It was a beautiful and pleasant morning in london with temperature moderate in its mid 10s as the spring sun shine brightly. Sun rays crossed all the hurdles and entered the room of love birds peacefully sleeping in each other's arms forgetting the whole world after a long time.

Their sleeping position was weirdly cute. Manik was lying on his stomach, almost half his body on hers with his left hand around her waist and left leg around her legs as he dig his face in the crook of her neck snoring softly. While Nandini was lying straight with her one hand in his hair and other lying on her stomach. It was Manik's demand to sleep like this cuddling to Nandini and how can she deny her baby's cute sa demand?

Nandini stirred as the sunrays fell on her face while he dig his face more in her neck. She opened her eyes yawning to see the most adorable sight of her husband sleeping with his mouth open and hair dishelved and immediately dropped a kiss on his cheek. She felt a bit stiff after sleeping in the same position for all night so she shifted a bit in which his sleep got disturbed.

Manik: *groaning* Umm... shona sone do na..

Nandini: *ruffling his hair* No Manik, get up you and I both have to leave for work.

Manik: *rubbing her eyes* Good morning jaan!

Nandini: *kissing his forehead* Good morning Mani!

Suddenly Manik realised their position and shifted with a jerk which startled her.

Nandini: Kya hua?

Manik: I slept on you for the whole night, your body might be sore right? I am sorry!

Nandini: Are no, relax abhi I will stretch a bit and then will be ok! Aur ek aur baar sorry bola na toh.... toh haan I wont let you hug me for a week! And waise bhi bhul gaye friendship mai no sorry, no thank you!

Manik: *smiling* Its been long since one of us said that....

Nandini: *snuggling closer to him* Its been long since we cuddled and slept!

Manik: *smiling and pecking her cheek* I know and I missed you a lot! Its heaven being in your arms or taking you in mine.

Nandini: Me too! And I love you!

Manik: I love you too! Ab chalo give me my morning dose..

Nandini being the innocent soul she is kissed his cheek and moved away but he frowned and pulled her back again.

Manik: *touching his cheek* Yeh kya tha?

Nandini: *cutely* Morning dose! Pehle bhi toh yahi deti thi na..

Manik: *admiring her innocence* Toh meri jaan pehle we were friends now friends se lovers mai promotion hua na, so cheek kiss se *pointing at his lips* yaha pe bhi promotion hoga na for my morning dose.... so I want you to kiss me!

Nandini: *feeling shy* Mai kaise... aap hi kardein... how can I?

Manik: *frowning* What do you mean? You dont want to kiss me?

She nodded in a yes but then again in a no feeling shy, he chuckled and pulled her on him.

Manik: See, mai tumhe chodne wala hu nahi until I get my kiss and you need to know that the way I have the right to kiss you whenever I want then even you have that right on me! Ok? So come on start.

Nandini: Ok close your eyes..

Manik: Kyu?

Nandini: Do it na... *pointing her finger* and no cheating ha...

He smiled and nodded while she bend down being heck nervous. She was looking at her ayiappa with a pout as if complaining and moved further. While she was taking her time, he spoke up with eyes closed.

Manik: *smirking* Aha... tumse nai ho payega, I know!

Nandini: *stuttering* Ho..Hoga naa..

Manik: *imitating her* Ooo..Ok then!

She bend down but couldnt do it and pecking his lips stood up while he opened his eyes.

Manik: Bas itni hi himmat thi?

Nandini: *running to washroom* Baki ka baad mein... abhi we need to rush!

She ran inside the washroom while he chuckled and started checking his mails. He also did few phone calls to his office in India. After a while she came out in formals while he looked up at her and murmured 'beautiful' which she heard and blushed. He went to freshen up and came back to take his towel when he saw her combing her hair.

Manik: *remembering* Umm shona, Naksh bhai ka phone that, chachi wants us to join them for dinner tonight.

Nandini: *smiling* Ok!

Manik: But listen, I think I might get late so you go there from hospital itself and I will join you there.

She nodded in understanding while he moved closer. "You look pretty! Your dress colour matches your cheek colour" he added caressing her cheeks while she whispered a 'thank you'. She lift her face to his level while he smiled, knowing what she wanted and captured her lips. Both sucked on each others lips passionately for a while with Manik again cupping her face as if hiding it from the world and feeling satisfied broke it. "I love you" he mumbled and rush to washroom to take a shower while she got ready and went to prepare breakfast for them. Soon he joined her in the kitchen back hugging her making her smile.

His attire 👇

Her attire 👇

She was wearing an apron so he slid his hand underneath while she swatted it
away.

Nandini: Behave Mani! We are short on time!

He pouted but snuggled in her when they heard a gasp. They looked ahead and Manik jerked away from her while seeing an unfamiliar face frowned.

Nandini: *shocked* Asma! Come here please!

Manik looked at Nandini while Asma walked closer. She was all the time looking down feeling guilty of ruining their moment.

Nandini: Manik this is Asma, she is caretaker of the apartment and Asma he is Manik!

Asma now looked up to see him properly when her eyes widen.

Asma: Mam, aapke shauhar?

Now it was Manan's turn to be shocked. Manik looked at Nandini who had her eyes wide. Seeing their reaction Asma continued.

Asma: Woh mam, the other day you were crying holding your nuptial chain and inki photo bhi thi haath mein so I guessed. Galat kaha maine?

Manik: *turning her towards him with jerk* Shona you were crying?

Nandini: *looking here and there* Woh I was missing you!

Manik frowned on hearing that but didnt bug further. Actually it was one of those days she was on her periods and when she is PMSing she gets really emotional and cries over every little thing.

Asma: *getting scared* Mam, I am sorry if I said wrong, pls dont fire me...

Nandini: Relax Asma, and haa yeh maire shauhar hai but no one should know this, not even Arneha! Okay?

Asma nodded and started working whereas Manan did their breakfast with casual talks and Manik flirting with her. Soon Neha came and she left while Manik left after few minutes so Arneha dont see him.

Evening,
Malhotra house, London,
Nandini entered to see Chachi amd Keesh sitting in living room. She greeted everyone and took Akshara's blessing.

Akshara: *to Nandu* Beta, Manik kaha hai?

Nandini: Chachi woh thodi der se ayege! Waise acha hi hua, I wanted to discuss about tomorow, parso unka birthday hai...

Naksh: Haa meri Cabir se baat hui, we will plan a surprise tommorow evening when it will be 12 in India! Sab ek saath video call karenge!

Nandini: Mai cake banau please?

Keerti: Ofcourse madam, aap wife hai so hak banta hai!

They chatted for a while when Naitik joined, Nandini greeted him too taking his blessing after which Naitik went to their room to freshen up and Akshara followed. Naksh too got a call from office and excused himself while Keerti dragged Nandu to her room.

Keerti: So how was your date? Naksh ne bataya Manik planned it?

Nandini: *smiling wide* We confessed love!

Keerti: *hugging her* Omg, I am so happy, so ab toh your husband wouldnt let you sleep at night, right?

Nandini: Di aisa kuch nahi hai jaisa aap soch rahi ho..

Keerti: *worried* Are par kyu? Everything is ok between you two right?

Nandini: *assuring her* Di its awesome between us!

Keerti: *frowning* Then? Manik never initiated in these 3 months?

Nandini: He did but.... *sighing* Di mujhse nahi ho paya.. I just got really nervous and couldnt handle it!

Keerti: *sighing and holding her hand* Manik toh gussa hua hoga na?

Nandini: *immediately* Nahii.. bilkul bhi nahi di infact he is very understanding!

Keerti: Manik se pyaar karti hai?

Nandini: *confused* Di?

Keerti: Just answer me..

Nandini: Hmmm

Keerti: Uspe trust karti hai?

Nandini: Haan!

Keerti: Kitna?

Nandini: Khud se zyada!

Keerti: Toh phir toh tension ki koi baat hi nahi hai! Usne tere feelings ko respect kiya hai Nandu so abb tujhe bhi uske feelings ko respect karna chahiye haina? Yeh bohot special moment hota hai Nandu, isse jane mat dena. And you know what a good thing is, you guys are alone here in your apartment, I am not saying that someone will intrude if you had first time in Malhotra mansion but its the assurity of being just you two works wonders. You will feel more comfortable. Plus you both will stay away for 5-6 months after this so dont lose this chance, tu samajh rahi hai na?

Nandini: *hugging her* Thanks di, I guess I just need a bit of confidence.

Keerti: *patting her cheek* Its ok Nandu, hota hai especially in arranged marriage, mere saath bhi hua tha but just go with the flow! Dont stress much and if ever you want to ask me anything, I am just a call away, you know that right?

Nandini nodded and pecked her cheek making her laugh. She then changed from her formals to a blue dress she brought from home.

Nandini's attire 👇

Both sisters then went downstairs and joined others. After a while Manik too came and greeted all. Servant game him water when he spoke to Naitik.

Manik: Sorry chachu late hogaya, woh yaha se meeting bohot dur tha so..

Naitik: Are its ok Manu, jaa freshen up!

Manik nodded and left to his room after giving a smile to Nandini who returned the favour. All the ladies went to set the table when Akshara spoke.

Akshara: Nandu, jaa beta dekh if Manu needs anything.

Nandini: Ji chachi, *biting her lips* Umm... konsa room?

Both the ladies laughed and directed her. She went there and stood infront of a semi closed door and knocked. He opened it in a minute to see her and smiled while she entered.

Manik: *closing the door* Why did you knock?

Nandini: Woh I wasnt sure if this was your room and moreover I thought you might be changing so...

Manik: *holding her by waist* But you know I wouldnt mind you watching me change!

He winked at the end while she hit his chest blushing profusely. Its as if the blush has settled down permanently on her cheeks, just his presence is needed to activate it!

Nandini: *hugging him* How was your meeting?

Manik: *hugging her back and closing his eyes* Hmm it was good. You know how good does it feel to take you in my arms after a long tiring day! Its a bliss!

Nandini: Its the same feeling I feel in your arms!

Nandini broke the hug while Manik fell on the bed with his leg hanging. She smiled at his childness, sat beside him and started ruffling his hair which made a smile form on his lips with eyes closed. He shifted his head to her lap which shocked her as butterflies erose in her stomach feeling him so close to her and his breath fanning her waist which she could feel through the cloth too. Nevertheless she continued ruffling his hair and spoke.

Nandini: *pecking his forehead* Tired baby?

Manik: Hmm!

Nandini: Mani ghar jake so jaiyega, niche sab wait kar rahe honge....

Manik: *snuggling in her* Hmm thodi der please.

She smiled and continued ruffling after which he freshened up and they went downstairs.

Next day,
Afternoon,
Manik had gone for his meeting today as well while Nandini had taken a half day without Manik's knowledge. She came home did some preparations and then baked a cake for him. She then got ready in a beautiful dress and waited for Manik too come. He already had keys so he entered only to see his wife smiling at him wide. She hugged him and then told him to get ready on the pretext of going somewhere. He resisted but she just pushed him in the washroom.

"Nandini ab toh batao hum kaha jaa rahe hai?" Manik asked tenth time sitting on the passenger seat but she just drove on. "Kyu batau? Aap kabhi batate ho mujhe? Yaad hai Valentine's day pe maine kitna pucha tha but aapne bataya? Nahi na so tit for tat.". Manik pouted "Are apne eklaute pati se badla logi?" Nandini giggled "Manik drama mat kijiye, sab ka ek hi pati hota hai, at a time! Just enjoy na!" She pecked his cheek but continued driving while he grinned gaining a kiss. Soon they reached Malhotra house making him confused. She smiled and gestured him to open the door. He did but met with nothing but darkness. He looked behind to see her but she wasnt their either. He was about to panic when a spot light fell on him and the projector turned on. Everyone shouted together.

"Happy birthday Manik!"

He was surprised as he had totally forgotten his birthday. It was not 12 yet in UK but it was in India. All the lights came on to see chacha, chachi, Keesh and Nandini standing in front whereas he turned to projector to seeing the whole cohort sitting in Malhotra mansion India. Ranika and Ishra were sitting on the couch, while Fab 4 and Navbhi were settled on the floor around the coffee table.

Manik: *smiling wide* Thank you so much all! But yeh sab, kab plan kiya?

Ranika and Raman: Happy birthday Manu! We miss you! Always be happy, we love you!

Ishita: Happy birthday handsome! Love you and I miss you more than them *pointing at Ranika and Raman while all laughed*

Fab 4: *shouting* Happy birthday Giraffe!

Manik: *scrunching his nose* Guys common yaar not today atleast!

All laughed and Navbhi too wished him. He took Akshara-Naitik's blessing who wished him, Naksh hugged him tight wishing him while Keerti wished him side hugging. He turned to see Nandu adoring him so he went and side hugged her too due to everyone's presence who whispered.

Nandini: *whispering* Happy birthday Mani! I love you!

Manik: *whispering back* Thanks shona and I love you too!

Keerti: *breaking their trance* Chalo ab, cake cutting time!

Nandini went and brought the cake she made while in India too, Mukti brought the cake.

Nandini's cake 👇

Fab 4's cake 👇

Manik: *looking at nandu's cake* Wow, this is so pretty!

Mukti: I agree Manik, that is gorge! Kaha se li?

Keerti: *proudly* Nandu made it!

All looked at Nandini surprised except Ishita while she looked down being embarased of everyone's gaze. All praised her while Nandini smiled and thanked them.

Manik: Thank you Sh...Nandu!

He was about to say Shona which made all except Fab 3 and Nandu smirk. He cut the cake and fed NAksh and KeeSh after which went to Nandu and fed her, she too extended her hand to feed him, he licked her fingers winking at her making her blush and elbow him. They cut the cake in India too after which all chatted a while.

Nandini: *to Dhrulya* Btw Aliya di and Dhruv bhai, congrats to be parents! Mujhe Nyo maa ne bataya tha!

Dhruv: Thank you Nandini!

Alya: Thanks sweety!

After a while they hung up and Manan had dinner with NAksh and KeeSh. Manan bid bye to them and this time Manik drove. Nandini looked at the time and sighed.

Nandini: Manik...

Manik: *lovingly pecking her hand which he was holding* Jee Manik ki jaan....

Nandini: *blushing* Woh Cabir bhai is your twin na... toh why is his birthday not tommorow?

Manik: *smiling* Thats because Shona, he was born 20 minutes later than me so I was born before midnight on 16th while he was born after midnight on 17th.

Nandini: *Oh face* Oh wow, that's so cool, you two are twins but still dont need to share birthdays!
(My cousin sisters have such birthdays, I find it cool!)

Manik smiled while she rested her forehead on his shoulder. Soon they reached home. Nandini rushed in while Manik thought it as just her childness and followed chuckling at her after he parked the car. He entered to see their room door locked and frowned.

Manik: Shona, kya hau? You ok?

Nandini: I am fine, give me 5 mins!

Manik: Ok take your time!

He heard the door click after few minutes and knocked to check if he can go in but getting no response, he pushed the door to gasp in shock.

Author's note: Hey guys, how's the update? What part do you like or dislike? 3000+ words! Its a long one, pheww!

So its Manik's birthday! What do you think they should do? I was gonna show them go clubbing where I can show Manik's jealousy track with Maddy! But please do give me any other idea you have as I dont wanna use my idea anymore. Obviously if I dont get any idea I have to but I can trust you guys to give me some ideas, right?

By the way, what do you think Manik saw at the end?

Oh yes, Dhrulya are going to welcome parenthood! More on Harshad track when Manan are back on routine!

Ps. You guys might like the next update so stay tuned.

Pls vote if you liked it, drop long inline comments and follow me!
Silent readers, it won't take long to press that star button so pls do!
Target :- 540+ votes on this part for next update!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤