Both friends sat there in silence until their silence was broken by Mukti entering the veranda.

Mu: It's 11.00 guys aur tum dono yaha kya bethi ho. Let me remain you tomorrow 6.00 we are leaving for site seeing. That mean we have to get up by 5.00. So better go to sleep. Especially you both should be off to bed knowing your kumbhkaran nature. Chalo.
She said strictly

Nandini stood behind Mukti looking at Manik who was taking sip of beer without paying any heed to what's going on.

Abhi: Okay Mukti we know u have missed your college from past two days that does not mean you start your lecture over here. Atleast I would be the last person on earth to be your student.
He said the last line softly and chuckled.

Mu: off to bed right now.
She said dragging Abhi and Manik with her.

Nan: Monster is lost in his own thought kyu. Why do I care huh Ayyiappa I do care.
She said looking upwards

While Mukti shouted
Mu: Nandini

Nan: Yes mumma coming
She giggled I went inside.

12.30 am,
Nandini was sleeping peacefully in her room. The connecting door was closed althought it wasn't lock by Manik.

Her peacefully slumber was distrub by knocking noise on her door.

First she ignored by pulling the blanket above her head. But the noise didn't stop which made her get up from her bed to check, she walk upto the door with her eyes closed.

After opening the door she went back to her bed and started mumbling in her sleep.

Nan: Kya hai Mukti what are you doing here ? Please let me sleep.
She said again covering herself by the blanket and was falling back to sleep.

But poor Nandu got up with jerk when there was a knock again which made her realized that athought she had opened the door then why was the knocking sound coming.

She got up and went up to her bedroom door to find there was no one out there, she called out Mukti's name too but there was no response. She closed the door thinking she is dreaming and her mind is playing tricks.

Again a knock, she open the door again to find no one.

Nan: Listen Whoever is there it's not funny okay if u think I am scared so you are highly mistaken. So better let me sleep and you too sleep.
She said yelling loudly moving out of her room to Manik's bedroom door thinking that he is doing all this, inorder to trouble her.

She said all this indirectly to him.
And slammed the door loudly.

She came inside and sat on her bed, again come a knock.

This time our Nandu got scared she again went to open the door but soon realized that the knocking sound was not coming from the bedroom main door but the connecting door.
Well she was so sleepy that she didn't realized from where the noise is coming.

Nan: Stupid Monster Why the hell he is knocking that door. I am going to definitely kill him for spoiling by peacefully sleep. Qutum Minar, Khaba, Lambu, angry bird huh 😈
She kept on crusing him and opened the door angrily to see the most adorable sight.

Maria was standing rubbing her eyes with her Candy, ie her big doll in one hand and pillow in another which was being drag by her along with her small duvet.

Nandini was surprise to see her.

Maria: Nandi wheri papa ???
She ask with a pout and few tears in her eyes.

Nan: Arrey ba....by I mean Maria
She didn't call her baby remembering the past incident and her grumpy face.

Nan: papa will be in the room only bac..ha I mean Maria
She said looking for Manik inside the room.

Maria: noy
She replied nodding her head in NO so cutely that Nandini went all Aww on this small angel standing infront of her.

Nan: Washroom....Might be he is in washroom wait I will check.
She walk to their washroom to check while Maria too followed her with her belongings which were difficult for her to carry so she drag them with her holding her candy around her waist as her baby. 😉

Nan: Manik....manik you are there inside
She knocked the washroom door and then found out it was open so she slightly opened it inorder to avoid any embarrassment incase he is there inside, but found out it was empty.

Nan self talk: Where is Manik ? Where he is gone so late ? Kya hua usko ? Why was he so lost when I came back to  cottage ? What is troubling him ? Is he safe ? Ayyiappa please protect him.
She prayed with her endless questions.

Maria pulled her hand, interrupting her talk with Ayyiappa.

Maria: Nandi papa.
She asked with tears flowing from her eyes.

Nan self talk: I have to calm her down. Please don't cry cutie I will too start crying. Okay Nandini act mature and handle this angel with care and love. You can do it.
She motivated her self

Nan: Hey chotu stop crying. Papa he will be back soon. He is with your friendz haa right..... your friendz Abhimanyu, with him. They have gone out. You were sleeping na so he told me that when Maria get up na so tell her that I will be back with her favourite chocolates. Till then take care of my baby princess.
She tried her level best to make up a story and convinces her.

Maria: I wand papa.......wand papa
She kept on ranting and crying loudly.

Nan: Maria sweety no crying. You know na papa does not like her princess crying so no crying. Chup ekdam chup.
She tried to calm her down using Manik's words what she heard while picking Maria in her arms.

Maria drop her pillow and duvet on the ground and went up in nandini arms.

Nandini patted her back while Maria hug her and rested her head on her shoulder.

She kept in saying only one word papa wand papa.

Nandini took her, in her embrace and kissed her head endless time to stop her silent sob.

She picked up her candy and kept the pillow and duvet on bed, switching off the lights and walk back to her room, talking to her. And asking her favourites, while again she muttered only one thing papa all the while.

Nan: Maria what's your favourite fairytale ???
She asked again sitting on bed while Maria sat on her lap.

Nan: Like Snowhite, Rapunzel, beauty and the beast, Aldin,

Maria: Cindella
She said sniffing her nose and wiping her tears.

Nan: Cinderella really. My favourite fairytale is also Cinderella. That mean
She wiped her tears and pulled her nose

Nan: Same pinch
She said while Maria rubbed her nose

Maria: nosy
She pouted

Nan: Sorry
She said holding her ears while Maria smiled and removed her hands.

Maria: okai

Nan: So now Maria and Nandi are friends
She asked hopefully moving her hand forward for handshake.

Maria: noy
She nodded her head

Nan: Why am I bad
She asked with a sad pout.

Maria: noy
She said cupping her cheeks

Maria: firsti (first) Candi
She said picking up Candy from her side.

Maria: will be friendz with you. Then onli I  friendz okai
She said narrowing her eyebrows and pointing her little finger inorder to make her understand.

Nan: okay
She smiled on her cuteness.

Maria: okai so candi be friendz with Nandi.
She made Nandini shake her hand with her doll.

Maria kept on talking to Nandini while she listened and answered to her endless questions both were laughing,  giggling and enjoying each other company untill she rubbed her eyes and yawned

Maria: Nandi sleepi......papa
She asked again with watery eyes.

Nandini diverted the topic very well

Nan: Maria candy and I have become new friends so today candy is going to sleep with me right candy
She asked the doll  and shook her head in a YES.

Nan: See candy want to sleep here. So if candy sleep here so Maria too will sleep here as Candy and Maria are best friends right
She said hitting the bull eyes

Maria nodded and quickly jumped from Nandini lap to the bed inside the duvet.

Maria: Candy good nighty
She said hugging her candy and made her sleep next to her.

Maria: Nandi com com
She called nandini gesturing with her hand and ask her sleep next to her.

She slept in middle with Candy on one side and Nandini on other.

Maria: Candi is scari to sleepin alone so she sleepin with me. You too scari ??
She asked with a frown

Nandini nodded in a YES just in the same way as her.

Maria cute antics were making her crazy, making her fall in love with her.

Maria: Noy scari Nandi and candi okai
She said pouting and hold nandini's hand in her little hand while Nandini smiled looking at her cuteness.

Maria: Good nighty.
She said while Nandini kissed her forehead and hold her near herself patting her head inorder to make her sleep.

Nan: Good Night Darling
She said bring her more close to her and covering her with duvet completely.

Maria too hold her waist and went to sleep. Nandini adjusted her properly and kept her Candy too properly next to her.
She kept on kissing her temple and caressing her hair.
For long time she was just admiring her face.

And thinking that her Ayyiappa has create a bundle of joy and happiness wherever she will go, she will bring a smile on persons faces.

Soon Maria was fast asleep.

Nandini got worried about Manik and tried to call him but his phone was unavailable which made her more scared.

Nandini self talk: Where is Monster ? Kya hua Manik ko ? Where will he be so late and why? I hope he is okay
She said being tensed.

She waited of him for long but soon felt asleep caressing Maria hair and hugging her.

Around 1.30 am
Manik came back to his room. The light were switch off and it was completely dark.
He was so tired of all thinking and drama that he didn't bothered to check on Maria first.
He freshen up and move to his bed to sleep.
While crashing on his bed he moved his hand to his left side to bring his peace and life close to his heart but got up with her jerk to not find her.

Manik immediately switch on the lights and looked around the room to find his princess.
But could not see her,  he panicked and rush out of the the room shouting.

Man: Maria.....Maria where are you jaan
He shouted and search in the living room kitchen balcony veranda and came back to his room again.

Man: Maria
He mumbled with tears in his eyes and shocked expression.  He was so tired and drain out that his thinking capacity had ended completely and he was frustrated after not finding his life in the room.

Just then he saw the connecting door open and ran to the next room.

Manik step in the room to find Nandini and Maria hugging each other and sleeping peacefully. The side lamp was on so it was not dark.

After seeing Maria safe and secure his breathe came back.
He walk up to the bed and caress her hair and kissed them.

He was so happy to see her that he didn't bother and picked her up from Nandini embrace and hug her tightly. Patting her back and head inorder to make sure she does not get up from her peaceful slumber. While papa princess moulded in her papa arms comfortable knowing his touch very well and smiled in her sleep, she automatically hold his tshirt tightly in her small hands.

But his this act made Nandini get up with jerk.

Nandini saw Manik and was relax to see him safe.

While Manik kept on caressing Maria hair, back, hands, legs making sure she is with him and close to his heart, safe and sound. He turned to the other side his back was facing Nandini.

Nan: Manik where were you so late ? Kya hua you are okay na
She asked softly moving out of the bed towards him.

Nan: Wo Maria got scared you were not there na so she came here asking for you. Par don't worry....
She stopped in middle when she saw him with tears flowing from his eyes and kissing Maria temple.

This made Nandini confused and she touch his arms while facing him.

Nan: Manik relax baba she is absolutely fine.  Trust me infact you know......
She was cut off by him.

Man: Thank you Nandini of taking care of my daughter in my absences it mean alot. Thanks.
He said moving with Maria back to his room.

Nandini stopped him.

Nan: Manik
She said moving to him again while he looked at her being confused and gave a WHAT look.

Nan: Wo let her sleep here na please.... if you don't mind
She said being unsure of his answer.

Manik walk back to her bed and made Maria lie down properly and adjusted her pillow, covering her with duvet completely.

Man: If she get up let me know. Good night.
He said and moved back to his room not waiting for Nandini's reply.

Nandini stared him while he walked out and close the connecting door half.

Nan : There is something definitely wrong with him no agruing no fighting nothing he agreed. Qhy is he so lost. Should I go and ask him ? But what if he get's angry......Noways better I go to sleep that's best option.
She said going back to bed but ran to his room immediately. 😂😂😂

Nandini entered Manik's room but didn't find him anywhere there.

Nan: Where did he disappear ? Does he has power to become invisible.😅
She said biting her nails.

Nan: Errrr Nandini kuch bhi. His bedroom main door is open that mean he went out.

She looked for him in living room , kitchen amd finally found him sitting in veranda stairs face palming himself.

Nandini went to the kitchen and perpared two mug of coffee for them.

She went in veranda and sat next to him.

Nan: Manik
She called him out

Manik who had his face covered with his hand saw towards her and raise in eyebrow

Nan: Coffee

Man: Thanks but kyu I thought u were sleepy and going to bed toh yeh.
He asked gesturing the coffee mug.

Nan: Wo..... You are doing jagrata na that's why
She said smirking at him.

Man: Jagrata seriously
He made a disbelief face.

Nan: Haa wo full night jaagni ka plan hai tumhara so..... that's why.
She said trying to lighten up his mood.

Manik smiled
Man: Nandini you are impossible.

Nan: Everything is possible Manik. Impossible itself tell's I Am Possible.
She said as a matter of fact.

Man: okay thanks for this once again.
He said showing the mug and taking a sip.

Nan: Toh mood kyu karaab hai
She said showing frown on his head.

Man: Nothing
He turn his face to other side.

Nan: Acha waise Manik I fogive you for shouting on me.
She said taking a sip from her coffee mug.

Man: What ?
He looked at her being surprised.

Nan: You shouted na for that I forgive you.
She said smiling at him.

Man: Wow really Thank you so much Nandini Murty. I was just sitting at 1.30 here and thinking when you will forgive me and......like thanks.... you are great 😐😐😐
He made a bad face and said sarcastically

Nan: You are trying to make fun of me na
She said pouting angrily.

Man: Trying no Miss Murty I am making fun of you.
He smirked.

Nan: Manik you are so rude huh lambu Qutum minar errr
She complained poking his hand with her index finger as if trying to make a hole and making most weird faces.

Man: You are unique pieces man.
He laughed looking at her face.

Nandini looked at him with dreamy eyes and smiled.

Nan: You should often laugh it suits you.
She said smiling.

Manik smiled back and just hummed.

Nan: Toh your wife is not coming for Cabir's wedding ?
She asked the most wrong question which made Manik's smiling face turn into angry.

Man: No
He said angrily

Nan: Kyu
She asked again while Manik didn't reply and stared at the stars above.

Nan: Shayad she might be busy. Bhai used to say She is actress na so ......
She was cut off by Manik.

Man: Busy..... No Nandini I kicked her out of my house.
He said smiling with sarcasm.

Nandini was surprise to hear this her eyes were wide open along with her mouth.

Manik looked at her face and closed her mouth.

Man: Surprise right but you don't need to be......well the day Abhimanyu had come all of the sudden to Mumbai that day I kicked her out of my house.

Nan: Par kyu
She asked with panick in her voice.

Man: Because Miss Murty she made my daughter, my princess cry, she shouted on her tortured her in my absences. Infact she scared her so much that she cried the whole day and didn't allow my baby to talk to me too.
He said angrily grinding his teeth remembering it.

Nandini hold his hand

Nan: Manik you are okay
She asked softly making the grip tight on his hand.

Man: hmm

Nan: Manik I don't know your and her equation but breaking relations like this is not right. I know, I am no one to interfere par yet think about it once.
She said calmly.

Man: You seriously think I didn't try to make things better.  I have tried Nandini. But everything has limit of tolerance. I have tolerated her enough. She is a cruse for me. She used to emotionally blackmail me trouble me with her drama, and endless stupidity I tolerated because she gave me the most beautiful gift that's My Daughter. But now enough I had enough of her nonsense.
He said with pain and anger.

Nan: Bhai never told us anything I toh don't even know her name. Whenever he used to talk about you it would be only you and Maria. And if I used to ask then he would make a excuse or change the topic.
She said remembering her conversation with her bhai.

Man: He is a gem. He never share anything which hurt or make me angry with anyone else. My marriage was a deal.
He said with a lopside smile.

Nan: Deal
She asked being shocked.

Man: Yes nandini, I was not like this serious, arrogant,workaholic,angry type of guy. I was carefree, happy go luck types. My love, passion was only one thing that's Music. It was my life. My dream was to become a rockstar, roam the entire world, meet new people, do crazy and adventurous stuff, I wanted to be happy always not live this kind of life never. I wanted fame which I have but the fame of being a rockstar not bussineman.
He said smiling amd remembering his old memories, dreams.

Man: I was the most naughty guy in my school, college,university I was never serious always took everything lightly. Mom,Dad, I told them I want to be a musician they too supported me but advised me to first complete my business studies and then pursue my dreams to which I agreed afterall we should always have a backup plan right if things don't fall right.
He asked her while she just nodded listening to him carefully.

Man : But one fine day everything changed, Soha her name is Soha Khurana a flop Actress her Father Om Khurana was my Dad very good friend, My Dad trusted him and he cheated him. Our business plan were being robbed by him which led to our companies downfall. All confidential details were leaked in market. Market shares, projects everything we were losing infact we were at the verge of bankruptcy. Investor wanted their money back. Debt were increases and profitable projects we were losing.
He said remembering his dreadful past.

Nan: Manik, Bhai was in the same business line na why didn't you ask him for help.

Man: Nandini we can ask help only if we know our problem right.
He asked her which made her confused.

Nan: Matlab

Man: Dad didn't tell me anything I was in London preparing for my first album. I didn't had any idea until one fine day dad called me ask me to come home soon. He was stress when I came back and then I finally got to know all. My dad too had many friends who could have helped him but the damage was so big that no one was ready to help. It was all mess up. And finally  Om Khurana made a deal that I should marry her daughter and He will help dad out. Dad was not at all ready to agree with it and so was not Mom they knew Soha was never right for me. But I agreed with the deal, Dad and Mom didn't knew until on marriage day I ask them to come on the venue. I could not see my father so helpless.  It all happened so quickly ki I didn't had time to inform Abhimanyu also. I got married and that night only Mr Abhimanyu Murty phone came that he was in Italy and now is coming  to London and ask me to send my address he want's to meet. I made an excused I m busy and some shit. I knew he was hurt but I could not let him know all this Nandini. I knew he would have killed me, if he got to know my this stupidity. And I was surely stupid to agree. Dad mom were also so angry infact they said I was a fool, Dad knew that Om had trap me.
He said with watery eyes.

Nandini side hugged him and assured him to continue.

Man: And you know what your brother did he cancel his London deal and went to USA in anger although it cause him huge loss he didn't care. He is such an emotional nut.
He smiled.

Nan: He love's you alot
She said too with watery eyes.

Man: Indeed and USA was a mess for him. He got to know all about Malhotra industry which became dead for me. He came back immediately when he got to know and was ready to kill Khurana it happened just two days after my marriage.  I stopped him from doing so and then 3 long mouth he didn't speak to me not even a word. He just said, I broke his trust by not telling him all these stuff and taking such a stupid decision. But Nandini if I would have told him, he would have sold his company to safe mine. Khurana had done this mess and he knew the way out which we didn't that's why I agreed. But Abhimanyu didn't let him help me he did all by him self and brought Malhotra industry out of debt how he manage I have no idea but he did threaten Khurana that if he ever come close to me he will kill him. Then I took over Malhotra industry dad retired and then I put my 100%, day and night only work, learned all business tricks and how to cleverly handle things. I work honestly and sincerely. Home I used to avoid going, Soha gave me negative vibes so I didn't like staying around her. After 3 months everything was stable better than before way better but not your brother.  And then there was a false news in Media about our business rivalry and I am trying to trick Abhimanyu. And that was it for him his anger rose and finally he talk to me. Problems got sorted misunderstanding etc and the one who had given the fake news and tried to separate us forever actually brought us back together.

Nan: Who did this ???

Man: Harshad.

Nan: You mean Mukti's ex boyfriend?
She asked being surprise

Manik nodded.

Nan: Fir what about you and Soha ?
She asked this while Manik frowned and looked at her being confused that why was she so interested to know about Soha.

Nan: I mean is she too like her father
She asked to clear his doubt.

Man: Yes like father is her daughter. In one year everything was in place Malhotra industry was back where it was on it's third position. And in this one year I got to see Soha true colours she was money minded selfish woman, I tried hard to be a good husband nandini, to give her respect give her comfort, accept her as my wife but she was always busy with clubs, parties,and late outings. She used my name, money to get her things done. Most of the time outside, she used to hardly stay at home. Her dirty habits of coming home drunk and sometimes she didn't use to return only and I would be awake whole night waiting for her. Everyday a new drama we used to fight, she would be seen with some new guy and if I ask then her manipulation and my life drama used to start, she was such a annoying b*tch. And one fine day I don't know what happened I woke up with heavy head as if I was drugged and that was the first time she and me slept next to each other. I didn't remember a single thing and after few days she said, she is pregnant with my child. First I was shocked and surprised as I had never ever touched but she claim that few day back I was drunk and...... She said alot infact she cried and fought that I was accusing her and calling her some shitty name.
He said holding his head.

Man: I took care of her 9 months completely I used to keep an eye on her, bodyguards would follow her when she used to go out as knowing the kind of person she is, her drinking and smoking habit would affect my baby which she claim was mine Nandini. But you know what when Maria was born all my doubt everything just got disappeared she was my daughter. I was her proud father. The first time when I hold her that feeling I was at peace after what seem ages. She is my peace. My angel. Who your Ayyiappa had send.
He said smiling with tears in his eyes.

Nan: I know she is truely an angel
She too smiled looking at him.

Man: But Soha she didn't care for her own child too I thought she would change but no she was same. Kitni baar I made her understand, par she is a dog's tail which will never become straight. My baby use to cry for her attention, but she got busy in some other stupid stuff her movie were always flop but yet her attitude God. After seeing her I realized in true sense some people really don't have brains. She used to stay away from home just like before all was back in the same way. And I seriously didn't care all I cared about was Maria. I was just 21 years nandini I didn't knew anything about babies Mom used to stay with me. Make me understand and eventually I learned and I m not perfect but she make me feel perfect my small princess. I was fine with Soha and I still thank her for this bundle of joy par she start her fake concern and care infront of me for Maria and I like a fool believed her. But when I came to know reality, I could not stand by her. She had to leave. I can't give Maria Mother love Nandini but I could not see her hurt and in tears too which was because of Soha. I know she deserve the best I try but I am not perfect. I have always tried my best to not show her my angry monster side but eventually she will come to know, right. And today I got to know how Soha was cheating on me all these years she had an affair imagine I like a fool wanted to sort out things between us. But she, I don't regret my decision anymore.
He said face palming him self

Nan hugged him tightly not caring about anything.

Nan: Manik you know you are a gem. You deserve only happiness. And you don't deserve that selfish woman at all. You took a right decision of throwing her out of your house. Trust me.
She broke the hug and kissed his forehead and continued cupping his cheeks.

Nan: Maria, she lucky to have a father like you. You mean world to her as she means to you Manik. So stop this self guilt and trust me you will soon get your soulmate ur true love.
She said smiling.

Man: Nandini I just need someone who understand me, care's for me and is there by my side always. I'm not looking for someone who has everything, but someone who has time to spend with me more than anything.

Nan: I am there by your side always Manik, henceforth promise
She said pinch here throat.

Man: You don't need to Nandini.
He said removing her hand.

Nan: I want to Manik
She said with watery eyes.

Man: okay fine.... bohat baada lecture hogaya na my life history I told you. I am sorry for boring you.
He tried to diverted the topic, rubbing his back side of neck and chuckled.

He didn't knew why he said all this to her.

Nan: You didn't bored me. Thanks for trusting and sharing it with me. I promise I will never break your trust.
She said looking straight into his eyes  genuinely.

Manik broke the eye lock and got up.

Nan: You know let's be thankful for wrong relationships, they teach you, they change you, they strengthen you, and prepare you for right one.

Man: let's go to sleep Miss Murty it's too late.
He stretched his hands and said, later offered his stand to her to help her to stand on her feet. While Nandini excepted his hand happily.

Nan: Manik can we be friends ?
She asked hanging her head down not being sure how will he react.

Manik raise her chin with his finger and smiled.

Man: Ofcourse Miss Murty who would not like to have a full nonstop entertainment box and a small baby panda.
He laughed while nandini glared at him angrily and soon started hitting him on his chest and pushing him.

Nan: Manik....you are so bad.....you monster huh....I won't talk to you.....you called me a panda I m not fat you effil tower....monkey....lambu....
She kept on grumbling and pushed him back while Manik just kept on laughing and trying to hold her hand.

Soon he felt on couch with her above him.

Manik put her hair strand behind her ears and caressed her cheeks with dreamy eyes.

Man: Nandu you have any idea how cute u look when you are angry. Your nose it become red
He touch her nose while Nandini shivered feeling his touch.

Man: and your cheeks I wish to kiss them.
He said moving his head near her cheeks and kissed both of them one by one while nandini blushed to the darkest shades of red.

Both were looking in each other eyes and were lost, unknowingly they were coming close to each other and their lips were just inches away but soon realization hit Manik and he turned the other side while our Nandu closed her eyes and kissed his cheeks.

She got up with jerk realizing what she did and sat next to him on couch and he too straighten up.
Both were feeling awkward.

Man:I am sorry....if I made you feel uncomfortable.
He said being embrassed.

Nan: Manik you never make me feel uncomfortable infact I feel safe and protected with you.
She said looking at him and holding his hands.

Nan: I trust you. Good night.
She said and left the veranda.

While Manik sat there thinking about her words and her gestures.