam karegi and you have to clear the mess.

Manik had sensed the tease in his voice but the interrogation might have scared Nandini out of her wits because as soon as she heard her father's words, she turned to Manik with wide eyes.

Nandu: Manik, don't you trust me?

He cupped her face in assurance.

Manik: Of course, I trust you, baba. Aur papa aapko subah subah main hi mila hun kya? Kal tak toh hamari baat bhi nahi ho rahi thi. Kal toh mushkil se we had a short conversation. Aur ab mera jhagda karwane lage ho.

All of them burst out laughing confusing Manan.

Raj: Exactly, why we wanted to talk to you. Manik, we want you two to go on holiday. The past few days were too hectic. And we are proud of you for how you have handled it.

Nandu(muttered): Is anyone proud of me?

Raj(chuckles): How can I not be proud of my don? We are proud of both of you.

Raman: Isliye, take a break and enjoy. But there is a condition.

Nandu(grinned): I know your usual conditions. Phone karo daily. Eat proper food. Manik ko tang mat karna. Nandu ka dhyan rakhna. And jaldi wapas aa jana.

Ishita: Tu puri baat sunegi bhi ya nahi kabhi?

Nyo: She can't. The condition is no phones. No time limit. No restrictions. Tumhe koi problem hua toh call karna otherwise, just you two enjoy your holidays. You don't even have to tell us about where you people are going.

Manik: lekin we don't want to keep you people worried about us. Especially Ishu maa aur Papa. Nandu mere saath rahegi toh..

Raman: Manik, Nandu tumhare saath rahegi hence, we won't be worried. We trust you, you will keep her safe.

Raj: And if you are stuck in some problem, my Don will save you. Agar tum dono hi phas gaye, toh call us. Go and explore the world, love birds.

Manik: But...

Raj: No buts, Manik. You both deserve a holiday. Just enjoy the break. Bas shaadi karke mat aana. We want to see your marriage.

Manik(glares): Dad.

Nandu grins at Manik as the parents leave for their respective works. She gets changed into casuals and goes to meet Manik and finds him already changed and scrolling through his mobile.

Nandu: Manik.

Manik: Nandu, come na. Sit.

She takes a seat in front of him.

Manik: Do you want this holiday?

Nandu: Tujhe nahi jana kya?

Manik chuckled at the way she was looking at him, skeptical. They both needed a break, away from all the work.

Manik: I wanted to ask you. Do you have any place on your mind?

Nandini rubbed her hands in excitement.

Nandu: Bring a world map. We will throw a dice. Jaha dice girega, we will go there.

Manik(rolling her eyes): Murthy, we have to go on a holiday. Gambling nahi karni.

Nandu pouts but before she could say anything further, they get a call on their device from Aryaman. Manik closes the door as Nandu answers the video call.

Arya: Hey, sister.

Nandu: Aryuuu...how are you?

Arya: I am fine, sistaa. Where's my Manik? Is he still alive?

Nandu glares at him and Manik chuckles, joining them.

Manik: Hello, brother.

Arya: How are you? It's been two weeks since you called me. Do you guys even remember me?

Manik: It's not like that Aryaman. We were busy with a project at the office. Couldn't find time for anything else.

Nandu guesses the guilty tone and wraps her hand around Manik's.

Nandu: And hence, we earned a holiday. Without any restrictions or phones.

She explained their previous conversation with all her excitement making both of them chuckle.

Arya: So, did this crazy girl select any place to go?

Nandu: No. I am confused. There are like so many places here on Earth. I wish I could come there. That would be different, right?

She fakes sadness while Manik nods his head in disbelief.

Arya: Ahh...Sister, why don't you come here then?

Manik: Okay, Arya. Stop encouraging her stupidity.

Nandu: Manik, I am not stupid. I miss my bhai.

Arya(teased): I doubt. You just want to see my planet.

Nandu: No, bhai. I really miss you.

Arya: Okay okay, I agree. Manik, I am serious. You can come here for a few days. Actually, you people have permission. I mean the four of you who were part of my character assessment project. I didn't tell you before as I thought you guys will freak out. But this would be a change for you.

Nandu: I don't want to go anywhere with your favorite Soha.

Arya: Yeah yeah. I know. I don't want her to pollute my planet's atmosphere. But what about you? I really miss you.

Nandu: What am I supposed to pack? The ideal set of clothes. Any other essentials? Documents?

Arya: Just your usual pair of clothes. Your documents wouldn't be valid here, so, nothing else. I will take care of the rest.

Nandu: When?

Arya: Day after tomorrow? Is that okay?

Manik: Okay okay. Hold on. Don't you think this is getting a bit insane? Can we switch this topic?

Manik wrapped his hand around Nandini's wrist to hold her from jumping in her excitement. Nandu pinches him hard making him glare at her.

Manik: Why did you pinch me?

Nandu: Because you are finding all this a bit difficult to believe. So this. Manik, you aren't dreaming. We are really going to Mars. Now stop disturbing.

Arya: Manik, this isn't insane. Just come here and look around. You will get a break. And how can you be scared while Nandu is beside you?

Manik: Are you assuring me or threatening me?

Nandu: Manik.

Arya: On a serious note, Manik, I will be there with you. Do you think I will let you guys be in trouble? Your safety is my responsibility.

Nandu: Of course. Because I will kill all the residents of your planet if something happens to Manik.

Arya: I wouldn't even dare to doubt your capabilities, sister.

Nandu: What about Cabir then?

Arya: Bring him along if you could. The three of you. I will tell them, Soha lost her mind and couldn't travel.

Nandu: Perfect.

She flashed her teeth and Aryaman laughed out loud.

Arya: Day after tomorrow, at midnight, come to the cliff. There will be a spaceship and you people will be escorted to my place. Is that fine? Just give me a call if you face any trouble in between.

Manik: Sure. We will keep you informed. Take care.

Nandu: Bye-bye Arya.

Arya: Bye crazy girl. Bye, Manik.

He goes off and Manik pulls a jumping Nandu beside him.

Manik: Calm down, will you?

She rubs the crease on his forehead.

Nandu: Stop frowning. I don't want you to ruin my favorite face.

Manik: Nandu, yaar.

Nandu: Arya is there. Cabir will be there. We will have some fun. If not, we will return back. It's not like we will be trapped there for the rest of our lifetime? Aryaman won't let anything harm us. Right?

Manik: Thank you. And sorry. I don't know why I am taking everything too seriously.

Nandu: Because my baby needs rest. Come sleep.

Manik: When are we packing then?

Nandu: Tomorrow.

Manik: And informing Cabir?

Nandu: We won't inform him. Use bas free ka holiday and khana bolo, aa jayega. Otherwise, he will freak out.

Manik pecks her head, pulling her close.

Manik: My crazy girl. Just be with me. I will go mad without you.

Nandu: As if we are any bit saner now. But still, no, I can't leave you. Priorities man. Priorities. Goodnight Manik.

She, as usual, rests her head on his chest before drifting to sleep. Manik sleeps a while after staring at her. 

NOTE: Yes, this is the plot. Manan are going to Mars. This is the sequel. I wanted to name the book 'Manan At Mars' but I didn't want to reveal the plot. If you want, I can change the name now. 

They are going to Mars. Sounds insane but it's different than the regular fights and making up or them getting married and having children. So, it works for me. Feel free to drop in your opinions. If you want to read ahead or not. :)

Any more questions are always welcome. :)