Manik was wrapping work as he was planning to leave office in few minutes when door opened and cabir entered followed by dhruv and aryaman

Hello they said in unison

Hi.....u guys here manik got up and greeted them

Kyon na ate??? cabir said sitting on chair in relaxing way

Ise to kam se kam na leke ate manik rolled his eyes as he took his seat....

Chal manik we r here to pick u dhruv said and manik raised his eyebrow

Kis liye.....I was about to leave for home manik said and cabir threw ballpoint at him at his statement

See told u guys he will forget he turned his head to face the other 2 while manik made a face not even looking at cabir who was shooting daggers at him

We are going golfing dhruv said getting up and manik hummed in realization ohhhh he then looked at them who were already waiting for him to say sth

I have to take nandini on shopping....I won't be able to join u guys he said and cabir made a face

Henpecked cabir murmured making manik frown at him

Fuck u he said with gritted teeth and a forced smile as he could see dhruv and aryamam smiling at cabir's words

What...u always say no to our plans cabir retorted and manik shrugged

Whatever m going he got up and forwarded his hand to grab cellphone from table but cabir was quick enough to snatch it from him

U r going with us he said in firm tone and manik just stared at the trio and dhruv aryaman seemed to be liking the act

OK atleast lemme inform her manik raised his hand infront of cabir so that he could handover his phone

Tonight no mobile phones....we all r going to switch it off he announced as he pulled manik's phone from pocket and switched it off and did the same with his own phone while the other 2 did the same....they had already informed at their homes that they would be late and manik couldn't as he forgot it

She will get worried he said as he looked at other two hoping they would support him but seemed like they were enjoying it

U r not a kid  cabir said dragging manik with him to the parking lot while he asked cabir one or two times about the phone but his constant refusal made manik shut his mouth and in all this they reached club......getting into the game manik forgot that there was someone waiting for him and started enjoying the game to his fullest as cabir was losing

After that they went for swimming......enjoying every minute and leaving all the worries behind they spent some good time there

On the other side nandini who was waiting for manik all ready to go for shopping but then clock struck 8.....she had called manik few times but it was switched off....thinking that he was stuck in meeting she decided to not bother him but he was never this late without informing her.......she was started to get worried and called manik few more times but again it was switched off

Manik where r u she said in disturbed tone as she dialled one more time and finding it switched off she threw her cellphone on bed......sitting on bed she tapped her foot anxiously on floor and then went downstairs and straight away into nyonika's room

Maa manik nhi aya abhi tak she said and nyonika just smiled as she patted beside her asking her to come and sit

Beta call kar lo na use pareshaan hone ki Kia zaroorat she said and nandini went to sit beside her and said

Kia na...he is not picking up....he always informs me if he is staying late in office nandini said and nyonika nodded as she also got worried

Office call karo....uske manager ko call karo she rubbed her back while giving her suggestion

Ap theek keh rhi hai mein bhi fuzool mein tension le rhi nandini face palmed as she scrolled thru her call log in search of manik's PA number and he told nandini that manik had left a long ago with his friends.....she cut the call and looked at nyonika who was waiting for her to speak up

His PA is saying that he left with his frnds nandini informed and nyonika sighed in relief....he was okay and was just with friends

Chalo relax hojao....ata hoga wo she caressed nandini's cheeks and she pouted

Relax hojao maa.....tyaar hoke bethi hue hn aapke betay ne kha tha shopping pe leke jaye ga she informed grumpily making nyonika chuckle

Aye to uske kaan khenchna....aise thori chale ga she said giving her ideas how to teach him a lesson or just distracting her and it helped as nandini got engrossed in talking to her completely forgetting that she had to go to shopping

It was 10 pm and manik wasn't home yet.....nandini was worried like always and was roaming around in room clicking her fingers when she picked up the phone and called aliya....she must knew where they were cuz all the frnds used to hang out at manan's or aliya's place

Hi aliya....how r u nandini asked as aliya picked the call

M fine how r u aliya asked in her gentle tone

M also fine she said and paused for a minute when aliya's teasing voice appeared

Aaj manik ghar pe nhi to tmhe yaad aye mere her comment embarrassed nandini and she just stayed mum realising that she really didn't call any of her frnds....she was so caught up with what was happening in house and moreover her pregnancy and job that she literally forgot their was a life outside that too

Nhi aise baat nhi she said tucking her hair as she whispered sheepishly

Manik ka pochne ke liye call ki hoge tmne aliya teased her more

Aliyaa she said in crying tone not knowing how to get out of embarrassing situation

Chup...mein manik thori hn jispe ye tone use kar ke tm apna matlab nikal lo ge she scolded nandini who made a crying face

I was busy she murmured but aliya seemed unfazed by her excuses

Where....abhi to bache nhi hue tmhare and u r already busy

U know manik....he is the biggest child..he needs me to do his every single thing nandini said in her defence

Toh who told u to pamper him like this aliya said rolling her eyes aur haan m forgiving u because we r going for dinner at weekend and NO EXCUSES she threatened in warning tone and nandini immediately got agreed as she also wanted some time out with her frnds

Manik tmhare ghar hai nandini asked and aliya smiled at her concern....indeed manik was blessed with the cutest wife who knew how to take well care of him

Don't worry.....they r having boy's night out....dhruv messaged me that phones will be switched off and they were going for swimming and golf and many more aliya said and nandini just frowned as she thought manik could have told her too but didn't say any of this and mumbled okay instead

Cutting the call she glared at manik's photo lying on side table as she showed him her punch

Come home...I will fix u she said as she threw her pressed clothes inside the wardrobe which she hanged outside incase manik come home and they go for shopping

Aise bhi Kia hai bnda bv ko hi bhool jaye she slammed the door of almirah angrily and went out of room to lounge as it was evident she wouldn't be able to sleep until manik's home.....playing on TV she started watching a show and in that the clock struck 2........she was just eyeing clock badly not knowing when would he come......she was pondering when she heard sound of engine and she knew manik was there....her nose flared as she slammed the remote on TV and ran upstairs into her room....she didn't want to make it obvious to him that she was waiting for him......inside room she started setting her bed when she heard click sound of door and moments later she heard manik's footsteps as he entered inside

Hey he whispered as he threw his coat on sofa and approached near her......standing behind her he kissed back of her head when she snapped angrily

Stay away from me her angry voice appeared in room and manik raised his eyebrow

OK calm down Kia hogya hai he said backing up as he sat on sofa and bent to remove shoes

Dimagh kharab hogha hai mera she turned around and bursted out making a small smile to appear on manik's lips

Lgta to mjhe bhi yhi hai he murmured and nandini couldnt hear it (good for him 🤭)

Tm manik raised his head to find her standing literally on his head Mera dil kar rha hai ke she closed her fists in frustration

Mera sar phar do...haina he completed her sentence making an innocent face

Ye lo khawish puri kar lo he tried to hand her a decoration piece making nandini take a step back rolling her eyes

Fuzool insaan she murmured as she knew he was playing with her....HOW COULD SHE BUST HIS HEAD OPEN......SILLY while manik got up and went towards the wardrobe but nandini wasn't at peace

I was waiting for u she said as she followed him

M sorry he said as he didn't know what else to do to save himself from her anger

Sorry and everything is sorted haina.... she looked at manik who was hunting for his trouser shirt

It's been 9 hours...tmhe pta hai mein kitni pareshaan thi she said and manik just stared at her not uttering a single word......not having anything to say manik looked at almirah and pulled out a hanger which had his clothes

R u even listening she snapped angrily and she slammed the almirah door as she saw him so engrossed in selecting his clothes

Easy he said withdrawing his hand from almirah immediately so it doesn't get crushed

I was fucking concerned.....u were not picking ur phone she said in loud tone as she took angry steps towards him while he connected himself with almirah door as he really thought she would hit him with something

I know u were worried that's why m saying sorry.....he said raising his hands in air for defence while nandini didn't remove her angry stare nor did their was any change in her taut facial muscles so he decided to explain further

I told cabir that I have to message u but u know how asshole he can be sometimes.....he just snatched phone from my hand and wasn't giving me back manik explained while carefully observing her every move so to stop her b4 she could smash sth on his head

We will decide later who is actually an asshole she blurted as she gave him a quick glance from head to toe and he gave a purplexed look

Alia knew where dhruv was...he messaged her b4 switching off his mobile phone unlike u she said in taunting way

Fuck dhruv manik murmured as he thought he couldn't get out of mess now.....tomorrow morning people will find his dead body.....he will go away without meeting his little ones 😭😭

U know what bhaar mein jao tm nandini shouted as she went away and manik had his hand on heart as he took a deep sigh of relief that he was alive......

Ohhh God bach gya he wiped the invisible sweat off his forehead

Subha mana lnga abhi to she will just behead me if I try talking to her he talked to his self as he grabbed his clothes and went inside wahsroom while nandini slumped herself on bed...lying down she took deep breaths and turned her head to find his pillows resting on the opposite side of bed....getting up she pulled out comforter from almirah and picked his pillow b4 throwing them on sofa and then went to lay down much relaxed.......she closed her eyes as she lied down spreadeagled on bed

Minutes later manik came into room and saw pillow and comforter on sofa...not looking at nandini lying on bed he voiced out

Common nandini u r not sleeping on sofa.....his voiced out irritated

And why would I sleep on sofa nandini raised herself a little to answer him and that's when manik noticed her lying all stretched on bed occupying his side too....realization hit him and he shook his head as he said

Nah....I won't sleep there he said as he bent a little and rolled nandini to her side of bed making her frown while he passed her a smile

M going to sleep next to my wife he whispered stroking her cheeks lovingly and nandini just stared at him blankly.....sitting she grabbed the jug from side table and it was game of seconds as she emptied the whe jug on his side of mattress wetting it......giving him a smirk she said stroking his cheeks in same way

Now u can sleep with this she turned her back towards him and mumbled

Please turn off the lights.....I have to reach on time tomorrow as I don't own my work place unlike some people she said and manik just gave her an angry stare

Churail he took his fisted hand close to her back to punch her but then retracted it back and glared at her b4 taking angry steps towards sofa....he looked at pillow and then threw it on ground and laid down grumpily.....

Trying to fit into sofa and find a comfortable position for him he kept switching sides but it didn't work........he looked at bed to find her comfortable on bed

Koi khayal hi nhi hai....shohar beshak sardii mein bemaar par jaye he said as he spread a comforter on floor to sleep.....he wasn't fitting into sofa and all bcz of nandini he couldn't sleep on bed too.......he also didn't want to go to some other room and let the people assume things between them

Shohar ko water Park mein swimming karte hue nhi yaad aya ke ab winters hai she replied raising her head from pillow a little

Chalo utho manik said that instead of replying to her statement shaking her arm

Mein nhi uth rhi she said closing her eyes again

Utho mere jaan otherwise I would happily pick u in my arms he leaned down and whispered in her ear making her sit on bed and she glared at him.......seeing her sitting still manik extended his hands to place it around her but she gave an angry glare

Ja rhi hn.....lekin tmhare waja se nhi she said standing in close proximity to him as she raised her finger frowning at him angrily and a lopsided smile appeared on manik's face as he looked at her angry figure......she had gained a little weight and it made her more beautiful......

Zara khayal nhi ise mera....ab hans rha hai she thought as her blood boiled and she strode into another room angrily....

She slept making boundary of pillows and manik after seeing that smiled but then slept without teasing her further......

*********

At morning nandini woke up early to find him in deep slumber with his one leg on nandini's leg.....removing it gently she got up and went to her room and took a shower......after that she went to wardrobe to pick her dress when manik entered into room and straight away went towards her......leaning at the door he whispered in groggy tone

Abhi tak naraz ho he said as she didn't look at him

Tmhe bare fikar hai jese she said as she tried to go past him but he placed hand on her waist stopping her

Baat to sano yaar he said pulling her closer while nandini didn't look at him.....she still had it in her mind how she was tensed for him while he showed careless attitude and not even bothered calling her

Ab is trah start kare ge subha hm he said as he pulled her more closer

Raat to bht ache note pe end hue thi jese she complained .....she wasn't angry but just wanted him to talk to her , to tell her that he admit he should have called her

Mene to try Kia tha manik said and nandini glared angrily

Mere hi ghalti hai....hmesha hi to hoti.....mere hi ghalti hai mein fuzool mein pareshaan horhi thi...mene tmse larai ki in grumpy tone she said

Sorry na he said caressing her cheeks

Mjhe hi manaa lena chaiye tha he said as he connected her to almirah and leaned closer to her while nandini looked at him in anticipation of what was about to come aise kar ke he murmured centimetres away from her lips and then kissed the corner of lips

Tmhe bhool gya mein?????.....every time u r on my senses.....how can I forget u he murmured making her face enlighten as she held his one hand with hers and looked straight into his eyes.......seeing her calming down he gave her an assuring smile and kissed her forehead......dropping hanger which she was holding in one hand she fisted his shirt pulling him for a kiss.....manik reciprocated wholeheartedly while his finers did magic, his electrifying touch sent her to another world.....after sometime they both parted away and manik caressed her pink cheeks

Cabir is so annoying u know na....he wasn't giving me my phone he explained

Aur tm naraz na hua karo mjhse he angled his head to kiss her plump cheeks

Manik nandini mouthed breathing heavily I need u she said pulling him more closer removing the nonexistent distance and manik smiled and picked her up

Did u read my mind he chuckled and nandini just passed him a smile

Kal raat ko I felt as if it was my last night......u were so close to killing me he had a naughty smirk on his face as he said it and nandini just scrunched her nose

U urself made it happen she said whole manik just rubbed his nose over her face making her giggle.......he went towards the bed and dropped himself down with nandini above him but shouted as he contacted the mattress cause it was wet All because of nandini

Nandiniii he said with gritted teeth getting up immediately while nandini who had rolled to side hearing his shreik was sitting on bed laughing hysterically

Tmhe to mein theek karta hn he ran behind her who jumped out of bed to go into balcony but b4 she could get out of glass door manik grabbed her hand and then encased his hands around her waist pulling her up from ground......he then deposited her on bed and started tickling her making her laugh hysterically

Manik plzzz she said with great difficulty trying to remove his hands while laughing incontrollably

Ab hoge naraz mjhse he asked as he continued tickling her

Bs plzzz na karo......nhi hnge naraz she literally folded her hands to stop him while making an innocent face and he stopped

Good he stopped and lied close to her......moments later they both looked at eachother and both started laughing once again

Mere jaan manik pulled her above him and she looked at him with shiny eyes....even if she was angry and had anger for him he removed every single doubt from her mind showering her with his love

Ab hme tyaar hona chaiye nandini said looking at the clock still above him and manik encased his arms around her

Abhi to tmhe quality time spend nhi karna mere sath he said tucking her hair and gave a meaningful smirk

Hogya time spend ab utho nandini said trying to get up but manik pulled her back

Now I want to spend QUALITY TIME he said but nandini just slapped his arm in playful way

Stop okay she knew he was just teasing her so she said as she went to dressing table to find her accessories for a day while manik turned his head to look at her intently

Manik uth jao she again reminded him that they were left with very less time

Aaj nashta room mein hi mangwa lo he finally got up and went towards the wahsroom.....nandini nodded as she continued doing her work

****************

Manik tmhe to koi interest nhi gardening mein but garden is very beautiful and well maintained Nandini asked taking bite of sandwich as they both were sitting on swing

Baba ko tha he said looking at the greenery around.....his mind replayed how his dad uses to spend his weekends gardening

Nandini looked at him whose face showed different shades.....he had happy expressions remembering all those moments and at the same time he was kinda missing him

Baba used to get fresh flowers for maa daily......he was so so in love with her manik said getting excited and nandini looked at the shine in his eyes

He always wanted maa by his side no matter what manik continued

Like father like son nandini commented as she held his wrist and took bite from his sandwich

So dad must be Hitler then he taunted nandini's violent behaviour associating it with her father making her glare at him......

M not even close to how romantic he was.....he used to place maa's medicine by her side every morning and I don't remember he specially woke her up to make breakfast for him......

Fridays were their movie night and dad always wanted maa and him only but then it was me always intruding their space and maa being maa always used to get busy with me manik chuckled getting lost in the past

He used to get so irritated by my presence and I think that's why he sent me to boarding manik had a huge smile on his face as he told nandini about all this while nandini kept staring at his beautiful smile mesmerised

Cutoo nandini said pinching his cheeks who smiled at her as he got up and handed her cup of tea while got him his mug of coffee

U miss all that she asked and manik nodded as he bent to take seat on swing

Everyone remembers the good memories he said as he took sip of coffee

Manik mjhe coffee peeni hai nandini made an innocent face as she eyed manik's mug

Ye coffee he asked in amazement as nandini had likings for extra sugary things

Haan mera bht dil kar rha she said making puppy face as she eyed his mug badly

Mein aur bnwa leta hn with more sugar manik said trying to get up but nandini said

Nhi naa mjhe yhi chaiye she raised her hand in air to grab the mug

Tmhe mere coffee hi kyon chaiye manik asked and nandini made a face as he wasn't giving her coffee

Manik dil kar rha hai mera.....uper se mein she tried to persuade him

Tm pregnant ho manik completed his sentence rolling his eyes and then handed her mug

Tm bht ache ho nandini snuggled into him as she took sip of coffee and closed her eyes feeling the amazing taste

Ye lo tm chai piyo nandini tried to give him her tea and manik shook his head

I can't drink this tea he said as he knew how much sweetened it would be

It's very tasty.....pee lo na she batted her eyelashes as she also didn't want to feel bad for drinking his coffee and manik rolled his eyes as he took mug from her

Love u nandini kissed his chin affectionately making him smile bright as he also wrapped his hand around her waist

Kia Kia karwate ho apni muhabbat mein tm mjhse he said taking sip from her extra sweet tea

Achaw ye choro na...mere baat suno nandini said as she looked into his eyes raising her head a little from his chest

U miss that time she took a pause as she formulated words in her mind so why don't u just try and normalise ur relationship with maa....

Hmmmmm manik just hummed

U know sometimes jab insaan se kuch chin jata hai to whi cheez kisi aur trah se insaan ko mil jati hai.....dekho maa bhi wapis agye hai Kia pta God wants to make everything right she said and manik just nodded and said

Haan but kuch cheezo ki kbhi replacement nhi hoti...agar ho bhi jaye to wo emotions nhi rhte....he mumbled as he got up and raised his hand to grab empty mug from her hand......placing them on table he arranged his specs while nandini looked at him all the time to find any emotion on his face

Aur tm mjhe 1 baat btao zara tmne aisa Kia karna hai mjhe maa ke hawale (handover) kar ke he asked with raised eyebrow and nandini dusted her hands as she said

Maa ke betay se mein tang agye hn....ab wo hi sambhale she said playfully

Sharam karo manik said shaking his head in disbelief as he went towards the wahsroom after grabbing his clothes from wardrobe ignoring nandini's laughter

After getting dressed manik stood infront of nandini and she grabbed the tie to tie around his neck......securing it perfectly in its place nandini looked at him with eyes signalling it was done which brought a smile on manik's face and he whispered

Thnku my love he stroked her plump cheeks and then squeezed them making her frown as she rubbed her sore cheeks faking anger while her pink cheeks tell some other tale making manik smile brighter

Ready rhna aaj...we will go for shopping he said and nandini narrowed her eyes and frowned

Kal ki trah leke jao ge she said as she walked towards the wardrobe and pulled out her clothes and then started walking towards washroom

Mrs malhotra aap ne to mjhe taane de de ke maar dena hai he said and nandini who was going to wahsroom turned her head and said

Mr malhotra ye phle sochna chaiye tha aapko she said with lopsided smile and then disappeared inside washroom

****************

Holding her hand manik was leading while nandini was just following him looking at him with glowing eyes and happy face

Aise kyon dekh rhi ho jese phle dfa dekha hai manik murmured in her ear

Bht handsome lg rhe ho.....kasam se dil ajata jab aise karte ho she whispered staring at her hand which was secured in his large hand making manik widen his eyes and he cleared his throat looking straight ahead

Kuch hogya hai tmhe he asked as she found such acts very cheesy and was always shy

Bs pyaar hogya hai tm se she teased him this time and then went inside a shop making him look at her with hitched breath........

Isne to mjhe pagal hi karna hai kisi din he murmured rubbing his forehead as he waited for her to finish shopping

After sometime nandini came out making manik get up....he approached her taking shopping bags from her

All done he asked and nandini just shook her head

Nah abhi kahan she said as she dragged him to next shop help me select some dresses she said on their way.......

This one will look good on u manik said pointing at emarld green sleeve dress

Manik I want sth to wear for home not dresses like this she said as she looked at casual dresses and his statement made manik shrug his shoulders as he opened his mouth in O shape

He gave other suggestions and after half an hour nandini was done......

Lao mjhe do mein pay kar ke ata hn he said taking dresses from her and nandini handed him casual dresses and also pulled out emarld green dress manik liked and also gave it to manik

Ye bhi tmhe pasand aya tha na she said looking into his face with a smile and he also smiled

Just coming he said and then went to counter to pay the bills while nandini went out of shop

As he turned around after paying the bill and his eyes fell on saree collection......his eyes replayed times when his mother used to wear beautiful sarees gifted by his father and her present clothes roamed infront of manik's eyes which were too simple.....be had seen her wearing the same 2 3 clothes in all those days

Taking final decision he bought sarees too and then they both went to parking lot......taking bags from manik nandini placer it on backseat of car and seeing an additional shopping bag

Manik ye sarees Kis ke liye hai....tmhe pta hai mein nhi pehnti she said sitting on front seat and asked as manik twisted the key in ignition.....manik didn't answer and nandini just pulled the stopping bag from backseat and started checking sarees

Aunties wear these kind of sarees.....u bought these for me she asked as she started asking multiple questions

My newly found crush is on old ladies he said in calm tone focusing on driving

Kbhi insaano wale baat na karna she glared slapping him on his bicep

Nandini yaar mera ye haal karte ho Mere bacho ka dar lga rhta mjhe to he said frowning and nandini adjusted on her seat embarrassed at her act but didn't show it on her face

Haan bht zulm horha hai tmhare pe she said glaring back at him

Don't divert the topic.....ye saree mere liye nhi to phir kiske liye she asked as her inquisitive nature wasn't letting her sit in peace

Maa ke liye.....she has been wearing the same 2 3 clothes she has from the time she came he said and nandini's eyes lit up at his statement.....manik turned his head a little and glanced at her shiny eyes

She is living in our house so we have to provide her with stuff manik said in casual tone as he didn't want her to get her hopes high

Ahaaan nandini said looking at him in teasing way but manik didn't respond

Cuteee manik.....I loved that u r so considerate about it She said rubbing his left cheek affectionately and manik just smiled

They entered hone and as they went inside lounge....manik tried to give nandini one shopping bag which had nyonika's clothes

Ye lo nandini....de dena maa ko he said as he took a step forward to go to his room but nandini just shrugged

I won't.....khud hi do jab leke bhi tm aye ho she said and manik took a step back to stand beside her

Mein to tmhare sare baate maanta hn na manik taunted at her statement making her lips bow down as she frowned

Maan hi na lo tm koi baat nandini made a face

U realized.....smart girl he said with toothy smile and then proceeded to go upstairs to his bedroom after taking bags from her......he also placed nyonika's saree with other clothes in wardrobe

*****************

M going to take shower nandini said as she kissed manik's cheeks and went towards the washroom while manik also got up and took  steps towards window....he was about to close the window when he saw someone sitting on bench.......surprised he went to balcony and bent on railing to get a clear view and there he saw nyonika sitting in such cold weather..........his forehead creases increased as he observed that she wasn't even wearing some shawl or sweater.......he gazed at her to find her head bowed and she was resting her palms on lap.........she looked engrossed thinking about sth......with a worried face he just rubbed his forehead but then made a plain face and went inside room.....why was he even caring...she didn't even need his concern anymore.......sitting on chair he rested his head on headrest and clicked his finger on chair arm anxiously......not able to sit in peace manik got up and again went into balcony to see whether she left or not but she was still there in same posture

Itni sardi mein bahir bethne mein Kia maza arha hai he thought not liking it and then irritatedly went towards wardrobe and grabbed nandini's shawl and sweater

Khayal nhi rkh skta yahan koi apna he mumbled in irritated tone as he took fast steps to reach downstairs......going out of maindoor he made his way to garden where nyonika was present......he saw her sitting in same posture and it worried him a little but then he shook his head *he wasn't there for it......whatever she does is none of my concern * he told to himself and then placed shawl and sweater on bench beside nyonika

It's cold....wear it he said in low tone and turned around slowly without looking at her to go back.....he took 2 steps when he froze hearing her sniffing

She was crying!!!!!

That's it....how was it

Plzzz vote and comment....ur cmnts really encourage me