And today is 15th May... So our MaNan is back on screen, so i thought it'll be good if i bring this MaNan also back on the same date... So Here's a long long excerpt for you all... Nearly around 10000 words...

Yes, yes... you all know what to do right? vote, comment, inline comment and a big shout out to the sequel too... Just one more excerpt and here we go to the sequel..Also i needed suggestions from you all for the sequel's name... you all can inline comment here. I'll be glad if you suggest me few good names.

******

After knowing that I am pregnant with twins, everyone in the house made sure that I take medicines, I eat, I sleep, I walk. In short all were taking care of mine including me too.

I try to not to be so stubborn also I try not to nag at night to eat something which is impossible for Manik to bring for me. But he knows it all and almost 80% of them are completed by my husband dearest.

Oh and Manik have been busy like hell. He just had an album launch and the album went successful. So promoting the album, concert of the singer and so much more.

Also another two albums were lined up and one of them had Manik's singing also. It was me who told him to at least sing a song. He was so adamant but then he had to because I am saying so. But just one song and also he was not at all promoting it.

He used to wake up early in the morning and go to office before I even wake up. Breakfast felt so lonely without him but for my babies I made sure that I don't feel it that way.

Later in noon he daily comes home to eat lunch with me. He talks, he walks with me. And then in late afternoon after making me sleep he goes back to office. Coming back home late. Sometimes he doesn't eat at all.

I actually have to blackmail him by dragging babies in between.

And also at night he usually takes me out to beach or to gardens for walk.

He thinks that I haven't noticed that he actually gets very tired by the end of the day but still he takes me out.

So as soon as we reach home, I immediately pretend to sleep so that he could sleep early.

Lately I am avoiding night walks because he gets too tired handling all the things altogether.

Sometimes I feel that we should have planned it so that we could have arranged it according to Manik's schedule but... anyways...

I am six months pregnant now. And I had a godh bharai rasam today. People came and greeted me, showered me with lots of good things, fruits, chocolates, teddy's, clothes, mostly the eateries.

As if I am going to eat all of it.

I was once again dolled up just like I was on my wedding day. This time the glow was more.

I and Manik performed the Pooja together with me having my lap filled with different types of gifts, fruits, sweets and all the things.

Once done I was too much tired to even move. Manik and Bhabhi took all the things from my lap and literally made me stand. With this big belly, I tell you.

My belly was now quite much big holding two of my kids inside. It was quite visible that I am going to have twins. Once Pooja was done. All the men were sent out and all the ladies started their teasing and singing songs, dancing, guessing the gender of the babies and creating list of names for them.

All in all, it was fun.

At the end of the day, my babies had an ample amount of blessing for them. And I was happy.

Later the night, all the men returned to the house and did dinner discussing the event.

I was about to go in the room because the saree I wore was too heavy to carry. I asked Mom in between the ceremony if I can change or not, but she said I can't.

(Okay... I am going to add few things, so don't get offended by it. I just have heard of such things, but I don't know if it really happens or not. So please.!)

I was again stopped by Mom and Mira Chachi who were smiling at me.

"Where are you going?" Chachi asked.

I frowned and answered "It's too heavy Mom. I am tired." I made a pout.

They both giggled and I stood there confused.

Mom called Manik who was standing in the living room talking with someone on the phone. She even gestured Mukti Bhabhi something while I stood there observing their actions.

Manik came beside me and looked at me "you still in this. Change this. it's heavy..."

I was about to say something, while Bhabhi came with a glass of milk in her hands. Three of them were laughing and giggling looking at both of us. What? Why are they laughing?

"what? Why you all are laughing?" Manik asked sternly.

Mukti Bhabhi handed me the glass of milk while I stood there frowning.

"Why is this?" I asked.

Mom caressed my cheeks and spoke smilingly "mana jaata hai ke suhaag raat ke baat aaj tum dono ke liye aur ek special night hai. So... a second night where you need to be closer to the person you are married. Just the assurance."

She spoke while I stood there blushing while Manik was biting his lips looking at me.

"Yes... aur ye rasam hai... today you have to undress her." Chachi spoke while giggling while I looked at Manik who was looking down feeling embarrassed already.

"enjoy your second night guys..." Bhabhi winked at me while I turned to leave them all.

I walked straight to our room and placed the glass on the table.

I could hear Manik walking in and closing the door behind. I bit my lips while I was still facing my back towards him.

Second night. Just the name makes me go all red. I mean, we have been doing it since we are married. But first night is always special and now... second night.

It's been months since we... he always has taken care not to overpower our desires specially when the symbol of our love is inside me.

But today... today we have to do this. it's a ritual. It's a blessing. It's a physical assurance to me and to my babies that he loves us.

I felt two hands encircling my belly and patting it lightly while he leaned to my ears. He kissed them a bit and I closed my eyes.

Everything about today just makes me go mad. I want him. close to me.

I turned around and took his lips in urgency, showing him my desperation. I sucked and nipped on his lips, while he kept favouring by following my steps.

My hands reached his kurta button when he placed his hands on mine and that made me stop. I broke the kiss and looked up at him.

He smiled and spoke "I'll have to undress you, not you..." I giggled and nodded.

He slowly let go of my heavy hairstyle and let my hairs free from thousands of pins. He took out all the heavy jewelleries which have been the gifts from Mom and Dad. Slowly and steadily, he removed my saree and then, my blouse and also the underskirt. I was semi-nude by now. and my belly was out. They wriggled inside me and I went close to him again caressing his cheeks.

"I love you Manik..." I whispered on his nose pulling him down while he did nothing. He just held me close to him.

I pulled back and looked at him confusingly.

He smiled awkwardly and said "Change karlo... we can't..." and he stopped.

A tear appeared in my eyes. He denied me again. He doesn't want me. Not today also when Mom said...

Am I being desperate?

No... I am just hurt.

I looked down and took back my hands and stepped back nodding.

"You are right... we can't. and we won't. okay. I understand." I almost chocked up on my last words while I could feel he wants to say something but without giving any heed I walked towards the wardrobe to take out my night suit.

I cried slowly once, I went in the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was semi-nude and my belly was sticking out. I caressed my belly while they again punched and kicked from inside.

My breasts were getting larger; my belly was sticking out. My already chubby cheeks became chubbier than it was before and out of all my small height made me look like a ball.

"daddy doesn't want me anymore." I cried while they kept wriggling inside me.

I wiped my tears and go freshen up fast. I wore the nightie and came out when I saw him already laying on the bed.

He looked at me and sat up on the bed and tapped the place beside him. I looked away and slowly walked towards my side of bed.

I sat facing my back to him and switched off the light. There was a complete silence in the room.

I understood that he doesn't want it, so I was about to lay down, when he pulled me securely and I ended up on his lap.

I wriggled in his hold while he kept smiling.

"Nandu..." he warned and made me stop moving on him.

He was holding my both hands in his and I looked at him and then turned my face.

He sat up with me still on his lap. He raised his hands and made me look at him. I looked at him with teary eyes.

He shook his head and kissed me softly on my lips.

Breaking the kiss, he lay back with my hands on his chest. I was confused.

I cringed my brows together.

"love me..." he said while my eyes went wide.

"But Manik..."

"Shhhh... listen to me first." He spoke stopping me from speaking.

"you want it. I want it too. But... I leave all up to you today. Do what you want... love me the way you want. Remember our first night... I asked you to let me love you my way right? So I am making it equal now. be on top. Love me the way you want on our... our second night." He softly spoke caressing my hands on his chest.

He held my hands and kissed them while I smiled.

I leaned and kissed his cheeks "you are adorable." I spoke while he giggled.

"And you are heavy...." He spoke chocking dramatically while I slapped his chest hard.

"ohkay... ohkay... ab kuch karogi bhi ya nahi...?" he teased me while I blushed.

I let out my nightie and hurriedly took out his kurta.

And then I madly and deeply loved him. being on top is good. Makes you feel superior. And you can have him as deep as you want.

I lay back on him with my cheeks touching his sweaty chest. He too panted hard. He was still inside me while he caressed my back.

"Nandini... you need to sleep and I need to be out of you." He spoke worriedly. I pull back and looked deep in his eyes.

I kissed him on his lips and spoke "nahi... I want to sleep like this. this is heaven..." I kissed his jawline and from nowhere I wanted it all over again.

I kissed his cheeks, lips and then I went down and down. I bit his neck, but he rotated us and came on top of me. The friction made him come out of me.

I wriggled hard on the emptiness.

"Manik... no... please..." I begged him, pulling him close.

"Shh... Nandini..." he pinned my both hands on the bed above me and looked at me glaring.

I too looked at him and stopped struggling.

"Enough for now. we need to stop... you are stressing baby..." he spoke and got up from bed wearing his pants.

I too sat up on my bed with duvet covering my torso.

"Manik but you said I can do..." he stopped me by throwing my nightie on me.

I pulled down the nightie and looked at him. he was all wearing his clothes now.

"Manik... I hate you..." I cursed. No... if we want it, they'll never agree to it. but if they want it they will have it even without asking.

I wore the nightie while he giggled on my situation.

"After having me, still you are frustrated?" he asked coming on the bed again.

"I am not frustrated. You said I can have my ways with you. But you. You cheated. You stopped me." I complained pouting while he pecked my lips lying beside me.

"I stopped you because... because of them. They are inside you. I cannot stress you again and again by doing it. you wanted it, I let you have it. but for now. that's enough. You are too precious to me Nandini. I want to be there in all way. But mostly I want to be there emotionally for you. I love you and that's why I stopped you. I hope you understand and if not then I am sorry." He spoke caressing my cheeks.

I smiled understanding his words. He is right. I am six months pregnant and we can't actually have the intercourse so many times now.

"I know Manik. I am sorry. It's just... I wanted you close to me. I love you." I confessed while he smiled and kissed my forehead.

"I love you too. Now sleep... you need rest." He spoke while I nodded.

And we slept hugging each other.

******

It was after two days, we as in me, Bhabhi, Alia and Pihu of course. We all were sitting in the drawing room with me munching the chips and a glass of cold drink in my hand. So it was kind of kitty party that was happening. Of course we missed Navya didi. But what should we do? They are settled in London so.

"Waise... what's the new gossip?" Alia asked taking the glass for herself.

I munched the chips with folding my legs on the couch paying all the attention to the gossip.

"Nothing new yar... I am to only hearing people breaking their marriages. I don't know why people do this?" Pihu spoke shaking her head.

"Yes... even one of my friend from college just parted her ways from her husband. She said he had an affair out. So no point to stay in such relationship" Bhabhi spoke sadly.

"Are... ye to kuch bhi nahi hai Bhabhi... Nandu Bhabhi... aapko pata hai wo meri friend Saloni..." Pihu made me remember one of her college friend and I nodded paying all attention to her.

"Aapko pata hai, Shadi ke sirf six months me she got pregnant and when she delivered the baby, her husband wants a divorce now. You know why, because he said she is now not beautiful enough." Pihu spoke while my hand stopped new my mouth which held few chips.

"I know these men. They all are so insensitive. They just want a girl with hot body. Agar galati se weight yaha waha badh gaya to bahar nazar daudana turant shuru kar dete hai." Alia spoke breaking my heart even more.

Babies even your Mom has gained some weight. Some nahi, a lot of weight.

Will daddy too...

"True... bechari... ab bachhe ke sath kaha jayegi... aur wo bhi pata hai, wo ladki jiske sath uske pati ka affair tha na, wo uski office ki client thi. To deal aur meetings me milte milte..." Pihu stopped speaking while shaking her head.

"Ye mardo ko na bandh ke rakho itna achha hai." Bhabhi spoke and soon they all were got busy in their gossips but my thoughts were still there.

Have I become too fat for Manik? Am I not beautiful now?

The next morning, I wasn't feeling well. I was feeling complexed. Why? because I am fat now. I was trying my old clothes and they didn't fit me. Even those which I just bought with Manik last month. I mean... come on. How can I put on so much weight in just one freaking month?

Finally, after being tired, I wore a long gown. I stood in front of the mirror looking at myself from top to bottom. Well I won't say I look good. Because I look pathetic. My face has become chubbier, my chest was swollen, my tummy was completely out.

All in all, I felt ugly. I sighed heavily and caressed my tummy to talk to my babies.

"babies, you make mamma fat. What if daddy starts disliking mamma?" I asked and pouted looking at myself in the mirror.

Although I know my Manik loves me to death, but... what if he finds someone else who is more beautiful than me? I cannot even give him... anyway...! That is not even my concern right now.

"Nandini... Nandini... wo file nahi mil rahi yaar. And where's my keys? I can't find anything when I need it on time, like seriously. Do you change the place of it every day or what?" Manik's hurried voice reached my ears but I chose to ignore as I was too busy in focusing to find something beautiful in me.

"What? Why are you staring at yourself in the mirror? Give me the file na?" he kept running here and there in the room while I sighed sadly and reached the wardrobe to take out the file.

I handed him the file and took out his keys from the side drawer, while he stood there with open mouth.

"Why didn't I find it? I too looked there. Anyways you know how much important this meeting is for me? Today we'll finalize her and... that's it... I just want her. you know her voice..." and he kept saying things while my attention was just focused on the word her. now who's her? he was actually praising someone's voice. Some girl's voice. That made me suddenly angrier.

I walked past him and took out a gown from the wardrobe which I had bought when we went Macau last year.

I hurriedly took out what I was wearing and I tried wearing the piece of cloth which I just took out. It was a hot dress. I want to look hot all over again. I want Manik to lose around me. I want Manik to praise me not someone else.

He I guess notices me and came running to me as I was struggling to even breath as the dress got stuck near my chest and throat.

"Nandini... what are you doing? Are you silly? Take it out." He pulled out the dress and handed me the previous one.

"No... give it to me... it will fit. Manik ye bas ek saal pehle liya tha. I want to wear it. today." I nagged and stomped my foot. I am frustrated literally.

"what is wrong with you? Size dekha hai? Ye fit nahi hoga tumhe." He threw the dress on the bed and made me wear the previous one.

What did he just say?

"What did you just say. Say it again." I asked pushing him away. he seemed a bit startled.

"I said, wo dress fit nahi hoga because apparently become fat because of the pregnancy." He said while I kept looking at him with disbelief in my eyes.

Did he just... did he just say that I am... fat?

I pushed him hard and roared "you think I am fat?"

He bit his lips and tried to come close to me but I showed him my hand "No... I didn't. mean..."

"You meant it that way only. You just said that now I am fat. I am not beautiful. My old dresses don't fit me now... I feel so pathetic..." I cried out and sat on the bed.

"baby... I will buy you the exact same dress yaar. What is there to cry about?" he kneeled in front of me.

Is he mocking me? Does he want to show that I cannot get back in shape?

"you trying to make me feel good?" I asked angrily while he nodded and replied "Of course I am..."

"Then Mr Malhotra, I am not feeling good, I am feeling even worse. I am feeling pathetic, ugly and fat because you just said it." I pointed at him and stood up angrily from the bed.

"oh God Nandini... what is wrong with you? Why are you over reacting so much? It's just a dress. And so what it doesn't fit you. Buy another hundred dresses." He too raised his voice and that made me pissed on him more.

You can't be serious Manik. I am feeling ugly and rather than making me feel good, he was making me feel even inferior.

"you know Manik, I wish you can feel what I am feeling right now." I spoke shaking my head.

He sighed and looked away. of course, why will he look at me now? I am ugly... Ugly fat pregnant lady.

"I have a very very important meeting right now. I don't have time for this now... Bye..." He said and walked out of the bedroom just like that?

Did he walk out on me? Of course why will he wait to see me crying or anything.

I cried sitting on the bed. Suddenly I felt a sudden jolt in my stomach. Oh and it pained a bit.

That's when I realised that It's... It's my babies kicking me.

Babies are you trying to make Mamma feel good?

And there were another two kicks. I cried more. Why? because babies loved their Mommy while Daddy was too busy to even see it.

Of course he had to meet that girl. Oh it's very important. Oh she sings so well. My foot.

How can you do this Manik to me? To me? The mother of your children? You told that you are the luckiest to have me, then why are you not making me feel special?

My babies weren't stop kicking me, So I had to lay down on the bed.

"I hate your daddy." I spoke closing my eyes while tears fell down and they kept kicking inside while I felt too much uncomfortable.

I had to pat my stomach to make them calm down.

And when I slept hugging my own stomach I didn't know.

******

I was sitting with Mom and Chachi on dining table and was chopping the vegetables. I had told them that I felt baby's kick and they all were very happy.

I even called Manik but seems like he doesn't have time for me or for our babies.

I did cry after he didn't pick it up. I wanted to tell he, so I thought of messaging him but then... something inside me didn't let me.

"Nandu... do you want to eat something beta?" Mom asked caressing my head. I felt like crying suddenly.

She cares so much for me. Just like my own Mom.

I gestured her to come towards me and she came while I hugged her tummy.

I cried. I don't know I am crying hysterically since I felt ignored by Manik.

"Nandu... kya hua beta? Why are you crying?" She asked caressing my head while I just shook my head still hiding my face in her stomach.

"I... I miss my Ma..." I spoke and that is true. I wish she would have been here. I might have shared everything with her. Those things which I cannot share to Mom. To Manik's mom. At the end she is his Mom and not mine.

Suddenly I felt so alone, so lonely.

"Nandu... kuch hua hai kya? Tum bata sakti ho beta..." She asked taking a chair beside me.

She held my hands while I looked down. Chachi bought a glass of water for me and made me drink water.

She too sat beside her looking at me.

"Nandu... bata beta..." Mom asked again. I sniffed and looked up at her.

"Wo bas... kuch nahi... Maine..." I couldn't frame a sentence. What should I say? That her son literally ignored me in the morning?

"Nandini... don't worry. You can say anything beta." Chachi gave me strength.

"Wo..." I sniffed and looked at my hands which were held in Mom's.

"Manik... the babies kicked me and... I want to tell him but he... he's just so busy... he didn't pick up my call. he didn't message me today whole day. He doesn't care." I cried at the end while Mom kept caressing my hand.

"he must have been busy. It's okay use aane do, phir main use daatungi... okay?" Mom caressed my cheeks while wiping my tears.

I nodded and wiped my tears.

I walked towards my room at almost late evening, while my phone buzzed. And sudden happiness spread across my whole existence.

I hurriedly pick up his call and closed the door behind.

"hi..." I spoke lightly controlling my excitement to tell him about our babies kicking.

"yeah... hi... suno... aaj bahot hi important party hai... I want you to come with me. Okay? I am sending the driver at home. I have work so; I'll get ready here. Just send clothes with someone." He announced without even asking me.

"Kaunsi party? Mujhe koi party me nahi jana... Manik suno na... just chuck the party... I want to tell you something. Actually nahi... I want to show... I mean... I want to show you and tell you..."

"Wait... wait... Nandini... I am here only. Talk dheere dheere. Relax." He spoke from other side.

"Nahi... aise phone pe nahi... tum ghar aajao phir." I spoke sitting on the bed.

"Nandini hume party me jana hai yaar. It's really important trust me. So just get ready and come to me. Yeah..." he spoke and was about to cut the call when I called him out.

"Manik mujhe party me nahi jana. Ghar aa jao na please." I spoke.

"Are... main bol raha hu that it's important still... get ready na... we'll talk when we'll meet." He spoke.

"Manik... I don't want to go to the party that's it." I spoke folding my hands around my chest.

"Why?" He asked.

"because... uhmm... I am not feeling well." I blurted.

"Okay... fine... Then I'll straight see you in night. I am sending the driver just send my clothes and yes... I might be late. Intezar mat karna. Khana khaa lena... aur medicines bhi." He spoke and cut the call.

I kept holding the phone in my hand with open mouth. He did not even try to convince me for the party. And couldn't he chuck the party? Why does he have to be so rude to me? To my babies?

"Babies... your daddy doesn't have time for us... he doesn't love us anymore. We come last in his priority list. But don't worry... your Mamma na... your Mamma will love you always no matter what happens okay?" I spoke and almost felt tears on my last sentence.

And they both kicked and flipped inside me. I knew whatever happens my babies will always be there for me. Even I if I look fat, ugly. I'll still be their Mom.

I lay on the bed and a sudden pain filled my heart "I miss you Manik..."

Tears appeared in my eyes. I really do miss you. Miss the father of my babies.

I shook my head chucking all the thoughts and went to freshen up.

After having dinner, I walked back to the room silently. I closed the room and settled myself on the bed.

I switched on the television and took my phone to call Manik.

But something else caught my attention. There were so many tags for me in social media. That never happens.

I cringed my brows and opened my social media account.

There were hundreds of posts on my timeline which caught my attention.

I opened the picture to see it clear and what I saw and read was enough to break my heart.

(I am so sorry for adding a picture here, but this character is just for this update... no one, i repeat no one can come between MaNan)

"The famous Manik Malhotra spotted with new singing sensation Anaya Arya."

"Look at them... Aren't they goals?"

"Such hot Jodi... My poor heart"

"MaNaya... The new ship for B Town. Gosh... they look so perfect together. She is as tall as he is..."

And that broke me. His fans started shipping him with her? aren't they already aware that he's married. To me. And he's having kids? With me?

I put the phone down and put up a news channel. And not too much surprised. This news was everywhere.

There was one video, where Manik was posing in front of the camera and suddenly she comes out from his car and they both walked hand in hand on the red carpet.

They posed in front of the camera.

"So... Mr. Malhotra... we heard that you are going to make album with Miss Anaya. Is it true?" the reporter behind the camera asked.

She smiled and looked at him while he looked back at her and smiled.

Tears made their way down my cheeks.

"Ahh... yes... we have just finalised it and we are going to throw a big party announcing it. but for now, I am here to celebrate her previous album's success. So cheers..." so many praises for her while she blushed down.

"Anaya... how does it feel to work with MN Musics?" the another reporter asked.

"It feels heavenly. Manik is someone with whom I have always wanted to work with. No... Genuinely... He's very sweet and warm." She caressed his bicep while he kept smiling looking at him.

'wo ladki jiske sath uske pati ka affair tha na, wo uski office ki client thi. To deal aur meetings me milte milte' Pihu's words rang in my mind.

I looked in front of me where Manik and Anaya were posing happily. His hand was around her waist.

Will you leave me too Manik? Because I am not beautiful and she is more hot than me?

Humara kya Manik? How can you do this? how can you behave so normal when I am only hurting here. You don't care. You don't love me. You don't.

I shut off the television and switched off all the lights crying.

******

Manik's POV

I came back when it was too late. Of course being in lime light is sometimes pain in ass, but had to. no options for work.

I ran to my room after closing the main door. Nandini must have been asleep by now. I pouted in the way to my room.

I opened the door and as expected it was all dark. I switched on the minimal light and when I turned my heart broke into piece seeing Nandini sitting on the bed like stone. What was she doing sitting in complete silence?

I walked straight to her and kneeled down in front of her.

"baby... it was too dark. And why are you up till now? it's too late." I was worried. Didn't I tell her to sleep and not wait for me.

I turned her face towards me and saw her face was all red. Her nose was dripping and tears were continuously falling down from her cheeks. My hearts broke in to million pieces seeing her like that.

"Baby... What happened? Why are you crying? Nandini...?" I took her in to warm hug and she cried and cried in to hug.

Did something happen to her? she wasn't feeling well when I asked her to accompany me.

And just in a sudden movement she pushed me hard and I lay flat on the floor. I was shocked. I looked up to see her standing at the edge of the bed.

"Welcome back Mr. Malhotra... so tell me... how was your date with... Miss Anaya Arya?" I cringed my brows together. What was she even asking?

"Date?" I asked in confusion.

"Oh... you want to lie about it. Oh you can. Because I am naïve. Mujhe kaise pata chalega na... ke tum bahar kya karte ho, kiske sath jate ho... nahi... lie about it it's okay." She said still crying while I got up.

I was still confused by her this behaviour.

"Nandini... it wasn't a date. I went in a party. It was..." I tried speaking.

"yes yes... Miss Anaya ki success party... aap to miss nahi kar sakte... pasand jo hai wo aapko itni. Nahi?" her words scratched my heart.

"What? Ye sab bich me kaha aa gaya? Kya bol rahi ho tum?" I walked near her while she stepped back.

"no... don't... don't..." She cried and stopped me from coming near her.

"Nandini... how could... how could you even think like that... she is just colleague..." I expressed.

She laughed sarcastically "colleague... right... jiske sath tum photos click karvate ho... jsike sath tumahe puri media, tumahre fans tumhe dekhna chahte hai... right? Go to her only na... yaha kyun aaye?"

I couldn't believe my ears. What was she even saying? Was it all in her from how long? How long she had been all this in her? and why I never noticed this?

"Nandini... tum galat samaj rahi ho..." I shook my head.

"no Manik... ab to sahi samaj main aaya hai... tum uske sath chale gaye... ek baar bhi mujhe convince karne ki koshish nahi ki? ke Nandini... let's go together." She cried more.

No stop crying baby...

"I asked you to come with me. Tumhari tabiyat think nahi lag rahi thi. Isiliye I didn't force you. You know it Nandini... tumhari health ke ilawa..."

"Enough Manik... kitna jhuth bologe... dikh raha tha mujhe... ye dekho... how comfortable you are with her. you are smiling Manik." She showed me a photo in her phone which was typically posted on the social media.

I so hate media. I hate them all for making my Nandini cry so much. They must have written some crap which led her to think all these.

"Manik... agar tumhe care hoti na... to tum nahi jaate. Tumahe yaad hai... main tumhe kuch... kuch batana chahti thi... dikhana chahti thi..." she cried and came near to me.

I suddenly remembered yes... she wanted to show me something. She...

She took my hand in hers and placed it on her tummy.

I cringed my brows and then sudden movement happened. I gasped.

I looked straight in to her eyes which were filled with tears. Tears appeared in my eyes too. And a small smile also.

"They... They... kicked... They kicked... Nandini..." I exclaimed in extreme joy. Oh my God... Now my babies are troubling her mother by kicking inside. Oh my poor heart... I am so happy.

"yes... they are kicking since morning." She told the truth and that made me sunk in pain.

"main tumhe sabse pehle ye feel karvana chahti thi... par tum to the hi nahi Manik. You are the last one feeling this..." she cried while tears ran down from my cheeks. Am I really the last one? Am I that late?

"I understand Manik that I am now... I am not beautiful anymore. I am not hot enough... I eat a lot... I nag a lot... I cry a lot... I trouble you a lot... but... I love you... tumhe main... main pasand nahi hu na ab? It's okay... I understand." She cried and pushed my hand away from her tummy. From my babies. From her.

Did I hurt her so much? Was I too busy to see her like this?

She sat on the bed crying.

I kneeled in front of her and hugged her tummy. There was a complete silence. She kept weeing and tried to push me away but I didn't leave her

"I am sorry babies... daddy is a bit late... and daddy let mommy cry so much. Did you trouble her today so much?" I kept asking questions but they ever made any attempt to make me feel their presence.

I guess with her Mommy they both also are mad at me.

"Manik please... I am very tired. I... I need sleep. So just please..." she pushed me for the final time and switched off the only light which was lightening the room.

"Nandini... I am sorry... I... I never wanted to..."

And she turned away the other side not even listening to me.

I am sorry Nandini... I am sorry my precious babies. I promise I'll make it up.

******

Nandini's POV

The next day I woke up with a heavy headache. I had to take pills for two times. Manik and I never had any conversation mostly because I completely avoided it.

By the time we reached down for breakfast I could feel the tension in house too.

Dad was silent and was completely glaring at Manik time to time. Did they also know about yesterday? Or we were too loud when we were fighting?

And just then he extended the newspaper towards him which had his and Anaya photo which I saw yesterday on the front page with the head line in bold letters "The next sensational love story of MaNaya – Manik Malhotra and Anaya Arya."

I took away my eyes from there and concentrated on eating my food. I can't starve my kids. They need to eat on the right time.

"Dad... this..." he tried searching for words while I felt him looking at me. I kept my head low.

"I know Manik... but you need to be careful. This media is crazy. And the way you are..."

"Dad please... it was just..." he cut dad and my eyes snapped at dad. Dad too looked at me and I bit my lip to control my emotions.

"Let's eat breakfast in peace please Anant..." Mom spoke while all of them nodded and kept eating.

In between Manik tried to serve me food but I kept denying. When I finished I stood up and Manik called me from behind.

"Nandini... Aaj... lunch pe chale? Sirf hum dono?" and tears made their way down my cheeks.

I smiled a little sadly and turned back "You must have work Manik. I know you are going to produce new album. So don't bother. I am... I am okay." Tears rand own and before they start flowing fast I ran in to my room and closed it from inside.

I could hear Manik from out but I never opened the door. I am so so hurt. That I can't even breath here.

I could also hear Dad and Mom from outside completely scolding him. and his meek voice was a little hearable.

Till afternoon I was in my room and I never opened the door of my room. Manik had left long time ago, but not to forget he kept calling and messaging me in between. I never received any of his calls or replied to any of his messages.

But I could hear someone or the other from our family outside my room every time.

I finally opened my room door and found Bhabhi and Aarush standing out leaning to the wall.

"Thank god Nandu..." She instantly hugged me and Aarush too hugged my legs.

"Tum thik ho?" she asked breaking the hug.

I nodded and called for Mom. I packed few clothes hurriedly till Mom came.

"Nandu... main jaanti hu tum..."

"Main Chachaji ke ghar jaa rahi hu... for few days..." I spoke while Mom cried.

"Nandu... Tum aisa kaise kar sakti ho? Don't you trust..."

"Mom... I'll be back... I just... I just need to go... I will cry here only... main... my babies..." I tried speaking but all I was doing was to cry. Thinking all the shit.

"Nandu... Oh my god... protect my kids." Mom hugged me and cried.

"mom please... just for few days... I'll be back soon. I just need to go right now. Waise bhi it's been long that I've met them. So... can you ask driver Bhaiya to drop me?" I sobbed while she nodded.

"We love you Nandu..." She spoke. And I just nodded.

I soon left from there to Murthy villa. My Chachaji's house. My house.

I never messaged Manik about my sudden visit to Chachaji's house.

I reached and I was welcomed with a warm hug by all of them. Thankfully, at my place no one really read or sees page 3 news so no one knew about my sudden and abrupt meeting.

******

It was almost late evening when I was watching Television in living room with Chachi and Amms and just then we heard a horn.

I looked at the main door and saw Manik running inside hurriedly. He saw me and had a sigh of breath. Lier.

I looked at the screen again concentrating on the show that was running on air.

"Are Manik... tum yaha... thoda bhi time Nandu ke bina reh nahi pate na? so sweet." Chachi spoke while a chuckle left my mouth.

Everyone turned towards me while I kept looking at the screen. Mere bina reh nahi pata bullshit. Agar aisa hi tha to kab ka aa jata.

"you are right Chachi... ab... pyar kiya hai aapki beti se to..." he spoke while my eyes snapped at him. he smiled at me and I kept my face cold. Slowly his smile went away.

"aao aao... Manik betho." Amms invited him and asked him to sit beside me. As soon as he sat there, I stood up and spoke "Actually It's time to take my medicines. Anyways, I am the only one who takes care of myself and my babies. So... I'll see you."

I taunted and walked towards my room. I could hear Amms calling me from behind but I never stopped.

I stood watching the serene view from my balcony thinking about my current situation.

Do I not believe in my love? Will ever... like ever in my whole life... Will Manik cheat on me? Can he do that to me? To us?

And when I was too busy in my thoughts his hand sneaked from behind on my tummy and patted it few times.

I stood silently. Not turning, not doing anything. Not pushing him away.

"Mommy is gussa on Daddy?" He asked just near my ears and tears ran down my eyes.

"Very much... very very very... much..." I controlled my emotions but I couldn't and tears started flowing out more.

He turned me around and made me face him.

"Nandini... I never thought you will behave like this. You more mature, you are the sane one in our relationship" he spoke holding my shoulders.

"of course I am Manik. It just hurts when I want to share something with you, about baby and you are not there. You know initially you used to... you used to make me feel beautiful. You used to make me special... par ab... seems like sab change ho raha hai... you are too busy in Anaya...."

"Enough Nandini... she is a nobody yar... she is just a colleague. Just a colleague..." he cut me off.

"then how come you went with her yesterday? Aaj tak itne sare albums tumne launch kiye hai... tum kabhi bhi kisi male singer ke sath nahi gaye. Phir uske sath kyun gaye? Aur tumne mujhe bataya bhi nahi. suddenly uski aawaj tumhe bahot pasand aane lag gayi. Suddenly you say, you want her... you keep praising her in front of me. And you tell me that I am fat... what am I supposed to do?" I let it all out.

he kept shaking his head as whatever I spoke.

"Whatever you are saying is complete opposite what was real. Yes, I went with her because it was needed to go. The PR team told this will boost the views of our upcoming album and it'll be a successful album. Yes, I didn't tell you because you were not feeling well. Yes I praise her because her voice is... really very soothing." He explained while I push him off.

"you are still praising her... You know what Manik... Just... just leave me alone for some time... please... I have had enough of this crying and pain... I... I... seriously had enough." I spoke and walked away to sleep on bed.

I closed my eyes instantly and I heard him walk out of my room. I heard the door closing behind me.

******

My eyes opened at the middle of the night with something. An alarm? What?

I switched off the alarm and sat on the bed.

I drank the water and saw the time, it was almost 2. I looked beside to find if there was Manik. But no... he was not there. He didn't even try to make it up.

I put the phone back but just then my phone again buzzed.

I took the phone and read the message. It was from Manik.

"Come out to the garden area. And do not let anyone know. I am waiting." That's it.

I let out a huge breath.

I caressed my tummy and they instantly kicked. I knew even they want me to go to their father.

I walked down stairs and walked towards the garden of our room. and as soon as I walked down what I saw was enough to make me smile. I saw the whole garden decorated so beautifully with flowers and curtains, the strips of lights and star shaped mirrors. It was all so beautiful. Sis Manik do all this?

And just then I heard his guitar tuning

(DIl Diyaan Gallan – From Movie Tiger Zinda hai)

He turned around tuning the guitar and smiled and me singing those lines of love. It was always magical to hear him singing. Singing for me.

Kacchi doriyon, doriyon, doriyon se
Mainu tu baandh le
Pakki yaariyon, yaariyon, yaariyon mein
Honde na faasley

He walked towards me and led me towards the centre of the garden where I looked around while he came near me and caressed my cheeks lovingly.

Eh naraazgi kaagzi saari teri
Mere sohneya sunn le meri

He sang while I walked past him, he ran fast and started walking in front of me backwards while holding his ears. While I kept walking watching him singing for me with a little pout.

Dil diyan gallan
Karaange naal naal beh ke
Akh naal akh nu milaa ke

Dil diyan gallan haaye...
Karaange roz roz beh ke
Sacchiyan mohabbataan nibha ke

I turned, but he pulled me back towards him and touched my nose with him and kissed my cheeks while I pushed him and walked away again. While he kept walking behind me.

Sataaye mainu kyun
Dikhaaye mainu kyun
Aiven jhuthi mutthi russ ke rusaake
Dil diyan gallan haaye
Karaange naal naal beh ke
Akh naal akh nu mila ke

Just then I saw something really crazy. There were mirrors placed on the pathway. I walked towards it watching him walking behind me. He nodded and smiled. I walked and stood in front of one mirror. And surprisingly I was looking too much thin in that mirror. Manik giggled behind and he walked past me to take the place in front of the other mirror. He gestured me to look in the reflection.

I pouted as I saw him looking completely fat in that mirror. He filled his cheeks with air and gestured me that he was looking fat. I pouted and I walked away

(Music)

I walked towards the small fountain which was in our garden where there were few good hangings which were hanging around the fountain. I caressed each one of them while he sang behind me. He took the hanging from my hand and gestured me if I wanted that or not. I shook my head and walked away.

Tenu lakhan ton chhupa ke rakhaan
Akkhaan te sajaa ke tu ae meri wafaa
Rakh apna bana ke
Main tere layi aan
Tere layi aan yaaran
Naa paavin kade dooriyan

He suddenly sat in front of me and hugged my tummy singing the song, while my hands irked to caress his hairs. But how can I just have him his ways so soon? So I pushed him a bit and walked away.

Tenu lakhan ton chhupa ke rakhaan
Akkhaan te sajaa ke tu ae meri wafaa
Rakh apna bana ke
Main tere layi aan
Tere layi aan yaaran
Naa paavin kade dooriyan

I saw a big screen and just then he stood exact beside me and closed my eyes letting me feel his presence and also his soothing voice, he opened my eyes and gestured me to look at the screen which had my picture, Me holding and caressing my baby bump. I was looking so beautiful I never knew when did this was taken? My hairs were flowing in the air.

My eyes filled with tears suddenly.

Main jeena haan tera...
Main jeena haan tera
Tu jeena hai mera
Dass lena ki nakhra dikha ke

He walked towards the picture and kissed the screen and stood leaning against it and sang the song again walking towards me. I turned my face away to hide my tears from him. He loves me so much. So much. How could do this to him?

Dil diyan gallan
Karaange naal naal beh ke
Akh naal akh nu mila ke

Dil diyan gallan...

He held my hands and made me sit on the chair while he himself kneeled in front of me. He entwined our hands and caressed my fingers. Our babies were jumping in my stomach while his daddy was shedding tears feeling them moving inside me.

Raatan kaaliyan, kaaliyan, kaaliyan ne
Mere din saanwale
Mere haaniyan, haaniyan, haaniyan je
Lagge tu na gale

He held my face in his and kissed my forehead, eyes, cheeks and nose before pecking my lips softly. I could only smile and feel loved. Very much loved by my husband, by the father of my children.

Mera aasmaan mausamaan di na sune
Koi khwaab na poora bane
Dil diyan gallan
Karange naal naal beh ke
Akh naal akh nu mila ke

He held his ears again and sang the song again. While I smiled and cried together. I shook my head and pulled him in for a hug. I hugged him tight. That's what I wanted. I needed him near me. So near, so damn near.

Pataa hai mainu kyun chupa ke dekhe tu
Mere naam se naam mila ke
Dil diyan gallan
Karange naal naal beh ke
Akh naal akh nu mila ke

Dil diyan gallan...

He ended the song with a soulful kiss on my lips and then sighed deeply.

"I love you Nandini..." He confessed and I sobbed.

"Manik... I..." I tried speaking but he cut me off.

"No... listen to me today please...!" he spoke while I nodded desperately.

"Nandini... you are the most important person in my life. I love you. From my heart and soul. Yes, you have all rights to be angry because I was not there when our... our baby kicked for the first time... in fact I was last one to feel that. And you don't know how much sad I am about that." He spoke while I caressed his hands on my cheeks.

"But, you cannot blame me for the fake news that spread across the world. Don't you trust me? Your Manik. Baby... your Manik only loves you. And what is this? that she is hot and you are ugly. Have you seen yourself. You are so beautiful with that baby bump huh? You are beautiful in and out Nandini... and you know what makes you more beautiful... This..." He pointed at my bump and I smiled.

"yes... it makes you more beautiful. It makes me feel proud. It makes me feel so many things at a time. And I couldn't stop admiring you whenever you talk to those little ones or scold them. You know why? because I love you and only you. There's no one else who can win my heart other than you. So outer beauty doesn't matter to me. It's you and it's your heart that matters to me." He spoke while I cried.

"I know... I am such a fool. I was feeling so many things and... then wo Pihu..." I spoke abruptly and his attention was all on me.

"Pihu kya?" he asked.

I gulped and I told him everything that was discussed in that kitty party.

"So I thought maybe I have become fat so you may now..."

"hey... shh... don't... I may get angry on you... and you believed such things? God... am I that bad? Huh?" he asked me with hurtful voice.

"no Manik... I know you love me and I love you too... I love you so much baby... My world revolves around you. You know that right?" I said and pulled him closed holding his face in my hands.

"I know... and you know who my world is?" He asked while I looked at him all confused.

He put his one hand on my tummy and one hand on my heart "You and the lives inside you... this... this is my world. Get that Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra. Your husband loves you to the eternity. And it doesn't bother me if you become fat, ugly, or whatever. It'll always be your heart that I will love. I promise." He spoke while I couldn't stop myself from kissing him.

I broke the kiss and held his hands in mine "Manik I promise you... Once I will deliver the babies na... I will get back in shape. I will again look beautiful." I spoke while he shook his head "tch... Nandini..."

I cut him off "no... Let me tell you this... I am not doing it for you or for anyone else... I am doing it for myself... I want to look beautiful for you. I want to be loved. I want to go out with you, so that world see us together happy and beautiful. I promise." I sniffed ad cleared my nose with my hands.

He chuckled and said "okay...!"

I nodded and asked "Do you have a pen and a paper?" In a broken cracked voice, because I had cried so much that my voice was gone by now.

He nodded and bought a paper from somewhere.

"Why this?" He asked.

I wrote whatever I said and signed it with writing 'I Promise'. Then I handed the paper to him.

He looked at me all confused.

"Write that you will only and only love me. If Anaya wants to go out with you, you will say no to her. and if it is very important then, you will inform me first, you'll ask for my permission and if I permit then only you can go, write it down. and also write down 'I Promise'. Okay?" I sniffed while he laughed.

"Okay... you are cute..." He spoke and wrote it down.

Then I took the page and folded it in my hands "Now you have promised. I hate that Anaya... stay away from her. please..." I spoke almost pouting.

He groaned and kissed me passionately taking my lips almost in to his lips.

I kissed him back and after few minutes we broke the kiss.

"Okay... I will... don't worry she is no threat... she is already dating someone else..." he spoke and I pushed him.

"how do you know? You guys talk about this too... I thought it was just business... I can't believe Manik..."

I kept ranting which he was laughing all the while.

He picked me up and spoke "oh My God... you are seriously heavy Nandu..."

I slapped his chest and he walked us to my room.

******