Never in my life I thought Mumbai would be so welcoming. Manik's city was now my city too. The same warm affectionate people who would just smile at you even without a reason. This time too when I walked in with Manik to our apartment we saw the same two girls gaping at us. Manik grinned a little while I tightened my grip around his arms to claim my territory and ownership on him. Manik just smiled at my silly behavior of still competing with teenagers for him.

I was so thankful to him that he didn't deny me to meet his mother, he didn't join me though. I knew this gap was difficult to bridge but I was ready to try even if it meant a lifetime. She was happy to see me and I could see that in her eyes. In her I had someone to confide in about Manik and how could I forget the strong bond I had built with her when Manik was not there.

***

"Manik tell me na what is it??", I was restlessly stomping my foot on the floor while Manik had covered my eyes with one hand and the other held my hand so that I wouldn't tumble here and there."Two minutes na Nandu...you are so impatient", he said in an irritated tone as I had pestered him with the same question since the last one hour.He slowly guided me and we finally reached the place..

"See if you like it", he slowly removed his hands so that I could see.

It took me a while to realize that this was the same room which was a store for Manik's dark memories but today it looked different. It looked beautiful. The walls were baby pink with cute pictures of babies and pretty designs. It had all my favorite cartoons. The room was stuffed with toys I guess of the whole city, from teddies to Barbie's to dolls to feathery cushions. It almost gave a feel of the babies heaven and all I could was just gush over it. That was such a sweet thing to do. I looked at Manik who was waiting impatiently for my reaction.

"How is it??", Manik asked with a cheerful grin of anticipation.

I pursed my lips and gave a careful look all around the room, "Hmmm its nice but Manik agar boy hua toh??", I asked inquisitively and also to put him in a fix.

"Toh kya??..the pink will be replaced by blue and teddies by racing cars simple..", he replied shrugging his shoulders confidently, " but I know ki girl hi hoga dekhlena", he chuckled at his foresightedness.

I thought of teasing him a bit, "And what about me..tum mere liye koi toy nahi laye...I want my froggie", I made a grumpy face and talked like a toddler.

I was wrong to have underestimated him. By now he was more or less aware of all the tricks in my kitty.

"Hmmm so my wife wants her froggie!!!", he pulled me by my arms and I dashed against his chest. He slowly traced my cheeks with his thumb, "Don't worry I already have your toy...it is a little big ...a little naughty and a little dangerous too", he nuzzled his face in my hair and earlobe.

His seductive threat was enough to run a shiver down my spine.

"Manik...what are you doing??", I laughed as it felt ticklish to his touches but I never managed to free myself from his hold and somehow I didn't want to.

"Arey I am giving you your froggie na ...you only wanted but beware this frog bites and grabs too", his teeth grazed over my earlobe and neck and I just moaned and giggled.

"Manik its okay... I am sorry..I don't want any toy..please..please chodo mujhe", I pleaded him to stop his unbearably desirable tortures.

"I told you the frog is dangerous.. It doesn't know how to stop once it starts", he bind my hands and in a swift move picked me up in his arms. I smiled sheepishly knowing very well how will I be punished by my froggie and our room echoed with our laughter there after.

Not a single comment on Excerpt 1 :(( N den u guys wanted these...i know der was a little problem but now it is sorted i guess.