First night of Manan's marriage:-

Nandini was sitting on the bed & waiting for Manik.
After some times Manik came inside but what Nandini saw made her confused.
Manik came there with Aruhi in his arms & sits beside Nandini & said.

Manik:- Nandini I know its very difficult for you to manage a child but promise me you won't ignore Aruhi, never behave like a step mother. From today she is your child. You have to take care of her & fulfill her every needs.

Nandini:- I promise you Manik. From today I accept her as my child. I will take care her & never give you a chance to complain.

Manik:- Thanks Nandini.

Nandini:- you don't need to thank me Manik because from today your family is mine too. Its my responsibility to take care of my family.

Manik:- hummm.

Manik gave Aruhi to Nandini & left the room.

Next morning

Nandini woke up early in the morning, did some pray & went downwards with Aruhi, made milk for her & feed her.
When everybody came they saw Nandini was sitting on the dining chair with Aruhi & playing with her.
Nandini wished everybody & began to arrange the table giving Aruhi to Neonika.
After breakfast Manik & his father left for office & Nandini went her room with Aruhi.
After sometimes Neonika came there & sat beside Nandini who was busy with Aruhi.

Neonika:- Nandini I am so sorry, last night what ever Manik did wasn't right, but I couldn't stop him.

Nandini:- it's okey mom. I didn't mind. I know it's not easy for him to forget Aliya. It will take time.

Neonika:- oh Nandini you are such a sweet girl. We are very lucky to have you.

Nandini:- no mom don't talk like that. Just treat me as your own child I don't want anything else from you.

Neonika had tears in her eyes by hearing Nandini & hugged her with so much love.

Some days passed like this. Nandini became everyone's favorite. Manik's parents Neonika & Raj treat her as their own daughter. But it was only Manik who treat her as his child's mother not his wife. So Nandini was waiting for that day when Manik will accept her as his wife & give her all rights.

One day while Manik was returning home from office, he saw Aruhi's doctor was leaving. So he became panicked & went to Nandini's room running. Nandini & Neonika was present there. Manik entered the room & asked Nandini.

Manik:- Nandini what happen? Is Aruhi alright?

Nandini:- Manik don't be panic, she just catch cold so I called doctor to check her.

Manik:- you was there na then how she catch cold?

Neonika:- Manik don't forget your manors.

Manik:- what manors mom? She is ignoring my daughter. Couldn't she understand that Aruhi is only one years old, she needs proper take care.

Nandini:- Manik you are getting me wrong. I treat her as my own daughter.

Manik:- oh your treatment is noticeable dear. You see mom that's why I didn't want to marry. After all step mother can't be a real mother.

Manik's words hurts Nandini so much. She left there crying.

Neonika:- Manik this is not fair. You can't talk her like that. After all she is your wife not a servant.
See how much you hurt her?

Manik:- I am sorry mom. You know na how much I love Aruhi. I can't see her in pain.

Neonika:- I know but Nandini also doing her best for her na? You should say sorry to her.

Manik:- okey mom I will.

At night

Everyone was present at dining room for dinner but Nandini was missing. So Neonika send a maid to call her. But maid said.

Maid:- mam is not feeling hungry now. She will have dinner after sometimes.

Neonika:- see Manik how much you hurt her?

Raj:- what happen Neonika?

Neonika:- your son misbehaved with Nandini.

Raj:- what? Manik you shouldn't do that.

Manik:- I didn't do that intently. Okey I am going to say sorry. happy?

Manik asked about Nandini to a maid & she said Nandini is in garden. So he went there & saw Nandini was crying.
Seeing Manik she wiped her tears.
Manik went close to her & said.

Manik:- I am sorry. I didn't do that intently.

Nandini:- I know Manik. Actually you love Aruhi so much. That's why you reacted. But please don't misunderstand me. I also love her as you do. I am doing my best for her. But I need some time to understand her needs.

Manik:- you are right Nandini. I am such a fool. I should give you some time. I am really sorry, please forgive me. I won't react like that ever.

Nandini:- promise?

Manik:- promise promise promise.

Nandini:- thank you.

Manik:- you know Nandini I always feel that I am doing wrong with you. But I can't give you Aliya's place. I had to marry you because of Aruhi. Trust me I didn't want to spoil your life.

Nandini:- Manik sometimes its necessary to be selfish & I marry you knowing everything. So you don't need to feel guilty.

Manik:- Nandini can we be friends?

Nandini:- yes but I have some conditions.

Manik:- what conditions?

Nandini:- you won't shout on me, every Sunday you, me & Aruhi will go out, you will take me & Aruhi for sopping & this month we will go for picnic ok?

Manik:- ok. Now let's go for dinner. I am really hungry.

Nandini:- ok let's go.

Since then they became friends or say best friends. Days were passing happily & slowly slowly their bond was getting strong. They began to share the same room but always maintained maximum distance.

3 years later

One day Manik came home for lunch & saw Nandini & Aruhi wasn't at home. So he went to his mother & asked her.

Manik:- mom where is Nandini & Aruhi?

Neonika:- Nandini's father was ill. So they went to see him.

Manik:- but Nandini didn't informed me about it.

Nandini:- I think she forgot to inform you.

Manik:- Nandini shouldn't do that. At last she should give me a call.

Neonika:- oh Manik relax. They will come back soon.

Manik:- humm.

The hole day passed. Manik didn't go back to office. He was eagerly waiting for them.
At night when Nandini returned with Aruhi Manik asked her.

Manik:- Nandini you should inform me that you are going to your mother's home.

Nandini:- oh I am sorry Manik. I forgot to inform you. But why are you so angry?

Manik:- do you think I won't be? I was waiting for you guys so long.

Nandini:- but why?

Manik:- because because really Nandini why I was waiting?

Nandini:- ( making fun ) may be you were missing me.

Manik:- yes. No I wasn't.

Nandini:- lie a big fat lie.

Manik:- No its not. I I was missing Aruhi.

Nandini:- ( laughing )oh Manik I was kidding. Lets go for dinner. I am really hungry.

Manik:- ok let's go.

Next day

Neonika & Raj called Manan & said.

Neonika:- I have took a decision for you.

Manik:- what decision mom?

Neonika:- look 3 years pass you marry Nandini. But still you are not behaving like husband wife. I think I made a big mistake by forcing you to marry Nandini. So I want to rectify my mistake.

Nandini:- what are you trying to say mom?

Raj:- she want that you two get divorce.

Manan:- What???

Neonika:- yes. I am really sorry Nandini for spoiling your life. But its high time I realized my mistake.

Nandini:- ( surprised ) mom what are you saying?

Raj:- don't worry Nandini we also talked with your parents & they don't have any problem.

Manik:- but i have problems dad. Aruhi can't stay without Nandini.

Neonika:- don't worry Manik we will keep maids for her.

Nandini:- but mom maids can't take care of her properly.

Neonika:- don't worry I am here na & now you just think about yourself ok?

Manik:- but mom if...

Raj:- no if no buts okey? Nandini you go & pack your staffs. Tomorrow I will drop you to your mother's home.

Nandini left there. Manik said to Neonika.

Manik:- mom this is not fair. How could you do this?

Raj:- Manik we can't be so selfish about Nandini. We are spoiling her life. So it will be batter that we free her.

Manik:- but Aruhi.....

Neonika:- Manik don't be a kid.

Manik:- okey mom as you all wish.

At night in Manans room Manik said to Nandini.

Manik:- so you are leaving for ever na?

Nandini:- don't talk like that Manik. Even I don't want to go. I love Aruhi. I can't stay without her. I don't know why mom is forcing me to go.

Manik:- then don't go na.

Nandini:- I can't do that Manik. Your mom brought me here now she want me to go then how can I stay?

Manik:- won't you miss Aruhi?

Nandini:- a lot Manik.

Manik:- and me. You won't miss me?

Nandini:- of course Manik, I will miss you all. I would like to met Aruhi some days if you don't mind.

Manik:- sure. Why not.

Somehow Nandini's answer hurt Manik but he didn't say anything. He was sad but he himself didn't know why.

Manik's pov:- Nandini is leaving forever. I think she won't miss me at all but why do I care? Why I am feeling sad? I don't love her na then? What is going on? Why I am feeling so restless? By any chance I am in love with her? No never it can't happen. I love Alya. She is my first love. Then why I am caring about Nandini's leaving? I think I love her. Yes I am fall in love with her. But she is leaving me forever. Why I didn't realize it before. Its too late now. If she don't love me? I don't have any rights to stop her. Oh god what should I do?

Manik didn't slept hole night. He was thinking how he fall in love with Nandini that in those three years he absolutely forgot about Alya. He thought that he couldn't give Nandini Alya's place but when Nandini took that place he didn't realized. Now Nandini is leaving him. How would he stay without her. Not only Aruhi he also need her. But the most important fact is Nandini also love him or not?

Next morning

Nandini woke up & saw Manik wasn't there & Aruhi is still sleeping. She freshen up & got ready to leave.

She went downstairs & saw Raj & Neonika was already there. She went towards them bend down & touch their feet.

Neonika:- be happy always dear.

Raj:- yap. We will pray to god for you that you get all happiness in your life.

Nandini:- mom where is Manik?

Neonika:- I don't know dear.

Raj:- I think he went for office.

Nandini:- mom please take care of Aruhi & Manik.

Neonika:- I will dear.

Raj:- let's go Nandini. We are getting late.

When Nandini was going Manik shouted from behind.

Manik:- stop Nandini.

Nandini & Raj turned towards him. All were shocked.

Manik:- Nandini you are not going anywhere.

Neonika:- but Manik.....

Manik:- let me finish mom.

Neonika remained silent & Raj was listening Manik with full attention.
Manik went close to Nandini & said.

Manik:- Nandini I know I did wrong with you. You are my wife but I never treat you as my wife. I never give you your rights. But you didn't complain at all.

Nandini:- Manik what are you saying? Just say it clearly.

Manik:- I love you Nandini.

Hearing Manik's statement all were hell shocked.

Nandini:- but you said you still love Alya.

Manik:- ya I used to. I thought I couldn't give you Alya's place but when you took that place I didn't realized. Yesterday when I heard you are leaving I felt how badly I am in love with you that I can't stay without you now. Not only Aruhi I also need you in my life as my best friend & a best wife. I won't give you a chance to complain. I will give you all rights as my wife. Please don't leave me Nandini.

Neonika:- If she don't love you then?

Manik:- then I won't force her to stay. She is free to go.

Raj:- Nandini say something.

Nandini was fully shocked hearing Manik. Raj's statement brought her to reality.

Nandini:- Manik Malhotra I didn't thought that I will say you this but yes I love you too. Like Aruhi you are also an important part of my life. I also can't stay without you.

Raj & Neonika:- hurrah we did it...

Manan:- Mom dad what is happening?

Raj:- we are really very sorry to say that it was fully a preplanned drama.

Manan:- what???

Neonika:- yes Manik. We know you love each other but won't express it.

Raj:- that's why we did this drama.

Manik:- oh god you two are impossible.

Nandini:- ya.

Meanwhile Aruhi woke up. As she saw none in the room she came downstairs crying.
Seeing her crying Manik & Nandini rushed to her & hugged her tightly.

Nandini:- what happen Aruhi? Why are you crying dear?

Aruhi:- mamma I thought you leave me.

Manik:- no dear mamma won't leave you. I won't let her go.

Aruhi:- ( forwarding her hand ) promise???

Manan:-(giving hands on Aruhi's) promise promise promise.

At night

Aruhi:- mamma tonight I want to sleep with grany.

Nandini:- why Aruhi?

Aruhi:- I want to hear stories from her.

Nandini:- okey.

When Nandini enter her room giving Aruhi to Neonika Manik pined her with near by wall.

Nandini:- what is this Manik? Leave me.

Manik:- nop. At lest not for tonight.

Nandini:- Manik....

Nandini was going to say something but Manik stop her by placing his finger on her lips.

Manik:- sssssssh. I brought something for you.

Nandini:- ( excited ) what???

Manik:- first close your eyes.

Nandini:- Manik show it na.

Manik:- no. First close your eyes.

Nandini:- OK.

Nandini closed her eyes. Manik kneeled down & opened a box & said.

Manik:- now open your eyes.

Nandini opened her eyes & saw Manik was kneeled down before her with a ring in a box.

Nandini:- Manik its so beautiful.

Manik:- I know. So Mrs. Manik Malhotra will you share your hole life with me?

Nandini:- yes.

Manik:- will you forgive my every mistake?

Nandini:- yes.

Manik:- will you be my wife forever?

Nandini:- yes.

Manik stood up & make her wear that ring. They kissed each other with full passion. Then Manik picked Nandini like bridal style & placed her on the bed.
Then he removed his shirt & hover on her & began to kiss her neck hungrily.
Then they removed their clothes fully & covered themselves with sheet.
After some times the room filled with their morns & grons.

***********The End***********
Dear readers this is my first Os. I will happy if you comment your opinions about this story.
Bye
Nahar...😘😘😘