For Infinity

Sweet Little Extra

"I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough."

- The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

"Baby, wake up. I am off to get the breakfast ready." Nandini left a haste kiss on her fast asleep husband's head before unwrapping herself from his strong arms. She was about to get off the bed when she felt a strong tug and before she could gather her thoughts, Nandini was pulled over Manik's broad frame. "What the hell Manik? We are getting late already!" She tried to scramble out of his stronghold but to alas! A smug smile spread across his mouth on his accomplishment, he placed his hands behind her head and took her soft lips for a deep kiss, full of endearment. It was slow, it was passionate, it left a burning sensation on their skin. If Manik could, he would never let his wife out of his sight any moment of the day. "Good morning to you too my love." Manik cooed to her as Nandini felt herself losing to his charms, yet again. "Since we are already late, I thought why not cuddle my cute Mrs, hmm? You know it makes my day." The sincere smile on Manik's face when he said that skipped Nandini's heartbeat. She wondered how he was able to make her feel that way despite so many years of being together.

Marital bliss? A concept so vague, so intimidating, so short-lived often. People often say that the honeymoon phase doesn't last long. Relationships fade over time, cracks form in the strongest of love and people drift apart. This might be true for the rest but not for Manik and Nandini. Four years down the line, they still had that burning passion, that undying love and unconditional support for each other.

"You really are a brat. My brat." Nandini said with a small kiss on his nose. She gave into his warmth and let herself lie over her chest, the sound of his heartbeat ringing in her ears like a melody. Before she knew it, Nandini was fast asleep and so was Manik. So much for a little cuddle session.

Few hours passed by, the distant ringing of the phone stirred up Manik's sleep. Irritatedly, he quickly tried to search for the damned piece of technology all the while being careful not to wake Nandini up. But, when his eyes fell on the time splashing on the lockscreen he jolted right up almost knocking her off the bed. "Manik, what the hell???" Nandini screamed perplexed and before she could get an answer out of him, he whooshed past her and into their bathroom. Confused, she picked up her phone from the bedside table and that's when reality hit her too. " Holy moly, we are doomed today." She murmured to herself and did not waste another second to run to the kitchen to get breakfast no, more like lunch ready for both of them.

Two years ago, when Raj felt like he was getting too old and tired and to continue heading the family business, he happily announced his only son Manik as his successor. Though hesitant at first, with support from his father and wife, he decided to take over. But Manik never let the position of CEO get to his head. He fulfilled all his responsibilities with passion and took the business to a new level in just two years. All his employees loved him and his competitors respected him. At home, he was just Manik but at work, he was THE Manik Malhotra. Nandini understood this and that is why she always gave him his space and so did he.

Nandini never wanted another child to have a difficult childhood as she did and with that hope in her heart, she started an NGO for underprivileged children. Manik supported her cause with the best of his heart. He knew how important it was for her. At times, Nandini would even help Manik in his work and he would attend charity events with her. They were a couple truly adored by everyone around them. Everyone wanted to be them but only they knew about all the trials and tribulations they had to face to reach this blissful point.

Children. The pressure to bear children of their own has always been looming over them, especially Nandini. Manik and Nandini loved being around little kids but they weren't completely sure they had the maturity to be responsible parents. The indirect questions hurled at Nandini at parties always made her uncomfortable but with Manik's unwavering support she could easily stand her ground. One day, when the time will be right and when they will feel completely ready, they are sure to have beautiful kids and surround them with love and warmth.

"Have a good day at work babe. Please drive carefully." Nandini stood at the door as Manik quickly tied his shoelace. Nandini could afford to take a break so she decided to stay home while he left for work. It was rare for him to take a day off but when Nandini expected full attention from him, he would not hesitate in clearing his entire schedule. For Manik, Nandini always came first.

"I will. You have fun at home. I will try to come as early as possible. Let's make dinner together." Manik replied. Nandini hummed in response. He leaned in to leave a delicate kiss on her forehead and with that he left in a haste. She waved him goodbye with a feeling of content and made her way to the home theater to binge on her favorite show.

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Author's Note:

Hello! Have you missed Manik and Nandini? Well, this book crossed 400K reads and I felt you guys would like to have a tiny glimpse of their post married life.

Thank you for your support!

- Ashkins