Manik stopped his car at Murthy villa and looked on the passenger seat with a smile. He forwarded his hand and tucked her hair strand making her move and open her eyes.

Nandini: *yawning* We are back?

Manik: *kissing her forehead* Yes bacha! See!

She looked outside only to frown.

Nandini: Why here? I wanna come home!

Manik: Actually I have a meeting with fab 5 and a client early morning tomorrow at Malhotra mansion.

Nandini: *blank face* So you are not staying here with me?

Manik: *looking down* I am sorry but I cant!

Nandini: Please stay na Mani, please!

Manik: *helpless* Bacha please understand na, fab 5 will be home early..

Nandini: *glaring* No I don't wanna understand! You are coming and thats it!

Manik: Jaan but..

Nandini: *holding his hand tight* No no no no no! I dont care you have to stay with me! Bas!

She was getting upset and thats the last thing he wants.

Nandini: Kya soch rahe hai aap? Listen I am your wife and you have to listen to me or else dont talk with me!

She looked on the other side and he sighed

Manik: Acha dont be upset shona, come I will stay here.

Nandini: *Hugging him by his neck* Really? Yay!!!!

Manik hugged her back and both stayed like that for a while.

Manik: *still in hug* Andar chale bacha?

She hmmed but none of them were in any mood to break the hug. Instead, they tightened their hold on to each other. Nandini was dropping small small kisses on his neck while being in the hug whereas he was smiling widely seeing his shona showering so much love.

They were in no mood to move until a horn disturbed them. Manik frowned and looked behind to see a car. Actually, they were parked right in front of the main gate of Murthy villa obstructing another car which he assumed was of Mukbhi. They broke the hug while Nandini blushed realising what she was doing and Manik smirked seeing that and winked at her saying he loved it. They parked and came out to see Mukbhi giving them teasing smiles even though they couldn't see what was happening in the car. Manan ignored them and moved in making their jaw drop. They settled in the living room when Mukti asked him secretly sending a reminder.

Mukti: *showing eyes towards Nandini* Manik tu Malhotra mansion nahi gaya? Kal hamari meeting hai bhai and Alya will be there early morning.

Nandini looked down hearing this as she knew she is causing trouble for Manik and now felt so immature. Manik looked at her and sighed knowing what she is thinking. He held her hand making her look at him and he just blinked while smiling.

Manik: Mukti I wanted to stay with shona. I will manage them dont worry.

Abhi was going to say something when Manik gestured to him not to say a word. He nodded in an ok.

Abhi: Chalo yaar I am so tired, lets sleep!

Nandini: I am so tired that I dont even want to move from this couch.

She pouted at Manik who chuckled and stood up.

Manik: *scooping her in his arms* Chalo! Good night guys!

Abhi nodded in disbelief seeing their PDA yet again while Mukti was the one who was shocked as she thought Manan wouldnt be so open. Nandini seeing Mukti's expression blushed and hid her face in his chest which vibrated due to his laughter. They reached the room and he dropped her on the bed immediately hovering her and taking her lips in his mouth. She was surprised by the sudden kiss but kissed him back. They sucked the life out of each other before pulling apart and panting hard.

Nandini: What was that? Achanak se?

Manik: *chuckled* This was the return of your kisses in the car.

She remembered her act and blushed again.

Manik: *pecking her lips* And this for being incredibly cute! Come lets change!

They both changed and slept in each other's arms being very tired. Not long after she was asleep when she felt a tingling sensation on her cheek. She opened her eyes as she was not in a deep sleep yet to see Manik looking at her lovingly, laying beside her with his head propped on his hand supported by his elbow. She grew confused and raised her eyebrows to which he smiled and tucked her hair.

Manik: I know this is very bad of me but I want to be selfish today.

Nandini: Huh? Aap kya bol rahe ho Mani?

Manik: *bending down and kissing her lips* Happy birthday meri jaan! I love you so so much bacha!

Nandini smiled brightly hearing him and immediately kissed his cheek.

Nandini: You remembered? I thought aapko yaad hi nahi tha.

Manik: Aise kaise? This day is so special for me, this is the day my love is born so how can I not remember?

Nandini: *hugging him* I love you Mani!

Her gaze fell on the clock only to frown.

Nandini: But Mani abhi toh 5 mins are left na in 12am then why did you wish me in advance?

Manik: That you will come to know. Now sleep I need water so I will go and get it!

Nandini: No no I will wait!

Manik: *kissing her forehead* No meri jaan! You are tired na, so sleep! Tomorrow is your day and you have to be fresh! Chalo sleep!

He covered her and then taking the jug left to the kitchen. Soon she heard the bedroom door creak and thinking its Manik she didnt bother to check but soon jerked up as various screams of Happy Birthday was heard. The lights came on and she was merrily surprised to see her friends and family standing with flowers, balloons and cake in their hands. She looked around in happiness when her eyes fell on Manik who winked at her making her understand why he wished in advance.

She stood up and hugged her parents first who blessed her happily wishing her and next she hugged Manik's parents who did the same. She then met everyone who wished her turn by turn. They then decided to cut the cake. She with her eyes looked for Manik who was standing on the end of the line making him right in front of her. She pouted and eyed the space beside her but he nodded in no and gestured her to smile. She was annoyed because now with his position she can feed the cake to him at last which she didnt want she wanted him to be first after their parents. She nevertheless cut the cake, fed her parents, Nyonika, Raj then fed Abhi, Mukti, Navya, Neha, Aryaman, Naira, Cabir, Alya, Dhruv and then annoyingly to Manik.

Manik: *whispering* Cheer up jaan! Its your birthday!

She gave him a big fake obvious smile making him chuckle and open his mouth. She smiled for real and fed him the cake.

Manik: Happy birthday once again Nandu!

Nandini: *pouting cutely* Wife ko aise wish karte hai hubby?

Manik: *smiling at her cuteness* Acha? Toh fir kaise karte hai wifey?

Nandini: *wrapping her hands around herself* Zor se huggy karke and kissy deke.

Manik chuckled hearing her but before he knew it, his face was smothered with the cake by his beloved wife who was distracting him so far.

Nandini: *smirking and whispering* Who told you to stand so away from me? Ab bhugto!

Manik: You are so gone Nandu!

He took the cake and ran beh8nd her whereas others who realised the commotion joined them in the cake facials. The elders were just laughing at their kid like grown-ups and soon stopped them.

Nyonika: Ab ye sab saaf kon karega? How will princess sleep here?

Naira: Mumma chill na, Nandu di can sleep in bhaiyu's room!

She bit her tongue as soon as she said that as Arneha and Dhrulya looked at her questioningly whereas others were glaring at her.

Naira: I.. I mean bhaiyu and bhai will sleep on the couch in the living room haina?

Cabir glared at her but something struck him.

Cabir: Are why behna? I mean we all are going home only haina Manik?

Manik was now glaring at him including Nandini. Raj, Navya and Nyonika chuckled at them.

Raj: Enough Malhotras!

Navya: Ha guys look at our faces.. selfies toh banti hai!

Everyone made a horrified face but after a lot of yes and no, they agreed. All clicked so many pics after that it was time for everyone to leave. Ishita insisted they stay but they denied saying they will come in the morning all ready for puja. Even Manik went this time as he wanted to give Nandini some time with her family. Nandini understood this and smiled. While they were leaving, Nandini saw around and seeing no one, kissed his cheek. He smiled and said goodnight to her and left only after promising to come early in the morning.

After everyone left, Nandini jumped on Abhi's back who laughed and held her in a piggyback ride.

Abhi: Bolo madam! What's your plan this year?

Nandini: *showing her teeth* As usual, Murthys ka movie marathon!

They used to watch movies all night on Abhi and Nandini's bday and just have lots of fun!

Mukti: You guys watch mai popcorn bhijwati hu..

Nandini: *holding her wrist while still on Abhi's back* Oh hello, bhabhi kaha chale aap? You are not a Murthy kya?

Mukti: Nahi but..

Raman: Common beta, dont be so formal. And princess, decide the movies!

Nandini: Comedy!

Abhi: *rolling his eyes*Ya right duniya mai sirf ek hi comedy movie hai, so its obviously so easy to know which one you are talking about haina?

Nandini: *pouting* Bhai!

Abhi: *chuckling* Ab utar mere upar se, moti!

Nandini: *jumping off* Haww bhai jooth! I am not moti! Manik says I am very ligh...

She bit her lips realising what she spoke and looking at teasing glances of her family, she blushed and palmed her face making everyone laugh.

Ishita: Itni hi yaad aa rahi hai toh why didnt you stop him?

Nandini: Because he thinks that this is supposed to be my time with you all and he didn't want you all to share that with him.

Raman: *frowning* But we don't mind...

Nandini: *rolling her eyes* I know but try explaining that to your son in law.... *clapping excitedly* Anyways, movie time!

They all sat right there in Nandini's room with Ishita and Raman resting their back on the headrest, and the other three scattered on the bed. They all watched movies laughing their hearts out and making fun of each other especially irritating the hell out of Ishita until 4 in the morning when sleep kicked in. Raman was the first one to open his eyes the next morning at 7 to see everyone sleeping like a human pretzel. One on top of the other. Only Ishita was in an okay position though her hand was tucked under Nandini's face as Nandini took it to hold while Mukti was snuggling in Ishita's lap and Nandini's leg on Mukti's legs. Abhi was out of the picture making Raman frown but immediately chuckle left his mouth when he saw Abhi's half body on the bed another half on the floor which he assumed was Nandini's hard work since her leg was covering the area, Abhi's leg would have been. Smiling he first turned to Ishita and tapped her shoulder. She woke up and she too smiled seeing her children. She looked at Raman who smiled at her and pecked her lips making her eye the kids but he shook his head and then kissed the trio's forehead before standing up. He turned to see Ishita pouting and trying to move but she was badly stuck making Raman laugh a little louder than he intended to. This broke Mukti's sleep as she was already in an uncomfortable position but for Murthy siblings, it was common so they didn't even move an inch.

Mukti: *stifling a yawn* Good morning Amma appa!

Raman: Good morning princess!

Ishita: *kissing her forehead* Good morning kanna! Now please help me get out of this situation, these two monkeys will sleep in.

Mukti chuckled and slowly helped Ishita which slowly woke up Nandini. After exchanging few pleasantries and again getting birthday wishes, she saw Abhi and looked at Mukti with a smirk who in return smirked back.

Ishita: No! Please mere bete ko baksh do!

Nandini: Not a chance Amma!

Mukti: I have an idea! Lets take a substitute of water this time. Water wala old hochuka!

Nandini: *smiling sheepishly* Got it! Abhi layi! Bhabhi keep an eye on Amma, make sure she doesnt wake up bhai!

Mukti nodded and soon Nandini was back in the room with a bowl full of something.

Nandini: Bhabhi pull his tshirt!

Mukti hesitated a little seeing Raman and Ishita but then did it anyway. As soon as she did Nandini emptied the bowl in it and ad expected, within two seconds, Abhi was jumping with the coldness as the ice cubes touched his body. He was literally dancing to get rid of the ice cubes as Nandini had poured them under his tucked in vest. MukNi were rolling on the bed with laughter while Ishra too were laughing. Soon Ishra left not wanting to witness the chase which was to follow.

Abhi: You little ass of devils!

He ran behind them and as on cue, MukNi ran to save themselves. Nandini managed to dodge him but poor Mukti got caught. He threw her on his shoulder receiving punches on his back but he carried her to their room!

Nandini: *shouting* Bhai puja subah hi hai! Bhulna mat!

Before Abhi could turn to her she ran and locked her room from inside. The first thing she did was obviously call Manik!

Manik: Morning birthday girl!

Nandini: *huffing* Good morning!

Manik: Why are you huffing? I am not there to do those kinds of activities where you huff..

Nandini: *blushing* Hush! Aap kitne shameless ho!

Manik: And aap kitni cute ho!

Nandini: *giggling* Subah subah not so grumpy Malhotra? Wow, thats new!

Manik: Are aaj to meri jaan ka birthday hai, how can I be grumpy!

Nandini: *smiling wide* But your jaan is grumpy!

Manik: Chal jhutti!

Nandini: *giggling* Are sachi! I miss you, its my first birthday after marriage and you are not here!

Manik: *chuckling* We will be there in 15!

Nandini: *shocked* What? Abhi toh I haven't showered, haven't chosen an outfit, need to wash my hair, blow dry ut, style it, make up karna hai, kaise hoga in 15 mins.. shit I am so late!

Manik: Relax relax bacha! Why so hyper? Aap sirf shower leke simple clothes mai bhi angel lagte ho, you need no makeup or styling! You are flawless!

Nandini: Aww Mani, I love you!

Cabir: Nandu sun, apni taref sunli ho toh phone rakh, hume nikalna hai..

Manik: Cabirrrrrr! Phone wapas de!

Cabir: *laughing* As if tune bol diya and maine de diya! Bye Nandu!

He disconnected but not before making her listen to some colourful words with love from his beloved husband to his beloved brother. She laughed and rushed into the bathroom! She came out with her wet hair and went to dress up. She was trying to decide on what to wear when a pair of hands were wrapped around her waist. She smiled and leaned back letting him nuzzle her neck.

Manik: *smelling her hair* Happy birthday jaana!

She smiled and turned in his arms.

Nandini: *encircling his neck* Thank you baby!

She tiptoed a bit moving towards his lips and he gladly kissed her. It was a soft and slow kiss. Both were relishing each other's lips taking their sweet time. Breaking the kiss, they had a small eyelock before Manik placed sweet kisses on her both cheeks.

Nandini: Finally I get the kiss I asked for last night, huh? *fake sad face* I would have thought that you would do something but you disappointed me last night, hubby!

She was doing drama but she actually ended up pouting sadly making Manik smile. He caressed her soft red cheeks with the back of his fingers and kissed her forehead.

Manik: *holding his ears* I am sorry! I will surely make it up bacha! *removing a gift-wrapped box from his pocket* But for now, this should do!

Nandini: *twinkling eyes* Gift! My first gift for this birthday! Yay!

She jumped clapping her hands in excitement and snatched it from his hand making him chuckle. She quickly got rid of the wrapping paper and opened the box. It was a beautiful delicate bracelet.

Manik: *rubbing his nape* Woh I liked this one online but I was not sure if you would lekin fir I didnt like anything else online and couldnt go to the shop in time. I was going to go on Sunday but then our trip happ...

Nandini: *keeping finger on his lips* Shh! Stop rambling baby! I love your gift!

Manik: Really?

Nandini: Yes its gorgeous! Now make me wear it!

He smilingly made her wear it and admired it on her wrist. Pulling her wrist up he kissed her there.

Manik: It looks even more beautiful on your wrist, such small cute wrist you have.. like a kid!

Nandini pouted hearing him and he chuckled and kissed her pout.

Nandini: *turning to cupboard* Mani what should I wear?

She was looking through dresses but when she didnt get his reply, she turned to see him on the other side looking from her sarees collection. She sighed at first but then laughed at his cuteness shaking her head in disbelief. Of course, he would start looking in saree section.

Nandini: *kissing his cheek* Why are you so cute jaan?

Manik stopped in his tracks as he wasnt expecting that and said to her.

Manik: Come again?

Nandini: *smiling* I asked why are you so cute jaan?

Manik blushed a little hearing jaan and Nandini just pulled his cheek making him frown.

Manik: Nandu yaar dont pull my cheeks!

Nandini: *smirking* Meri marzi, mera maal hai, mai jo chahe karu!

Manik: *advancing towards her* Acha? Maal and all haan? Fir toh tum bhi meri item ho, mai jo chahe karu huh?

Nandini: *pushing him by his chest* Chi yaar Mani, item seriously? It sounds very cheap and it doesnt suit you!

Manik: And calling me maal suits you?

Nandini: *looking here and there* Woh toh.. mai woh..

Manik: *moving towards her again* Woh mai woh kya Nandu, aage bolo?

Nandini tried to move back but before she could do, his hands started tickling her and that was it, Nandini Malhotra is very ticklish and Manik Malhotra knew that!

Manik: *stopping and holding her steady* Now Mrs Manik, please get ready in this saree and come downstairs. I will be waiting. Oh, and yes, *baby face* I wanna see you as my wife today, all decked up in sindoor and all, please.

Nandini smiled and nodded but immediately realised something and frowned.

Nandini: But Mani our frien...

Manik: *keeping a finger on her lips* Shh... its all taken care of, you just enjoy your day and stop worrying about everything for once.

She pouted but then hugged him. He smiled and hugged her back while kissing her head.

Nandini: *whispering* I love you so much!

Manik: *closing his eyes* Love you too shona!

Soon Manik descended down the stairs and went to the living room where everyone was seated. He cleared his throat to gain attention making everyone look at him.

Manik: Cabir messaged me saying they had to do go to Khanna house for a while before coming here because today early afternoon, uncle has to go to Australia for a month due to a business deal and they just got to know today morning. Also, Aryaman and Neha are not coming for puja because they will join us after dropping uncle at the airport.

Mukti: Even bhai messaged in the fab 5 chat that Alya is having severe morning sickness today so they can't make it and amma appa they have apologised.

Everyone nodded in understanding when he went and sat on his knees between Raman and Ishita and held their hands.

Manik: I wanted to request something Ishimaa and Raman papa.

Raman: Come on beta, you don't have to request for anything just say it!

Ishita: *chuckling* Aur nahi toh kya, mai mere damad ko mana thodi karungi?

Manik: *laughing and raising his eyebrow* Am I not your son anymore then?

Ishita smiled and kissed his forehead.

Ishita: You are and will always be!

Raman: Bas karo Ishu, usse jo puchna tha woh toh puchne do, tum ladies har baat ko emotional scene bana deti ho.

Ishita glared at Raman making him shut up while others prefer to laugh.

Manik: Woh I wanted to ask...

Author's note: Hey guys! Liked the update?

I know its a bad ending but this time it just wasn't working for me.. bear with this one, please.

What do you think Manik wants to ask Ishra?

So how should they celebrate Nandini's birthday?

Also, just a few parts maybe 1 or 2 parts and then I am gonna take a leap. I know some of you are already thinking that I am dragging the book and I feel that too so I do intend to make it interesting sooner so wait for it!

Also, does anyone wanna make a new cover for me? Coz I am bored with reusing the old ones now.

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!
No targets! Only genuine votes and comments!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤