Life After Marriage

14

We finally came out of our room and joined everyone else in the living room in the evening. All our family members were gathered in front of the television watching a movie. I had a slight limp in my step due to our activities the whole afternoon. Manik gave me a knowing smirk after seeing my condition and I just glared at him.

"Where have you guys been all afternoon?" asked my mother-in-law with a pleasant smile. Everyone seemed to be clueless about our activities, which was a relief to me. But, amongst them, I could see Naina sitting with a glare on her face like she knew what all we did. I wanted to smirk at her but refrained from doing so. "Uh... we were in our room, just sleeping and we also did some gardening...yeah!" Manik exclaimed in an excited tone that all of them gave him a suspicious glance.

I was sure that my face must be beet red by now. "I'll go and check on dinner" with that I started to head towards the kitchen and suddenly Preethi asked me to make some hot chocolate for her. I just smiled and told her that I will go ahead and make it for all of them. "I'll help you," Manik quipped beside me and started to follow me. 

"Don't you want to sit with your parents even for a minute?" came Naina's snarky comment. "Yes Manik, why don't you sit with us, Nandini can take care of it," Manik's mother said patting the space beside her on the sofa. He just gave me a longing glass and went away.

I shook my head, smiling to myself, and entered the kitchen. "Ramu, I just came to check on dinner, and then I will make hot chocolate for everyone" I informed Ramu and went to get the hot chocolate mix from one of the cupboards. 

Then I proceeded to take out milk from the refrigerator and heated it up. Then I mixed hot chocolate into it and started pouring it into separate glasses for everyone. All this while thinking about how I enjoyed our afternoon. Manik really knew how to pleasure me, but I wanted to know how he learned that, I thought feeling a wave of jealousy pass through me.

We made love on every surface in our room, the bed, floor, closet door, bathroom and I still feel like jumping his bones after going through all of that. I can't wait for it to be night already, I thought with a sigh and went to the living room with the hot chocolate. "I'll help" Manik stood taking away the tray with glasses on it from my hands and started to pass it around. He took the last to glasses and made his way towards me and gestured to the other sofa that was empty. That was his sly way of getting away from his mom.

He put his arm around me and we sat together comfortably. Everyone was watching the TV, but I could see Naina taking glances at us every now and then. I couldn't understand why that girl just won't give up. "Thanks for this," Preethi pointed to her glass of hot chocolate and gave me a small smile. Preethi seems to be in a good mood ever since her parents came back and the snide remarks that I usually get from her reduced. I can't help but think if she's a nice girl but situations made her the way she is.

Dinner was pleasant with Manik and Preethi arguing on whom their parents like more. It was funny and really nice to see Preethi smiling for a change. But, I could see a storm brewing within Naina ready to blow up when the time is right. I would like to see what would she say or do. 

After dinner, I went with my mother-in-law to put away the dishes and everything. She thinks Ramu needs a break after a whole day of work, which I thought was really nice of her. I came back into the living room to see Preethi and her dad lounging on the sofa eating ice cream and giggling about something. Manik and Naina nowhere in the sight. I did not give it much thought and greeted everyone with a very good night and went upstairs. 

I had to pass by Manik's home office to go to our bedroom and I could hear voices coming from inside as I was passing by. I went near the door to see if Manik was on the phone and then I heard Naina speaking to Manik in a harsh tone.

"I could see what you guys did the whole afternoon written all over your faces. I cannot believe that you would do something like this with someone you don't know anything about," she exclaimed with disbelief laced in her voice.

"I don't know how this is any of your business," Manik started calmly but in a stern tone. "And about what you said, I know her, okay! I know my wife very well and you guess what I am in love with her. My feelings for her are very strong and no one can change that," he declared vehemently.

"It was you who left, you who didn't want to be tied down. So I don't know what you are crying about right now. Nandini is my present and my future and there is no place for you in my life except a family friend. You can take it or leave."

I have never heard him speak this harshly to anyone. But I also could not get over his declaration of love for me. My heart is going to burst with so much happiness. Having heard enough of this conversation, I went into our bedroom with a giddy smile. After all that, he is so getting lucky tonight, I thought and went to take a shower.

I could hear our bedroom door open and close and thought Manik must be here. I quickly wrapped up my shower and went out. He is sprawled on our bed with his eyes closed. I slowly went near him and leaned on to his sleeping form with just a towel wrapped around my body. The water dripped onto his chest from my hair and he opened his eyes to look at me. I gave him a smile hoping that it was seductive. 

He got up with a sigh and placed his hands on my hips as I stood in front of him. "I should tell you something before we do anything. Naina..." I placed my finger on his lips "sh... I know what happened, I heard your discussion while passing through your office" I admitted, not sure if he would be mad about my eavesdropping.

"Are you not mad at me?" he asked hesitantly. I shook my head and started running my hands through his hair. "Why would I be mad, you clearly told her that you aren't interested in her even a slight bit. And..... I also heard the declaration of your undying love for me," I giggled with a smug look on my face.

His face went softer, "I really do love you," he said with a serious but soft expression. I nodded my head replied, "I know."

"Okay! Now we can continue," he said and tugged at my towel. It came off and I blushed profusely. He pulled me into his arms and laid me down on the bed. He kissed me and I lost track of time. I couldn't remember when his clothes came off or when we were able to catch our breath. 

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