I would like to apologise to the readers who read this offline coz I have added loads of images in this one, lol!

Happy reading! 💓

It has been a few days since Manan had their fight. They neither met nor spoke with each other. Manik was clearly upset and his anger took better of him whereas Nandini was confused. She was not able to understand where she went wrong amidst all the balancing between her career, her family, her friends and her husband. They were taking a break to figure out what was happening between them.

Morning 8 am,
Malhotra mansion,
It was early Saturday morning when Nyonika walked into Manik's room to see him sleeping rather uncomfortably in a sitting position with the laptop on his lap. She sighed seeing this grown-up little boy and wondered how long did he work at night. She didn't had the heart to wake him up but alas she had to. She went forward and took his laptop, pressed the save button on his open excel sheet before the laptop gets dead and kept it on charging. She then went towards him and ruffled his hair calling his name.

Nyonika: Manu, beta uth ja!

Manik: Hmm mom thodi der..

Nyonika: *caressing his hair* No Manu, get up chal I have brought your coffee, it will get cold.

Manik groaned, turned to her and hugged her by her waist making her chuckle.

Nyonika: *kissing his forehead* You are still a baby.

Manik: Oh please mom, I am not ok!

Nyonika: Ya ya but you still behave like one. Now get your lazy ass up and do some workout, you are getting unfit day by day.

Manik: *rolling his eyes* Usually moms see their child as getting thin mom.

Nyonika: *hitting his shoulder* Dare you roll your eyes at your mom! And there is a difference between being unfit and fat. I never said you are getting fat, I said you are not looking after your fitness. See how nice the weather is, go for a jog!

Manik: *bowing* Jo hukum matashree!

He chuckled and went to the washroom to get fresh whereas she too laughed and went downstairs. Getting ready in his tracksuit, he drank his coffee and taking his phone, he went out. He was just a few blocks away from the mansion when a car screeched right next to him. He immediately took off his AirPods and glared at the car as he could not see who was in the driver's seat.

Manik: *knocking on window* What the fuck! Chala ni nahi ati then when do you people drive!

The door on the passenger side opened only for him to be surprised.

Person: Get in!

Manik: What? And what are you doing here?

Person: Get in Manik! Or you wanna create a scene on road?

He gave a hard glare before getting on the passenger seat.

Person: Seat belt bandho!

Manik: What?

Person: Why are you acting dumb today? I just said put on the seat belt!

Manik: Dekho Nandini, I don't wanna go anywhere with you so jo hai wo yahi se bolo or else I am going!

He tried to go out but couldn't. He looked at her in disbelief.

Manik: Seriously Nandini? Child lock?

Nandini: *leaning and putting on his seat belt* Anything for a child like you! God, you would have been a nightmare for Nyomaa and papa in childhood.

She started the car and he glared at her. She smiled inwardly and turned on the radio but he immediately turned it off.

Nandini: Are? Why are you being sadu?

He didn't say anything and looked out of the window. He got bored after a while and put in his AirPods again. This irritated Nandini and she took it out immediately.

Manik: What the hell?

Nandini: *glaring* What? When I played music you turned it off and now you are listening to it alone?

Manik: *turning on the radio* Happy? Now give me my airpod back!

Nandini: *popping the p* Nope!

He sighed and looked outside. They were on the outskirts of Mumbai now so he immediately asked her.

Manik: Where are we going Nandini?

Nandini: Somewhere!

Manik: This somewhere has a name I guess?

Nandini: I guess it does but I forgot!

He groaned in irritation whilst glaring at her.

Manik: Listen, I have nothing on me, not my wallet not my other clothes.

Nandini: I have it all sorted, open up the drawer under the dashboard!

He opened it to see his wallet in there.

Manik: When did you..

Nandini: After you left for a jog, Nyomaa informed me and I sneaked in behind you to get it!

Manik: *muttering* Intruder!

Nandini: Huh what?

Manik: *fake smile* Kuch nahi!

Nandini: *glaring* Suna maine! And for your very kind information, the room belongs to me too!

Manik: Which was just mine before marriage so proves that you are an intruder.

Nandini: Haww so mean!

Manik: Listen Nandini tell me where we are going because I have work to go to as well.

Nandini: Nope your leave is sanctioned.

Manik: *rolling his eyes* By who?

Nandini: Offcourse me!

They reached a toll and Nandini stopped her car. She was trying to take out money from her purse but it fell near the brake so she bends down to pick it. While bending her little bit of cleavage was showing and though Manik couldn't see it, he saw the cashier giving lusty glances at her and understood. He immediately pulled her up and took some cash from his wallet handing it to the cashier.

Manik: *glaring* Apni aankhe apne kaam pe rakho warna ye haal karunga ki kuch bhi dekhne layak nahi bachoge.

Saying this he rolled up the window while all Nandini could do is stare at Manik right from the moment he fulled her up. As it all sank in, the scenario became clear to her and she couldn't help but smile at his protective nature.

Manik: Ab ye daant dikhana bandh karo and drive.

Nandini made a bad face and looked up at her Ayiappa pouting and complaining about Manik. This cute face of hers made him smile a little to but he somehow maintained a straight face.

The rest of the journey was uneventful with none talking much but this silence was peaceful too. Manik just kept wondering where they are going and tried to guess by road signs but couldn't come to one judgement. Soon they reached their destination and Nandini asked him to get off. She opened the back door and removed their luggage. They were welcomed by a man in his 40s who led them to their final destination. Manik was awestruck seeing all the treehouses around, each one covered with luscious bushes giving complete privacy. Nandini was seeing his reaction and watching him smile, she too smiled. The manager of the treehouse resort gave him a key and left wishing them a happy stay. Soon they moved towards their treehouse when Manik held her hand stopping her.

Manik: Nandini all this?

Nandini: *softly* Manik we are in Lonavala. Just a small weekend trip for the two of us. Now can we go inside and talk about the rest, please?

Manik nodded and followed in. They walked in to see a beautiful lounge room with a round couch and a mini kitchen at the side. They both were awestruck seeing the view from the window. They then moved towards the bedroom through a corridor and just outside the door, Manik saw a huge sorry written with candles along with a heart. He was surely surprised and turned to her who was behind him with a nervous face.

Manik: Nan..

Nandini: *keeping a finger on his lips* Shh.. don't say anything, please... I am very nervous! Just go inside the room, there is one more surprise waiting for you!

Manik: What do you mean? You are not coming in?

Nandini: *nodding in a no* No! I will meet you at your final surprise destination. Now go!

Manik: But..

Nandini: *puppy face* Pleaseeeee.. please na please..

And there he melted at her cuteness and nodded in a yes. He turned to open the door and right that moment she too ran away. He chuckled at her childishness and went into the room. He was about to turn on the light as the curtains were drawn but stopped seeing more candle arrangements at the foot of the bed. This time it said I love you with balloons arrangement on the bed.

He was smiling so widely by now that his cheeks had started to hurt. He switched on the light and went to the bed to see their photographs scattered below each ballon in a polaroid form that they had clicked in London but she had refused him to take it back with him. He took his time looking through them and then pulled the gift bag placed there. There in it was a small yet cute sorry card, handmade by her which he admired a lot as he knew Nandini and creativity is miles away so this must have taken a lot of time and tries for her. Along with the card, it had a bottle of his favourite wine and some chocolates. He wondered what chocolate it was as it just had a sorry written on the box. He opened it to go aww on it as it spelt 'Sorry I messed up'.

(Ignore the note)

He took a blank piece from it and had it only to be surprised again. It was from his favourite chocolate brand. Suddenly his eyes fell on the bottom of the box where a note had gotten stuck. He immediately took it out and opened it.

As you may have realised that these are your favourite chocolate. I got them custom made but mind you Mani don't eat all at once because then you will crib for more. And when you are done seeing this surprise, there is one more in the washroom so proceed there.

Your one and only wifey! ❤

He chuckled at her last line as he mostly says it the same way in any note 'your one and only pati! ❤'. He quickly folding the note, kept everything in the bag again and went to the washroom. And yet again, he didn't need light to see her another surprise due to candles.

Nevertheless, he switched on the light and there next to the candles was a red note.

I want you to pamper my special someone until I get your final surprise ready and also coz you stink from all the sweat you dripped while jogging. Do me and yourself a favour! ;) And then get dressed in the clothes I have kept on the dressing table. Waiting for you!❤

Ps. Take your time as you know even I need to get ready and mujhe time lagta hai so don't ruin my surprise by hurrying up. And I do not apologise for my sassy mood as even I am a teeny weeny bit angry at you while I am writing this note!

Your one and only wifey! ❤

Manik chuckled at her yet another cute note however he wondered how his wife knew about his sweat since before itself but then he realised that it was a joint work of his mommy dearest and his wifey dearest. No wonder Nyonika was so adamant about him going for a jog and claiming the weather to be pleasant when it was so cloudy. He admired the decoration and the efforts she has done for him and his anger was long forgotten.

Soon he was done with his bath which was actually very refreshing as she had added some essential oils in the water and it smelled extraordinary. He went to the dressing area to see another gift. He opened the box wrapped in gift wrapping paper and saw another note.

Get ready looking dapper as always and the housekeeping boy will guide you to your final surprise.

Love you patidev! Come fast! ❤

He smiled and got ready in the clothes she gifted him, gelled up his hair which took him almost 15 mins and then quickly wore his watch, Manan bracelet and applied perfume which was all laid on the dressing table already making him wonder when she did that. he made a mental note to ask her how she prepared all this. Nevertheless, for now he was in love with the black denim jacket she had gifted.

Sparing the last glance at the mirror and setting his hair a bit again, he wore his shoes and opened the main door of the treehouse to see a housekeeping guy standing there with a warm smile. They exchanged few pleasantries after which the guy led him through a small alley, at the end of which had wooden doors. The guy bowed and left from there while Manik pushed the door open. He walked in only to gasp at a beautiful date set up near the pool. He was short of words about the place. It was incredibly beautiful and he was so overwhelmed realising all of this was done by his wife solely for him. Never in his life has anyone made him felt so much special.. the love of no amount of fans can compare to what this tiny human being is showering on him today. His eyes were a little moist after seeing this.

He was in his thoughts when he felt two warm hands encircling his waist and he felt her resting her cheek on his back. His hand immediately held her's and caressed them. He entwined his fingers with hers, brought it up to his mouth and kissed the back of his hand making her sigh. He at least wasn't too angry with her but she was still a lot nervous coz she has never surprised anyone so much in her life.

She was pulled back from her thoughts when he turned around facing her and tucked her hair strands behind her ears. He went forward and kissed her forehead making her close her eyes to feel it. She has been craving for his touch in the past few days and having him close now made her eyes moist. She opened the eyes when she didn't feel his lips on her forehead anymore and looked up into his eyes. Her hand automatically reached her both ears and holding them she mouthed cutely.

Nandini: I am sorry Mani! I know I messed up and I have no reason or excuses this time coz I know I was wrong! I am sorry!

Manik immediately held her hand and pulled it down nodding in a no.

Nandini: Please say something... are you still angry with me? If you are na then I will do anything to make it up but please let's not ignore each other.

Manik: *smiling* Thank you! Thank you for all these surprises!

Nandini: *nodding in a no* Nai.. Thank you nahi chahiye, you have forgiven me na?

Manik: *chuckling and cupping her cheek* You are so cute bacha! And how can someone stay angry with such a cute girl? Plus it's not like you have made mistake alone, I have made multiple mistakes in our relationship too and you have always forgiven those than how can I not? A relationship is all about making mistakes and learning from them together, isn't it?

Nandini: *nodding* I am so happy that you are not angry with me anymore.

Manik: Besides I overreacted a little that day too!

Nandini: *pushing him slightly* A little? *pouting* Mani you thought I am uncomfortable with you which is really not true. Mani I love you how can I be uncomfortable with you? When I am close to you na toh I feel the safest. Your arms are my safest and cosiest corner in the world. And intimacy.. when we are making love, you make me feel the most blessed person in the world to have you, do you know how much I crave to hear your 'did I hurt you?' line which you say after every lovemaking session? It shows your care for me even though you treat me like nothing less than a delicate glass doll while making love. I am in love with that love and care of yours, I am in love with the pleasure you give me while we do it, I am in love with the fact that I am the only girl in this world to give you that pleasure, now and forever. How can I be uncomfortable after feeling all these you tell me? Ha I understand my mistake is that I compromise in out time and I accept that fully but being uncomfortable is not the reason behind it, its all the fault of my tendency of being a people pleaser. I am anything but uncomfortable with you Mani and I can do anything to prove that to you.. anything you say!

Manik: *sighing* I know jaan, I very well know that. That day I was angry, upset, frustrated and what not and it made my mind think all that stupid stuff. As I said, I overreacted. You don't need to prove anything! Please don't say that it makes me feel very guilty. I love you too and I trust you, I don't need any proof. I am just glad to hear what our intimacy means to you. *pulling her in a hug* I love you so so much and I am sorry too!

Nandini: *hugging him back tight* No don't be sorry Mani! Your outburst that day made me understand a lot of things.

Manik: Matlab?

Nandini: Matlab..

Flashback
Manan had this fight and though both were acting as of nothing happened in front of family, their mothers knew something was up but the difference was that Nyonika chose to be silent this time as she didn't want to intrude and wanted to give them privacy because every couple has fights time to time and they solve it too. Ishita was thinking on similar notes but after two days she couldn't see her daughter so sad from inside while smiling fakely outside. One such afternoon when no one was home except her and Nandini, she went to her room to see her daughter sitting by the window staring at nothing. Ishita kept her hand on her shoulder bringing jer back from her thoughts.

Nandini: *smiling* Amma aap? Kab aye? Sit na!

Ishita: *sitting beside her* Gudiya, you don't need to fake this smile in front of me..

Nandini: *not meeting her eyes* Amma what are you saying?

Ishita: *holding her chin* Look at me! What happened? You and Manik fought? Because he didn't come to see you for 3 days and neither you went out of the house..all ok?

Nandini sighed and rested her head on Ishita's shoulder before speaking.

Nandini: Ha we fought! Amma I am so tired! I am not able to juggle all the relationships ek saath.. being a daughter, being a daughter-in-law, being a friend, being a wife, and on top of it hiding my marriage. It feels like everything is slipping from my hands and I cant get a grip on it. How did you manage Amma? You know your parents' demise, your career, your role as a daughter-in-law and being newly wedded too.. your situation was worse than mine..

Ishita: *chuckling* I was no less of a mess than you! I used to get so frustrated when I was trying to make everything perfect and everything was falling apart. I used to get so irritated and choti choti baato pe chid jati thi, Raman aur mere itne jagde bhi jote the coz of my this new nature.. it was so not me.

Nandini: *looking up with hope* Then what did you do?

Ishita: I stopped caring!

Nandini: Huh?

Ishita: Ya, your amms told me this.. you cannot perfect everything coz you are a human too, humans are made with imperfections. Imperfections define each individual's character and there is nothing you can do about it. Every thing you do cannot please everyone and someone is bound to get upset so jane do, let it be.. ye time se nahi hua, this person did not like the way you did this toh let it be, they will do it by themselves the next time... hum new brides ko na ye bola jata hai baar baar shadi se pehle ki you gotta keep every relative happy, every relation in your life ahould be perfect.. its too much unnecessary pressure that is given to a bride and in all this, you sometimes forget your happiness, your peace of mind. Do what makes you happy in any situation, I am not teaching you to be selfish but when you are not happy you cannot make anyone happy. Hmm?

Nandini: *nodding* Hmm..

Nandini kept thinking about it all day and that night.
Flashback end.

Manik: I don't get it, how is that to do with my outburst?

Nandini: *holing his hands between hers* Mani when Amma said that do what makes you happy that's when I realised that it's all about you! You make me happy, spending time with you gives me peace and I have been neglecting that one and the most special relation of my life through with I have all my other relations except my family. No doubt I had a beautiful relation with Nyomaa and Rajpapa before but after marrying you it has become stronger and besides, my happiness lies in your happiness so I kept thinking how can I do something to make you happy and this is what I came up with.

Manik: Happiness? I am beyond happy! I am so overwhelmed seeing all these. Thank you shona! Thank you so much!

Nandini: No Mani, I don't need any thank you.. this sparkle in your eyes is my biggest reward. I don't need anything else.

Manik: You sure? Coz I was just gonna give you a compliment on how utterly gorgeous and sexy you look but agar tumhe nahi chahiye toh mai kisi aur ko dedunga!

(Obviously not blonde hair)

Nandini: *pulling him closer by his jacket* Dare you to compliment any other girl hubby! And who said I don't want that? I want that all my life.. even when I am all wrinkly and toothless, you are supposed to compliment me and thats mandatory!

Manik: *laughing* Seriously wrinkly and toothless? I think you will look utterly divine when you will be old and we hold the ability to lool past each other's flaws at this moment too so by then we could easily look past our wrinkles!

Nandini: *smiling widely* Phir even I will bear with your monster avatar until death.

Manik: Yes you will have to until my death atleast beacuse I won't let you die before me, tumhare bina waise bhi I am a mess, I have realised in just past few days fir old age mai mujh jaise monster ko kon jhelega..

Nandini: As if I was less of a mess.. no no I will only die before you because who will give me his hand to support me to walk without you?

Manik: *glaring* No me!

Nandini: No me!

Manik: No m..

Nandini: *cutting him off* Ek second why are we talking about this? As if any of this is in our hand? Whoever dies first doesn't matter, we are alive today so lets make the best love story and I wanna leave our love story as our legacy for our children and grandchildren to hear out and boast about.

Manik: *resting his forehead on hers* And just like that, you Mrs Chota Packet Eifel Malhotra is my lifetime worth of happiness! I need no other wealth with you beside me! I love you and will love you even if death do us part.

Author's note: Hey guys! How's the update? Liked it? 4000+ words!

So Nandini finally managed to manofy her husband! How so you like the surprises? Not much but small bunches are more worth it than a big one according to me tbh!

So the date continues in next one. What do you guys wanna read in this date?

Also what should they do in this two days trip to Lonavala?

Y'all know the drill! Its unedited so ignore the typos 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!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤