Hey guys! Back with an update as I said yesterday! Sorry it took me almost a month... its just I was having tough time writing as you all know from my note!

Thank you for your patience and for hanging in there. I am back with another big part 4100+ words!

Happy reading! 💓

Next morning, 4am,
Malhotra mansion,
Everyone was up early today for they need to leave by 5am. Boys got ready and was collecting everything in the living room so that its easy to load as soon as the minibus arrives while Nandini and Naira were instructing butlers about everything and other girls were helping boys in checking if everything is there. Nandini and Naira came out of the kitchen and saw Manik doing something on his phone. He looked up hearing foot steps and smiled at Naira.

Naira: Good morning bhaiyu!

Manik: *kissing her forehead* Good morning Princess!

Navya: Naira mom ke cupboard se kuch lena tha but mil nahi raha, come with me please.

Naira nodded and left. Nandini smiled at Manik and was going to say something but before she could, he turned and left making her frown.

Nandini's attire 👇

Nandini: *in mind* Ayiappa what happened to him now? Ughh Manik Malhotra has worse mood swings than a girl on periods.

She went behind him but at that time Dhruv asked Manik to help them load the luggage as the bus is here and left. Before he could go Nandini spoke up halting him.

Nandini: Manik mera luggage room mai se...

Manik pointed at her bag and then left from there without saying anything.

Manik: *in mind* Maltab kuch padi hi nahi hai, abhi bhi she cares about luggage. She didnt even ask why am I ignoring her..

All the boys loaded the luggage while the girls locked the rooms where valuables are. Though the butlers are trustworthy, they couldn't leave it open just like that for so many days. Soon they were outside the house while the boys were loading last few bags left. Nandini and Navya were standing together and chatting when Nandini saw Manik looking at her and gave him a smile but he turned his face away making her frown.

Navya: *eyeing them both* You both fought?

Nandini: *startled* Is it that obvious?

Navya: *shrugging her shoulders* Well bhai would never ever turn his face away from you so I figured you both fought.

Nandini: *frustrated* No we didnt. I don't even know what's wrong with him since morning he is giving me cold shoulder. For once this stupid person can't tell me what is going on in his head. Idiot! Ughh he is so annoying Navu, I swear if I didn't love him I would have killed him.

Navya: *chuckling* If you didn't love him you wouldn't be so pissed at him for ignoring you.

Nandini: Shut up, you are supposed to be on my side.

Navya: When did I take his? I am just stating the fact.

Nandini: Whatever!

She opened her purse to pull out her phone but realised she left it inside.

Nandini: Navu sun I think I forgot my phone inside, I'll just get it!

Navya: Ok!

They all started boarding the bus while Navya and Naira waited for Nandini. Soon she came and they went in too. Navya sat next to Cabir while Nandini was about to sit next to Manik when Manik spoke up gaining everyone's attention.

Manik: Nandini if you dont mind, Naira will sit here.

Nandini glared at him while his face had no reaction. Naira knowing about their fight from Navya spoke immediately.

Navya: *smirking* No bhai, mai last wali seat pe bethungi akele aaram se.. besides I can sleep easily over there.

She went and sat at the end while Manik cursed his sister.

Nandini: Now can I sit here Mr Malhotra, everywhere else is full. Or you want me to sit on the roof of the bus?

Manik: Wish you could!

Mukti: *hitting Manik's head from behind* Why are you being so mean to her Manik? Choti ignore him.

Nandini didn't say anything and settled on the seat next to him muttering unharmful curses for him while Manik turned his face towards window spreading his legs, making less room for her so that she moves or swaps her seat but she didn't even complain. And the journey to Jaipur started.

All the couples got busy in themselves some talking, some spending cozy moments and some sleeping like our Cabira the great and because he slept Navya had nothing to do so she too slept. Manik had kept the headphones in his ears and was looking outside while Nandini was playing game in her phone. After a while she got bored and looked at him to see him awake. She poked her finger in his arms but he didn't turn making her poke him more.

Manik: *whisper yelling* Kya hai?

Nandini: *pouting* I am getting bored.

Manik: Toh? Mai kya karu?

Nandini: Toh talk with me..

Manik: Nandini I am not interested, find your friends and talk to them.

Nandini: *shrugging* I am talking to my best friend.

Manik: *sarcastically* Ya right!

He kept his headphones back in his ear and turned back to the window making her annoyed. She held his face and turned it to herself and he glared at her.

Manik: Tumhari problem kya hai?

Nandini: Aap ki problem kya hai? Why are you behaving like this? Maine kya kiya ab?

Manik: Nothing.. you did nothing which is your problem! Mai kuch baat karu toh problem, baat nahi karu toh bhi problem.. sort your mind out Nandini!

Nandini frowned listening to him while he went back to music. She was thinking what could possibly have happened and last night's incidents flashed in front of her and then what he said right now making her join two and two together. He was angry coz she didn't talk to him after dinner when he was trying to say something. She thought they will talk about it when they reach Jaipur but her man is too impatient. Well she can't even talk about it right now. Surely it must be personal what he wants to talk so desperately about and so they need privacy. She pouted looking at him but knew she won't get any reaction.

Manik on the other hand was annoyed with her, not understanding why so much. He was trying to avoid her beacuse he doesn't want to burst out in front of everyone. He was in his thoughts when he felt weight on his shoulder. He turned to see her sleeping with her head on his shoulder. His eyes softened, how can it not? At the end of the day she is his bacha. Her face devoid of any makeup looked so pretty, so serene and innocent as she slept there peacefully on his shoulder. He didnt have the heart to push her face away even in anger. He tucked the flicks of hair away from her face behind her ears making her snuggle more into him catching his arm. His heart urged to kiss her forehead and not being able to control, he pressed his lips on her forehead making a small smile form on her lips. He smiled realising that she could recognise his touch even in sleep.

It was noon by the time she woke up, yawning a bit when she felt something on her head. She looked up to see Manik sleeping with his head rested on hers as hers was on his shoulder. She smiled looking at him. She is looking at him properly for the first time since morning. He just wouldn't look at her and it was getting frustrating for her now. She caressed his face and holding it lightly made it rest back on the seat. She stood up to stretch a little and looked back to see Arneha and Abhi sleeping whereas Mukti was talking to Navya, Cabir and Naira were on their phone. Dhrulya were missing which she guessed would be on the upper deck where the bed is for Alya to sleep comfortably.

Nandini: *to Mukti and Navya* Hey, did you guys slept?

Mukti: Oh you woke up, ya we slept quite a bit. Now I am hungry yaar but these people are sleeping.

Nandini: We have some snacks and we also filled sandwiches but then we slept and skipped the breakfast.

Navya: No maine Dhruv ko dekha tha he fed Alya.

Mukti: Chalo thats good. But we should make a pit stop at some highway restaurant. I wouldn't mind dhaba but what if the food does not suit Alya. She never ate at a dhaba so..

Nandini: That is also true and dhaba food is spicy and too much spicy is not ok for her. Cabir bhai...

She called Cabir by tapping his shoulder and he took out his ear phone and looked at her.

Cabir: Bol piddi.. *she pouted while rest chuckled*

Nandini: We are hungry, can you please ask the driver to make a stop at some restaurant?

Cabir: *standing up* Finally kisi ko toh khane ki padi hai.

He left while the girls laughed and decided to wake up others. Navya went up Arneha, Mukti woke up Abhi and went upstairs to wake up Dhrulya whereas Nandini went to Manik.

Nandini: *whispering and caressing his hair* Mani... wake up!

He groaned and turned towards her side wrapping his hand around her waist. She was shocked and looked around to see Arneha still not awake and Mukti not there making her sigh. She tried to remove his hold but ofcourse its not so easy. Cabir who returned from informing the driver looked at them and smirked which embarrassed Nandini as Manik is hugging her with his head in the crook of her neck. She bit her lips and shook his shoulders this time.

Nandini: Manik wake up, its afternoon now.

He stirred a bit and opened his eyes and looked away from her neck to see her face. He smiled and kissed her cheek making her smile at him too. But alas, his brain started working and he realised he is angry at her and jerked away from her which honestly hurt her a bit but she didn't say anything.

Nandini: *looking away* Woh we are making a stop for lunch.

He nodded and then looked back and asked Cabir.

Manik: Cabir where are we?

Cabir: *looking at him weirdly* Neend khuli nahi hai ab tak lagta hai.. Mom ke Manu we are in bus going to Jaipur, remember?

Manik: *glaring* You dimwit I meant hum kaha tak pohche..

Cabir: To aisa bolna chahiye na kumbhkarn..

Manik: *arguing back* Sale mujhse jyada tu sota hai woh bhi kitni gehri neend mai ki koi chor bhi tere room mai gus jaye toh tujhe pata na chale.

Cabir: *smirking* Ya right but neend mai I dont hug someone as tight as you..

Manik: *frowning* What are...

He stopped as he felt a tug on his hand and looked at Nandini who looked flushed. Her red cheeks made him realise that Cabir saw their position.

Manik: Shut up and bata kaha tak pohche..

Cabir: *smirking* We are in Gujarat so far.

Manik nodded, it will take them till midnight to reach Jaipur. Soon they stoped at a restaurant. They all got off stretching a bit and Manik gave some money to the driver for his lunch who thanked him and went away. They all went in and asked for a table and settled down. It was all kathiyawadi dishes in the menu and they didn't know what all they were so they ordered kathiyawadi thalis which would come with little bit of everything. Nandini asked the waiter to not add black pepper in one thali and he nodded and went away. This was seen by Manik who was sitting opposite to her and they both were at the end of the table. His heart swelled with joy seeing her care. They all started talking on random things when their food arrived which they relished having skipped the breakfast and the food being something different but very tasty. They paid the bill and went out to see it pouring down making them stand by the shelter but Nandini being the most excited soul ran in the rain spreading their arm before anyone could stop her. Manik and Abhi glared at her and were about to stop her when the girls too joined her.

Nandini: *to boys* Common guys we are here to enjoy so just enjoy... come!

All the boys chuckled but joined them in the rain. Some people were looking at them weirdly but they could care less. It was a less crowded place as it was on highway but there were some visitors. Nandini was jumping around in the rain and dancing like the most excited soul and Manik was just staring at her. She looked at him and he looked away but now she had enough of it. She held his hand and pulled him at the back making sure no one sees and whispered Navya to cover up.

Nandini: Will you tell me what is wrong? I am done with this angry mood of yours. Why are we fighting?

Manik: Woh bhi mai batau ab..fine you remember you promised you will come to talk after dinner but did you? No for you family is more important then me.. its ok!

Nandini: Manik aap aisa kyu soch rahe hai.. This family I have is because of you. The only reason I couldn't come was that I was made to sleep between girls and I couldn't leave the room. Our marriage is not normal, our relationship is not known to them. Honestly I am tired of answering their stupid questions but at the end of the day they are family Manik, I can't say anything that would hurt them and you are the only person from whom I expect to understand that but even you took me wrong.

She looked away being hurt as tears poured from her eyes but were washed away from the rain. The only reason he knew she was crying were her glassy slightly red eyes.

Manik: Nandini, I swear I didnt mean to take you wrong but then this fear.. fuck!

He too looked away frustrated while she looked at him as soon as she heard fear. Her eyes soften and turned him holding his face in her palms.

Nandini: What fear Mani? Share it with me, tell me aapko kya kehna tha last night.

Manik: But everyone will be waiting...

Nandini: Let them, I have realised my mistake too, they are not as important as you are for me and I unknowingly neglected you but I promise I wont repeat my mistake. I am sorry!

Manik: *nodding in no* Dont apologise even I didn't understand you so we are equals. I just wanted to say that it looks like Aryaman is not happy with our relationship. Yesterday when Naira said she wished us to be together, his face was blank, he lost his smile and I am scared that if he doesn't except me then I can't leave you.. but I also don't want them to leave you. Thats it!

He let it out with a loud sigh while she was patiently listening to him sinking in what all he said. She thought about it for a while and then hit her hand on her forehead making him look at her weirdly.

Nandini: Offo Mani.. itni si baat, come here.

She held his hand and pulled him closer to her. She wrapped her arms around him and rubbed his back assuring him but he didn't hug her back being confused with her itni si baat. She smiled and taking his hand, she herself wrapped it around her waist and he gripped onto it now.

Nandini: I can't believe the person who calmed my insecurities so easily yesterday is acting impulsive now. You could have waited until you got a chance to talk to me.. kya kuch nahi soch liya hoga aapne. You wanna know why Arya's smile dropped? *she looked at him breaking the hug and he nodded eagerly* So listen... yesterday when you called me in the afternoon, do you remember I ended the call with I love you baby? *he again nodded like a child looking super cute* Arya heard that.

Manik: *wide eyes* What? Why didn't you tell me this? Uske baad kya hua?

Nandini: Woh actually I forgot to tell you yesterday. So when he heard me...

She described the whole thing that happened, about Mukti and Arya knowing that Nandini has a boyfriend.

Manik: So..so you mean Aryaman behaved so because he thinks you have a boyfriend? He doesn't have any problem with the idea of you and me?

Nandini: *chuckling* Nahi mere buddhu patidev!

Manik: Oh my god Nandu.. I am so relieved.

He was about to hug her but she pushed him away.

Nandini: Hang on Mr Malhotra. So you said I chose family above you and if I know you even a slightest you would have also thought that I will consider leaving you if Arya will ask me to haina?

She looked at him expecting to answer but he looked away not wanting to hurt her with the truth but also not able to lie to her. And that was it, he felt a hard push aking him shocked. He looked at her to see her eyes spitting fire.

Nandini: So this is what you think of me huh? *pushing him* You think that I don't love you enough? *pushing him again* You questioned my love for you? How dare you Mr Malhotra? *pushing him again* Who gave you the right to make this judgement for me that I don't love you enough to fight back for you? You think of me as a coward don't you?

He looked down not being able to face her. She was right, he might not be in right state of mind but he unintentionally doubted her love for him when he knows what his value is in her life.

Nandini: Say na why are you quiet.. ofcourse now you don't have anything to say. Manik did I even for once said yesterday when I was insecure that you will leave me? I just thought you will have to choose which I dont want but here you judged me that I will choose my family over you. My hapiness over my life. You should be ashamed Mr Malhotra!

She turned around as tears flowed from her eyes and he cursed himself. She was about to leave when he held her hand making her struggle.

Manik: Nandini listen to me please..

Nandini: *turning to him* Kya sunu Manik? Is there more left to hurt me? Haven't you had enough for the day? Subah se you were ignoring me, saying all those rude things but I thought you are angry and didn't say a word though it hurted me too Manik and then I get to know this opinion of yours about me.

Manik: No I swear Nandini I never thought that you are a coward or you love me any less but it was just the anger that you couldn't talk to me for a minute also yesterday. You know I am impulsive shona, please, I am sorry!

Nandini: Do not play this impulsive card on me Malhotra... being impulsive does not give you right to hurt anyone. And you think mujhe shauk hai aapki baate nahi sunne ka? Mai darti hu Manik, har waqt ki koi hume pakad na le ek saath. Its easier for you because no one from the men bothers to question you but the ladies do.. we ladies notice a lot more than you men do and I have to answer all those and nahi karsakti mai.. pichle ek month mai thak chuki hu mai jooth bol bol kar but nahi you don't get it. Being my husband, I could expect that much understanding from you but you just..

She broke down being tired of hiding more precisely lying. On the other hand he was realising his mistakes slowly and guilt took over him. Nandini always told him about every lie she had said but he always took it lightly.

Manik: I.. I never knew you felt so. I always thought you told me all those so that I can be aware of what to say and what not but I never thought that you were trying to tell me about your feelings... Shit I am such a bad partner. I couldn't even gauge your emotions. I am sorry please Nandini, I will try more harder now to understand your situation first and then react please.

She didn't look at him and he didn't know what to do so he did what the first thing that came in his mind. He sat on his knees and held his ear making her gasp.

Nandini: Manik what are you doing? Get up please..

Manik: Shh let me say please. Nandini I know I have hurt you a lot today but I swear it was not intentional. I was ignoring you since morning not because you ign.. I mean not because I thought you ignored me, its just if you speak to me, I will say everything and I couldn't in front of everyone. Nandini you are the only person in front of whom I cannot keep a secret. I can't keep my mouth shut, you are my best friend infact more and I just want to say every single one of my problems to you but in order to stay silent, I ended up hurting you. Yes I was also angry but mai kya karu yaar nahi hota mera anger control mujhse. Tum hi har baar samjha ti ho na nujhe meri mistake toh jab mai tumse hi naraz tha toh mai kya karta yaar. Fir bhi I know my behaviour was not justified and about doubting your love, believe me I know how much you love me and that was no where my intention but whatever I say would be wrong because in a way my behaviour indicated that I questioned it and no apology would be enough yet all I can say is I am sorry. Agli baar se paka aisa nahi hoga.

As soon as he finished he felt a storm hit him like a gush of air. For a minute he was startled but realised it was none other than his wife, sitting in her knees and hugging him. It did not take him a second to wrap his arms around her tightening his hold on her. He could feel her shivering figure and he knew she was sobbing. He just rubbed her back constantly cursing himself in his mind for making the most important person of his life this vulnerable. She broke the hug only to cup his face with those muddy hands. Well both were covered in mud because of the rain.

He tucked her hair stands looking deep in her eyes to see longingness in them. Since morning her has been rude to her and ofcourse she wasn't use to it owing to his ever so lovey dovey nature with her. Breaking their intense eye lock he leaned in eyeing her lips which quivered in anticipation and her hands wrapped itself around his neck instinctively.

He smiled before pressing his lips onto her rosy pink ones and she scooted closer as a response. He took her lower lip in between his sucking them while she too returned the favour taking his upper lips in between her teeth. He groaned in appreciation and deepened the kiss. Both sucked onto each other's lips pouring all the love their hearts hold for each other, letting the person know that how sorry they are for their respective behaviours and they want to make it up. They sealed a promise of love with a passionate lip lock.

He didn't want to leave her but then seeing her struggling to break the kiss he moved apart. Both were panting heavily. He cupped her face and dropped a long kiss on her forehead.

Manik: I promise.. I promise to always try to understand your situation before thinking impulsively.

Nandini: I promise to never ever neglect you for family ever.. no matter what.

She cupped his face and pulling it down kissed his forehead. They both rest their head on each other's sighing in relief. One more misunderstanding solved. One more step closer in understanding each other. One more step closer to building an eternity of love.

Author's note: Hey guys! How's the update? What part do you like or dislike?

I feel like every fight, small or big, brings them closer each time for they realise how the other feels and work for the betterment of relationship. What do you think?

Besides its not necessary that one would understand without you saying something and same happened here for both of them. Choti si misunderstanding but anyways its solved!

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!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤