Flashback Continues...

Prerna - Manik I love you... I have been loving you since we were in college.. I can't lose you again Manik.

She thought he would burst out on her but Manik did the exact opposite. He laughed loudly holding his stomach. After few seconds, although he couldn't control the laughter but he somehow composed himself and said,

Manik - Yaar.., I must say, your jokes are epic... My Stomach is aching badly.

His chuckle turned into laughter again. But he failed to notice Prerna's facial expressions.

Prerna - Manik, I'm serious.

Stopping his laughing section, Manik stood there in shock. Understanding his state Prerna said further,

Prerna - Yes Manik, I love you.. I love you so much, since our college days.. I was so happy when Veebha left you. But now... now I think there is a hope.

Manik - Are you in your senses?? Hosh mein toh ho tum?? And No, there is no such hopes. I'm married. Meri biwi hai Nandini., Aur mein uske saath bahut khush hu. Agar tumhe lagta hai ki mein apni biwi ko chodkar tumhe apnavu, toh ye tumhari galat fahmi hai.

He took a sharp breath to control himself and looking straight in to her eyes he asked,

Manik - Tum aise socha bhi kaise ? You think I'll love you like I love Nandini ? No.. a big No. Main abhi abhi usse pyaar karne laga hu.. usse chodne ke bhare mein soch bhi nahi sakta..

Prerna - What?? Come again? Kya kaha tumne??

And now it was Prerna's turn to burst out in laughter. Manik said nothing but thought to let her finish first.

Prerna - kya kaha tumhne? Usse chodne ki bhaare mein soch bhi nahi sakta??? Well thats right. Tumhe sochne ki zaroorat nahi.. woh khud sochegi.. Did you forgot?? You can't be a father.

Manik closed his eyes hearing the biggest reality of his life.

Prerna - You can't be a Father Manik. Maa banne ki khushi tum usko kabhi nahi de paunga.. Agar ye sab usko pata chala toh??

Manik - Nooo...

Prerna - kyon?? Dar gaya? Ha ha ha... You know Manik, I was the one who informed Veebha about your infertility. I manipulated her and I will do the same with Nandini too. Agar usko ye sab pata chal gaya toh ? Hwww...

She palmed her mouth faking a shocked face.

Prerna - Socho kaisi hogi uski halat? Nandini bhi vaise hi chodengi tumhe jaise veebha ne chod diya tha.

Manik - Nahii... Nandini Mujhe kabhi nahi chodegi..

Prerna - Manik, Ma banna har ladki ka sapne hota hai. Especially Nandini jaisi ladkiyon ke liye. For them, this marriage, Mangalsutra, Sindoor and becoming a mother, all these are very much appreciated. No matter how much she loves you, she can't accept this defect of yours. Never...never she will live with you.

Listening Prerna's words Manik stood there frigidly. Now he was fully convinced that Veebha had left him because he could not be a father and if Nandini comes to know this, she would leave him forever. He couldn't turn a blind eye to the reality which came in front of him like colorful movie.

Prerna - Let her go Manik..Just think that you are doing this for Nandini's betterment only. She will know this truth at some point in her life anyway. She will hate you at that time. Becoming a mother is God's blessing. She will blame you when she realizes that you can't give her a baby. You have to keep her out of your life to avoid these things.Wouldn't you do this for her happiness Manik? "

Looking at a lost Manik, an evil smirk formed on her lips. He murmured not knowing that Prerna was listening,

Manik - Its true that when Nandini realizes that I cannot give her our child, she will be broken. She is innocent. I won't let her shed any tears because of me. I have not shown love to her till now .. and will continue too... When she does not find love in me, she will go away.

Her smirk grew wider. She came forward and kept her right hand on his shoulder and said,

Prerna - Yes.. you are right Manik..

Shooing her hand from his shoulder Manik screamed.

Manik - You... You never have to dream of Nandini's place. Nandini loves me more than anything. She is my only wife. Mera pyaar aur meri biwi dono Nandini thi, hai, aur hamesha rahengi. You will never get my love.

Laughing like a mad , Prerna said,

Prerna - Ha ha ha .. Manik, What did you think of me? I have decided everything, thats why I came to meet you. I didn't come to you in the hope that you would accept me right away. Whatever happens, I won't let you go. Veebha was the first obstacle. I will get rid of Nandini as same way. If you don't accept me, I'll tell her all the truth. Then she herslef will leave you.

Manik - Prernaaa...

Prerna - Don't shout Manik.. I will tell everyone the truth that you are trying to hide. You know what will happens to your mother?? when she gets know she is not lucky enough to fondle her son's baby ? what do you get by hurting them in such an old age? If you don't want me to do these things, just do as I say.

She took a neccessary pause as she tried to read his face.Couldn't able to read, she continued,

Prerna - Look Manik,she'll leave you anyway. Then what stops you from accepting me? I don't want babies. I haven't any interest in giving birth to them. It will effect my beauty. I will lose my body figure forever. Taking care of the children, feeding them, run after them.. uffff I can't manage these things.

Manik narrowed his eyes at the foolish lady. A doctor can never say these words. huh!!! Doctor??? Doctor is far away, she is a woman herself. How can a women say like this? He doubted that is she even a human?? He could not believe that his best friend at one time was so low-minded. While that wicked lady continued,

Prerna - Only I can accept you Manik. We can live happily. let Nandini be happy too. Ok?? Think Manik. Think again and again, deeper and deeper. Then take a decision. A wise and firm decision.

Beep...beep...beep

He heard the alarm tone of the phone and came out of the flashback. He picked up his phone and looked at the time. It is about to dawn. He spent almost 2 hours at the balcony.

Manik came back to his room. He stared at his wife's beautiful face. Her face glowed in the moonlight which peeked through the balcony door. But he spotted a little frown on her forehead. Must be in bad dream, may be him? May be not. He took slow steps towards her without making any noise. Kneeling in front of her, he gently wiped the creases. Caressing her cheek with his knuckles he went back to his bed.

                                       ••••••••

When Manik woke up in the morning, he did not find Nandini in her room. He thought she might be in the kitchen. He missed the sight of his wife getting ready. More than that,  he missed her morning kiss. But his clothes and accessories were well placed on bed. Giving up on his thoughts , he went to the washroom.

As he was about to leave for breakfast, Nandini entered into their room. There she is, fresh as flower, beautiful as heaven. He smiled a little,without her notice. She is carrying an aarti tali in her hands. Standing in front of him she extended her right hand to apply red tilak on his forehead. But as a reflection he took a step back. Hurt flashed through her eyes.

"What is this?" Manik asked in a stern voice.

"Woh..woh.. aapka birthday haina aaj"  Nandini said looking down. While Manik stood there rooted. He totally forgot about his birthday. But hiding his expression Manik asked.

"Toh?"

"Toh...mai...maine...mandir...mandir gayi thi.."Nandini stammered badly.

"Ji Koyi zaroorat nahi mere liye prartana karne ki " Manik said keeping his stern voice.

"Manik woh" She couldn't finish,

"Ye sab mujhe pasand nahi hai. Kyon mera din kharab karne ke liye roz subhah aati ho tum? Where is my laptop charger? If you can't fulfill your duty as a wife, why bother hanging here in my house?" Manik shouted at her.

she pathetically looked at manik who is searching their room angrily. Tears fell from her eyes to the aarti thali which was in her hand. The sweet which was in the thali also got wet due to her tears.

"It is waste to search. won't find anything here." Manik murmured angrily.

"Manik" Manik was about to leave the room, Nandini called him

"What??" Manik countered harshly.

"Ha...happy bir...birthday.." Her words choked hearing his harsh reply.

Hearing her chocked voice his heart wrenched. But without replying he quickly went down. He wants to get away from Nandini as soon as possible. Her devotion towards him kills him.

"Manik"

"Bhai"

Nyonika and Mukti called Manik together. He was gone by then. He didn't even wait for breakfast.

"Maine unko birthday wish nahi kiya Mom.." Mukti's words dripped sadness.

"What is happened to him? Mera Manik aisa kabhi nahi tha" Manik's change in behavior disappointed his mother. Just then Nyonika saw Nandini who is standing at stairs having tears in her eyes.

                                   ••••••••

Around 9:30 am, Manik arrived at Southern Park. He sits on the bench in front of the small pond in the park. He closed his eyes and Nandini's innocent face came in front of him. He started thinking about Nandini. Their marriage, her devotion towards him. No matter how harsh he was with her, as a wife, she always fulfilled her duty. It was him who failed as a husband. Prerna was right she deserves better. He doesn't deserve her.

Suddenly someone patted on his shoulders and he quickly wiped away the tears in his eyes.

"Hey Manik, I didn't expect you would come. You made the decision to obey what I said, didn't you? " Prerna asked in excitement, but he turned his face away from her without giving a reply.

"Offo Manik.., Don't be silly.. I'm also saying for Nandini's better future only. Moreover she is not your type. Let her go" Prerna said as  it was not a big deal. While Manik tightly fisted his palm to control his burning anger.

"Happy birthday Baby.."  Wishing him Prerna hugged him tightly. He tried to push her off holding her shoulder. But she tightened her hold on him. He frustratingly closed his eyes and  opend in a haste. The sight in front of him froze him.There he saw a familiar face.With trembling lips he whispered,
                     

                               "Nandini "

                                     ~~~
                                15/03/2020

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Hey friends, here is fifth part!!

Yaar.. tell me na how is my story going??

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