Hey guys! I am back! Sorry took a 3 weeks long break without informing but wasn't feeling motivated to write! Moreover I kept thinking if I should go on with the story line I thought or something you lot want! But I decided to go with mine as I have learned that somewhere or the other, someone is bound to be disappointed by the story so isn't ot better to write what satisfies me? Atleast majority of my readers will be satisfied by this! You'll know what part I am talking about when you read this part!

But here I am with a bang! 3800+ words! I haven't written such long part before!

Do forgive me for this lateness! I would try to be consistent!

Happy Janmashthmi! 🎉🎊

Happy reading! 💓

Nandini's POV,
I am so excited Ayiappa! Finally I can meet my family and Mani! Yes yes yes! This time I will be in India for Rakshabandhan, wow! Also Jamnashtmi too! My and Mani's first festival together! Ayiappa you know since the time we have been married we never got to do any ritual as a couple, never lived with the whole family as a couple and I am quiet excited! Though I know thoda difficult hoga now that Fab 3 knows me, it will be hard to live in Malhotra mansion and bhabhi toh baar baar Murthy villa ati hai so I dont know how this will be done but anyways jab tak Mani mere saath hai, I can handle it all! No one in India knows about our arrival, as in me and Arneha's arrival in India.. not even bhai or Navya! I am so excited to see everyone's reaction especially Mani! I know he will love this surprise! Pata nahi kyu but do din se hamari baat nahi huyi, I mean he texted me saying he is busy with the dubai project as there have been technical difficulties in the making of Dubai branch and he is trying to solve it from there in India! Ooo did you know Ayiappa, Manik is finally getting a chance to open his first branch of Infinity industries internationally in Dubai! I am so so proud of him! He says I am his lucky charm but I know its all his hardwork and dedication! The amount of sleepless nights and foodless days he has spent being heck busy has given him this results and now I dont want anything wrong to happen! *joining my hands* Ayiappa, Manik has never taken a wrong way or done anything wrong with anyone so please help him in his honesty to build this new branch! He has worked really hard so please be with him! Baki toh I know I am your fav and you will grant my wish! I want nothing but his success because I know mere success ke liye he is there to pray!

I was talking to ayiappa when Neha shook me!

Neha: Nandu kaha kho gayi, lets go! Ayiappa se baad mai baat kar lena!

Haww how did she know! *hitting my head* Duffer Nandu obviously if I join my hands she will know! We were sitting together at boarding area on Heathrow airport terminal 4 waiting for the boarding to start. Yes we are going to India Ayiappa, did you know?

Ms subconcious: Mrs Malhotra you have told him the same more than 5 times atleast in the last hour!

Well what's wrong in that? I am way too excited! Anyways will catch up soon Ayiappa bye!
Nandini's POV end!

They boarded the flight and soon were off to the dream city Mumbai! Whereas in India there was a completely different story being played in Malhotra mansion! Lets just say something opposite was happening than expectations of Mrs Manik Malhotra!

Soon Nandini along with Arneha reached Mumbai. It was 4pm and it was decided that they will be going Khanna mansion first and meet Navya while dropping Arneha's luggage and take Navya with them to Murthy mansion to surprise the Murthys! In addition to that plan, Nandini has planned to leave for Malhotra mansion as soon as Arneha leaves Murthy mansion! Unfortunately she has to wait!

They took there luggage and were leaving when Nandini dashed into a person! The person muttered an I am sorry and left but she halted in her action! She felt the voice to be familiar, she felt it to be her Mani's.. she looked back but didn't find him and chuckled blaming it all on nerves. She always gets nervous when surprising someone!

As planned they left the airport and went to Khanna mansion to meet Mr Khanna and Navya who were ecstatic to meet them and Navya even sniffed a bit hugging her both best friends! Next they left for Murthy mansion and Navya rang the door bell while others stood hidden. It was 7pm by now and they were hoping everyone is at home and encouraging their hope, Ishita opened the door and smiled at Navya taking her in a hug!

Ishita: Kaisi hai Navu? Apni amma ko toh tu bhul hi gayi... ek tu hai aur ek woh London mai bethe hue nalayak sare, ek ko bhi meri yaad nahi aati!

Arneha and Nandini smiled seeing her pouting in the end.

Navya: Amma unhe chode, unko aapki kadar hi nahi, mai hu na!

Ishita: Haa haa jaise tu bada ati hai, 2 weeks se nahi mili jabki tera boss bata raha tha ki teri shift 5pm khatam ho jati hai!

Navya: *with a haww face* Are amma, aap Abhi ki baat ko seriously mat lo, 5pm khatam toh hojati hai lekin mera khadoos boss, Abhimanya Murthy, itna work deta hai ki nikal te nikalte 6.30 hojate hai!

Voice from inside: I heard someone cursing me!

Navya: Good for you, Ms Vedant ke Romeo!

Raman: Are Ishu usse andar toh ane do!

Navya: Are appa mai toh bhul hi gayi kuch!

Arneha and Nandini sighed! Finally this girl remembered they were standing there!

Ishita: Kya hai kanna?

Navya: I have some guest for you!

She signalled them and Arneha came out while Nandu was behind them shedding slight tears! She is going to meet her family after 6-7 months so its obvious behaviour of hers.

Ishita was shocked to see Arneha whereas Abhi and Raman too rushed at the door.

Aryaman: Are are amma, abhi se ye tears, aapki asli surprise toh baki hai!

They moved apart to show Nandini who immediately ran and flunged her arms around Ishita's neck while she stood there shocked!

Nandini: *in her ears* Aapni gudiya ko hug nahi karengi amma?

That is it Ishita wrapped her hands tight around Nandini while two other pairs of arms engulfed them in a family hug. Aryaman side hugged Navya and Neha watching the family reunion!

Breaking the hug, everyone started with their questions which took them long to answer but they patiently did! They settled in living room and chatted with snacks and soon being tired Arneha decided to leave with Navya.

Abhi: *smirking* So Moti, tu thak gayi hogi na.... jaa jake room mai fresh hoja and khana khaake soja!

Nandini: *whining* Bhaiii... I am not moti!

Abhi: *smirking* Ok fine jaa shorty apne room mai...

Nandini: *looking at all* Ummm... woh..woh mujhe mal...malhotra man...

Ishra smiled whereas Abhi smirked and cut her words in between.

Abhi: Ha baby, kal le jaunga na Malhotra mansion, Nyo maa and Raj papa se milne... itni kya jaldi hai?

Nandini looked at him and pleaded and then saw her parents with puppy face.

Ishita: *smilingly caressing her hair* Abhi kyu ched rahe ho usse, shaadi ke baad ab woh uska pehla ghar hai and usse uske pati se milna hoga nayi?

She winked at Nandini in the end who blushed and hugged Raman who was sitting next to her! She still blushes with the word 'Pati'!

Abhi: Amma I dont think usse jana hai, see kuch bol hi nahi rahi hai!

Nandini looked up to Raman and whispered.

Nandini: Jana hai!

Raman: Chup karo tum Abhi, jana hai meri princess ko! *to Nandini* Beta tum freshen up ho jao and Abhi will drop you! Will you eat here or there?

Nandini: Abhi bhuk nahi hai appa!

Raman nodded and Nandu left to freshen up as she has been wearing this clothes since yesterday. She went to her room, quickly brushed her teeth and took a warm shower. She looked in her closet and took out a red and golden long kurti and paired it with white plazo. She quickly got ready and rushed downstairs with no makeup just her hair tied in a high ponytail. Her neck adorned with her heart chain and long earrings dangling from her ears.

Abhi: *seeing her speed* Dheere dheere baby doll, come lets go! Amma mai drop karke aya, aap log khalo, I am not peckish today plus I have to workout after dropping her so I will eat later.

Ishita nodded and Abhi and Nandini left to Malhotra mansion. All throughout the way, she was blabbering and he listened patiently.

Nandini: Aur pata hai bhai who was the lecturer.. Manik! I was so shocked!

Abhi: *stopping outside Malhotra mansion* Bas kar meri maa, kitna bolti hai, bak bak bak!

Nandini: Huh meri toh koi value hi nahi, dekhna mai nahi rahungi na aapke saath tab...

Abhi: *glaring* Shut up Nandini! Mind your words!

Nandini: *biting her tongue* I didnt mean it bhai! Sorry!

Abhi: You better be! *kissing her forehead* Ab chal andar!

Nandini: *excitedly* We reached! I didn't even notice!

She immediately got out of the car and he chuckled at her childishness. She went in to see Ranika and Cabir on dining table and spoke up!

Nandini: Mujhe bhi bhukh lagi hai Nyomaa!

They all were pleasantly surprised seeing her and Raj immediately rushed to her taking her in a bear hug! She smiled and kissed his cheek making him grin. She then hugged Cabir who was standing beside Raj. She looked at Nyo who smilingly opened her arms and she immediately embraced her.

Nyo: *caressing her face* Meri bachi! Tu kab ayi? Aur bataya bhi nahi!

Nandini: Nyo maa kaise batati, it was a surprise!

Then she bend down and took Ranika's blessing much to their dislike!

Nyo: Abhi, bacha waha kyu khade ho, andar aao! Come lets have dinner!

Abhi: No no Nyomaa, I have some work so I will have to leave! I just came to drop her!

All nodded understanding and he left while Raj made Nandu sit next to him and started talking and giggling with her making Nyo and Cabir sigh! "These two duo wont change!" They muttered!

Nandini: Maa woh Manik abhi ta....

All Malhotras shared a look and Nandu saw their faces and found something fishy.

Nandini: Kya hua? Is everything ok?

Raj: Haa haa princess sab theek hai! And khaate time baat nahi karte, *keeping another roti in her plate* ye le ek roti nahi chalegi! Finish it fast!

Nandini knew something was off about them but sat silent for now till the dinner finishes! She was wondering if its something to do with Manik but she didnt know what it could be! Many thoughts crossed her mind that what if he is sick? Where was he? Why did everyone become silent all of a sudden?

After dinner, all settled in the living room and Nandini spoke not being able to hold it anymore.

Nandini: Kya hua hai? Why did you all get worried when I asked about Manik? Is he ok? Please tell me!

Cabir: Relax Nandu, he is ok! But...

Nandini: But what bhai, bolo na?

Raj: Princess, today late morning mai he got a call that there are some issues in the Dubai branch construction and owner is needed for property case so he left in afternoon to Dubai...

Nandini: What?

All nodded giving her a sorry look while her insides churned into sadness... all her excitement to meet her Mani drained out and tears started to sting her eyes. She composed herself not wanting to cry in front of everyone and opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. Thankfully, her phone rang saving her from this conversation. It was Manik!

Nandini: *clearing her throat* Umm woh its Manik... Can I g...

Nyomaa: Ofcourse beta, why are you asking? Go to your room and after call take some rest! You must be tired from the journey!

Nandini nodded and left to their room giving everyone a small smile. She reached the room but the call was cut by the time. She entered only for her nostrils to be washed by his fragrance! That musky, earthy rosewood smell! She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply as a lone tear dropped off her eyes. The traitors couldn't be controlled anymore and they flowed. She sighed sitting on his side of bed, taking his pillow and inhaling his scent. Her phone rang again breaking her trance!

Nandini: Hi!

Manik: Hello! Where were you shona? In afternoon your phone was switched off and now also you didnt pick up?

Nandini: Sorry was caught up!
(She was in flight in afternoon)

Manik: Hmm btw I called in afternoon to tell you that I am in Dubai! Urgent work of the branch! But hey good news is that now our time difference is less so talking would be easier!

He sounded happy and she didnt wanted to break his heart but he has to know anyway! She took a deep breath and said something which was enough to shock him hard!

Nandini: I am in India!

Manik: *shocked* Wh...what? You're joking right? Babe how can you be in India all of a sudden? You didnt say anything?

Nandini: *in a low voice* I wanted to surprise you as I had 3 weeks in hand!

She could hear his groan and he sweared under his breath! Frustration was evident from his voice

Manik: Fuck! Shit!

Nandini sniffed which made him alert immediately!

Manik: I am so sorry bacha! You came there to surprise and I... fucking property issue!

Nandini: *composing herself* No Manik! Its not your fault! Its just fate! Maybe we are not destined to meet yet!

Manik: So where are you now?

Nandini: *clearing her tears and gulping a bit of water* In OUR room!

Manik: *smiling at her stress on the word 'OUR'* Hmm did you came to know about me being in Dubai before the call?

Nandini: *standing by the window* Hmm yes! Papa told me! Btw did you reach hotel? When is the meeting?

Manik: Yes I reached hotel and just freshened up! And the meeting is tomorrow! Btw when did you reach Mumbai?

Nandini: We landed at around 4!

Manik: Wait a minute, that's when I was at airport! Hang on did you bump into someone? Coz I did and I felt it was you but then I chucked it as it was too obscure to happen as I didn't know you were coming!

Nandini: *chuckling sadly* Yes I did amd I felt your presence too but I shrugged it off!

Manik: Shit I should have turned, atleast we could have stealed a moment for ourselves!

Nandini: Its good we didnt! If we did, would you have been able to leave?

Manik: *sheepishly smiling* No I guess! And it is kinda urgent to be here right now otherwise I would have returned!

Nandini: I dont want you to return until you finish your work!

Manik: *sighing* I wish you were that nagging and stubborn wife who would force me right now to come back! But no, my bacha has to be the most understanding!

Nandini: *giggling* Consider yourself lucky Mr Malhotra!

Manik: *smiling at her giggles* That I am! Very lucky! My lucky charm is the best!

Nandini: Mani I haven't done anything to be called your lucky charm!

Manik: Lucky charm doesn't have to do anything special just their presence is enough so rather just be with me! Always!

Nandini: I will! Forever! So did you eat?

Manik: No have to order!

Nandini: Ok then lets hang up...

Manik: *cutting her* No! I wanna talk more!

She could imagine his pout from the other side of the phone too and giggled!

Nandini: Baby atleast listen to me! Cut the call, place the order till then I will change in PJs too and then we will talk!

Manik: Ok!

They disconnected, Manik placed an order for something light as he ate in flight already whereas Nandu changed into PJs. She walked to the bed and before she could reach her phone it started ringing by his name on video chat making her giggle at his eagerness!

She picked up the call settling on her side of bed and looked at him. She sighed thinking about her hot husband who looked even more hotter in messy hair, top 3 buttons of his white shirt opened which was already untucked from his trousers! His sleeved were folded upto her to his elbow and his two weeks old beard made him look sexy! She loved his rough look! She bit her lips looking at him whereas he cleared his throat.

Manik: Dont bite your lips! You can check me out without that... coz you are turning me on!

She blushed looking down embarrassed and he chuckled!

Manik: Kya hua? Done gazing me? Dont want to gaze more?

He teased but didnt expect the next reply from her making him smirk more!

Nandini: I can never get enough of you so I cant be done! But lets just say I am distracting myself to not have the same effect as I do on you by biting my lips!

She winked!

Manik: *smirking* Acting naughty are we?

Nandini: *raising her eyebrows* Why cant I? But let me honestly tell you, I love your messy look! Just preserved for me! Coz rest of the time ofcourse you are all well dressed and well maintained! But this rough look of yours is...

She trailed off and looked down not being able to complete but he wanted her to complete. Rarely she openly talks about his looks with him and now he wanted full advantage of her mood!

Manik: Is?

Nandini: *smiling shyly* Hot and Sexy!

Manik: Thank god! *she looked at him confused* Like really I am relieved! I thought I would never get to hear this compliment from my wife! I guess I am looking sexy if my wife compliments me!

Nandini: Ok where is your food?

Manik: Not bad! Changing the topic wifey! Its not yet arrived! So tell me what are your plans for India?

Nandini: That I will go to Murthy mansion tommorow for Rakshabandhan! Then we dazzlers have a offer so we have to compose 3 songs for the album and then I wanna meet Mukti bhabhi! After their alliance got fixed I havent met het and will spend some time with her! Some time with Nyo maa and Raj papa, amma appa, then Navya and me will spend bestie time then....

Manik: Bas bas bas! Itna sab planned? Meri nanhi si jaan kitna thak jayegi! But where is my time in this wifey?

Nandini: Haww... woh toh mai bhul hi gayi!

Manik: *looking up* So bad! Dekhlo Krishnaji!

Nandini: *giggling* Kitna drama karte ho aap Mr husband!

He was going to say something when a knock disturbed them!

Manik: Must be room service! Hang on!

He left and was back with a tray of food! He uncovered the lid and inhaled the smell of food!

Nandini: *giggling* My foodie baby!

Manik: Oh hello, food is bae!

Nandini: More than me?

Manik: *winking* Nahhh desert is better!

Nandini: *with an 'o' shape mouth* Shameless!

Manik: Only for you!

Nandini: But so less food? Just a burger and drink?

Manik: Yahh not too hungry right now! Ate in flight!

Nandini: *turning and lying on her stomach* Ok!

Manik: *gulping* Babe can you pls change back to previous position... you see the view is not helping me!

He pointed at her and she frowned looking down only to see her loose T-shirt which did no mercy in exposing her cleavage! Embarrassed she sat up straight and bit her lips! He groaned again!

Manik: Again biting your lips?

Nandini: Manik can you please focus on your food rather than me!

Manik: Oh yh you are desert right! Your turn later!

Nandini: *Wide eyes* Shut up!

He just shrugged laughing!

Manik: What about your hospital?

Nandini: As it is, my practicals are done so few more days there and I will be done and also graduation! I hope I can get tickets for all family but I doubt it as they are always packed! But 2 tickets are garunteed! Btw how long do you have to stay in Dubai? You should rent a house if its for long! How will you stay in hotel for a big span of time?

Manik: Yh umm I dont know how long coz legal work has no fixed timings but yes I have asked my manager here to look for a small flat near construction site and also a cook and cleaner!

She nodded in understanding and yawned!

Manik: Bacha, you should sleep! You must have not slept since day before yesterday!

Nandini: No its ok we can talk!

Manik: We can but that can happen later too! Right now you need rest!

Nandini: Hmm...

Manik: *hearing her low hmm* What happened suddenly?

Nandini: I miss your presence more in this room! I thought I could finally get to sleep cuddling to you but...

Manik: *feeling helpless* Jaan....

Nandini: *not wanting to sadden him she smiled* Its ok, I will hug your pillow! It has your smell in it!

Manik: *smiling at her maturity* I know you put that smile up for me but I wanted to see your actual smile please! Atleast by tommorow, I will be able to see it right? *she nodded slightly* I love you Shona!

Nandini: I love you too Mani! Good night!

They disconnected and off she drift in her dreamland hugging his pillow in minutes as the tiredness worked its magic!

Authors's note: Hey guys! How's the update?

I know many will be mad at me for not making MaNan meet but you think of it, realistically your surprise doesnt always works, does it? Sometimes miscommunication can lead to such consequences and no one is at fault! But dont worry, when they meet, it will be worth the wait I promise!

I also know many readers must have lost interest in the book coz I disappeared but I wasn't motivated as I said before and I didn't wanted to update a piece of crap!

I hope this part satisfied you guys! Did you all liked MaNan's convo? Majority of the chapter is them to compensate them not meeting!

Ignore the errors please!

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 :- 700+ votes on this part for next update!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤