After Abhi and Manik left, Nandini carried Maria in her arms inside.

The door was already open. And loud noise was coming of people talking and shouting from inside.

She entered inside to see hustle and bustle going on around the house people laughing, singing, amd shouting for something or another.

Maria was looking around with wide eyes and then she looked at Nandini who was smiling all the while looking around on seeing this she frowned and put her arms around her neck hiding her face inNandini's hair to avoid the unwanted noise.

Nandini was smiling looking at the commotion and happiness of people all around. She was so happy that her best friend is getting married and after seeing the craziness of her relatives made her more happy.

As she at a very young age had lost all her relatives and family after her appa amma death as they were not ready to take her and her bhai responsibility so they turned their faces away from them when they needed them the most.

She yet remembered what her bhai had told her about her amms. That she does not want to keep any relation with them as they remind her of his death son which she does not want to remember as the lost itself has taken a troll on her health and further her health will get more affected.

She could not believe what her bhai had told her how can her own granny be so selfish. But she knew that whatever her bhai told, will be true as why will he lie. And questioning him would be doubting on him and she didn't wanted to lose her only blood relation and make him think that his own sister does not trust him. So she never tried to communicate with any of them, not even her granny ever after that deathly incident.

During her bhai wedding no one was there from their side except of her in his family. Which had made her cry all night before the marriage rituals were going to start. She alone had done her bhai haldi, she put it on his face while he was having breakfast as per the sake of riruals and she was herself spiritual to some extend. Taking saat phera thing had made Abhi angry as he wanted court marriage. Mukti too agreed half heartily as Abhi was already doing a favour by marry her after all the Harshad drama in her life. But Nandini made him understand Mukti point of view that she as a girl would always wish for all the vows which we take in marriage and ultimate it's such a pure thing to take promise infront of fire. And blackmailed him if amma would be alive would she be happy with only court marriage. For her sister Abhi agreed. She was alone to put mendhi in her hands as no one else was there, she had called the designer for applying mendhi and did all her and her bhai shopping all alone as Navya was busy preparing for the exams which were coming up so she couldn't help her in anything. At that time she realized how lonely she is and there is no one for her and her bhai. She so wished her amma would he there with her and her appa who would be so proud that his son is taking up such a big responsibility but there was no one. Abhi didn't bothered about any rituals because that time Mukti was for him just a responsibility which he was taking up sake of his sister, the marriage meant nothing more than that for him. So Nandini she herself did all rituals of sending gifts haldi and so on to Mukti house making her feel special on her bhai name. She was a true sweetheart who wanted her bhai happy with her to be wife and in his new formed relation. Although she didn't knew Harshad wala any scene only a bit of it that some jerk had broken Mukti's heart. She always saw Mukti perfect for her bhai. These all act and gestures of Nandini, love for Mukti had brought them so near to each other that Mukti stand by her side in any situation without thinking twice now.
During marriage there were people more from Mukti's side, her close relatives which meant alot of people as her family was big, her school and college friends, so it looked like a wedding when there was rituals of taking vows going on while Navya and her family had too come because of Nandini so hardly 5 people were there from their side.

Manik was not coming as his Dad had got an heart attack and was hospitalized and later when he came for reception that time she had left early from the party as she had a paper next day while Mr Manik Malhotra was late so they could not meet.
Reception was grand with all Abhimanyu's business friends, well wisher, colleague, competitor and so on.

Her day dreaming came to an end when Navya's Amma came near her and shook her.

Navya Amma : Arrey Nandini aisi kab si yaha kyu kardi ho.
She asked her worriedly.

Nan : kuch nai aunty wo shaadi ki taiyari ya dekh rahe thi. Sab kitni kush hai.
She said smiling at her genuinely.

Navys Amma : Aur mein aur kush ho jayugi agar teri bhi shaddi ki baat fix hojagi jaldi se jaldi.

On hearing this Nandini shook her head in a No and smiled while Navya Amma patted her head.

Nan : Aunty Navya kaha hai ?
She asked looking around.

Navya Amma: wo upar hai par yeh choti beti kiski hai ??
She asked holding Maria hand, shaking it to gain her attention while she was still hidding her face in Nandini hair, Navya Amma shook her hand this made her alert and she cried loudly because some unknown person had touched her hand without her permission.

Nan: Maru what happened ??
She asked her patting her back worriedly while she hid her face more inside her and pulled her hand away from Navya Amma grip.

Nan: Okay no one will touch you. Stop crying shhh
She said realizing why she cried while she sniffed her nose and hugged Nandini tightly.

Such a cutie pie she was, who didn't like anyone touching her. Touch me not baby.

Nan: Aunty wo yeh bhai ki best friend Manik Malhotra ke beti hai aur Manik Cabir ka boss hai.
She said while rubbing Maria back to calm her down.

Navya Amma was shock to hear this she had her mouth wide open. Navya had not inform her about this new information which Nandini had told her.

Navya Amma: Kya !!!
She asked covering her mouth.

Nandini stared at her face with a frown being confused.

Nan: ji ?

Navya Amma: Toh tum yaha kyun kardi ho. Cabir ji ki boss ki beti gharmi aayi hai. Ussi aadar laao. Mein uski ki liye mitha liki aati hu acha lagega ussi.
She said happily.

Navya parents were simple people who home town was patna, a small town. They were simple, down to earth genuine person. For whom self respect meant everything and getting Navya married to Cabir made them feel proud as their daughter was getting married.

Nan: Okay mein Navya ki pass ja rahe hu.
She said moving inside carrying Maria with her.

Nandini while carrying Maria upstairs.

Nan: Maru bus haa no crying no one will touch you pakka.  Now smile, show me my baby million dollar cute smile.
She said while making Maria lose her grip around her and making her face towards her.

Maria: noy....there are so many people peopli and they talki talki and yelli yelli also.
She said pouting while looking at her angrily.

Nan: Maru I told you na my friend is getting married to your cabir uncle so during wedding all relatives come and they enjoy like this only.
She tried to make her understand and continued explaining her while Maria looked at her and nodded and cringe her eye brow inorder to understand what Nandini was saying.

Nan: Okay  ???
She asked getting inside Navya room.

Maria: Okai.
She smiled finally and while Nandini made her understand all the marriage rituals and commotion thing most of this she hardly understood.

Navya: Nandu....
She shouted loudly after seeing Nandini and ran to hug her in her blouse as she was trying her dress while Nandini was too happy so she kept Maria down and hugged her back.

Well when we see our friends unacceptably so we do the most weird thing out of happiness to see them just like Navya who was in her blouse and petticoat only yet she didn't care.

Maria looked at them and smiled as they both hugged each other.

She looked around in the room and then walk to the window to see outside as both friend got busy in talking.

Navya: Nandu kahan thi tu. Hum ketni tension me aa gayi. Now you're forbidden to go anywhere till my marriage. I need your help re. Yeh dekh dress he try kar rahe thi. Alya ni yesterday he delivery de. Kisa hai.
She kept on speaking non stop and then asked Nandini showing her what she had worn while Nandini brust out laughing loudly rolling on the floor which made her look confuse and she frowned.

Navya: Nandini kya hua ? Stop laughing re kya problem hai. Mata aagayi kya tumme.
She asked angrily

Nandini controlled her laughter and took her near the mirror so that she could she her self.

Nan: Kaisa hai ?
She mimicked her while looking at her in mirror while Navya bite her lips and covered herself being embrassed.

Nan: Ohh God Navya... I missed you so much.
She said taking out her hand from her face and taking her in a bear hug.

Nan: I am so sorry I had to go all was a sudden par I have compensated it by getting for you something.
She said taking out the thing which she brought for her.

Navya took it from her hand and unwrapped it to find a chocolate box and a beautiful neck piece, earring and a stole.

$$$$$===$$$

Navya: Ohh God Nandu thank you so much. I love you it's so beautiful.

Nan: Your most welcome matarani.
She said teasing her while she frowned.

Nan: Okay Sorry....waise promise I will stay with you and by side your till marriage. Finally you will go away and I can live in peace.
She said wiping her fake sweat beads.

While Navya glared at her.

Nav: Get lost Nandini how mean.
She said angrily.

Nan: Toh kya tu jali jaagi toh I will be so happy. Pata hai Bangalore mein si kitni badi Dramaqueen second Madhubala will exit I pity Mumbai.
She said pouting sadly.

Navya glared at her and went to beat her.

Nandini laughed and ran around while Navya chased her.

Nav : Nandu ki bachi I won't leave you.
She chased her and as usually finally they felt on bed while Navya was hitting her with the pillow and Nandini was saving herself and laughing.

Nan: Okay bus teri shaddi kar vani hai stop.
She said holding the pillow.

They lied down staring at the ceiling and making their breathe even.

After some time Nandini broke the silence.

Nan: I will miss you Navya.
She said with watery eyes and side hugged her.

Navya caressed her head and said.

Nav: I will too miss you Nandu.
She too was crying while they both remember their early days.

Nan: Par I am happy for you. What all Manik told about Cabir he seem to be caring and happy go lucky types a perfect guy for you.
She said getting up from the bed.

Nav: Acha....aur kya bola
She asked while blushing.

Nandini smirked evily and said.

Nan: Wow haaa some one is so desperate to know about her Cabir ji.
She pulled her legs.

Both friends were so busy that Nandini mind got totally diverted and from Maria who too was there with her.

Nan: Okay chal I will help you with your dress.
She said taking her lehgha in her hands.

Nan: Meri aur bhabhi ki bhi dress ajj aa jaaigi.
She said and finally she looked at Maria who was sitting on the ground playing with the cardboard piece of Navya dress.

Nan: Navya.
She shouted loudly, Maria too looked at her being surprised by her sudden shout.

Nav : kya hua chilla kyu rahe ho.
She asked and looked at Maria.

Nav: Yeh bacha yaha kya kar raha aur kab aaya.
She asked being confused.

On listening to this Maria frowned and looked at her angrily.

She went towards Nandini and pulled her top indicating her to pick her up.

Nandini smiled at her and picked her up after kissing her cheek's.

Looking at her frown and anger it reminded her of Manik.

Nav: Arrey wow tu kab si bacho si friendship karni lage I yet remember  that hospital wala incident....
She was suppose to continue the old incident which both her bhai and Navya keep teasing her with,  but Nandini cut her.

Nan: Shhss Navya that an old story so stop living in past. And she is so cutie  anyone can like her. Infact start loving her.
She said indicating Maria who smiled at her brightly.

Nav : toh tujhe baby se pyaar hogaya by meeting her first time out here. Kya baat hai
She said making fun was her as she though she would be some of her relatives daughter.

Nan: Let me complete she is with me. Maria, Manik daughter. The cutie pie, I told you about her after coming from Mumbai and on phone also remember. And we became friend's during the trip.
She said looking at Maria who smiled and bobbed her head. Which indicated that they are friends.

Nav : Ohh so tum ho Maria. Cabir ji also had talked alot about you. He calls you small angle.
She said smiling at her.

Nav: Hi Maria....I am Navya.
She said moving her hand forward.

Maria looked at Nandini and asked her what she should do throught her expression which she understood clearly.

Nan: Maria she is Cabir uncle to be wife.
She said clearly her doubt.

Maria looked at her and smiled and waved her hands instead of shaking it with her.

Navya to copied her.

Maria: You cabby chachu wife nahvi
She said cutely which made Navya go all aww and she nodded smiling at her brightly.

Nav: Ohh Nandu she is so cute.
She said and pulled Maria cheek in excitement which made her pout angrily and she looked at her while frowning.

Maria: Noy touchi (touching).
She said narrowing her eyes and point her finger towards Navya, looked at Nandini inorder to tell her to keep her away from touching her.

Nan: Navya don't touch my sweety pie only I can touch her okay.
She said glaring at her showing her fame anger and winked at her indicating her to play along.

Navya understood and said.

Navya: Sorry.
She holded her ears

Nan: Maru she said sorry now okay.
She asked her while she nodded.

Maria: okai
She said to Navya and bobbed her head.

On which both the friends giggled.

Just then Nandini phone rang and she very well knew who it must be, she without checking the caller id answered.

Nan: Yes Manik.
She said after making Maria sit on bed where she notice Navya jodi's and was caressing the working done on it while Navya started showing her different clothes. Navya Amma send sweets dish for her but she refused to eat and Navya too didn't force her.

Man: Is Maria okay does she need anything ? Did she cry or ask for me ? If she want to come back then let her come don't force her I will come to pick her up and don't bothered....
He was continuously going on while Nandini moved towards the window with a frown and cut him off

Nan: Manik breathe
She said breathing in loudly so that he could hear her while raising her one hands as if doing yoga.

Man: Huh ? Nandini is she okay. ?
He asked worriedly.

Nan: She is perfectly fine, happy and okay so don't worry and you don't need to come here.
She said without troubling him as she sense he was really worried.

Man: Okay What is she doing ? Is she around you ?
He asked this time a bit calmly.

Nan: Yup she is right infront of me wait I will give her the phone you yourself ask her what she is doing ?
She said turning around as she was yet facing the window and soon spotted Maria standing there looking at her. She heard her papa name and after letting Nandini talk for sometime she came to her to ask her to let her talk. Such a understanding baby

Maria: Nandi papa can I talki
She said cutely with pleading eyes moving her palm forward asking Nandini to give her the phone.

Nan: Haa baby talk to papa. He want to talk to you.
She said kneeling infront of her keeping the phone on her ear while she holded it with her two tiny palms.

Maria: papa
She exclaimed joyfully.

Man: Princess
He too called out cheerfully.

Man : What is my jaan doing out there ?
He asked her while finally relaxing his back on the chair as he heard her voice. Abhimanyu who sat opposite to him eyed him asking all is okay too which he nodded. He then left the cabin for some work.

Both were super possessive soul on the earth surface.

Maria: I was seein nahvi clothy (clothes)....dresses
She said cutely all the time smiling as she was happy.

Manik asked her more questions which she was answering cutely and all the while Nandini was looking at her.

Navya gestured Nandini she will go down to help her amma with serving of food and told her too, to join her later on which Nandini nodded and then she left.

Man: You didn't cry na ?
He asked as he very well knew his daughter and how emotional she is, on listening to this Maria looked at Nandini face who was smiling at her. But seeing Maria face cloured had now faded and she had a scared expression.

Nandini frowned looking at her and gestured what happened.

Man: What happened Maria answer me.
He asked seriously again knowning definitely she had cried over something.

Maria: That new aunti touchi me on my hand I noy like so I only cry littli (little)
She said pouting showing her little by two fingers joined togeher.

Man: Okay stay around Nandini. And be my good girl and now no more crying promise.
He said calmly as this was a obvious topic on which she always cry's when a stranger touches her so it's not to be worried about.

Maria: Promise
She smiled brightly
Nandini was tensed but seeing her smiling she relaxed.

Man: Acha give Nandini phone.
He said to her but she ordered her papa something before handing the phone.

Maria: Haa but papa comi (come) to take me.
She said authoritatively describing that in true sense she was Manik Malhotra daughter although the truth was something else.

Manik smiled at her chotu sa order while biting his lower lip.

Man: Yes princess I will be there. Be safe and careful. Don't trouble Nandini and be around her okay. Take care.
He for the last time repeated all his warning again.

Maria: Okai

Man: Bye love you jaan.

Maria: Byee lovey you papa
She said happily and handed phone to Nandini.

Nan: Hogayi baat papa se.
She asked cheerfully not knowning the phone is still on.

Maria: Papa wand to talk to you
She said pointing at the phone and then went to see the dress which were lying on the bed as they fascinated her.

Man: Hogayi baat Miss Murty papa se.
He said teasing her mimicking her tone.

Nandini pouted angrily.

Man: I can't see your pout and frown Nandini so stop doing that.
He said making her surprise.

Man: Acha keep Maria alittle away from stranger and make sure no one touches her without her approval orelse she will turn all cranky and it will become difficult for you to handle her.
He tried to explain himself.

Nan: I got to know when Navya Mom touch her. But don't worry I will be more carefully now.
She assured.

Man: Thank you. You know whatever you are doing it means alot Nandini.
He said genuinely.

Nan: You don't need to thank me.

Man: Let me know when am I suppose to come to pick you guys up as per Maria demand.
He asked.

Nan: I will let you know mostly will try to leave soon.....and by the

With that Manik hanged up the call all of the sudden  without letting Nandini complete or say Bye which made her frown as she was surprise by his sudden change of behaviour.

Nan: Abb kya hogaya that he suddenly cut the call.
She asked herself being confused of his sudden change of behaviour.

__________________________________

Long update after long time.

Hope you'll enjoy.

Will update once in a week both the stories I have got involved with my studies so won't get time for regular updates hope you guys understand,

Till than happy reading.😊😊😊

10 years back I have not started writing the  chapter so it will take time.