All hooted and clapped as Nandini cutted the cake. They sung a birthday song for her while she was giggling happily. She then fed the cake to Abhi, Ansh respectively. Abhi also took the piece of cake and fed her. She gave him side hug. Ansh came from behind and smashed some cake on her cheek running away. Everyone laughed while Nandini widened her eyes. She fumed in anger.

"Bhaiiii.. I will not leave you." Saying this she moved behind him but tripped and the cake in her hand fell on Cabir who was eating the cake like bhukkad sitting on nearby chair. He made crying face.

"Aah. My handsome face. Barbieee.." Nandini giggled holding her ear cutely. Manik was seeing all this with a wide smile.

"Oh yes, now you actually give the feel of joker, Cabir." Said Dhruv laughing at him. Cabir gritted his teeth.

"Why not to make you feel same, topiwale." Saying this he rubbed cake on his face and the game goes on. Nandini was laughing seeing everyone behaving like kid. She then touched her cheek and made faces.

"I should clean this. So sticky.." Saying this she was going away from hall when a hand pulled her behind a pillar.

"What the... Mani?" Manik smirked looking at her. She glared at him.

"You idiot. What was that ha? I got scared na. Aise kaun khichta hain?" She complained. Manik pulled her near to his chest and bent near her ear.

"I do." He replied in his husky voice. Her breathe hitched feeling his hot breathe. She clutched his blazer tightly.

"M..mani.. Let me .. go.." She managed to say. Manik nuzzled in her neck inhaling her sweet fragrance. She gasped.

"Umm hmm. I am not letting you go. Not now. Never ever." Said Manik taking her flesh in between his teeth. She hissed in pain.

"Aah.. Mani.." He licked the place where he bit to reduce her pain. She closed her eyes tightly. Manik roamed his hand on her bare waist while her breathe got heavy.

"I.. I.. Need to.. C..clean.. My.. My fa..ce.." Nandini stuttered hardly with heavy breathes. Manik looked at her intensely.

"I am there for it, love." Saying this he tilted his face near her cheek. He started smooching the cream from her cheek kissing there while Nandini was going crazy with his touch.

"You didn't feed me, hmm? Now I am taking my share of cake in my own way." Said Manik.

"Umm..Mani.." After cleaning all the cream, he started placing wet kisses on her neck.

Her stomach churned in pleasure. She bit her lower lip controlling her moan while looking at her action Manik took her lips in a sudden passionate kiss. Nandini responded equally. She ran her hand through his hair pulling him more and more. Manik smiled in between the kiss feeling her desperation for him and deepen the kiss. Both were not ready to leave each other. But Manik broke the kiss feeling her out of breathe. They were breathing heavily.

"You are making me crazy, jaan. You become my addiction. I can't even stay away from you for a second. What are you doing to me? These big doe shining eyes, pink pouty lips, soft milky cheeks, beautiful and serene face. Your smile, your giggles, your innocence, your anger, your blush, your care. I am going all mad. You are so damn irresistible, shona. How will I control till our marriage? Let's get married soon. Very soon. I need you with me forever." Said Manik resting his forehead on hers.

He was rubbing her cheek with his thumb. Nandini opened her eyes and looked at him. She smiled beautifully. Her cheeks red.

"Oh, so baat shaadi tak pahuch gayi? And we don't even know anything. Just great!" Came a voice from behind and Manan immediately parted away. Raj and Niyonika were standing there with stern faces. Nandini got shocked and nervous. While Manik rolled his eyes.

"Dad, please.."

"You shut up, Manik. Don't you dare to even speak. I never expected this from you both. You hided so many things from us." Said Raj stopping him in a mid with a cold tone.

Nandini got scared and held Manik's hand tightly. Manik gritted his teeth.

"Dad.. She-"

"Come here, Nandini." Said Raj seriously.

Nandini felt hurt hearing 'Nandini' from him. He always called her 'princess'. She looked at Manik like a kid who was almost on the verge of crying.

Before Manik could say anything she heard Raj.

"Don't look at him, come here Nandini. I want to talk with you."

Niyonika was also standing silently near him. Nandini slowly moved near them and stood looking down. Manik was about to come but Raj showed him his hand.

"Stop right there, Manik. Do you love him, Nandini?" Asked Raj. Nandini got scared and nervous. Her palms went sweaty.

"I.. Dad.. Mein.. Matlab.. We.." She couldn't form words. Manik was getting angry on Raj for making her so scared and nervous.

"Tell me, Nandini. I am all ears." Said Raj seriously. She looked at him slowly and nodded in yes.

"Yes, I do." Raj folded his hand near his chest hearing her.

"From when this is going on?" Nandini clutched her dress in her fist.

"Dad.. Sorry.. Please.. Don't.. Get angry.. on me and Mani.. I.." Choked Nandini. Her voice was heavy.

"Dad it's enough she-" Raj cuts Manik again.

"Why are you sorry? For what? For loving Manik? Or for hiding this from us?" Asked Raj coldly.

That's it. Her chin wobbled and tears fell. Raj widened his eyes while Niyonika immediately took her in a hug. Nandini sobbed. Manik fumed.

"I told you, Raj. What was the need to go this far? I wasn't liking this idea already but because of you.. Huh. See my baby is crying now. Bas bachhaa. Dad was teasing you. No one is upset or angry. Look at mumma." Nandini broke the hug and looked at Niyonika while crying. Her nose turned red. Niyonika wiped her tears lovingly.

"Mumma and Dad is very happy. We already knew that Manik loves you. Raj was just pulling your leg. We are lucky to get you for our Manik." Nandini sobbed more and hugged her again. Raj came near them and held his ears.

"Sorry Princess. I was just pulling your leg. Don't cry please. I am not sad, angry or upset. I am very happy." Nandini looked at him slowly while crying.

Raj opened his arms while Nandini ran into his arms. He laughed and patted her head.

"Am I forgiven?" Nandini nodded and looked at him still in hug.

"I got scared. I thought you are upset." Raj smiled and wiped her tears.

"Why will I? You are the best daughter in law anyone could get. And moreover, who else can bear this monster and marry him other than you, ah?" Saying this he winked at her. Nandini giggled.

Manik came near them and pulled Nandini in a side hug glaring at Raj. Raj glared back at him.

"What was the need to do that? She got scared and cried na? You behave like a kid, Dad. Tch!" Said Manik rubbing her shoulder while Nandini held his hand.

"Mani.. Dad ko nahi daanto. I didn't understand his teasing. It is okay. I overreacted." Said Nandini to which Manik just pecked her head.

Raj glared at him and pulled Nandini to him. Niyonika shook her head at their drama.

"Oh yes, and you behave like a majnu, junior malhotra. Love sick puppy banke ghumta hai mere bachhi ke aage piche. Have some shame, uske Dad ke samne ussey romance karta hai. Kamina.." Said Raj on which Manik scowled and pulled Nandini near him.

She gave helpless look to Niyonika who blinked her eyes at her.

"What is there to shame? I am not doing anything inappropriate or wrong. She is my girlfriend and future wife. I have all the rights to romance with her okay? Aap mere romance ke bich mei na hi aaye. Varna meri shadi tak mom ko apne room me shift karva lunga. And you very well know I can do that." Said Manik with his all time favorite smirk.

Nandini gasped audibly while Niyonika hits on her own forehead. Raj was giving him hard glare.

"You.."

"You both Malhotras should shut your mouths or else I will throw you out of my house. Understood?" Raj and Manik glared at each other and turned their faces away.

Nandini looked surprised. Niyonika shook her head at their drama. It was no new to her. She handled the worst. Definitely she is an iron woman. Handling all malhotras together isn't an easy task.

She went near Nandini and kissed her forehead with a love.

"Happy birthday, Nandu. May god bless you with all happiness in your life." Nandini smiled widely and took her blessings. Then she turned to Raj and bent to take his blessing when he stopped her in mid.

"Betiyan pair nahi chuti, gale lagti hai. Happy birthday princess. May god bless you a long, happy and healthy life ahead. Dad loves you alot." Said Raj taking her in a side hug. Nandini hugged him back.

Niyonika and Manik was looking at them with a wide smile. Raj frowned.

"Should I invite you both for a hug? Tch. You people are very dumb." Said Raj making face. Nandini pressed her lips. NiyoMan glared at him but he gave them tight smile opening his another arm. Both joined them in a hug and smiled.

________________

All were sitting in a lounge of Malhotra Mansion after their dinner. Cabir was sitting keeping his head on Niyonika's lap while Ansh was sitting beside her keeping head on her shoulder. Nandini was sitting in between Raj and Abhi while Manik was sitting another side of Niyonika holding her hand. Fab 3 were sitting opposite of them.

"So many things happened behind our back and you guys didn't find it's necessary to inform us?" Asked Niyonika with a hint of anger and hurt. Raj shook his head.

"Let it be, Niyo. They have grown up now. Big enough to solve their problems on their own. Who are we to force them for anything? Now they don't need us. Let them do whatever they want to. We shouldn't have any say in it. Ab voh chote nahi rahe, ki apne maa baap ko aake sari baatein bataye. Hain na?" Said Raj mocking at Ansh, Manik and Cabir.

They had their heads down. Nandini rested head on Raj's shoulder. He looked at her.

"Don't say like that, Dad. Everyone missed you both so much. But you guys were already tensed over that village issue. So nobody wanted to give you stress. Please, don't be upset on anyone. It was just the situation. And now that everything is over, I want my all family happy, together. No sadness and pain." Said Nandini and her tear fell on his hand. Raj immediately made her look at him and wiped her tears.

"No one will be sad and upset, Princess. I promise. Now there will be only happiness in our life." He then looked at boys who looked alarmed seeing Nandini's tears.

"Forgiving you all for the last time. Just because of my princess. Next time if something like this happened na, ek ek ki dhulayi karunga, yaad rakhna." Boys nodded immediately and grinned. Raj smiled.

Abhi was looking at all this with an adoring smile. He missed all this. He could also be with them talking and laughing freely only if....

"But Dad, why didn't you inform us about your arrival. We thought you will take one more week over there." Asked Manik on which he smiled.

"Vaha ka sab sort out hogaya tha. So thought to give my princess surprise on her birthday. But we only got surprise from princess and our laadla when we came." Said Raj teasing them while Manik rubbed his neck looking away. Nandini blushed hiding her face in Raj's embrace. Both NiyoRaj laughed. All looked confused.

"Did we miss something?" Asked Ansh raising his brows. Raj chuckled.

"Certainly, yes!" Hearing him Cabir also got straight.

"What is it?" Asked Cabir and Ansh together. Niyonika laughed while Manan widened their eyes.

"Nothing!" Both said in unison and looked at each other. Raj laughed.

"Dad.." Nandini whined. Raj patted her back.

"Arey tell na, we wanna know." Said Cabir. Manik smacked his head from behind.

"No. You don't need to know. Apne kaam se kaam rakhiyo." Cabir glared at him but turned to Raj.

"Dad.. Aap batao." Said Cabir. Ansh nodded vigorously.

"Kya baat hai Nandini, I can see all red on your cheeks. Aisa bhi kya hua tha?" Asked Mukti teasing her. Cabir laughed.

"Of course you can see her cheeks red. Because she is blushing. But Mukti you won't understand that. I mean you are our lady bheem na, how will you know these girly things?" Hearing Cabir Mukti fumed but before she could say anything someone smacked on his head. He looked back and found Ansh glaring at him.

"Don't tease her ok? Why she will not know all that? She is also a girl. The bold and beautiful." Said Ansh winking at her on which Mukti felt her cheeks heated. All gaped looking at them. While Ansh understood the blunder he made. Cabir smirked.

"Arey public, aise na dekho in logo ko. Let me tell you something. Our lady bheem is no more single and absolutely ready to mingle. She got her possessive chota bheem to protect her. Kyu Ansh bhai?" Ansh closed his eyes shut while Mukti just looked down with a shy smile. Aliya gave her a side hug squealing a little.

"Oh God! Mukti sharma rahi hay. Koi mujhe bachao, main coma mei na chala jau." Said Cabir dramatically. Nandini looked at them with disbelief.

"Bhai, is it true?" Ansh looked at Abhi nervously before nodding yes.

Abhi got up from his place and moved near him. Everyone stood up. Ansh was looking at him nervously and a bit scared but Abhi smiled taking him in a tight hug while everyone else got happy.

"I am happy for you." Ansh let out a breathe and hugged Abhi back while grinning. Manik pounced on him too.

"Tu toh bada chupa rustom nikla buddy. Kya baat hai. Par teri himmat ki daad deni padegi. Nei matlab, tune mukti ko pataya? Mukti ko? Really The lady bheem? Impressive haa." Mukti glared at Manik while Ansh laughed with all.

Nandini ran to Mukti and hugged her. Mukti smiled.

"Congratulations Bhabhi!" All hooted hearing her and enjoyed the moment. Later Manik coughed gaining their attention. All looked at him.

"Actually, I planned a night out with golu. So kindly excuse us. It's already past 12. We need to go." All gave Manan teasing looks while Nandini widened her eyes.

The nerve of this man! How easily he just announced about their leaving. No permission and all. Huh.

Manik moved near her and held her hand. She gasped and wriggled but he didn't leave. She heard whistles and closed her eyes in embarrassment. Manik Monkey Malhotra! You are so dead from my hands. She thought.

"Mani, leave my hand. All are looking at us." Said Nandini whispering. Manik gave her I don't care look.

"So what? Everyone knows about us. Chill golu." Nandini gritted her teeth and gave him a glare. He smiled at her widely.

Ufff! That smile. She can surely die for. Her heart melted looking at his happy and smiling face. Unknowingly, a sweet smile came on her lips too.

Everyone coughed gaining their attention. Nandini looked down with red cheeks.

"You can go now dear son. But drive safe and take care of her." Said Raj on which Manik nodded.

Everyone waved bye to them. Manik turned to go but felt Nandini not moving. He stopped and looked at her who was looking at Abhi.

Abhi smiled understanding her and came near them. Everyone were busy in themselves.

"Go doll. Enjoy your night with your Mani. But Manik.. You know your limits, right?" Manik rolled his eyes hearing him.

The possessive brother is back. Nandini felt like... Please someone hide me somewhere. Aaah! Why today all are hell bent on making her embarrassed.

"Yes bhai. I know. Now can we go?" Abhi nodded and smiled before patting Nandini's head.

Manan left while Abhi sighed looking at everyone around him. Everything was getting normal. He wished this happiness to last forever.

_________________

Manik stopped his car near Malhotras farmhouse. Nandini looked at him. He smiled and opened the door for her. They entered inside.

"Why are we here, Mani?" Asked Nandini while entering inside.

"Sssh. Just come with me." Said Manik placing his finger on her lips. She nodded on which he smiled and took her on small terrace.

( imagine this kinnda set up on terrace.)

Nandini was shocked seeing it. It was decorated a bit and there was a cake placed near by. She looked at him. He held her hand in his.

"I wanted your this birthday to be a special one. You and me together, alone. But because of family, we could not go anywhere else. So just planned this night out. I know your birthday ended but..."

"I will love to celebrate it again with you beside me." Said Nandini stopping him in a mid. He kissed on her knuckles with a smile.

"Come.." Nandini moved near the table where the cake was placed. Manik handed her a knife and she held his hand to along with it. Manik smiled and they both cutted the cake together. Manik fed her. She fed him back.

"Happy birthday, golu. May you get everything in your life you wish for." Said Manik making her smile.

"I want you, Mani. You are my only wish. Be with me always. My whole world resides in you." Manik kissed her forehead with all his love and cupped her face.

"I am always with you, love. Forever." Nandini smiled brightly at his words.

"I have something for you."

"What?" Nandini asked. Manik forwarded his hand and she gasped audibly.

"Mani.. this.." Manik smiled looking at her twinkling eyes.

( ignore rain and her wet clothes. )

"Your fireflies. I thought a lot about your birthday gift. I wanted to give you something very special. Which will always make you remeber about us. So this..." Nandini smiled widely taking the jar of fireflies in her hands. She looked at them and then at Manik.

"Mani.. Can you see? They all are glowing. So brightly. Oh my god! This is so beautiful." Manik was adoring her lovingly. Her smile was his peace.

"Thank you so much, Mani. This is the best birthday gift I have ever got. My fireflies.. They are glowing. For us. Because we are together. Hain na?" She asked like an excited kid. Manik laughed and pulled her near him.

"Yes. They are glowing for us. To make our world more brighter. They are symbol of our love." Nandini smiled hearing him and pecked his cheek. Manik grinned.

He picked her in his arms keeping the jar on side table and lied down on the bed they arranged on terrace. Nandini cuddled in his embrace. Both kept lying there silently absorbing presence of each other. Suddenly Nandini remembered something and turned to him. Manik looked at her.

"What happened?"

"What happened? You na.. You become so shameless, Mani. You didn't even ask permission for night out? Directly announced your decision. How would mom dad feel ha? And what was that holding my hand? I can't believe you were doing that infront of all. All were teasing me. You know how much embarrassing it was. Huh! Idiot!" Said Nandini scowling in anger.

Manik laughed. She glared at him and started beating him on chest by her tiny hands.

"You are laughing on me. You know what, you are very bad. Monster kahika.." Manik held her hand controlling his laugh and pulled her on him. She was lying on him fully while he was holding her by her waist.

"Arey bas bas. Ok. I am sorry. I am not laughing see." Nandini huffed and looked away. Manik kissed on her cheek. She narrowed her eyes while he smiled sweetly at her.

"Aaah. Smile na karo na.." She said hiding her face in his neck. Manik laughed.

"Why? Does my smile affect you? You feel something something ah?" Said Manik teasing her while she just hits his head still hiding her face.

"I am not talking to you. Shooo.." Manik grinned and flipped their position. Now Nandini was lying under him. She looked at him startled.

"Wh..what are you doing?" She asked with a thumping heart. Manik smirked.

"Why does it matter to you, hmm? You aren't talking to me na? So just stay still and let me do my work. Don't disturb." Said Manik and nuzzled in her neck. He was kissing there slowly. Nandini held his hairs and called his name in pleasure.

"Mani.." Hearing her he smirked. His touch was effecting her. He could feel that.

"You know I love your cheeks so much. They are so soft and fluffy like rasgulla. Jinhe mei ek hi baar mei gab gab karke khaa jau." Said Manik looking at her. She looked at him with wide eyes.

"What? You wanna eat my cheeks? No ways. I love my cheeks so much. You have yours na. Eat them only. Huh! And for your information, I also love your well built body. Toh should I eat it ha? Idiot! You know, white suits you alot. When you wear white shirt leaving few buttons open, you look damn hot! My God! And those female employees of yours keep looking at you like their pray. Huh! Mann toh karta hai ek ek ki aankhe noch lu. Dayan kahiki..." Nandini was blabbering when Manik bit her cheek suddenly.

"Aaah.. ouch! Mani.. Kitte zor se mere .." She stopped talking when felt his heated gaze on her. He rubbed his thumb over her lower lip.

"Someone wasn't talking to me. What happened now, hmm?" He teased. Nandini made pout which he pecked. She played with his collar.

"So much of possessiveness. I am loving it though. And you find me hot ah? Woah! I am glad to know that. Vaise.. I won't mind you eating my body too. I would love to be..." Nandini suddenly put her palm on his lips stopping him to speak further. She had widened her eyes and her cheeks turned red.

"Shut up you monkey! I never knew you are so shameless. Chhii Mani!" Manik laughed loudly taking away her hand from his mouth. She faked an angry glare.

"Look who is talking about shame? The one praising her boyfriend's body infront of him. Duh! By the way, Did I ever tell you that you look more sexy when you get angry?" She raised her brows at him while he grinned.

"Not working." She said.

"What?"

"Your not so good attempts to cool my anger." Said Nandini glaring at him. He laughed.

"Oh my baby, I don't need to work for calming your anger. My smile is enough. And FYI,  your anger will cool down when you will be actual angry. Tch. Must say you are a very bad actress." Said Manik pinching her nose. Nandini looked at him surprised.

"Hawww. How you know?" Manik winked at her and lied beside hugging by side ways. She placed her head on his arm.

"Chehre pe likha hai aapke, madam." Said Manik chuckling.

Nandini made faces. Both went silent for few minutes. Manik was caressing her hairs. Nandini broke the silence.

"Mani.."

"Hmmm."

"Will you sing for me again?" Nandini asked and Manik stopped caressing her hairs and looked at her. She was looking at him already.

"You want me to sing for you?" Nandini nodded with a soft smile.

"I will. But on one condition." Said Manik cupping her cheeks. Nandini raised her brows.

"You have to sing along with me!" Said Manik. Nandini's face paled.

"Mani.."

"Why not golu? Music is your love, singing is your passion. You can do it. I trust you." Said Manik encouraging her. Nandini gulped.

"It.. It's not easy.." She whispered. Manik kissed her head.

"I know, love. I know. But you can try, right? For me? For your parents? Please?" Asked Manik wiping her tears which fell on her cheeks. She nodded sniffing a bit.

"I will try." Manik smiled inwardly hearing her. He kissed on her hairs. Nandini smiled.

"You came in my life like a lucky charm. Mere zehnaseeb banke. You changed my dark world into the colouful one. I love you so very much, Mani. Humesha.." Said Nandini rubbing her nose with his. Manik smiled.

"I love you too, golu. Humesha.. Till the star shines and your fireflies glow." Nandini smiled hearing him and hided her face in his chest. Manik hugged her back tightly.

They slept in the embrace of each other to welcome a beautiful morning of tomorrow. This is definitely not the end, but the beginning of their new journey towards their humesha.

______________

And here author keeps her pen down!

Tell me your views about this entire story.

Few words for Manik?

Few words for Nandini?

Few words for Ansh?

Few words for Abhi?

Few words for Raj, Niyo and Cabir?

Share anything and everything you feel about them or story.

And.. Let me take your leave now. Thank you so much for loving Zehnaseeb. It really meant alot.

Lots of love,
Swarmayi❤️