I wasn't really amazed but I was meeting that smile on my lips after a long long time. I didn't need to open my eyes to be sure that it was indeed a good morning in fact the mark for beginning of good days too. Strangely I wasn't feeling the warmth around me, the ones I felt when I slept with Manik because every single time he makes sure that I am wrapped like a cozy little pillow in the bindings of his arms. I didn't feel that secured and enveloped in his limits. I slowly parted my eyelids to not see Manik, a hasty jerk in my head and my eyes fell a little below. It was awww. Manik was snuggling into me; he had coiled into half his size, his hands folded to his chest and face buried in mine. I grinned like a fool at the beautiful sight that my eyes beheld. He was indeed my first baby who cozened into me enjoying my warmth just like a baby.

It was a little unlike the usual Manik who always had his defenses up even in sleep. He never forgot to mark his territory over me or his daughter and we be grabbed like goodies by him but today his posture reflected how much of love and affection he was in need of as well. He had missed me and this just showed how.

I ruffled his hair lightly and gave a light peck on his head, he groaned and pushed into me more and I laughed heartily covering my mouth because I knew what havoc he could wreck if he woke up and saw me like that. Okay that was enough for the time being, my other baby, the little one needed me too and a teeny weeny bit more. I hadn't seen her for a whole day, impossible it may sound but I was away from her for a whole day. I quickly got up draping myself with a bed sheet and changed into casuals. Manik was still sleeping and thank god for that or I exactly know how much considerate he would have been towards me otherwise. I gave him a quick peck and left to see Manini.

***

"Whel ishh my Mommy?", with that cutely adorable face of hers she still managed to look angry when she charged the nurse asking about me, standing on the bed with her hands on her hips. The nurse made futile attempts to make her sit and check if she had fever. But my baby was way too difficult for anyone else to handle and so I lightly pushed the door and came in and the moment she saw me a big bright smile danced on her face.

"Mommyyy", she squeaked loudly without a dash of chirpiness missing.

"Mommy is here baby...I am shoo sorry I thought my Kaddu is still sleeping and I should not disturb her", she had already raised her hands and I just had to take a step and close the hug. It felt like bliss to her back in my arms and my embrace. I breathed at normal pace to see her being fine.

She mumbled relentlessly and why not, her mouth along with her had rested for more than a day and it was just too much of quietness for her and she had to compensate for all of that. I thanked god that the trauma hadn't affected her much and my baby was just herself and then the doctor walked in along with Mititn. I made Manini sit quietly on my lap so that the Doctor could check her up and finally he declared she was fine and her reports were normal as well. We just had to be a little careful about her diet and medicines. Mitin handed her the balloons and teddies he had got for her and she thanked in return smiling wide. The Doctor and Mitin excused themselves and the nurse too made her exit to get some food for Manini.

***

Meanwhile Manik had woken up and he looked around like a crazy bull to not find me. He quickly set out knowing where I could be, on the way he met the Doctor and he assured Manik about Manini's well being, excitedly he squeezed his bones for a hug making the Doctor cough and choke and rushed to us. Manik's eyes melted to see his Princess hopping on the bed with his back towards him. He gestured me and tip toed in and quietly picked her up from behind.

"Daddyyy", and she didn't need to see to know who it was. She flipped in his arms and Manik showered her with kisses. He had missed her bad and had almost died to see her like that, the glow in his eyes said he was happy to have both of us back and now he didn't want me to feel left out. He led Manini back to my arms and without a warning pressed his lips on my cheek for a good morning kiss. My eyes bulged out when I sensed him preparing for a smooch as well and almost like a reflex action my hands swiftly covered his mouth. Manini giggled and Manik frowned to have been cock-blocked. He was one unabashed soul in true sense, he had to show that we were sorted now and what better than kisses as such he could never get enough of it and he hardly took efforts to think that apparently his 4 year daughter was viewing his overtly affectionate side with his wife. The nurse came in with Manini's food and medicine.

Manik attempted again "Manik stop it what are you doing?", I stopped him again with a glare to take note of the presence of Manini's and the nurse. To avoid the peers of the nurse I took the tray from her hand and held the glass of milk to Manini.

"Nandu this is not done okay", Manik exasperated like a tsunami hit victim. It wasn't very difficult to understand that he drove himself out of the room the moment he saw I wasn't there and that he was deprived of his morning dose. The jerk didn't even bother to clad himself properly, his silly sleeveless vest did nothing to cover my love bites on his neck and shoulder from the night. I tried not looking at him because that would make my task even more difficult.

"I told you what I had to", I stated in a stern voice while nudged Manini to finish her milk.

He stomped his foot twice, "Urrgghh!! Nandu do you always have to behave like this after we make love?", he blabbered in a flow being least bothered that there was a nurse present in that room updating Manini's reports. She let out a quick grunt at the mention of the word and my eyes bulged out in embarrassment, I gritted my teeth and threw a glare at Manik who sulked like nothing less than a love sick puppy.

"Kaddu please finish your milk fast", I poked her once again while she was busy in distorting the only word that she had caught from her father line.

"Cake love..cake vol..love cake...Mommy I want a lau cake pleashh", Manini made faces trying to figure out the words and stood on my lap to make me look at her. Of course after the father it was the turn of the daughter, now the nurse had every reason to giggle behind the papers in her hand, "Mommy pleashh", she tilted her head adorably and asked for her love cake. Shit!! Where could I hide myself?

"Nandu listen na", Manik nagged again

I had to distract him before he started again, "Manik can you please make her finish the milk"

Manini gaped at our faces one by one holding the glass close to her lips and cringed her nose after a tiny sip, "Daddy I want cake lau and koket milk pleashh", now she directed her please at Manik. She raised her hands and Manik came forward and picked her up. She dropped a few kisses on his cheek to get her work done.

Manik took the glass from her hand and asked the nurse to get it as per his daughters wish but the nurse was more than interested to see the mindless bickering of us. Manini looked at the marks on Manik's neck carefully. It definitely looked like an ooouuu to her and she poked it softly to see if it pains.

"Daddy ooouuu", she coiled her lips and hissed on Manik's behalf and Manik gave a naughty smile.

"See baby this is how your Mommy tortures me", Manik let out a naughty chuckle.

"Please send it to our room along with her medicines", I instructed the nurse further and stood up to leave, "Kaddu hold Daddy properly", I adjusted her tiny hands around Manik's neck not that I was afraid she might fall down of something but right now that was the only way with which my love bites could be covered while on our way back to the room.

I headed out and Manik followed me with the little one in his arms whining all the way. Manini got busy in counting the love bites on her Daddy and her Daddy got busy trying to cling to me. Whenever we stopped in between to talk to Harshad's relatives who were worried about Manini, Manik made sure that one of his hand held his daughter properly and his other hand was rightfully placed on my waist so that we looked like a picture perfect happy family. He had his own ways of announcing that we were back. Manini nevertheless continued embarrassing me, counting her Daddy's ooouuu's in front of the guests who exactly knew what they were.

"I want 5 cake lau", and raised both her hands to show me a count leaving Manik's nack completely bare and one of Harshad's cousins burst out laughing and my face went redder.

"Kaddu hold Daddy properly or you will fall", I quickly pulled her hand back and sized it around Manik's neck who was more than enjoying looking at my flushed face.

I pursed my lips at Manik annoyingly to stop her and he coughed nervously looking at my furious eyes. Manik saved himself by walking out while I was stopped by Navya.

"Just make her finish the breakfast and have the medicines..I am coming", I shouted behind Manik and he just grinned like an idiot.

Navya was a little surprised to see the stealthy eye gestures between me and Manik and it didn't take her much of a time to figure out the whole thing as to my ill fortune one of Manik's love bite peeped from my neck too.

"OMG!!!!! You guys did it", she almost dug the floor with the massive jump she made.

"Wha...what are you taking about what did I do?", I helplessly tried to cover up. It was hell embarrassing to be caught like that and now I seriously wanted to jump into the ocean. Navya had her hint already and she wouldn't have it until I spilt the beans and fed up I confided in her making her swear she wouldn't make a breaking news out of it.

"Jeezzz!!! I am so so so happy for you Nandini and more than you I am happy for the little sweetheart..now she can definitely have her BLOTHEL", she chirped excitedly and a beautiful shy smile appeared on my lips.

"Navya.. Manik is going to drive me crazy...he is teasing me to no end and you should just see him how he is behaving even in front of Manini...I really won't be able to face anyone", I stomped my foot irritably. On one hand where it was awesome to be loved by him but only when it was between the two of us, his PDA made me to want to run and hide somewhere.

Firstly Navya laughed out loud to her heart's content while I got more irritated and then she came up with an idea and slyly poured it into my ears.

***

I stormed into the room when the Daddy and daughter were having their silly pillow fight. Manik gave me a puzzled look, my face that was red and flushed in embarrassment a while back was now straight and stern. Manini too stopped her giggles and looked at me quietly.

"Kaddu did you finish your milk?", I asked her firmly and she immediately dropped the pillow on the bed and hopped towards the side table and picked the half finished glass and started sipping lazily.

Manik couldn't understand the sudden change in my mood. I walked straight to the cabinet and pulled out our bags and began stuffing Manini and my things.

"What are you doing Nandini?", Manik asked with a horrified expression on his face.

"Moving out", I replied curtly.

"What?? Where?", he inched closer to me with disbelief written all over his face. He failed to comprehend what happened to me suddenly.

"I have had enough...I can't put up with you anymore", I focused in packing my bags and Manik was getting restless at my behavior, even Manini quietly took spoonful of cornflakes and stuffed her mouth, she knew it wasn't good to mess with Mommy when her mood wasnt good.

"What did I do...Nandini stop kidding okay and just leave it", and tried to stop me. I pulled my hand back and glowered at him.

"I am not kidding Manik...I cant stay here now"

"But what is wrong? Did I do something? Did I say something...okay fine I know you are irritated with me na...fine I promise I will behave myself in public", he apologized reassuringly

I was just waiting to counter him and each of his replies gave me a chance, "Wow that means you will misbehave with me in private", I gave back spontaneously

"Mis..misbehave when did I misbehave with you", he was flabbergasted at my ridiculous deductions to his statements, "...Nandini come on yaar yesterday you punched me and slapped me but did I even raise a finger at you"

"Great so now you want to hit me...fine fine then hit me come on", I gave a light push on his chest and raised my cheek higher for him to retaliate and when he didn't and held his hand and tried to brush against my cheek but he immediately pulled back.

"Are you crazy?? What is wrong with you"

"Excellent..so now I am crazy as well..did you see Kaddu..this is how your Daddy behaves with me", I closed my arms against my body and looked at both of them one by one trying to get her for my support and Manini flickered her baby eyes unable to understand the complexity in our tiff.

"Princess no I am not doing anything..its your Mommy...", he tried to put forth in his defense when I cut him in between.

"Yes yes it is always my fault...I am to be blamed for everything...I ruined everything..I spoilt it all right", I sniffled with a few fake sobs. Manini ducked her head high to see if I was really crying and Manik panicked like a fish out of water. He was completely bewildered to what was happening.

"Nandu please yaa I never said that...fine I am guilty...it is all my fault...I swear I will never hurt you again and do whatever you say...please stop crying...oh okay you want to punish me more come on go ahead ", he tried to pacify

"Okay now you want me to punish you so that later you can conveniently say that I torture you", I covered my face behind my palm and wept loudly.

"Daddy shay sholly to Mommy", and Manini was ready at her Daddy's help. She twitched her fingers nervously, "Mommy shee I dlank all the milk and I am aving colflkshh like a good gal".

Manik started his sorry chants with Manini instructing him in between but I was unstoppable now. I didn't look even at Manik and continued packing and sniffling with my hair covering my face. I zipped the bag and once again went to the closet to get something and Manik followed me.

He stopped me by my arms and pinned me on the cabinet surface roughly, "Stop it Nandini...bataugi kya hua achnak?"

I looked down and struggled to get out of his hold, "You always want it your way right...you never care what I feel or what I need...you don't care about me...you don't love me"

"I love you dammit...after loving you like crazy last night you still have doubts on that", he cupped my face forcefully and made me look at him. We looked at each other for a moment while I fiddled with his hand on my face.

"Really...you really love me", I asked him with soggy eyes, "You really promise you will do what I say...you promise not to embarrass me"

"I swear", he confessed genuinely. I looked at his traumatized face for a moment and bit my lower lip to hide the creeping smile. He hastily caressed my cheeks to erase the traces of tears but there were none and then he glanced the naughty glint in my eyes and was even more confused. I took the opportunity and pecked him on the nose.

"Okay", I shrugged my shoulder and tried to push him aside. Manik's face went straight as he realized I was playing with him.

"So you were pulling my leg", he charged me with a dangerous calm snarl in his tone.

"Why if you can do it so can I", I tried to rationalize but then he was in no mood to buy that. A furious scowl crossed his face and his fingers dug onto my skin almost as a warning.

"Mazak tha ye tumhare liye?", he sounded dead serious. The nerves on his forehead could pop out anytime, his nostrils flared in fury. He was very very annoyed, "You really love testing my patience right"

"Yes I love doing that..you know why because you lose it very often", I spat out in a slightly higher tone and he closed his eyes to tone down. I could see his chest pump harder and he was still breathing heavily. I slowly placed one of my hands over his chest and the other on his cheek caressing it softly.

"Manik will you really listen if I ask you to do something", I brushed his hair affectionately and made him look at me, "Please itna gussa mat kia karo...I really get scared when I see you like that...it pulls away from me...please mere liye", I whispered with genuine concern in my voice.

It was true, a lot of our differences had aggravated due to his temper and things went from bad to worse. Somewhere this syndrome had gotten into me as well so as much I was telling him that I knew I need to practice that as well. I had not forgotten my wild side from last night but somehow it was a trait drawn from him and a trait that was restricted to him only. I never lost my temper elsewhere, it was always around him because I knew he would manage but I wasn't sure if the same went for reverse as well. Whenever Manik lost his temper it got difficult for me as well to get close to him, he just went mad, well that could also mean that the problem lied in me that I couldn't calm him down but nevertheless I tried and honestly I had promised myself now to not let his temper drift him away from me.

He closed his eyes for a fair amount of time while I continued caressing his face. His grip on my waist loosened and I understood he was in control.

"Sorry", he said without meeting my eyes.

"Even I am sorry for annoying you but not my fault okay it was Navya's idea", I vouched for my innocence

"Fine then when I punish you tonight ask Navya for help", Manik warned me with a husky groan in his voice and inched closer to mark the start of the punishment when suddenly I remembered that our baby was there. I shifted my head to look for her and found Manini doing something on the window adjacent to the closet cabinet.

"Shit!!! Manik stop her", I yelled and Manik immediately separated from me and took not of his daughters deeds.

Manini had come up with an ingenious idea to help her Daddy so that she doesn't have to leave him. She took out the clothes that I had packed and threw them out of the window one by one. Manik quickly got her while she was clasping one of my most favorite red saree, a gift from Manik.

"Now Mommy cannot go", she gleed with her toothless smile and Manik snorted at his baby's intelligence.

"She threw everything..now what will I do", I complained making a helpless face

"Don't scold her..its your fault..why were you packing?", of course the Daddy and daughter have advocate for each other whenever needed.

"So you plan to stay here forever kya?? We will be reaching the Athens Port in an hour and she threw everything outside", I literally wanted to cry. Manik broke into hysterical giggles to see me get paid for my own prank and Manini was still contemplating whether to throw the saree in her hand or not.

Manik peeped through the window to see Cabir standing on the floor below and singing.

It's raining clothes hallelujah

I stomped my foot annoyingly and Manik rolled onthe bed laughing along with his daughter who was least sorry and flashed hertiny pearls at me instead.