(A/N: I have my exams going on now so I've become less active but I'm trying really hard to squish in some time, because I love writing 🙈 So if you guys have any ideas or any suggestions on how to make the story interesting, let me know so that I can spend less time ransacking my brain 😂 and many of you are probably cursing me for making them fight so often, that too on their honeymoon, but this is the phase they get to bond with each other and understand each other so there will be fights and of course, MaNan in my story always argue 🙈. So please, don't take it personally. Just enjoy what comes their way. Thank you so much 😘 Tons of love.
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The phone buzzed and it was Mukti. As such she didn't like me and I didn't want to start a conversation with her and upset myself, at least in this trip. The ringer went off and I peeked to look at the time. 3:34.

I slipped out of bed and stood in front of the mirror, admiring myself. All I was wearing was Manik's shirt, which was almost like a dress. I was generally a little self-obsessed. I played with my hair a bit and then decided to irritate my husband. I popped my face in from to his and swayed from side to side, making my hair brush against his face. "Manik, Manik, Manik! Wake up!" He squirmed uneasily as the ticklish sensation. "Bubby... love... wake up?"

"Hmm... sone do mujhe." Just then, a reminder pinged. I'd almost forgotten. It was one of the main reasons I'd agreed for a honeymoon here.

"5 SOS is playing today! Manik, Manik... Please, take me?" I wiggled and turned and twisted and Manik cried a childish irritable cry.

"Abhi nahi na? I'm very tired." He turned to the other side, pulled the duvet over and snuggled with a smile.

"Manik... fine, main khud chali jaaungi." I jumped off the bed, and my arm was pulled hastily.

"Kahan?" He cutely opened just half his eyes and I was smiling wide.

"5 SOS is playing today, on Albert Park, 6 PM. I wanna see." His cuteness turned into angry in a millisecond. His face cringed in jealousy.

"See whom?"

"Luke. My love." I gleamed at him, just like he did before the whole 'patch-up-sex' part. He grunted loudly and sat up.

"Okay, that's it. We're not going."

"WHY?" I nagged, pulling his arm and frowning, making cute faces to get my job done.

"When Manik Malhotra is here, why do you wanna go see Luke Hemmings?" He growled. It was always like that with him. When he did something, like flirting with that college girl, I had to forgive him and accept it but when I even talked about a celebrity crush, he'd get all hyper like that's illegal.

"Manik, stop nagging na? Once in a lifetime opportunity hai yeh. Chalo chalo please? I'll get you something interesting in return." I knew I struck the right chord when his eyes widened in excitement.

"Really? What is it?"

"For that you need to take me. Come, let's get ready." I grabbed a nice royal blue off-shoulder top and white jeans. I curled my hair a little and brushed through them, to make them look more natural. I dabbed on some baby pink lipstick and lined my eyes with kohl. Manik just wore a ordinary t-shirt and shorts. This man!

"Manik... what is this?" I snarled and he looked at himself so innocently.

"What? I look cute, na?" He flashed his teeth adorably. I look at him with disgust.

"No?"

"I know." He commented sarcastically. "But who cares? They're guys. Who needs to impress men?" He walked past me and grabbed his jacket.

"Whatever." I strolled behind him and before exiting the house, Manik pecked me on the lip.

***

"GOOD GIRLS ARE BAD GIRLS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN CAUGHT!" I yelled along with the troop and crowd. I was so happy. They were so cool, I was a huge fan of them from my teenage years. Manik looked at me in disbelief. I gaped and calmed down a bit, to justify myself.

"What? I hate noise. I can make it though." I stuck my tongue out and howled along. Manik looked disinterested. Let me give you one advice, never... ever, bring your boyfriend/husband along with you when you're meeting the people you stan.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up excitedly, just to brag about the situation.

"Oh my God, Navya! You won't believe where we are! At 5 SOS' LIVE CONCERT!"
"WHOA NANDINI..."
"I know right. Now okay I'll talk to you later, bye."

The band formally bid goodbye and the crowd rushed for their autographs. Given the country wasn't that populated, I expected a smaller crowd. However, the amount of people gathered there were sort of the amount of people who'd come together to meet Shah Rukh Khan in India.

The troop personally came to people from different countries and cultures and interacted with them personally and I knew I had a high chance too. Michael approached me first and I was almost into tears. I stretched my arms out for a hug and began sobbing while Manik just watched, totally irritated by the fact that I was being held by some other person, forget if it was a celebrity.

"Oh my God! Hiii, I'm Nandini, from India and this is my boyfriend." I introduced Manik to the troop and they shot a small smile. He awkwardly stepped forward.

"Husband." He murmured loud enough for them to hear. I grabbed his hand tightly from behind and pretended like I didn't hear what he said. We had a deal with each other that except for legal terms, we were going to live our lives as boyfriend and girlfriend. I pressed my nails into his skin, gritting my teeth as I tried acting normal.

"Oh. Hey. Where are you from?" Luke waved and I almost died. I can't explain to you the feeling when you meet the people you adore so much.

"India." Manik interrupted, trying to get us to leave faster.

"Ohh... India, beautiful country eh?"

"Hehe... Can we get an autograph and a selfie please?" I gleamed and Manik rolled his eyes. I was acting too cozy with them and he wasn't liking it one bit.

"Sure."

"Thank you so much Luke. I love you." I blew a flying kiss to him and he stretched his arms for a hug. I felt so overwhelmed. It was such a beautiful feeling. I love Manik for this. I knew I had to do something big. I knew the sight of me with someone else would irk him out so much, still he didn't create a scene at least.

***

We walked down the streets of Melbourne, hand in hand, swaying our arms back and forth, like little kids. I was in all smiles and Manik enjoyed seeing me happy. Suddenly, on the way, I was stopped and Manik popped before me, still clasping one of my hands with both of his.

"Ab mera gift do."

"No gift for you. Boyfriend bola na maine, phir husband bolna zaruri tha?" I smirked and Manik's face drooped.

"Of course. What if he decides to take you away from me? Main kya karunga phir?" He frowned to an extreme, it looked adorable. He was so cute. I blushed.

"Awww..."

"You don't want me, na? Fine. Main chala jaata hu." He dramatically moved away from me and I grasped his hand as soon as he left mine.

"Baby, don't be so sad na? See..." I stepped closer and while holding his hand with one of mine, I brought the other around his neck. I stood on my toes and closing my eyes, I placed my forehead against his. He shut his eyes and I leaned close. Slowly and subtly, I approached him, endearing his lips. It was beautiful, professing our love in public that way, with no one judging us. "I love you." I whispered.

"Toh gift?" He smiled, with his eyes still closed.

"Hotel jab jaayenge vapas, tab dungi." He got really excited, or so he pretended and I smirked at his silliness.

"Oooo... okay!"

"Pervert." I swat his bicep and he giggled.

"Chalo." He threw his arm around me and henceforth, we walked like two best friends, madly in love.

***

I pulled Manik into the room and shut it closed. On the bed were some scented oils and towels, neatly arranged. Manik looked flustered.

"Yeh kya hai?"

"You were tired aur maine zabardasti tumhe leke gayi na, so this, to compensate." I smiled warmly and he felt happy. He was such a child. You could read his emotions through his face. He was love.

"Vah biwi! I'm pleased!" He smirked as he slipped his hands into his pockets and raised his shoulders, making me feel more inferior about my height. I walked towards the bed and pulled out a towel. I handed it over to him, with a very innocent face.

"Take these, sir." I looked into his eyes and just stared, admiring everything about him. There are times when you're in love, that you just admire the person standing before you, for making you feel that way. He didn't blink for once either. His arm slowly trembled and held my waist tightly, to stay still.

"Ahan... may I know in advance, what you plan to do with me?" He breathed with long pauses. He blinked dreamily at me.

"That's a surprise, sir." I smiled at him, slightly distancing myself and he smiled in a flirtatious manner.

"Sounds exciting." He giggled as he pulled me closer.

"Undress and lie down." I dabbed his chest and handed the towel over.

"Whoa... undress? Like fully or..." I pressed my smile and tried to act professional.

"Sir, please behave." I smiled faintly and it irritated Manik.

"Nandu, cut it."

"Hehe..." He undressed in front of me shamelessly and I turned around, as if Manik and I were never intimate. He laid down on the bed and pulled the towel over his boxers. I stood next to him and slowly began pressing his muscles gently, to relax them.

"Hmm... This feels nice." He complimented as he closed his eyes, flexed his shoulders and breathed.

"Yeah, of course." I said with a proud smile plastered over my face.

"I never knew I had a personal masseuse at home!" He chuckled in a mocking tone and I continued what I'd planned to do with him. Basically, he knew and I knew too, that this whole massage idea added to foreplay.

"There are many things you don't know I can do yet, Mr. Malhotra!" I smirked as I dabbed my fists into his back.

"Ahh... Nandini, this is heaven."

"More heavenly than every night?"

"Sorta yeah." He chuckled and that was it. I began punching into his back, not very hard, but hard enough for Manik to start off with his drama.

"Ow! Ow! Ouch! Nandini!" He glared at me and squirmed uneasily.

"How does it feel now?" I puffed and punched him more.

"Ni-ice-e." He pretended but I saw his jaw drop and his eyes cringe.

"Really?"

"Ahh... okay stop, it's really hurting." The moment he said that, I stopped. I didn't realize I'd actually crossed the line.

"I'm sorry." I really felt bad now, because Manik was so longer smiling or giving any cues of being okay. He tried to get up but yelped. I caressed his back carefully, feeling really horrible. "Is it still paining?"

"No." He said with an almost expressionless face. That was the face that scared me the most. Whenever he became like that, he'd ignore me royally. It also meant he was beyond hurt.

"I'm sorry. Don't be sad. Please?" I cupped his cheek while he threw on a shirt and gazed into his eyes. He momentarily made eye contact, but quickly shifted his focus. He grabbed his tracks and slipped them on.

"I'm okay." He stated blankly, as he exited the room ruffling his hair. Once again, I knew I'd done something stupid. I ruined everything, as always. I didn't deserve Manik in my life.

***

I was sitting lonely in a corner in the balcony, rubbing my arms as I gazed at the stars. I could've gone chasing him, but I was scared. Manik's silence meant danger, not harmful danger, but emotional damage and that face... I was so helpless and guilty. I looked up at those stars again. All I could think of, was Manik proposal to me. I remembered what Manik said to me about his father.

"Dad, I've been a very horrible person to Manik. You're seeing everything, aren't you? You know what's going on. Why did you want him to fall in love with me out of all the people in this world? There are many girls who can love him better, at least better than I do. Hell, do I even know how to care for him? All I do is hurt him, even when I really really don't intend to. Do I really deserve Manik, or his love?" As I completed my sentences, tears filled my eyes. There was only one person I could confide in, as much as I could in Cabir and for some reason, I believed a girl could relate to me better.

"Nandini..."
"Hey Navya, what's up?"
"How come you're calling me? Is anything wrong?" I paused for a while, trying to gain the courage to speak in a normal tone.
"I... actually Manik and I had a fight; and this time it really was my fault." I explained everything to her, excluding the personal things of course, and burst into tears.
"Hey don't cry. You never cry, right? You're strong."
"I'm really not good enough for him, Navya." I was literally sobbing. He meant so much to me in ways I couldn't express.
"Shhh... come on Nandu, you're not that bad you know?"
"Sometimes even I feel I act really careless around him. Why am I like this?" He was my strength and my weakness. He had the power to make me cry. He had full control over my emotions. It was surprising how in such a short period of time, I'd become so deeply moved by his actions.
"Just go talk to him. Ask him how he feels."
"No Navya, I'm always hurting him. Today, he really was in pain, not physically, I know. There was something behind that face. I can't face that Manik. I just don't like the new 'me'." I wiped my tears as new ones formed, wetting my face completely and nastily.
"Why are you changing?"
"I don't know."
"Maybe your way of loving him is different. Maybe you're more comfortable with him than romantic, and that's not a bad thing. Besides, what else is a honeymoon for? To get to know each other better, and yeah, makeup sex of course." She giggled and I smiled, sniffing. Maybe what she said was true.
"Hey." I heard a voice in the background and sniffed. I wiped my tears and tried to speak normally.
"Cabir?"
"Yeah, we're all chilling together."
"Ooo... anything happening?"
"Haha no. Anyways, I'll talk to you later okay? I'm sorry, pool party waiting."
"Bye Navya."
"And yeah, talk to him. Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
"I hope so."

I cut the call and mentally prepared myself for the outburst of emotions that were coming it's way.

***
Part-2:

(A/N: I'm backkk! And now there's a lot to happen so just stick around, okay? I'd appreciate your comments and votes and thanks for making me real happy. This update might be painful, but please... have faith in me. Okay? Thanks. Vote, comment and share the story. Lots of love.)

I fought with myself and eventually went to hunt down my husband. I looked around the building, running like a maniac through the corridors, searching for my husband. I knew there were only two places he could be in. It was either the bar or the dance club. The alcohol helps and the noise there helps him calm down.

I found the hotel bar on the second floor and barged in, to find my man sitting there, shrugging while a few white men around him tried to hit on some girls. "Manik?" I ran towards him and clasped him in my arms. His head was stuck between my shoulder and my elbow crease and he inhaled deeply to register to what happened.

"Hmm..." I looked into his bloodshot eyes, not drugged with alcohol, but just neglection. I never wanted to make him feel this way, it hurt me to see him like that, but it was what I was doing, fighting a battle with myself.

"I'm sorry." I kissed his cheek and he closed his eyes tightly.

"It's alright. I've forgotten about it." He said after a long pause, which was so contradictory to the emotional, impulsive Manik Malhotra I knew. "Let's go back." He faked a smile and stood up. He wasn't intoxicated, but you could smell the beer.

I held his hand and he shrugged it away. My heart shattered into a million pieces, because never in my life did I think the man who needed to constantly touch me and keep me close to him will deny me around him. Unconsciously, I was deeply hurt. If this was the case right now; if Manik knew... I silently walked down the hallway in rejection. I felt so horrible but I needed to hold it within.

I unlocked the door to our room and walked inside, flicking the key switch into place. He walked straight to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and chugged it down his throat. I watched as he swallowed and gulp and each gulp he took avoiding eye contact, felt like a zillion knives stabbing my heart. He walked over to the couch, turned the TV on and began swapping channels swiftly and blindly, without even waiting to see which program was going on.

"Do you have anything to say?" I asked in a meek tone. I was weak now, and I was so so scared. I was a step away from losing him, forever.

"No." I blinked and held my tears in.

"Okay." I pressed my lips into a hopeless smile. I took a deep breath. Why me? Why always me? I hate this trip. This is supposed to be a romantic trip. All we're doing is fighting; all because of me. I looked at him, but his focus was only at the TV. Hell was breaking loose though this was what I'd expected. Life couldn't get harder. I was in a very difficult position, trying to make it easier for him; harder for me.

"I'm tired. I'm going to sleep." I walked quietly into the room and shut the door. I burst into tears and threw myself on the bed, crying painfully quiet. I snuggled into the sheets, searching for the warmth he could give me, failing miserably. This was going to be very very hard on me. A few moments later, I heard the door click open. I stealthily wiped my tears and shut my eyes tight, pretending to be asleep. My breathing was steady and my back was facing Manik.

He walked towards me, crawled on the bed, lied beside me, still facing my back and ran his fingers through my long locks.

"You're not fine, Nandini... tum bahut ajeeb behave kar rahi ho. I know something's bothering you... Please tell me what's wrong." He whispered, caressing my head and I closed my eyes tighter, holding that new formed tear back. I can't tell you, Manik. He leaned over to give me a kiss on the cheek and he saw traces of tears on my cheek. He sensed I was awake too. "Hey, why are you crying? Nandini, you really aren't okay. We'll go to the doctor?" I opened my eyes, locked them with his, and lost it. I was done fighting. I was done with everything. I craved for his love, his warmth, his embrace; but at the back of my head, the scariest thoughts ran. I shook my head in a jerk and Manik had enough. "Then tell me what's wrong, damn it!"

Just tell him the truth, everything. Whatever happens, happens.

I sat up, pulling myself out of the covers, I walked towards the balcony, to the stars that heard my pain. "I got a call from Amma the other day. Apparently Alya got drunk and burst into our house; told my parents the truth about us, frightening my parents... She threatened to kill them if I don't leave you because she knew she couldn't do anything to you. She showed them the video of you kissing her that night, for that dare. My whole family is shattered. Lie after lie, game after game. Manik... she has the power to do that. She has money, she..." Before I could continue, I was clasped into his arms tightly. The way he hugged me, just made me feel more pain. I was a crying mess.

"Shhh... Nandini... calm down." He was caressing my head, rubbing my back, holding me close and doing everything he could to make me feel better. I'd miss all this.

"Kaise? Ever since I've heard of that... it scares me. I'm scared to be normal because somewhere, for you, your friends... and I'm away from my family, I can't do anything to protect them. They believed me blindly but look, this love marriage lie is now backfiring. I'm helpless." I was literally venting myself to him, everything except my feelings. I was distancing him from me, trying to make me a difficult person to deal with, only to make him move on. The real question was if I was doing the right thing.

"How the hell can she be so dumb? Does she not know better? I'm ashamed to call her my friend. Why didn't you tell me this before?" He was shocked. He was affected. He never thought that dumb proposal of hers and that kiss of his would be such a big issue in our lives.

"Because of this... I can't see you choose between your friends and I. Manik, if this becomes an issue, your friendship with them will break, all of them. They're like family, and I know how horrible it is to have your family hate you. I can't make you do that, Manik." I'd already lost the trust my parents had on me. I'd hurt them enough. Now I was hurting Manik. I just pain everyone.

"So you thought, let me hurt Manik so he leaves me and everything will be okay? Nandini, don't you remember, we were in this together? Nandini, do you not want me in your life? For heaven sake, tell me!" I was bitterly sobbing. I was confused and shaken by Manik's reaction.

"Manik, how can you even think that? Manik, I remember our Sangeet night... the way you cried. They mean so much to you. That's why... That's why I called Navya out of all the people and hoped she'll pass on the information... because I knew Cabir won't believe me." Manik held his head and looked around helplessly. He really didn't know what to do.

"Nandini, what are you doing to us? You're not thinking straight. Your reasons are so vague. I understand you're scared but... For once, tell me... one last time... do you want me or not?" I couldn't believe Manik was stuck about the fact that I didn't want him in my life. He was not understanding what I was going through and that hurt me more.

"Manik, please..." I held his arms in compassion. He was very pissed off. He shrugged me away and moved in a fluttery manner.

"My friends... look Nandini..." He paused at the statement as he began comprehending the situation. I knew it would be hard for him to choose between his friends and me but I had some hope, that just if he loved me really, he'd choose me. I wanted him to say he'd choose me but all he did was think.

"You're thinking, Manik. You can't make your decision. You can't choose me over them. I know that. That's why I never told you and tum nahi samjhoge." I broke down and stormed out of the room, with my cardigan. I heard him call me but I couldn't respond. It's over.

***

I stood on the planks of the terrace, looking down into the gloomy ground, affected by the darkness of the night. It was where I belonged. Secluded, dark and a place where I'd be surrounded with peace.

I placed my foot on the rail and held it for support. I crossed my legs over, went to the other side, more accessible to the ground and stood on the slab. I was a step away from ending everything.

I closed my eyes, holding tightly onto the railings. I couldn't physically let go of support until I'd emotionally disconnect from everything. I thought about my parents, who I'd betrayed. I thought about Manik, who I'd hurt immensely. I never deserved any of them in my life. I took a deep breath and oblivious to all surroundings, I leaned forward. I let go of the railings, and just as I did that, I felt two arms wrap tightly around my waist. I was pulled over so effortlessly, even before I could react. He put me down immediately and I faced him. I was going to say something but I felt a huge blow against my cheek.

It was Manik. He was crying so badly and the fact that he was about to lose me forever scared him so much. I wasn't surprised he'd slapped me. If he'd have come a moment later, he would've never seen me again. Neither would I.

"PAGAL HO GAYI HO KYA?" He screamed into my face, his face weary and tired. His arms gripped my arms as he pulled me closer to him, for reassurance. I was sobbing.

"Manik..." I breathed. He heard my voice and calmed down, closing his eyes painfully. He knew he'd saved me. I was all okay. It brought him so much peace. His face relaxed.

"Nandini... kyu kar rahi ho aisa?" He blew into my face, wrapping his arms around my waist and I put my arms on his shoulders. Our foreheads met as two broken souls embraced each other. I don't know how long we stood like that. We broke only when it struck my mind that I had to leave.

"Manik... it's over. I have to go, Mumbai ke liye flight hai 2 hours main. Vapas ghar jaa rahi hu, Mangalore." I dabbed his chest and he let go. I smiled at how easily things had changed between us. He'd made his decision and I'd made mine.

"Right... you have to go..." I sniffed and looked into his eyes one last time. I could still see the love he had for me, but that love was nothing against his family.

"Goodbye, Manik." I bit my lip and he did the same, hoping he had mine between his teeth. His eyes were teary, mine still red. I breathed deeply, as I walked away from him.

"Nandini..." I turned back, hoping he'd change his mind. "...it's not over until it's over." My heart dropped. I just nodded as I walked away. As a matter of fact, I didn't know where to go. My parents, I've broken their trust. Manik and I, there's nothing left. I just had to, though, far away from everyone I love.

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(And now, the only reason why they got together is backfiring. 🙊 I don't know if I've explained the scenario quite properly here but in the subsequent parts, I'll try to make it clearer. ❤ What do you guys think will happen next? Will Manik rethink his decision? Do you guys still think Nandini is unreasonable? Comment below and let me know. Lots and lots of love to you all, bubyee for now!)