Manik and Nandini-two individuals with contrasting personalities, opinions, and lifestyles. One wears his heart on his sleeve, while the other hides it beneath layers of restraint.
Manik, a powerful businessman and the head of the prestigious Malhot...
All of them were exhausted after returning from the reception party, and now the world recognized Navya as Cabir's wife. Manik had already changed into his nightwear and was resting in bed, while Nandini joined him a few minutes later, having stayed behind to help Nyonika with the arrangements downstairs. Though both were drained from the day's festivities, Nandini still felt it was important to discuss Navya with Manik.
After slipping into something comfortable, Nandini climbed into bed beside him. She gently spread his arms open and nestled herself into his warm embrace. A soft smile graced Manik's lips as he held her close, his fingers absentmindedly tracing through her silky hair.
"Tired, my love?" he asked in a tender voice, continuing to stroke her hair soothingly.
"Exhausted, Manik. I can't even imagine how everyone managed at our wedding," Nandini replied, her voice laced with fatigue and admiration.
He hummed in agreement, recalling the endless chaos of their own wedding. But then, something clicked in his memory.
"By the way, you wanted to tell me something at the party, right? But every time you tried, someone interrupted. Well, now it's just us. Tell me what's on your mind," he encouraged, gazing at her expectantly.
Nandini sighed, recollecting the events from the morning. "Yeah, Manik. Earlier today..."
She proceeded to explain everything in detail, sharing how Navya had been cold toward her, and when she finally confronted her about it, Navya had brought up the topic of her adoption.
Manik's jaw clenched as he processed her words, his irritation simmering beneath the surface.
"Did she really speak to you like that?" he asked, his voice laced with restrained anger. He had been holding back for a while now, choosing silence over confrontation. But there was a limit to his patience, and he knew he couldn't ignore this any longer. At the same time, he didn't want to create unnecessary drama, especially with them leaving for their honeymoon the next day. He decided he would handle the situation calmly but firmly.
"She was a bit rude, but she has her reasons, Manik. She's insecure," Nandini said softly, her fingers tracing small patterns on his chest—a subtle action that always managed to soothe him.
Manik remained silent for a few minutes, deep in thought.
"Say something," Nandini urged, nudging him slightly.
Manik sighed before kissing the top of her head. "You don't need to worry about this anymore. Just sleep now. Did you finish packing?" he asked, brushing the conversation aside for the moment.
Nandini nodded against his chest, deciding to let it go for now. She knew Manik would handle it in his own way. Tomorrow, they would be leaving for Bali, and he wanted to settle this matter before their departure.
"Cabir, I understand everything, okay? But no matter what her reasons are, Navya cannot speak to Nandini like that. She is my wife and a part of this family," Manik stated firmly, looking directly at Cabir.
He had called him to his room to discuss the issue privately. Manik wasn't looking for a confrontation, nor did he wish for any tension between them. He just wanted Cabir to help Navya understand and overcome her insecurities.
Cabir sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Manik, I'm really sorr—"
"Cabir, please. No apologies. I'm sitting here as a family member, talking to another family member, for the sake of our family. No one is at fault, do you get it?" Manik said with a reassuring smile, hoping to ease any guilt Cabir might be feeling.
Cabir nodded, appreciating Manik's approach. "I'll talk to her. Don't worry, and just focus on enjoying your trip."
Manik smiled as Cabir pulled him into a quick hug before leaving the room.
Just as Cabir exited, Nandini entered, noticing his departure. Her brows furrowed in curiosity.
"Cabir was here? What did you do?" she asked suspiciously, knowing very well that if it had been just a casual chat, it would have taken place in the living room, probably over popcorn and a movie.
"Nothing at all. Are you all packed?" Manik deflected smoothly, standing up and slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Yeah..." she replied, still unconvinced but choosing to drop the subject as she focused on putting some snacks—courtesy of Nyonika—into their travel bag.
"Then let's go," Manik said, intertwining his fingers with hers as they stepped out. Their luggage was carried by the servants, ensuring they were free to say their goodbyes.
"Chachu, when will you come back?" Radhika asked, her big eyes brimming with sadness.
Manik knelt down, lifting her into his arms. "Very soon, my little princess," he promised, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before setting her down. She then turned to Nandini, hugging her tightly.
"Bye..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Bye, sweetheart," Nandini said, pressing a gentle kiss to her tiny nose.
Raj stepped forward, embracing Nandini warmly. "Take care of her, Manik," he said, his tone affectionate yet firm.
Manik smirked mischievously. "Oh, no! My original plan was to abandon her somewhere nearby. And if by mistake we reached Bali, then poor Nandini would have neither food nor water!" he quipped dramatically.
Raj shot him an unimpressed look. "You need courage to pull off something like that, son. And, unfortunately, you don't have it," he retorted with a smirk of his own.
Manik chuckled, shaking his head as Nandini giggled beside him.
"Okay, enough you two!" Nyonika interjected. "Manik, Nandini, keep in touch and take care of each other," she reminded them for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Alright, Mom and Dad, stop boring them now!" Cabir teased. Then, turning to Nandini, he added, "If Manik ever troubles you, just Skype me—I'll straighten him out!"
Nandini laughed, hugging him. "I'll keep that in mind."
As they all exchanged their final goodbyes, Nyonika suddenly noticed someone missing. "Where is Navya?"
Cabir hesitated for a second before answering, "Mom, she was really tired, so she went to sleep."
Everyone understood the real reason behind her absence, but no one voiced it aloud. Instead, they simply exchanged glances, silently hoping that in time, things would fall into place.
And with that, Manik and Nandini set off for their much-awaited journey, leaving behind one story as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives together.
pinkvilla
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Liked by user5 and 1,45,000 others The dreamy couple who are known for the love they have were spotted leaving for a holiday a few hours back. When asked if they were going for a honeymoon, Manik Malhotra was snappy enough to comment "ab ek mahine baad kya honeymoon karne ko kuch hai hi nahi" which led Nandini Murthy Malhotra to spat him on his shoulders. A whole new Manik comes upfront when with Nandini, otherwise Manik hardly jokes around with us. We wish the couple a happy journey 💓
