Extremely sorry for the delay. Phew. Here is the last installment for this series. Thankyou for all the love and patience. 7683 words. Phew. All this love is too overwhelming.💜

Do tell me how it was. Ignore the mistakes please.🙈

Happy Reading! 💞

~~~

" Chalo let's give my babies a warm bath." Manik said as he picked up a bulky Nandini and moved towards their bathroom.

He made her sit on the washbasin shelf and adjusted the temperature of the huge jacuzzi tub which shouldn't be neither too cold nor too warm. He gave her a long warm bath to relax her nerves just like a mother bathes her child. After about 45 minutes, he came with her purple towel to wrap around her body, but surprisingly the towel couldn't cover her body completely, all credits to her big belly.

" Manii, I don't even fit in this towel anymore, forget about the clothes. I had so many beautiful clothes and now I can't wear them. I've become so fat." She said while shedding tiny tears which panicked him to no extent.

" Hey hey. Shussh baby. Who said you won't be able to wear those clothes again? After you give birth to our princess, you will be back to your yoga and aerobics routine na. So you will be back in shape too." He explained calmly.

" That means you do agree that I'm out of shape. Manik, you don't love me anymore. I know that." She whined and started crying again.

Her condition at the moment was no less than a five year old child, who possibly would be more mature than her due to which she moved around with an invisible sign and statutory warning - Fragile: Handle With Care. Manik was the most patient husband, even after knowing that how unreasonable her demands were during this time, he fulfilled all of them. Never did it happen that he got irritated or frustrated with her nagging. This was the period when he was taking care of two babies, a fully grown woman with a child heart and an unborn princess. Pampering was all his two little lives needed. These three remaining months were very crucial for the obvious reasons because now Nandini had to be extra careful with her activities as the little baby in her tummy was growing at the final stage. During this time, thankfully for Nandini, Manik took her for a brief getaway to their special villa at the outskirts of the city. While Manik on the other hand, was always on his toes, no matter what the situation was. During these three months, he had learnt how to cook Italian. All thanks to his wife's demanding cravings. He had organised a special photoshoot for her from the ace photographer of the country so that he'll always have pictures of his daughter, even before she was born.

" Aaah Manik. Your daughter is getting too impatient these days!" Nandini cribbed.

" What happened baby? " he asked as he pecked her forehead.

" She kicked. Again." Nandini huffed.

" Hey baby, is it getting too congested in there? I know. Just three months and I promise you will have enough space to move and play around. Come soon, princess. Papa loves you." He said softly as he kissed her belly making her smile hugely.

These three months passed in a jiffy with over pampering, mollycoddling, cajoling, love and care. And now it was finally The Time. The ninth month.

" Maaaanik." She shouted in the middle of the night.

" Arrey Nandini, sojaao naa. I'm very tired." He said as covered his head with the pillow.

" Aaaah." she wailed, immediately alerting his senses. He looked up just to find her crying uncontrollably while holding her stomach.

" Baby. Relax. Shuush. Take a deep breath." He said as he rubbed her back.

" Manik. It-it's hurting. Please do something." She cried.

He immediately kept his phone in his pocket and picked her up in his arms and took her towards the ambulance outside their house. He was extremely worried to see her in this condition. Seeing her in pain wasn't even the last thing he wanted to see.

" Breathe Nandini. Breathe. Kuch nahi hoga. Princess is fine. I'm here with you." He said whole holding her hand as the ambulance paced towards the hospital which was luckily just a couple of minutes away. While the nurse kept talking to her to distract her from the pain.

" Cabir. Hospital. Now." Manik said as he immediately dialled Cabir's number asking him to reach the hospital along with others as soon as possible.

They reached the hospital and Nandini was immediately taken to the labor room while Manik kept pacing outside the room worriedly when Cabir, Navya and Mukti reached and saw him extremely tensed.

" Manik. Don't worry. Sab theek hoga." Cabir said as he patted his back.

" Cabir yaar, look at the way she's wailing. I-I hope she's fine." Manik said anxiously.

After a good thirty minutes, the head doctor came outside and said,

" Congratulations Mr. Malhotra, you're blessed with a baby girl. Both your wife and daughter are doing completely right. We have shifted them to them to the VIP ward. Make sure that there's no noise in the room."

All this while Manik stood there numb, not able to understand what he was feeling. He felt blessed. He felt emotional. He felt happy, that finally his little princess was here. While rest everyone went and met Nandini dearly, congratulating her and blessing the tiny life. And in the end, it was just the angel's father who was left to see her. Nandini knew what he must be going through. His soul was still scarred with the death of his parents when he was a kid, knowing this fact, Nandini never stopped him from taking care of her all through the nine months and now, knowing this fact, she didn't let anyone pick Myrah in their arms because she wanted Manik to be the first one to cocoon their blessing in his arms.

Manik slowly entered the room after everyone had left and saw her sitting with her eyes closed and a small smile playing on her lips, he moved his eyes, and there he saw his angel, resting in a small glass cot, sleeping peacefully. As soon as the door closed, the sound immediately woke up Nandini because she knew that he would be coming any time soon. He slowly moved towards her and kissed her forehead delicately to which she smiled warmly at him. Their silence spoke louder than words. They didn't need words to express their feelings, their eyes conveyed it all. And within a minute, she found him clinging to her and sobbing like a baby.

" Manik, hey. Shuush baba. Why are you crying haan? This is a happy moment. See, your princess is finally here. Go hold her Manik." She said in a low tone.

" Nandini, but, I'm scared. What if I d..drop her." He said in a scared time.

" Don't worry. You won't. And stop crying, apni beti ke saamne rougey? Goo." She said with a smile as he stood in front of her cot.

He looked at her with tears in his eyes and softly touched her face with his shaking fingers. She had his eyes, her tiny nose, his cute little ears, soft brown tresses , feather like cheeks and her tiny lips. She was his golden treasure.

" Nandini, look at her hands. Her fingers are so small. And her feet, they're so tiny and soft." He said as he gently kissed her baby feet.

He carefully picked up her up in his arms to which she slowly opened her baby eyes to look at her hero. The man who would never hurt her and love her without any conditions. As a response, the little life cocooned herself more in his huge arms and gently held his forefinger which was resting on her palm. He dearly kissed her tiny forehead and touched his nose against it and looked at her with love trying to absorb the reality.

" Nandini, look, she's holding my finger." He gleed.

" Yes Manik, Myrah is holding your finger." She said with a small smile.

" Nandini, look at her, she's so delicate and soft." He said slowly as he settled beside her and handed over their little bundle of joy to her mother.

The feeling of holding a little life in her arms was a feeling which was unexplainable. While the little pixie automatically dug herself in her mothers arms. The warmth of the mother is something which has to power to heal the child both emotionally and physically, right from the birth.

Nandini emotionally held her close to her chest while carefully protecting her from all the evils in the world while Manik just sat beside his little babies and lightly pecked their heads.

" Congratulations!" Cabir and Mukti screamed as they barged into the room with balloons and party poppers.

" Guys. Shhh. She's sleeping." Manik whisper-shouted making them mumble a soft sorry seeing the little one flinch in her daddy's arms.

" So guys, kya naam decide kiya humari princess ke liye?" Mukti asked to which Manik and Nandini looked at each other and smiled.

" Myrah. Myrah Malhotra." They said making them jump with happiness.

" Manik, can I please hold her, pretty pleaseee?" Mukti pleaded while Alya and Dhruv entered as they congratulated the new parents.

" Nope. Not possible. Under no circumstances I'm letting you even touch my princess right now." Manik said as he cradled her in his giant arms making Nandini sigh in disbelief because she knew that there was no point arguing with Daddy Malhotra now.

" Accha okay, fine. So, it's gifts time now." Alya squealed with excitement.

Alya and Dhruv gifted Alya's new special infant designer collection, while Cabir and Navya named a star on their little one's name and Mukti and Abhimanyu gifted a diamond studded tiara making everyone extremely happy with the gifts. After a short chit chat session everyone left leaving the Malhotra's in the room.

" Nandini, why is she so quiet? " Manik asked with a grumpy face as he touched her nose with his finger.

" Manik, she's a new born baby. You can't expect her to recite nursery rhymes right?" Nandini chuckled as the little one slowly opened her eyes.

" Nandini look, her eyes are open now. She can see me." Manik said excitedly.

" Princess, welcome to this world. We love you so much, Myrah baby." He said softly and caged her in his arms, hiding her from the world.

" Nandini look, her eyes are exactly like mine. And her tiny nose, it's just like yours. Her hands are so tiny." And Manik didn't seem to stop talking about his darling.

" Nandini, I can't tell you how happy I am. Thankyou for the best gift of my life. I love you so much." He said as he pecked her lips softly while she was feeding the little one to which she warmly smiled.

9 Months Later :

These nine months were no less than a roller coaster ride for both Manik and Nandini. Being parents was a beautiful feeling but along with that came duties and responsibilities, which both Manik and Nandini fulfilled without any complaints. Raising a child wasn't easy as it seemed. Manik kept showering his extra love and pampering on little Myrah while she looked at him and smiled everytime he talked to her as if understanding what he was saying. Myrah was the apple of their eyes. From Fab4 to the servants of the Malhotra Mansion, there wasn't a single soul who wasn't fond of her. But Manik always kept a tap on his princess' safety be it even inside the house. Since Myrah was just nine months old, they weren't supposed to take her out any where, and also because she was on her mother's feed.

That night Manik was working on his laptop, completing his presentation while Nandini was sleeping peacefully beside him and his little angel, was comfortably resting on her father's broad chest covered completely with the duvet. Her health was something on which no matter what happened, Manik never even thought of compromising. And now, since the air conditioner was on, he made sure that not even a single cold wave touches her.

He was just about to shut down his laptop when Myrah woke up crying. Thankfully, Nandini was in deep sleep so she didn't wake up. Manik softly picked her up wrapping her tiny blanket around her and took her to the balcony while cradling her in his arms.

" Hey baby. Daddy's here. Kya hua mere baby ko haan? " he talked to her while she was still crying slowly. He knew she wasn't hungry because before sleeping Nandini had just fed her. He checked her diaper to find everything alright. He slowly held her close his chest and moved towards the corner of the balcony from where the moon was visible.

" Baby dekho, moon. Wow. Aapko pata hai, those tiny things, they are stars. They shine and remove all the darkness. Aur jo moon hai na, vo stars se bohot saara pyaar karta hai. Isiliye aap meri moon ho aur aapki mumma meri star. Haina baby? " he explained as he pointed towards the moon while she kept her tiny head on his shoulder while clutching his black thread in his neck with her hand making him realize that she was finally about to doze off any moment. He moved a little to and fro as he hummed a melody and finally, his little one was fast asleep.

" I love you so much, princess." He said softly and kissed her forehead.

As soon as he turned around to leave, he saw her standing on the door of the balcony looking at him and their daughter with all the love she had. She woke up by not feeling their presence near her and moved towards the balcony to witness the most beautiful sight she could ever ask for.

" I'm so proud of you, Daddy Malhotra. I love you so much." She said with tiny tears and kissed him gently.

" Nandini, tumhari beti so rahi hai iska yeh matlab hai ki tum mera faayeda uthaaogi. Haww." He said dramatically while chuckling.

" Shut up, Manik." She said as she smacked his shoulder.

" Chalo. Let's sleep." He said as he kissed her hair.

Four Years Later

These four years had been the best for the Malhotra couple in every way. Manik apart from being an international sensation, now owned his own music label and Nandini, she was a famous neurosurgeon. And the baby Malhotra, she was almost four now. In these four years, Manik made it a point that even after his busy schedule, no matter what it took, he would spend the maximum time with his family. Manik was very cooperative when it came to Myrah. From changing her diapers in the early stage to making her eat green vegetables by bribing her for her favorite chocolate mousse, he did it all. Yes, she was Manik's princess and the bond they had was unbreakable. But at the same time, the bond Myrah shared with Nandini was different. Whenever she used to be upset about anything, the first thing she used to do was, run and hide herself in her mothers arms and it never took more than a second for Nandini to conclude that something was definitely wrong with her pixie. Myrah loved getting dressed just like her mother. The mother-daughter duo lover to play and dance around together. Myrah never hesitated even once to talk to Nandini about anything. That's how pure was their bond. Everyone was fond of Myrah, be it Manik and Nandini's office or hospital staff or Manik's fans. The question of Fab4 just didn't arise, for Fab4, Myrah was their daughter, they loved to pamper her, get her loads of gifts and what not. Before she could even demand something, that thing was already at her service. Cabir and Navya had a five year old son, Abeer who was always like a shield for Myrah and both Mukti and Alya were pregnant. The most beautiful thing in these four years was their baby's first birthday. Manik and Nandini had organised a grand celebration and no prizes for guessing, the party was the talk of the town for over a month. For that matter, every birthday of the tiny one was a special thing altogether. Myrah was a beautiful baby. Brown hair, deep eyes, chubby cheeks. She had them all.

A scratch on her body, and her dearest Daddy would literally set the world on fire. While Nandini and Manik both had tiny arguments at times regarding the fact that since Myrah was growing up, her habits were getting spoiled. But at the end of the day, she was their life. Her each and every moment was clearly imprinted in their minds and hearts. The happiness Manik felt when the first word she said was "Papa" and also the time when she had learnt how to walk all by herself. Everytime she was about to fall, Manik would always be there to catch her, and that's what fathers are for. He took her for walks on the beach and the garden, teaching her how to walk properly. He used to make her stand on his feet, give her piggy back rides, comb her hair, talk to her and play around with her. These were the only past times Manik had now, which he dearly loved.

After continuous insistence from his darling daughter, Manik finally allowed her to sleep in his room after he got it revamped into a pink princess room, which she loved to no extent. There were many times when Myrah would come and settle between Manik and Nandini in the middle of the night, and on her daddy's part, he just couldn't sleep without hugging his angel which made him sneak into her room every night, cuddle with her and go back to his room right in the morning. That is how they were.  They loved each other too much.

Nandini and Myrah too fought at times, when the little one cribbed about not having healthy food. And the best part, their fights always ended with bear hugs and chocolates. And now, it was almost time for another happy moment, Myrah's fourth birthday. Both Manik and Nandini had been planning a surprise for their little one and with a heavy heart, had to act that they didn't remember her birthday, which obviously did upset the tiny tot but they were sure that she was going to love the surprise party which they were organising.

And it was finally the day.

The little one slowly tip toed out of her room and moved towards her dearest parents' room. Since she was a school going kid, she knew that it was her birthday today, because of which the tight sleeper had become an early bird today. She kept asking both Manik and Nandini if they remembered what was on 11th March, but they clearly said that it's not something special, which made Myrah extremely sad and seeing her sad was the last thing Manik wanted. He even thought of telling her the surprise but on Nandini's insistence, he with a heavy heart, sat back again.

" Paapaaa. Wakey wakey." Myrah said in her low baby voice as she nudged Manik's shoulder as she couldn't reach upto the bed properly. Their room was beautiful. Just above the bed was a huge photo frame having a picture from their wedding and on the adjacent golden wall, adorned the pictures of their princess. Right from her birth to the present date because Manik clearly wanted to capture every moment in his heart. But here, the Manik Malhotra was fast asleep and didn't even move an inch to which she made an annoyed pout seeing her parents sleeping so peacefully on her birthday. She them slowly moved towards Nandini whose head was snuggled in Manik's chest which irritated her because she just couldn't reach the bed, all thanks to her baby height.

And finally, she again moved towards Manik and nudged his back with her tiny palm which made him wake up from his deep slumber.

" Good morning, princess." He said in his sleepy voice as he picked her up and made her lie between him and Nandini.

" Papa, you know whatsh today?" She said in her toddler voice. It had been a year since Myrah had joined play school and she seemed to have learnt a lot.

" Baby, it's Sunday today." Manik replied as he made her lie on his chest.

" Otay daddy." she said sadly and crawled towards her mother and nestled in her chest.

" Good morning, mera baccha. How's my baby?" Nandini said affectionately as she kissed her forehead and held Myrah close to her chest.

" Good mummaa." She said in a low voice while playing with the gold chain around her neck.

" I will go have bathie." Myrah said as she jumped off her bed and moved back towards her room.

" Nandini yaar, just look at her. My baby is so upset. I can't do this. I can't see her like this." Manik cribbed.

" Manik, everything is ready. Just five minutes." Nandini said as she pulled her hair up in a sloppy bun.

" Uhuu. Good morning jaan." He said as softly kissed her lips.

" Good morning, patidev." Nandini said while giggling as she pecked his cheek and moved towards the kitchen.

After both of them were done freshening up, they slowly moved towards Myrah's room just to find her selecting a dress for herself with a sad face.

" Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Myrah. Happy birthday to you." Manik and Nandini sung as they sat on their knees while holding their ears.

" We are so sorry princess. We wanted to surprise you. Sorry baby. Ye sab mumma ka plan tha." Manik said cutely while holding his ears.

" Haww Manik. But baby, we are very sorry. Please." She said as she held her tears and within a second the little one leaped into their arms.

" It's otay mumma papa. Mujhe laga ki aap mela bilthday bhul gaye." Myrah said as Manik held her up in his arms.

" Arrey aise kaise hum apni princess ka birthday bhul sakte hain. Happy birthday Jaanaa." Nandini said as she cradled her in her arms.

" Thantooo mumma. Thantoo papa. I lub youu." She said with her arms stretched wide showing her own measurement of love.

" We love you too baby." Both of them said and kissed her cheek from both the sides.

(Imagine the baby to be a little older.)

" Chalo. We will get our baby dressed. Because your favourite Chachu's and bua's are coming for lunch. What does my baby want to wear?" Nandini asked as she held Myrah's hand and took her towards her cupboard.

" Pink." She said excitedly.

" See, I knew my princess would want to wear pink only. Isliye mein apni angel ke liye new dress leke aaya." Manik said as he kissed her cheek.

" Wowww. New dleshh? " Myrah said excitedly.

" Yes baby. See." Manik said as he picked up a purple bag from the bed.

" You like it baby?" Manik asked softly.

" This is shoo pletty, daddy." She said as her eyes twinkled with joy.

" Thish is my gift? " she asked innocently.

" There are many more gifts , baby." Nandini said as she affectionately cupped her baby face.

" And this is a crown for my princess." Manik said as he made her wear the diamond studded tiara making her giggle.

" So baby aap abhi yahi pehneoge ya kuch aur?" Nandini asked.

" No. I will weal my bilthday dlesh only. I will show it to Alya Bua alsho." She said with a toothy grin.

" Okay baby. Let's dress up the birthday girl." Nandini said as she took her inside the bathroom.

And within a couple of minutes, the birthday was all dressed in her pink bow dress and her beautiful tiara. She was a miracle, who never ceased being miraculous. She was still their princess who had just grown a year older today.

" Wow. My baby looks so beautiful." Manik said as Myrah twirled around to show her dress.

" Yaaayyiee." She squealed and hugged his legs.

" Time to cut the cake, Myrah baby." Nandini said as she bought the cake from the kitchen.

" Wooowww." Myrah said as soon as she saw the cake.

" This ish my cate?" She asked innocently.

" Yes baccha. All yours." Manik said as he kissed her soft brown hair while Nandini fixed four candles on the cake.

" But thish looks like a pillow." The little one inquired again.

" But this is a yummy chocolate cake." Nandini said as kneeled down infront of her.

" Tocolate pillow?" She said as her eyes twinkled.

" Yes baby. Chalo chalo. Blow the candles. Time to cute the cake." Manik said as he held the plastic knife along with Myrah and Nandini and sung the birthday song.

" So now, it's time for gifts." Nandini said with a wide smile while Myrah clapped her hands in excitement.

Manik went to their room and bought a couple of neatly wrapped colored boxes with the help of a servant and placed it on her pink bed.

" Itne shaale gifts mele liye?" Myrah asked innocently as Nandini picked her up and made her sit on the bed.

" Yes princess. Ye saare gifts aapke hain." Manik said with a smile as he caressed her hair.

" Chalo now, open open open." Nandini said as she passed her over one of the gifts.

" Wow mummaa. This ish sho nice." Myrah screamed with happiness as she opened the first gift just to find her favourite set of Disney princess movies.

And soon all the gifts were opened after which Myrah was extremely happy because she had got so many gifts just from her parents who loved her too much.

" So princess, liked the gifts?" Manik said as he made Myrah sit comfortably in his lap.

" Yeshh papa." She bobbed her head and kissed Manik's cheek.

" Par ek aur gift bacha hai abhi. Jo aapko sabke saamne milega okay?" Manik said calmly.

" Otay papa." She said with a toothy grin.

And soon it was lunch time and Fab 4 along with Navya and Abhimanyu had arrived. They dearly wished their bundle of happiness and showered her with loads of gifts which made her happy like none other. Myrah was a girl who believed in simplicity, just like her mother and easily found happiness in tiny things. That's how she was. And that was one quality which sets her apart. The decorations made my Nandini were beautiful. The Malhotra Mansion was decorated in pink all over, while Manik wore a white blazer paired with a light pink shirt and Nandini's body adorned a backless pink saree. Some of Myrah's friends were invited as well and she wanted them to come to her birthday, and how could Manik not fulfil this wish?

( 4 written in place of 1 and Myrah written on the cake.)

" Thankyou so much for giving me the best gift of my life. I love you so much." Manik said as he back hugged Nandini with his chin resting on her shoulder while she stood infront of the mirror, wearing earrings.

" I love you too. And Myrah is your treasure. She loves you more than she loves me." Nandini said playfully.

" Oh please. She loves both of us equally. She's my good baby." Manik said as he nuzzled his nose behind her ear while dropping feather kisses.

" Manik." She whisper-moaned his name.

" Yes jaan?" He said while tracing her bare stomach behind the pallu of her saree covering her stomach like a veil.

" Manik, please. Not now." Nandini said between her heavy breaths.

" But I need you." Manik said with a sad face as he hid his face in her hair.

" Tonight." She said as she kissed his cheek.

" Uhhuu. Okay. Wait, I've got something for you." Manik said as he handed over a red velvet box to her.

" Manik, again?" She said with a "you're-unbelievable" expression.

" What?" Manik said.

" Another ring, Manik? Manik this is the twentieth ring you're giving me. Itni toh fingers bhi nahi hain meri." Nandini cribbed as she opened the box just to find a silver princess cut solitaire ring inside.

" This is my way of showering love, and you know that." Manik said sheepishly.

" And above that, it's Myrah's birthday. Not mine." she said.

" So what? You've given me Myrah, so indirectly you deserve gifts too, baby." Manik said as he pecked her lips.

" You're impossible. And guess what? I'm madly, deeply, and irrevocably in love you." Nandini said with a warm smile as she wore his gifted ring.

" Mutual feelings, Mrs. Malhotra." Manik said and hugged her waist from behind.

" You've not changed a bit, Nandini. You look the same even now just like you did on our farewell in a peach coloured saree. The difference is just that now you're a beautiful wife of Manik Malhotra and a loving mother of an angel." Manik said as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead just to find her in tears.

" Nandini, ye bhi koi rone ka time hai haan? Itne special day pe koi rota hai kya?" Manik said as he wiped off her tears.

" I love you." She said in a low voice.

" I love you more. Come on, let's go." Manik said with a smile and extended his hand towards her which she readily held.

" Okay, so princess Myrah, are you ready for your special surprise? " Manik said as he kneeled down infront of her.

" Yesshh Daadyyy." She replied excitedly making everyone smile.

" Okay so, for that, aapko apni eyes close karni padengi. Okay pumpkin?" Cabir said.

" Otay Chaachuu." She said and covered her eyes with her tiny palms.

" No cheating, princess." Manik said while moving towards the room.

" Now you can open your eyes." Manik said as he came back with a small basked covered with cloth.

" Daddy, whatsh thish?" She asked as Manik placed the basket infront of her.

" Khud dekho, baby." Nandini said as she stood beside her.

" Papaa, itsh moving." Myrah said as she hid behind Manik as she observed the cloth moving a little.

" I'm here, baby. Go see your gift." Manik said as he pulled her in front.

" Paapaaaa." The little screamed in excitement as she removed the cloth.

It was a baby white dog with a brown bow around his neck.

" Pupppyyyy." She screamed as she immediately ran towards the little pup to touch him.

" Paapaa , he ish shoo cute." Myrah said pulling the little white pup in her lap making both Manik and Nandini along with others smile widely.

" So princess, did you like your special gift?" Manik asked he picked her up in his arms.

" Yes papa. You're the beshtt. Thantooo." She said and kissed Manik's cheek and hugged his neck tightly.

" You're most welcome, my darling. And baby, this was all your mumma's idea." Manik said as he kissed her hair.

" Mumma. I love youu." Myrah screamed as she jumped off Manik's arms and leaped into Nandini's arms snuggling into her chest.

" I love you too, meri jaan. Toh aap apne new friend ka kya naam rakhoge?" Nandini asked as she brushed Myrah's hair affectionately.

" Coco." She said cutely, after a lot of thinking.

" Very nice name, baby. Chalo let's cut the cake now." Nandini said as she pecked her nose making her giggle.

And soon the day passed with a lot of fun and frolic, Myrah jumping around in excitement everywhere, opening gifts, her nonstop 'thank you's' to Manik and Nandini, Cabir and Navya's over pampering and what not. They had finally retired to their room after a great dinner while Myrah was sleeping peacefully between Manik and Nandini while Manik kept looking at his baby intently with love while Nandini sat reading her novel.

" Nandini, she's growing up too fast. She is already four. It seems like yesterday when she was born." Manik said in a low tone catching Nandini's attention.

" Manik, she has to grow up na. She can't be a baby always. And one day she will have a boyfriend, get married. Tab kya karoge hmm? But she will always be your little princess. I promise you that." Nandini said.

" No way I'm letting any guy come near her! Forget boyfriend. And I will chose the right man for her after an entire background check. What if that guy tortures my princess? What if he mistreats her? No bloody way! She's too precious to me." Manik said as he held her close to him making Nandini sigh in disbelief and annoyance.

" Fine. Do whatever you want to! " Nandini scowled.

" I will go put her to sleep." Manik said as he picked her up and made his way to her room.

" And now I have you all to myself." Manik said as he hovered over her to which she smiled faintly and gently pecked his lips.

~~~
It was yet another bright and sunny day, with new beams of happiness and oodles of love with Manik and Nandini cuddled up with each other and their princess Myrah sleeping peacefully and dreaming of her favourite Disney princess. Since Myrah was four already, she had to wake up and leave for school. When in the beginning she had joined school, like other kids, she used to crib and whine as well, which definitely made Manik worry while Nandini knew that this would happen, but now, she was all okay. She had made great friends and had a great bonding with teachers as well. She studying in one of the premier schools of Mumbai, all thanks to Mr.Malhotra, who just couldn't compromise on his daughter's comfort. After inspecting the whole school and its surroundings on his own,twice, he finally got her admitted. Myrah was one naughty kid, maybe that's why Cabir was more like her buddy. And today was yet another day of school.

Nandini had got Myrah ready in her favourite red frock and white shoes, and no doubt, she was looking too adorable. The day passed in a jiffy with Manik and Nandini at work and little Myrah at school. Around noon, when Manik was in an important meeting with his clients from Sydney along with Cabir, his phone rang displaying a call from Myrah's school principal. Since Myrah was Manik's daughter, the principals and the teachers of the school always chose to either call up Manik or Nandini to tell them about anything important related to Myrah knowing that she was Manik Malhotra's daughter, and taking risk her would be way too dangerous. As soon as he picked up the call, what the principal said left him panic stricken. Without caring about anything, he rushed out of his office and zoomed towards her school. He covered the twenty minutes distance from his office to her school in less than ten minutes. As soon as he reached the school, he rushed towards the principal's office just to find his princess silently sobbing while sitting on the brown sofa with her knee bandaged.

" Mr. Khanna, how did she get hurt?" Manik asked while breathing heavily.

" Mr. Malhotra, she..she fell off the swing while playing." The principal answered in a scared tone knowing what Manik Malhotra can do.

" Mr. Khanna, I'm telling you this for the first and the last time, a scratch on my daughter and trust me, I am going to sue your school. And you definitely don't want that to happen, do you? I hope I've made myself loud and clear. " Manik said in a low- dangerous voice and picked up Myrah in his arms from the sofa and exited the premises.

They sat in the car and drove back towards home when he felt Myrah digging her face deeper in his neck. Whenever she did this, Manik knew that something was wrong.

" Baby, zyada dard ho raha hai?" Manik asked while rubbing her back to which she nodded in negative.

" Kaise lagi aapko?" Manik asked softly as he fished out the first aid box because when it concerns Myrah Malhotra, trusting a third person? The question just doesn't arise.

" Papa, I was playing on the shwing and I fell and got an ouuu." Myrah said in her toddler voice while Manik cleaned her wound with an antiseptic and picked up a bandaid to cover it when she interrupted him,

" Daddy, minion." She said cutely while pointing at her favourite minion band aids in the box to which Manik smiled and put it on and lightly kissed above the bandage.

" Next time, be careful. Baby ko ouu hoti hai toh accha nahi lagta na. And you are my brave baccha haina?" He said as he bussed her forehead to which she bobbed her head while sitting in his lap.

" Mera baby ice cream khayega?" Manik asked diverting her attention almost immediately to which she excitedly bobbed her head. Just like Manik, only two things could make Myrah's mood better - one, Nandini and the second, food. Since Nandini was at work, option one was clearly cancelled because he didn't want to disturb her in any way. So without any further ado, they left for the ice cream parlor.

Knowing that Manik was a celebrity and he obviously had way too many fans, mostly girls, praying to catch a glimpse of their beloved idol but even his fans knew, that whenever he's with Baby Malhotra, they should stay away at any cost because Myrah would easily get scared with so much of commotion. So as soon as they reached the ice cream parlor, they were welcomed by the manager and were allotted a special table and made sure that no fans intrude their privacy, so as a result the fans clearly chose to catch a glimpse of him from away, which was enough happiness for them.

While Manik sat on the chair with little Myrah sitting over his left leg, eating her favourite chocolate chip ice cream while Manik kept cleaning her mouth after every spoon she ate. Manik was a perfect son. And now he is a perfect father, perfect husband and a perfect friend.

After a brief session of sweet bites, they finally left the ice cream parlour, but not before showering flying kisses from away at his fans. His fans played a major role in his success, and he was thankful to them.

" Papa, what ish Mothel's Day?" Myrah asked while playing with with his silver wrist kada.

" Baby, Mother's Day na ek special day hota hai jab world ki saari mothers ko hum ek saath wish karte hain aur unhe dher saara pyaar dete hain." Manik explained.

" Itna sara?" Myrah asked cutely as she stretched her arms wide making Manik go all crazy with her cuteness.

" Yes mera baccha. Itna saara." He said as he imitated her.

" Aalushi ma'am shaid that itsh Mothel's Day on Satulday." Myrah said.

" Oooh. So baby, let's do something for mumma." Manik said.

" Yesshhh." Myrah said excitedly while clapping her tiny hands.

" But papa hum kalenge tya?" Myrah asked in a confused tone.

" Vo mein karlunga. Aap bas meri help karna okay?" Manik said to which she bobbed her head with a wide smile.

And soon these three days passed in Manik and Myrah preparing for the surprise and Nandini looking at them with suspicious eyes. She knew they were upto something. But she decided to wait, because she very well knew that her babies cannot hide anything from her for long. Be it Manik or Myrah.

It was finally Saturday. Mother's Day. Since Myrah was very small earlier, so they never really celebrated Mother's Day or any such festivals. And this was the first time, they'll be celebrating Mother's Day together.

Nandini was sleeping peacefully while Daddy and Baby Malhotra were no where to be seen. It was 6 AM in the morning and Manik and Myrah not sleeping was definitely a miracle, that's how that heavy sleeper genes got transferred. But shockingly, both of them were in the kitchen, preparing a light breakfast as a Mother's Day treat for Nandini with Manik making strawberry pancakes and Myrah standing on a high stool and looking at her daddy dearest keenly.

" And it's done." Manik said excitedly while rubbing his hands.

" Whatsh done, daddy?" Myrah asked cutely.

" Mommy's surprise." Manik said.

" Surplise?" Myrah said gleefully.

" Yes baby. Myrah and Papa made breakfast for mumma." Manik said as he picked her up from the stool and put her down.

" Letsh go." Myrah said and immediately ran to their room just to find a worried Nandini looking around.

" Myrah, baccha. Theek ho aap? Bad dream aaya? Bhook lagi hai?" Nandini asked worriedly as soon as she saw Myrah entering through the door because the previous night she had slept with them.

" Happy Mothel's Day, mommy." She said as she hugged Nandini as tight as she could while Nandini stood unresponsive.

" Mumma. I love you." Myrah said as she snuggled herself in her warmth.

" I love you so much, mera baby." She said emotionally as she kissed all over her face and hid her little bundle of joy in her chest while Manik stood at the door admiring the two most precious women in his life.

" Mumma, I have a surplishe fol you." Myrah said cutely.

" What surprise, baby?" Nandini asked when suddenly Manik appeared with a tray and a chef cap on his head.

" Taadaaaa." Manik exclaimed as he entered the room looking too adorable in that white chef cap. He took out another small cap and made Myrah wear it.

" Chefs Manik and Myrah Malhotra, at your service ma'am. Sorry, mom." He said sheepishly making Nandini giggle.

Manik slowly placed the tray on the bed table he had placed infront of Nandini.

" Strawberry pancakes and Nutella!" Nandini exclaimed in awe.

" Yes mumma. Papa made and I helped him." Myrah said making Manik smile sheepishly.

" Thankyou." Nandini said as she pecked both Manik and Myrah's cheeks and took the first bite which made her eyes pop out of her sockets. It was way too delicious.

" This is so tasty." Nandini said excitedly with her mouth full to which both Manik and Myrah smiled as if they had just got an Oscar.

Myrah ran back to her room and came back with her hands behind her back and her head hung low nervously.

" Kya hua baby?" Nandini asked in a concerned tone as she got off the bed and moved towards her.

" Mumma, I made thish for you. Itsh not good but I tlied." Myrah spoke in a low tone and handed her over the handmade card she made in school making Nandini's eye tear up in an instant.

The cover of the card had " I love you mumma" written in her baby handwriting with flowers made around it. The inside of the card had three stick figures. One looked like Manik, the little one was her and the third was Nandini and a little dog like figure at the bottom symbolizing Coco with ' Family ' written at the bottom of it and signed off with her name. Without thinking even twice she held Myrah close to her heart so that even air couldn't pass through and bursted out crying while Manik wiped away his happy tears and rubbed Nandini's shoulder affectionately.

" Mumma, I will make a bettel cald nexh time. Don't cly." Myrah said as she wiped off Nandini's tears with her tiny fingers making her smile between tears.

" Thank you for the best gift, bachha. I love you." Nandini said and pecked her forehead.

" Mummaa, one mole gift ish left." Myrah said as she asked Manik to bring it.

" One more gift?" Nandini asked shockingly as she wiped off the tear stains.

Manik returned with a huge photo frame having several other mini frames in it having all the pictures of Myrah and Nandini which made her cover her mouth with her palm in astonishment.

There were many pictures which she didn't even know existed. A mother receiving so much love from her child. What else does she need in life? A mother is the only person in your life who would love you unconditionally without expecting anything in return. No language can express the power, beauty, heroism and majesty of a mother's love.

" Thankyou for the best Mother's Day ever." Nandini said emotionally as she traced each frame with her fingers and hugged the entire frame.

" We love you, mummaa. You are the best." Both Manik and Myrah screamed and pounced on her.

" Happy Mother's Day, Nandini. I can never measure the amount of love you've always given me when I didn't deserve it. Thank you for filling the space of a mother in my life with your love and warmth. Words can never express what you mean to me. I love you." Manik said emotionally as a tears trickled down his eyes and joint his forehead with hers.

" Manik Malhotra, let me tell you, you have no right to speak such things about my husband. And who said you don't deserve love? You deserve every ounce of it. And who thanks his wife? Stupid. I love you more, Manik." Nandini said amidst tears and hugged him tightly and almost squishing their baby in between.

" Mujhe bhi toi huggie karloo." Myrah said as escaped from the tiny space between them making them go all aww on her cuteness.

" Come here, princess." Manik said and hugged her dearly while Nandini hugged her from the other side when they heard a baby woof, and there, Coco Malhotra was. Running and looking for his mistress and finally jumped over Myrah's lap and snuggled himself in her stomach making her giggle. The best thing in life is to hold on to each other, and that's what family is for.

" We love you, princess." Both Manik and Nandini said, still in the hug.

" Plinshesh and Coco lub you too." Myrah said cutely and kissed both Manik and Nandini on their cheeks.

And it was always going to be about their little cupcake, Myrah Malhotra. Love, laughter and happily ever after.❤️

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