Next morning,
Nandini's room,
It was quite early in the morning with sunrise just happening when Nandini woke up to drink some water. She sat up, looked at Manik and frowned. He was shivering slightly. She checked the AC but it was off and even the windows were closed. Nevertheless, she stood up, turned off the fan and went to the cupboard to get another blanket. Whilst covering him, her hands touched his neck and her eyes widen. She touched the back of her hand properly on his neck and then his forehead realising he has a fever. She immediately grabbed a thermometer and opening his mouth kept it in it. As soon as she removed it, her eyes widen seeing the reading of 39°C. She immediately went to the kitchen, warmed some milk, added turmeric and poured it in a glass. Along with that, she got a cloth and a bowl full of cold water. Keeping everything in a tray she rushed to her room. She went near him and slightly shook his shoulder.

Nandini: *caressing his hair* Mani.. baby wake up!

Manik groaned as soon as he shifted due to body ache. He slowly opened his eyes to see a concerned Nandini sitting at the edge of his side of the bed.

Manik: Time kya hau?

Nandini: Abhi sirf 5 baje hai but please uthiye... ye milk pee ke medicine le lijiye. You have a fever.

Manik: Nai mera bilkul mann nahi hai Nandini.

Nandini: *caressing his face* Mani please thoda sa pee lijiye, you can't take meds on empty stomach.

Manik: No its ok mai so jata hu uthke thik ho jayega...

Nandini: No Mani! Aapko meri kasam! Now get up and drink.

Manik made a crying face and sat up with difficulty but immediately held his head.

Nandini: *worried* What happened mani?

Manik: Dizziness..

Nandini: *deep breath* Drink this fast mai meds leke ati hu. *He took one sip and gagged* Manik no nakhra peena toh padega hi! Chalo bottoms up!

Manik glared at Namdini and she glared back at him. Seeing no way out he drank one more sip but ended up making a puppy face at her. She sighed and took the glass in her hand and brought it near his lips gesturing him to drink while her one hand caressed his hair. This time he didn't complain and drank milk sip by sip until it was 3/4 empty after which he gave up making her sigh. She took didn't bug him further. She poured some water in a glass and passed him two tablets of ibuprofen which he obediently took. She made him lie down after that and started keeping cold water strips on his forehead to bring the temperature down whereas he didn't say anything as he had no energy left. Soon due to the effect of medicine, sleep took over whereas Nandini kept changing the strips every few minutes until his temperature went down a bit. She then went to do her morning chores, took a shower and took the tray back downstairs. She saw Ishita coming down the stairs while returning from the kitchen and greeted her.

Ishita: *cupping her face* Kya hua gudiya? Why is your face looking pale?

Nandini: *worried* Amma Mani is not well. He had a high fever in the morning.. abhi abhi utara hai, I am worried.

Ishita: Achanak se kaise?

Nandini: Pata nahi kal raat he was complaining about headache and aaj subah I saw him shivering so I got to know he has a fever.

Ishita: Don't worry kanna, ye mausam mai flu hota hai, give him healthy food and medicines dekhna kal tak he will be fine.

Nandini: Hmm I will go to him.

Ishita: Haan you go, mai tum dono ka breakfast bhijvati hu upar hi.

She nodded and made her way upstairs to see Manik standing up from bed and groaning. She rushed to him immediately.

Nandini: Manik you are weak at the moment, why didn't you call me for help? Do you need anything?

Manik: *smiling at her concern* I am totally fine now. Don't worry! I was just going to washroom.. I need a shower. I have a really important meeting at 10.

Nandini: *glaring* What? Have you lost it? You are sick if you don't know already..

Manik: Nandu it's important otherwise I won't go.. and besides, I am fine now so chill!

Nandini: *fake smile* Oh that's why you groaned while standing na? That's why you have body pain and thats why your body temperature is above normal, isnt it? Because you are totally fine, I think the thermometer is sick so its giving wrong reading isn't it?

Manik: *making a bad face* You are really bad at sarcasm..

Nandini: *glaring* Did I ask you to validate my sarcasm level? Just get back on bed Malhotra!

Manik: Shona listen na, it's important. Acha I will be back immediately after this meeting?

Nandini: *narrowing her eyes* Aisi konsi meeting hai which is more important than your health?

Manik: That it's about some legal documents and its a meeting with my lawyer coz today is the last day to submit those so I have to go, please..

He made a puppy face but in return received a glare from her.

Nandini: That is not happening Manik. You can call the lawyer here and get your work done but you are not leaving the house. Coz I know you very well on the pretence of one work you will do various and stress yourself deteriorating your health further which I cant afford.

Manik: *pulling her closer* Ok fine but ye sadu face mat banao ab, I like you smiling.

Nandini: *holding his shoulders* If you like me smiling then you have to get better jaldi se, you think when you are sick I will be all smiles?

Manik: *nuzzling his nose in her cheek* Tch I am seriously fine jaana, mild fever hai it's not a big deal, don't worry so much!

Nandini looked up at him and smiled before kissing his cheek.

He sighed and pulled her closer hugging her petite body. She smiled and kept her head on his heart to hear her favourite music.

Nandini: Mani..

Manik: *tightening the hug* Hmm..

Nandini: *looking up at him* I think you should rest now!

Manik: *snuggling her back to him* Shh I am resting!

Nandini: *breaking the hug* I meant lie down.

Manik: *bad face* Way to go Mrs Malhotra in ruining my romance. *she giggled* But shona I really need a shower and before you say no, I will feel better if I take a warm shower.

Nandini: Ok fine come!

She helped him walk to the washroom. Though Manik didnt need any help as he could walk fine but didnt say anything, admiring her care. He knows she is worried and he didnt want to come across as ungrateful by denying her help.

Manik: *innocently* Shona mai kya keh raha tha..

Nandini: *taking out a towel from cabinet* Hmm?

Manik: Tumne itni help kardi hai toh ek aur help kardo na..

Nandini: *turning to him* Kya baby?

Manik: *baby face* Help me take a shower too..

Nandini: Ha ok! Wait.. what? *glaring* Mani your naughtiness does not leave you even when you are sick! You are impossible Mr Malhotra.

Manik: Are isme naughty kya hai? I seriously need help you know na my muscle is aching.. how will I apply soap?

Nandini: Aap jitna innocent dikhne ki koshish kar rahe hai na utna I know you are not. And aap toh work jane ke liye bhi ready hogaye the na so now least you can do is shower by yourself.

Manik: Are but..

Nandini: Bas Mani! No more tantrums take a shower and come fast and yes dont wet your hair ok?

Manik sadly nodded whereas Nandini wanted to laugh looking at his face but resisted. She left the washroom to get Manik's clothes from Manbir's room. She then called the butler to hoover the room while she set the bed and called Nyonika telling him about Manik. She was worried and said that she will be at Murthy villa soon. Soon Manik came out and changed in the clothes she got him. He then slumped himself on bed sighing as this much work itself made him tired. He was thankful of Nandini for stopping him from going yo work as he would have made a mess in everything he would do. Soon he saw Nandini walk into the room with a tray in her hand. She looked at him and smiled.

Nandini: Come on lets have breakfast!

Manik: *pouting* I dont feel like eating anything..

Nandini: *caressing his hair* I know baby but you have to eat for medicine.

Manik sighed and nodded. She gave him a bowl of porridge and also took one for herself.

Manik: *frowning* Why are you too eating this? Dont tell me you wanna be a typical wife eating what I eat..

Nandini: What are you saying? You know I like porridge so its not a punishment for me as much as it is for you..

She laughed and he made a bad face.

Manik: Not fair, laughing at your husband's misery..

Nandini: *giggling* Drama king!

They soon finished their breakfast when Nandini saw a bit of porridge stuck at the end of his lips. She went forward picking a tissue from the tissue box on side table and went close to him wiping it for him. She then looked up at him to see him already looking intensely at her. Both had an eye lock before he eyed her lips. She closed her eyes knowing what he wanted and tilted her head upwards giving him permission. He too leaned forward, tilting his head and holding her face by her chin. Their lips were barely apart when the heard someone and immediately jerked behind.

(Ofcourse Manan kiss miss is very iconic and its been long I showed one 😜😜)

Raman: *turning around* Shit! I.. *clearing his throat* Are you guys decent now?

Now this was the most embarrassing moment for Manan. Nandini being a typical Indian girl was dying out of shyness as it was none other than her father who walked in. She had turned all red and was hiding her face away and Manik.. well being walked in on by father-in-law wasnt the thing anyone would want. His ears too turned pink in embarrassment cursing himself for being intimate with his wife while the door was wide open. He nevertheless looked at Nandini and knowing she won't be able to speak, he spoke.

Manik: *clearing his throat* Pa..Papa you can turn around.

Raman turned around and no one met each other's eyes. Seeing Manan super embarrassed, Raman changed the topic.

Raman: How are you Manik? I heard you have a fever? Just thought to check on you before going to work.

Manik: *nodding* I am fine papa, much better than morning.

Raman: Umm okay then take care of him Nandu. *she nodded still not meeting his eyes* I will take your leave and umm... please close your door.

Nandini: *meekly* Appa..

Raman stopped and looked at her raising his eyebrow. She walked closer to him and hugged him tight whispering something.

Nandini: *barely audible* I am sorry Appa!

Raman: Dont be princess! And relax, take care of him! Bye!

Nandini waved him bye as he left and closing the door looked at Manik. Both were feeling awkward now.

Manik: *sighing* Its ok bacha, we will take care from next time, let it go!

Nandini: I.. Mani I wouldnt have been so embarrassed if it was one of our friend but appa...

Manik: *holding her hand* Chill! *smirking* Its not like he doesnt know what happens between a couple especially married couple...

Nandini: *hitting his chest* Shut up!

Both of them looked at each other for a minute and he burst into laughter while she too smiled biting her lower lip. Sure it was embarrassing st that moment but they couldn't understand why it felt funny right now. They just laughed their heart out. Soon Nyonika came and Manik got third round of scolding for being careless, first being his wife and second being his mother-in-law or his Ishimaa.

Rest of the day passed by with Manik having a meeting with the lawyer in Murthy Villa under strict instructions of Nandini that it should last no more than an hour. Nandini took care of him all day panicking at the slightest of increase in his temperature making him wonder how this girl has done so many complex surgeries on various patients when she was getting so worried for a normal flu. But than he failed to realise that those people were just patients for her but he is her life, her soulmate and her everything. She loves him to the moon and back so it was quite a normal reaction of hers.

At night, Nandini entered the room after keeping their dinner plates in kitchen to see the balcony door opened. Seeing this she fumed at his carelessness. She marched to the balcony to see him watching stars leaning on the railing.

Nandini: *angrily* Are you serious Manik? Bache ho aap? You have fever and you are standing here in cold? Aur bimar hona hai aapk...

She was not allowing him to speak at all with her angry rant and to be honest he found her so hot when she was all angry and couldnt hold himself from kissing her. He grabbed her waist pulling her further and deepening the kiss. She was shocked no doubt but realising what happened she tried to push him because she was angry. However, he was not ready to leave her and seeing all her struggles going into vain she too gave up. Her hand reached up to the back of his neck caressing it softly. Soon they came up for air and rested their forehead on each others.

Manik: *breathing heavily* I came outside because mujhe suffocation ho rahi thi andar.. I just needed some fresh air.

Nandini: Ok but lets go in now, its cold.

Manik: Hmm chalo!

They both went inside when Nandini asked him to get in bed while she will just change and come. After changing into one of her cute PJs, she handed him his meds and he made a face this time.

Manik: Seriously? I am fine now yaar..

Nandini: Manik dont be stupid this course of medicine is for a week. Its antibiotics and one should never leave a course of antibiotics halfway. It does more harm then good if left uncompleted.

Manik: Ok fine Dr. Malhotra! I will take it dont give me your medical gyaan! I am happy with my business and have no interest in medical studies..

Nandini: Aapke bas ka bhi nahi hai.. Bachpan se you have hated science and how can I forget that aap cheating karke paas hote the science..

Manik: Haan offcourse, wait a min how do you know?

Nandini: I have heard you talking with Abhi bhai bachpan mai.. I used to think haww so bad this is, its a sin! You should be thankful maine innocence mai aake Nyomaa ko ya Raj papa ko nahi bataya tha tab warna aapko badi maar padti..

She giggled and he smiled. She has been having a frown on her face since morning accept the time Raman walked in on them and seeing her smile now gave him a warm feeling. He always felt content when he saw her smile.. he felt as if nothing can go wrong and even if it does he can face it. It gave him assurance that it will all be ok!

Speaking of Raman walking in on them, he remembered something and smirked.

Manik: *tucking her hair Waise shouldnt we complete what was left in the morning?

She looked at him confused at first but realising what he was talking about her eyes widen and she hit his chest blushing.

Nandini: Manik we just kissed na...

Manik: Ha toh who said I only had kissing in mind in the morning and besides just now was night time kiss, you still owe me the morning one..

Nandini: Seriously? Owe you?

Manik: Ha toh? *sadly* Mai bimar hu Shona.. apne bimar pati ki itni wish bhi puri nahi karsakti tum..

Nandini: Mani you are so dramatic.. that too for a kiss! Just kiss me already!

She was equally desperate for him and she kinda felt embarrassed for craving sex when he was sick but when he suggested it, it was very tempting for her. He smirked and immediately jerked her on his chest, crushing his lips with hers. The kiss started rough and passionate at first with both sucking on to each other's lips vigorously but later on it turned soft. Manik's hand traced under her t-shirt reaching her moulds as he squeezed them earning a moan from her. Her grip tightened on his hair feeling the heat radiated from his body. But she soon realised that he is sick and broke the kiss panting hard. Manik was still in the daze making him frown at her disapproving act of breaking the kiss.

Manik: What happened?

Nandini: *looking away* We.. we shouldn't!

Manik: *hurt* You dont want to?

She could hear the hurt of rejection and disappointment in his tone and immediately adjusted herself on his lap straddling him.

Nandini: *cupping his cheek* Baby aisa nahi hai.. I love you, offcourse I want you but you are not well and you should be resting jaan!

Manik: *removing her hand* All I needed was you! I dont need any rest! I am tired of resting all day! And I am not even sick anymore so can you just stop over worrying and treating me like your critical patient because its getting really irritating now! You are my wife in this room not a doctor so stop this nagging yaar!

He shifted her on bed and laid on his side of bed facing away from her and tried to calm his raging hormones. Its been a week they have been busy with wedding rituals that they hardly got any time together and now this sickness thing was irritating him to the core. He didnt mean to come out harsh and in a way he did but he was too frustrated to think about apologising.

Nandini: *in mind* Ayiappa he is so grumpy when he is sick... Nyo maa was right! But I dont feel good seeing him this way, even I want him, I want to be with him but his health is also important na.. but am I overdoing it? Am I worrying for no reason? His fever has gone down and not spiked up since afternoon but.. ughhh! And whatever it may be cant he see that I am just concerned, he didnt had to be so rude!

She lied down facing her back to his.. both were trying to sleep but the fact was that sleep was miles away from their eyes. Nandini kept twisting and turning making him sigh and he spoke up.

Manik: Stop moving so much, I am trying to sleep, the one thing which I have been doing all day all thanks to you.

Nandini: *sitting up* What is your problem Manik? Why are you being so unnecessarily mean? All I told you the whole day was to rest for your health and here you are talking as if I did that for my own benefit? What is wrong with you?

Manik: *sitting up* This, this is what is exactly wrong Nandini! All the time, all you do is find a reason of staying away from me and if you are so uncomfortable in being close to me just let me know! I wont come near you but stop making excuses!

Nandini: What? Are you kidding me? When the hell did I do that?

Manik: When not Nandini? Sometimes its that family is around, sometimes that our marriage is hidden, sometimes that I am sick, sometimes that you have work! Can you even remember the last time you took initiative to spend time with me? Nandini its a two-way street so you gotta try too!

Nandini: What? Where did that come from? Manik your are making a mountain out of a mole.. and when did I ever say that I am uncomfortable?

Manik: Action speaks louder than words Nandini!

Nandini: Par Manik aisa nah...

He stopped her by showing his hand.

Manik: Nandini spare me the excuses! And lets not make a issue at your house, I dont want your family to get involved in this.

He again laid on the bed with his back to her and this time the medicine did its work and sleep took over while for Nandini she kept thinking about their conversation most of the night but sleep consumed near early morning. Soon she woke up with some sound. She opened her eyes to see Manik wearing his watch all suited up ready to go to office.

Nandini: You woke up early? Are you going to work? Are you oka....

She remembered their fight and shut her mouth.

Manik: Thank you for your concern but I do have to go to work, I cant skip so many days without prior arrangements. And I will be going to Malhotra mansion tonight after work.

Saying this he left without glancing at her and she too left a frustrated sigh from her mouth roaming her head in her hair.

Author's note: Hey guys! How's the update? Like it? 3600+ words

So Manan had a fight! What do you think?

Any ideas about what would happen next?

Ignore typos please! Didn't get time to edit! And honestly, I have been writing this update since 3 weeks so I even forgot what I have written in starting of this part! Lol!

Please vote if you liked it, drop long inline comments and follow me!
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Lots of love from Vaish! ❤