Few days passed by and its been 3 weeks since Nandini has returned to UK. Everything has been running smoothly in this time but the only thing that was different was Manan. Even though they were with friends or family or colleague, somewhere in the back of their mind they were missing each other like hell. Yes, they are growing habitual to this long distance relationship however, at times Nandini would breakdown looking at his picture secluding herself in her room and Manik would keep indulging himself in work whenever he missed her but not for once they complained to anyone or each other. It had become their routine to talk everyday in Manik's lunch time which would be the time, Nandini would be either getting ready or having her breakfast.

However, they haven't been able to talk since last 6 days as it was March and last month of the financial year which means Manik is heck busy, handling everything by himself. He left home early by 8 in the morning, had meetings over lunch too and used to come at around 10 every night, totally drained. Nandini being an understanding wife supported him well. They could only be in touch through text whenever they get some spare time but she never missed to remind him about his meals and everytime she did that, his heart would swell with the warmth of her love.

Today, Nandini had an emergency surgery to assist with Dr Turner hence she did not have her lunch yet as immediately after surgery she had appointments lined up. She finally got free at around 5 and starving she went to the canteen to grab a quick sandwich.

Her attire 👇

As soon as she settled on the table, her phone pinged with a mesaage and she smiled applying her headphones as a video call came. She smiled happily seeing her both families sitting together in Malhotra mansion living room. Actually Cabir text her to ask if she was free because all wanted to talk to her.

(Haha, how many of you thought its Manik?)

"Hi everyone! How are you all? Aaj sab ek saath?" Nandini asked as soon as she saw all. "We are good princess, but tum itni late lunch kar rahi ho?" A concerned Raman spoke immediately seeing the surrounding behind and a sandwich in her hand making her smile. "Relax appa, woh I had an emergenc0y surgery today so late ho gaya but aap sab ek saath?" "Woh princess, bas aise hi we didn't meet since you left so thought to do a get together. But we were missing you as Naira se bhi abhi baat hui so thought to call you too!" Raj added smilingly. It was Navya, Cabir, Abhi, Ishra and Ranika sitting together. "Oh, I am missing you all too! Navu, why do you look a bit pale?" She asked being the concerned bestie as well as a doctor. "Kuch nahi hai bestie, halka sa fever tha yesterday so.." Nandini made an oh face as her eyes kept on roaming around the room. Cabir's hawk eyes immediately caught that as he added smirkingly. "Jisse aap dhundh rahi hai na bhabhi, he is not home yet!" All laughed as they understood whom he was refering to whilst Nandini looked down being embarassed and murmured. "10.30pm hogaya aur abhi tak nahi aaye..." she said slowly to herself making a face but all heard it. Nyo smirked before she replied "Ab kya kare, tumhara pati hai hi aisa Nandu!". Hearing the word 'pati', an adorable scarlett colour leaked on her cheeks making all go aww on her. They talked for a while before hanging up.

Nandini was just lost in her thoughts playing with her Manan bracelet she worn today, she remebered her first video call with Manik after a week of coming to UK.

Flashback
It was late sunday morning in India and Manik was sleeping till 11 today coz of being damn tired. Nyonika too didnt bother him. He woke up, stretching himself and picked up his phone to text his shona. He smiled as soon as he unlocked his phone. It was her picture which he took secretly when she was laughing.

He texted her 'good morning' and went for a shower whilst Nandini woke up early at 5 and not being able to sleep again she decided to freshen up. She after getting ready, was chilling watching Tv when she checked her phone. She smiled at his message 20 minutes before and called him immediately. He picked up as soon as he came out of the bathroom and chirped making her giggle.

M: Good Morning Shona! Aaj toh subah subah tumse baat karne ko mil gayi..

N: *giggling* Good morning but you are late today, kya baat hai?

M: Ha I just woke up! Acha come on skype, I wanna see you.

She smiled brightly and opened his laptop, entering her skype password. She received the call immediately as soon as she went online and she answered eagerly. But closed her eyes immediately making him chuckle. He was again just in towel around his waist.

N: Manik, wear something na please.. aap humesha aisa karte hai. *she whined turning to him as her naughty eyes checked him out.*

M: *chuckling* Its not my fault, you called on the time I came out so... *smirking* And waise bhi dont tell me you dont like it as you clearly are checking me out!

N: *embarased* Nahi aisa kuch nahi hai..

M: Acha, then why did your cheeks turn red seeing me like this and why is your eyes not leaving my abs.

N: Manik I am disconnecting if you dont change!

M: Acha no, no I am going baba! Give me a minute.

He changed after which they talked for hours on something or the other.
Flashback end.

She came out of trance when someone shaked her. "Hey sweet chums, kaha kho gayi?" It was Maddy. "Hmm, haa kahi nahi, sorry Maddy but I need to go, will talk later." Maddy became sad with her reply but nevertheless nodded and she excused herself. Now she was feeling very down, missing him badly. She unlocked her phone and carressed his picture on home screen which she stole from his SNS.

She was walking to her cabin when a nurse informed her about Dr Turner calling her. She knocked and entered after she replied.

"Hey Doctor, you called me?" She asked smiling lightly. "Ya Nandini, I wanted details of Mr Martin's (patient) report." Nandini nodded and brought the file from her cabin explaining each details. Sarah was observing a change in her behaviour so after discussion she asked Nandini to join her for a coffee.

Sarah: *holding hands* Whats wrong Nandini? See I dont have any child and I consider you as one so you can tell me.

Namdini: *smiling genuinely* Nothing Sarah, I am just tired and feeling low.

Sarah: *caressing her hair* Then go home child!

Nandini: Its ok, I will after my extra hours shift.

Sarah: Nope, no need, take a sick leave, a doctor's health has great impact on patients' so take some rest. Ok?

Nandini: *hugging her* Thank you, I was feeling homesick but I feel much better now!

Sarah patted her back and Nandini departed to her cabin to take her belongings. As soon as she reached a cabin, a thought cross her mind and she jumped in excitement.

Nandini: Yay! Ayiappa now I can talk with Manik when I go home. I am so happy yayy but..but agar wo thak ke so gaye honge toh? Uff Ayiappa please please please Manik soye na ho.. Itni si wish puri kar dena apni Nandu ki pretty please. *shd ended up making a puppy face looking the cutest*

She rushed outside controlling her excitement and reached home quick. She immediately plopped herself on bed with her legs folded and pillow in her lap not even bothering to change. She text him first thinking what if he might be asleep.

Mumbai 11pm,
Malhotra mansion,
Manik entered the house with the sounds of laughter echoing. He turned to the living room to see both families laughing and enjoying. He was admiring them when Ishita saw him.

Ishita: Are Manu, waha kya kar raha hai, yaha aa mere paas beth.

Manik smiled and immediately sat next to her resting his head on her shoulder.

M: Kya baat hai, aaj sab ek saath?

C: Ye lo, pati patni ek hi question puchte hai.

M: *frowning* Matlab?

Ny: Are Matlab abhi Nandu ko video call kiya tha toh usne bhi sabse pehle same question pucha!

Hearing Nyonika, Manik smiled a little as he murmured 'Nandini' biting his lips. Its not that he doesn't miss her, he does but a lot has been going on in his office and he is finding it difficult to juggle personal and professional life. Its all new to him as he has never faced such situation before not that Nandini has but even she is somehow managing it and that thought made him feel guilty, guilty of not being able to give her enough time. Ishita who was sitting next to her heard him and smiled carressing his hair. She stood up and holding Manik's hand made him stand up.

Ishita: Chal, mai tujhe khana de deti hu. *turning to others* Aap log bate karo, mai aur Manu apni baate karenge.

Nyo: *nodding her head in disbelief* Lo ho gaya dono maa bete ka shuru!

Ishita: Ha toh tu bhi toh hamesha Abhi se chipki rehti hai! Maine kuch bola kya?

Nyo just ignored and again rest her head on Abhi's shoulder making all chuckle. Ishita took Manik to dining room and served him dinner. But he was in full mood to show tantrums today so he opened his mouth asking her to feed him which she did giggling at him.

Ishita: *feeding him* Kyu karta hai itna kaam? Your health will deteriorate beta!

Manik: *pouting sadly* But Ishimaa, kaam toh khatam karna padta hai na..

Ishita: Yes but when something does not give you happiness, you need to step back a bit. Working for your own company gives you happiness no doubt but personal relations ko bhi maintain karna is necessary, when one overtakes the priority of the other, you ought to stop and think about it. Your dad and papa too has passed this phase, I know its difficult but I also know that my Manu will learn to manage aur ha yeh mat soch ki I am saying this because I am her mother instead I am both of your mother and I can see that glint of happiness missing which I could clearly see few weeks before in your eyes.*patting his cheek* Think about it.

With that she was about to leave to wash her hands when he stopped her tuging her wrist making her look at him.

Manik: Ishimaa, what if I fail in managing? What if I am unsuccessful in either one of them?

Ishita: *smiling* Then try again, until and unless you find a perfect balance. One more thing, Raman said this to Nandu just before marriage and I am saying it to you now, communication is key, talk it out, you are not alone in this situation, she too needs to manage and only you both can help each other. *she walked a bit but turned and said* Btw, a pair of eyes were searching for you when we video called.

Manik smiled infact blushed a little whereas Ishita laughed and went away. Soon they both came back to hall with Manik pondering over Ishita's words whilst she held his hands and said "Abhi zyada mat soch, relax and go with the flow." He smiled and joined others in their gupshup. It was 11.30 when he received her message. He looked at it and smiled brightly.

Her message: Reached home? Can I call if you are not too tired?

Manik: *to everyone* Umm, mai room mai jaa raha hu!

Nyo: Are baith na thodi der...

Others too insist and he had to agree so he texted her which was clearly seen by Ishita who smirked nudging him by her elbow and he gave a sheepish grin.

His reply: You never have to ask shona just wait for few minutes I will call myself.

After few minutes, seeing him impatient, Ishita decided to step in.

Ishita: Chalo sab, now lets sleep! Its too late phir kal koi uthega nahi!

Cabir: Ha toh kal waise bhi sunday hai na Ishimaa.

Ishita: No Cabu, chalo utho abhi soja. Manu tu bhi jaa jake rest kar.*winking*

Nyo: *chuckled as she understood why Ishita did that* Haa I am tired too aur yeh dekho Abhi toh yahi so gaya. Navya beta tum Cabir ke room mai so sakti ho if you want!

Navya blushed and nodded whereas Cabir had a winning smile. Manik rushed back to room, changed into vest and tracks and immediately video called her. She picked up in one ring itself and both smiled looking at each other. Manik sighed and fell on bed making her giggle. "Mrs Malhotra, aap weak lag rahi hai!" "Woh kya hai na, just like Mr Malhotra, even I get energy talking with my hubby so fikar not, abhi thik ho jaungi" she gave her witty reply making him smile. "I am sorry bacha, I couldnt take out time for you in the past week." "Shh, did I complain? Nahi na so why this guilt trip?" He sighed hearing her. "I know you will never complain but you should start doing that, start voicing out about anything that makes you unhappy, anything you want from me, anything you expect from me until I start hearing in between your silence." She nodded and he thought to lighten the situation by teasing her. "Waise I am very tired. I just want to sleep." She made a sad pout hearing him but then again smiled and said "Its ok, aap so jaye, we will talk next time!" He supressed his smile. "Pakka sojau shona?" She nodded looking down he smiled before replying. "And what about this little doll infront of me who is dying to talk to me for hours, who is craving my attention and who is making me insane with her cute faces? What if I say I dont want to sleep, rather talk to her for hours and hours!" Hearing him she had a priceless smile on her face which did surprise him but he felt satisfied, blissed, content and above all happy! "I missed you hubby!" "I missed my wifey too" came their prompt replies.

On the other side, in Cabir's room, both Cavya entered and Cabir pinned her to wall closing the door by his legs. He immediately slammed his lips on her as she just stood there shocked, surrendering herself. Seeing her not reacting, he pinched her waist making her moan and he slid his tongue in her mouth tasting each corner. Navya too held his nape pulling him closer. Both were chewing on each others lips while feeling breathless they broke the kiss. They rest their foreheads on each other breathing heavily. Navya catching her breath whispered "I love you Cabir!" making him smile and pull her in his arms. "I love you too my madhubala!" After a few minutes he broke the hug and asked her carressing her cheeks "Navu, if you are not comfortable sleeping with me than you can take Naira's bedroom, I dont mind!" Hearing this she hit his head "Budhu, in these last two years, have I ever been uncomfortable with you? Chalo hume neend aa rahi hai, lets sleep" saying this she dragged him too bed and both slept cuddling with each other for the first time.

Author's note: Hey guys, how's the update?

I know many of you want me to end this long distance relationship but then what will be different in this story compared to others? You all will have to trust me on this, I wont drag it much but Nandini was sent for studies so I cant just skip 6-8 months period in 2 updates. Dont worry, I wont disappoint you lot, they will meet soon.

Manan convo continues in next one and also a bit of Cavya in these one. Tell me how it was please.

No targets for this one, I just dont feel like it. Comment and vote as much as you want or dont want!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤