Extremely sorry for the delay! Do drop in your reviews. Ignore the mistakes, if any.😌

Happy Reading! 💘

_____

The best things in life are the people you love, the places you've seen, and the memories you've made along the way, because all those little things and memories aren't little anymore. As their first and the most memorable trip ended with both of them going back home with a bagful of precious memories, on the way back from the Mumbai airport during the wee hours to their cozy dens, the journey was silent and the best part was, that the silence wasn't haunting. With both their thoughts moving on the same 'rewind' axes, as Nandini looked out through the window, looking at all the never stopping traffic with her one hand supporting her chin while the other one was firmly held by him - while he softly kept playing with her tiny fingers,reminiscing all those beautiful memories, making a promise to cherish them forever. They were jerked them back to present when the car halted outside Nandini's apartments, while Peter – one of Manik's bodyguards, took away Nandini's luggage to drop it off to her place.

" So, finally the trip comes to an end." Nandini said with a warm smile as she collected all her belongings.

" I promise there are going to be many more of such trips ahead." He said softly as he kissed the back of the palm.

" Don't sleep in the afternoon or in the evening. Jet lag hai naa. It takes time to get rid of. And all you have to do for two days is rest. No work at all. Am I clear?" Manik said after a pause as he finished his 'instructions' to which Nandini nodded positively. Though Nandini had been to many foreign countries before and likewise , been jet lagged too - but whenever Manik expressed his concerns and worries for her, it always managed to make her the happiest person ever, knowing that he would always care and worry for her, no matter what.

" Good night." She said softly and opened the door to step out when suddenly she turned behind ~

" Thank you for the best trip ever." She said in a soft voice as she gently kissed away his cheek.

" Bye." She said and entered the building, not before passing away her beautiful smile to him. There's always a reason to smile, you just have to find it – while she found hers in him.

~~~

Home - a place where love resides. Same was the case with Manik, barring the fact that he reached at 4.30 in the morning, he was warmly welcomed by Raj and Nyonika along with his Cabir, who had just had a movie and food marathon.

" Welcome baby." Nyonika said lovingly as she affectionately caressed his hair making him smile. No matter where you go, your mother will always be the only person to give your heart that solace. While Raj hugged him happily. And soon, Manik was held with Cabir's weight as he pounced on him.

" Welcome back, buddy. Hope you had a great trip." Cabir said emphasising on the word 'great' to which Manik just nodded with a fake smile.

" Manik, you go and sleep for time." Nyonika said as she kissed his forehead lovingly.

" Night, mom." He replied while the butlers carried away his luggage to his room.

Yet another bright morning, with the sun shining up bright, while everyone from the Malhotra khaandaan was awake, except our very own Prince Charming, who was busy in his dreamland. While Cabir and Nyonika decided to wake him up. While Cabir was busy frisking through Manik's automobile magazine's collection, Nyonika drew the curtains away, making the bright, shiny sun rays fall directly on Manik's face, making him irritated in an instant to which he covered his face with a cushion ~

" Nandiniiii, curtains bandh karo naa." He almost shouted in an irritated voice, making Nyonika gasp a little and Cabir - well his reaction was the same if you'd seen a ghost in real.

" Good morning, Manik." Nyonika said in a loud voice making him snap back to reality and making him realise what he'd said a minute ago.

" Good morning mom. Good morning Cabir. I think I should freshen up. Ok Thanks Bye." He said immediately as he jumped out of bed and ran inside the bathroom without caring about anything.

" Ye kya tha?" Cabir said as he recovered from this sweet little yet a big shock.

" This boy is mad. Chalo Cabir, breakfast ready hai." Nyonika sighed and made her way downstairs along with him.

~~~

Just when he came out of the bathroom in his morning glory, with his hair dripping wet and a black towel wrapped around his waist – he noticed his phone ringing. Just when he picked up his phone, a huge, wide smile made its way to his face. Nandini. His iPhone's screen displayed her name in the most beautiful way possible.

" Good morning, Nandini." He said warmly.

" Good afternoon, Manik." She replied in her ever chirpy tone, just when he noticed the time on his huge wall clock ~ 12.10 PM.

" Manik, I overslept." She said in a cranky tone.

" Doesn't matter. It's not a big deal. Mein bhi thodi der pehle hi utha. Just couldn't wake up earlier. Now just avoid sleeping. Raat ko hi sona ab." Manik explained patiently making Nandini smile widely on the other side.

" Yes sirrr. " Nandini said while giggling.

" By the way Manik, why am I on leave for the next three days?" She asked suddenly.

" Firstly, because I'm the boss. Second, you're jet lagged and so am I. And third, well that's a surprise, you'll know it soon." He said as he managed to wear his clothes while the call was on loud speaker.

" Manik, why do you do this to me always? Batao naa." She cribbed because of her ever joyous traits.

" Arrey baba. Be patient. Kabhi suna nahi, sabr ka fal meetha hota hai?" Manik said showing off his little Hindi gyaan making Nandini laugh heartily.

" Okay Mr. Malhotra. I will wait for it." She said while still laughing.

" Yes, Miss Murthy. Accha I'll talk later, mom's calling me. Take care. Rest properly and no masti okay? Will call you up in some time. Bye." Manik said as he got a positive reply from her side and hung up the call. He lightly combed his hair with his fingers and made his way towards the dining room for breakfast slash almost lunch.

Soon after his brunch, he made his way back towards his room to unpack his luggage and give away the gifts he'd got for everyone. Just while unpacking, he laid his hands on the adorable giraffe and panda soft toy which Nandini had bought, making him chuckle lightly.

" Not bad. Mere hone wale baccho ke liye tayyarian abhi se. I'm impressed." Cabir said suddenly from behind as he plopped himself on Manik's bed making Manik roll his eyes in disbelief.

" Ye tere hone wale baccho ke liye nahi hai. These are mine." He said with a hint of possessiveness, making Cabir both laugh and shocked.

" Tere liye? Kyun tu vapas se baby Manik ban gaya hai kya?" He remarked while laughing.

" Ha ha ha. Thoda aur hasuu? Aur hasna hai toh batade." He said with a forced smile.

" Nandini got these for me." Manik said in a low voice, as he stacked up his clothes in his walk in closet, making Cabir raise his eyebrows.

" Why?" He asked in confusion.

" Because she thinks that I look like a giraffe." Manik said with a funny expression making Cabir burst out into fits of laughter.

" Oh my god. This is called accuracy." He said while laughing.

" Hogaya?" Manik said as he made an akimbo with a fake smile.

" Aur yeh panda?" Cabir said as he controlled his laugh.

" She found it cute. So she bought it." He said with a small smile to which Cabir made an 'oh' expression.

" Manik, I hope you're serious about Nandini." Cabir said in a serious tone making Manik look at him immediately.

" I am." Manik replied back with a smile.

" The day you hurt her, trust me, I'm gonna kill you." Cabir said sternly.

" Tu mera dost hai ya uska bhai?" Manik asked with an annoyed expression.

" Uska bhai pehle hun, fir tera dost." Cabir replied with a smile to which Manik made a fake hurt face.

" As far as hurting her is concerned, I cannot even think about it. She's way too special to me. She's my happiness." Manik said with a dreamy expression.

" Woah! You're whipped,bro! You are in love! " Cabir said in an amused tone.

" It's not love." He said.

" Yet." He murmured softly, to which Cabir heard and smiled.

" Chal, I'll leave now." Cabir said as he patted Manik's shoulder.

" How's Navya? " he asked.

" She's fine. Her mom is here to take care of her. So yeah." Cabir replied back with a smile.

" See you soon." Manik said as he playfully punched his back.

~~~

" So you enjoyed the trip?" Nyonika asked as Manik was lying down with his head in her lap.

" Yeah. New York was great." He said with his eyes closed.

" And Nandini?" Nyonika suddenly asked making him open his eyes immediately.

" You know mom, she's very alone. She misses her parents a lot." Manik said with a sigh.

" I can understand." Nyonika said plainly with a sigh.

" Why don't you call her home for dinner?" She said.

" Vaise, not a bad idea. Let me call her." He said with a wide smile and rushed upstairs with a wide grin.

" Whatsupp?" Manik said as he plopped on the bed while he called her up.

" Nothing much. Was just cleaning everything. Tum batao? Kya ho raha hai?" She said from the other side.

" You're coming home for dinner tonight." He said plainly.

" Whattt? Nooooo. Manik.. no I can't come okay? Mein..mein kaise aa sakti hoon?" She fumbled with words.

" Oh hello? Tumse kisi ne pucha? Nahi naa? I wasn't asking you, I was telling you." Manik replied smugly.

" But Manik, tumhare parents?" She asked.

" Nandini, mere parents jallaad nahi hain. You've met them before. So chill. I'll send Peter to pick you up at 8." He said.

" But Manik, mein khud bhi toh aa sakti hoon naa." She said as she frowned a little.

" Aa sakti ho. But you don't know the address, so he will come to pick you up. No arguments on this now." He said sternly.

" Okay." She sighed in defeat.

" See you soon." He said as he widely smiled to himself.

Soon, it was evening and Manik Malhotra was rummaging through his entire walk in closet from the past thirty minutes to chose an 'appropriate' outfit, since Nandini was coming to his place for the first time, he just had to look the best. Finally after much ado, he selected a light hued purple tee with his blue denims to pair with. He made his way downstairs while setting his hair with his fingers for the probably the tenth time in fifteen minutes. Peter had gone to pick Nandini up from her house, soon he heard a faint horn telling him that she's here, making him excited like a little bunny almost instantly. As the BMW made its way inside the majestic gates of Malhotra Mansion which made it look even more beautiful and magnificent, with yellow lights glistening everywhere leaving Nandini mesmerized. She stepped down the car, as Peter courteously opened the door for her – she moved towards the huge entrance door and rung the bell, and within an instant the door was opened, and there stood Manik, with a bright, welcoming smile. Unknown to her, he was already standing behind the door, eagerly waiting for her.

" Hi Manik." She said softly with a bright smile, as soon as he opened the door. Just when he noticed that she was dressed in a plain white embroidered long kurta, paired with orange coloured leggings while her long brown tresses were left open to flow with the slight breeze, leaving his senses bewitched.

" Manik, usse andar toh aane do. Stupid." Nyonika said making him snap out of his trance, leaving him all embarrassed to which he muttered a faint 'sorry' making Nandini chuckle lightly.

" Welcome beta." Nyonika said affectionately as she hugged her, making the motherly warmth seep in.

" Aunty, I've got this for you." Nandini said as she handed her over a small box, wrapped in silver wrapping paper.

" Beta, this was not needed." Nyonika said with a small smile.

" Aunty, meri mom kehti hai ki jabbhi kisi ke ghar pehli baar jaate hain, toh humesha gift lekar jaate hain. My gift is not too big or expensive, but I felt like giving this to you." Nandini finished with a small smile, making Nyonika smile in satisfaction.

" Beta, gifts ki ahmiat unki keemat se nahi, dene waale ki bhaavnaaon se hoti hai." Nyonika said as she lightly kissed Nandini's forehead. While Manik stood there admiring the two gorgeous ladies of his life in front of him.

"Can I please open it?"  Nyonika asked eagerly.

" Nandini, let me tell you, that this woman standing in front of you, is like an eager bunny when it comes to gifts. She just cannot resist." Manik said as he wrapped his arm around his mom's shoulder, making both of them laugh heartily.

" Aunty, the gift is yours. Kabhi bhi khol sakte ho aap." Nandini said with a wide smile to which Nyonika immediately opened the gift, just to find a small golden coloured Ganesha idol, enclosed in a glass box.

" Thankyou so much, beta. I'm always going to keep this with me." Nyonika said as she caressed her hair softly.

" Ohho Nyonika. Tum usse yahin khada rakhogi ya andar bhi bulaaogi?" Raj said as he saw all three of them standing just a little away from the main door.

" Mein bhi naa. Come beta." Nyonika said as all of them moved towards their lavish living room.

~~~

" Aunty, you have a beautiful house." Nandini said as she looked around.

" You know actually, Manik why don't you show Nandini around the house? Since dinner is going to take some time, it's almost prepared." Nyonika said as she moved towards the kitchen.

" I don't mind." Manik said as he stood up and moved towards Nandini.

" Shall we?" Manik asked as he forwarded his hand towards Nandini, making her eyes go wide, making him smirk a little, while his parents had amused smiles on their faces.

Soon, Manik had almost given her a brief tour of his 'palace', while Nandini's most favourite place was the garden, which was brightly illuminated even in the dark. While they kept moving, with still a lot to see for Nandini, they moved towards the first floor of the mansion, through the mini elevator (Yup, there is a mini elevator for the mansion.😌) , which initially shocked Nandini, but then knowing that Manik Malhotra has a habit of overdoing things, how could he just step back in this?

" So, this is my room. First floor has mom and dad's room along with mine and one guest room. And the second floor has a swimming pool and three other guest rooms along with a mini theatre and a terrace garden. Apart from the basics." Manik finished while Nandini looked at him open mouthed.

" This is seriously a palace! Wow." Nandini said with a smile as she moved around.

" Come, I'll show you my room." Manik said as he held her hand and led her towards his room.

As soon as he switched on the lights, there was only one thing which Nandini uttered, "Whoa"

" Your room is so beautiful." She said in awe looking at the ivory and brown coloured furnishing in his room, which gave it a simple yet a royal look. She moved towards the sitting area which also had a mini bar. She then moved towards the lavish bathroom, which looked nothing less than a dream to her.

" You know Manik, I know this might sound utterly silly to you, but I have this weird fascination for beautiful bathroom furnishing. It's just so amazing." She said gleefully making him chortle.

" So did my bathroom pass your test?" Manik asked with an innocent smiley face.

" With distinction! " she squealed happily.

Just when she was busy adoring everything around, he suddenly pulled her arm, trapping her perfectly between the cold, black marble wall and him – making her gasp.

" I missed you." He said with a puppy dog face.

" Manik, we met in the morning only." She laughed.

" But still. I missed you." He said again with an adorable pout.

" Manik, you're so cute." She laughed and pulled his not-so-chubby yet perfectly chiseled cheeks.

" Why you call me with that C word? I don't like it." Manik said as he made a 'whatever' face.

" You mean cute?" She said while laughing, still trapped between him and the wall with his hands on both her sides - making him roll his eyes.

" Accha sorry." She said cutely and softly poked his right cheek.

" It's okay." He said and held her close to his chest, hugging her softly.

" Chalo, I'll show you the balcony." Manik said as he led her to a wooden door, at the other side of his huge room.

" You have an outdoor jacuzzi! This is so.. I don't have anymore adjectives now." Nandini said in amazement as she twirled around.

" Yes. I know Mumbai mein fresh air hone ka chance hi nahi hota but I like it out here." He replied with a smile making her nod.

" And this is Ginger's house." He showed her a mini wooden house like structure with artificial grass in front.

" This looks so perfect." Nandini said as she bent down a little to look inside.

" Though the fact that she always sleeps in my room only. But she likes it here. And then, there's the second floor. Want to see it? " He said making Nandini shocked.

" No ways! I'm so tired roaming now." She made a bad face.

" You've just seen half of the house yet. Abhi toh aur bhi hai." He said while laughing to which she made an 'are-you-serious' face.

" Baaki baad mein. I'm hungry now." She said with a cute pout.

" Chalo. Let's go. The dinner must be ready." He said as they came out of his room and went down the elevator.

~~~

" Aunty, the food is fabulous! Really! " Nandini exclaimed as she the first bite of her favourite Dal Makhani, making the Malhotra clan smile widely.

" I've eaten such delicious food after so long! Seriously." Nandini said admiringly, while Manik, who was just sitting beside her - smiled to his fullest.

" Nandini, you don't say okay? Tum khud bhi bohot accha khaana banati ho. Mom, you know you should taste the food she makes. It's just too awesome!" Manik said excitedly making his parents laugh. While Nandini was just trying to hide her face.

" Well, then I'm sure your husband is going to be very lucky." Nyonika said with a wink making Manik choke on his food resulting him to cough hard while Nandini has turned into a red cherry.

" Manik, you're okay?" Nandini asked worriedly as she rubbed his back and passed him a glass of water to which he nodded softly. Thinking about her being some other man's wife had managed to create a havoc in his head. Forget thinking? He just couldn't digest the thought of being rightfully claimed by some other man. She belonged to him, he didn't know it yet but it was the truth.

" Nandini, can you please pass me that bowl?" Manik asked softly to which she nodded and passed the glass bowl to him. Just when she was about to keep the bowl back, he immediately grasped her right hand making her shocked. She was somewhat aware of his mental turmoil due to which she didn't protest much.

" Beta, why are you eating with your left hand?" Nyonika asked as she saw her holding the spoon with her left hand.

" Vo.. aunty.. I don't know how I sprained my wrist a little." She said while fumbling a little.

" Is it hurting? Do you want me to get the medicine?" Nyonika asked worriedly.

" No aunty. It's perfectly alright. It will be okay in some time." She said with a smile. And all this while, Manik pretended to be busy in his food with his hand still firmly entwined with hers, while his dad, had a mischievous look on his face which went unnoticed by the other three – knowing what was cooking. Like father, like son. ;)

" Aunty, gajar ka halwa is just out of the world." Nandini said as she moaned a little as she savoured the delicacy making Nyonika smile heartily.

Soon they were done with their delicious supper and settled themselves back in the living room.

" Beta, jaise humare liye Manik aur baaki bacche hain, vaise hi tum bhi ho. Don't ever hesitate okay? Yeh tumhara hi ghar, tum jab chaaho tab yahan aa sakti ho. Theek hai?" Raj said as he caressed Nandini's hair softly, making her eyes moisten in gratitude and overflowing emotions.

" Uncle, can I please hug you?" Nandini asked as she sniffed a little.

" Of course, sweetheart." Raj said with a huge smile as he opened his arms for her, making her run into his arms immediately while, the mother-son duo stood admiring the unnamed bond.

" Thank you, uncle." Nandini said as she brushed off a lone tear from her right eye while Manik just wanted to embrace her tightly in his arms.

" No formalities, beta." Nyonika said as she made her sit beside herself.

" Idhar aao." Nyonika said as she patted her hand on her lap a little, asking her to lie down.

" Aunty.. I mean.. mein kaise?" Nandini stammered a little.

" Beta, meine kaha naa. Tum mein aur Manik aur baki baccho mein koi farak nahi hai." Nyonika said with a smile to which Nandini nodded softly, and carefully settled her head in her lap.

" You know, mujhe humesha se hi ek beti chahiye thi. Par bhagwaan ne mujhe ye nalayak dediya." Nyonika said as she smacked Manik's head to which he made a grumpy face making Nandini laugh.

While Manik, Nyonika and Raj kept talking and making Nandini laugh for a long time, but after some time they failed to notice that Nandini had slipped into deep slumber with a smile of satisfaction playing on her lips.

" Acchaa Nandini.." Nyonika said in a little loud voice when he noticed her, to which he stopped immediately.

" Mom, she's asleep." Manik shushed.

" She looks so adorable." Nyonika said affectionately as she brushed her forehead softly.

" She is adorable." Manik said in a daze.

" I'll put her to bed." Manik said softly as he picked her up gently in his arms, careful enough not to break her sleep.

" Manik, second floor waale guest room mein." Raj said with a smirk making Manik widen his eyes.

" Vo...vo. A little maintenance work is going on, on the second floor, so I'll make her sleep in the room beside mine. Ok Thanks byeee." Manik said hurriedly as he pressed the close button of the elevator leaving his dad chuckling.

~~~

He softly placed her on the fluffy bed, as he covered her petite frame with the warm duvet - after adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner.

" Good night, Nandini." He whispered softly and bussed her forehead. After which he went to his room. While his parents had too retired to their room.

" God Nandini. What have you don't to me?" He said to himself with a heavy sigh after about an hour of tossing and turning around the bed, with his face full of frowns. He immediately wore his slippers and within a couple of seconds, he was standing outside the wooden door of her room.

" Jaau nahi jaau..jaau nahi jaau?" He kept asking himself and finally decided the positive. He slowly entered her room, just to find her snuggled comfortably in the duvet making him exhale out a satisfied sigh. He moved towards the bed and adjusted himself right beside her, with his arm around her tiny waist and his face hid completely in her long,brown hair.

" You will always my peace." He whispered in her ear, with his eyes closed as slipped off into his catnap.

She belonged to him. Not because it was something he demanded, but because it was something she couldn't change.

________

I know a lot of you might find this chapter boring, but this was very much needed for the story. :)

So, the thing is ~ There is something HUGE in the next chapter, and trust me I'm v v v excited to write it! So any guesses?
P.S~ It is not a LOVE confession. ;)

May this year bring joy and happiness in your life. Have a great year ahead. Happy New Year.🎉

Much love.
~Vx.