one shots✅

19. Thappad -the slap (1)

Manik and Nandini, two professionally stable individuals residing in Mumbai in their compact 2 bedroom apartment.
They are married for 2 years, and both of them are very close to their parents, to that extent of sharing their couple pictures in the family whatsapp group 'Familia'

Life was all well for them as both of them are super stable and filthy rich with decent standard of living. None of them were extravagant in spending, but they would occasionally take their vacation, sometimes all by themselves and sometimes with their parents. Nandini was a Pediatrician and Manik was a Software Engineer by profession. But the entire world knows, the business tycoon, the legal heir of Malhotra industries, born with a golden spoon will take over the business anytime soon. But the parents Malhotras were very clever. Until and unless they have an heir, Manik is not getting the CEO post, despite his hardwork.

Manik and Nandini had an arranged marriage and decided to take things slow. They didn't want to rush up things especially when having a baby will demand so much energy, time and money. Theirs was a typical marriage.

Every morning, their scene would be similar. Manik wakes up first, makes coffee, showers Nandini with forehead kisses and wakes her up. They both take turns in cooking as both of them were equally passionate about plating delicious healthy home cooked meals. Both of them take turns to drop each other's to their offices. One day it would be Nandini dropping Manik and other day it would be Manik dropping Nandini. After reaching home, both of them would equally participate in cooking dinner and finishing off other chores.

When they hit their bed, no matter how big or petty their argument is, they ensure to resolve it and cuddle to sleep.
However, here is a catch in their ideal relationship. Their way of resolving issues is very different. Nandini likes to speak out and resolve matters, whereas Manik prefers to take a moment for himself, calm down in silence and then get back.

Too much background info, let's get to actual story!

Nandini's pov:
Today has been quite fantabulous. The kids I met today were quite friendly and none of them were cranky. Manik hasn't still returned home. I just received a text.

Manik: Nandini, will be late. You go home.

Eventhough its just a normal text, I hope everything is alright. He never calls me Nandini. It's always been Nandu. May be I am over stressing, it might be the autocorrect. Thinking so, I casually stir fried my vegetables for dinner. Our dinner today was mix veg gravy and roti. Just when I was mixing, I felt a hand sneak on my waist!

Holy crap!

Just when I was about to shout, I felt a palm reach my mouth and a tingling breath on my neck. I immediately sensed him. Only he can make me feel jelly by a mere touch! He rested his chin on my shoulder blade, breathing hot air onto my ears. Girl hormones, stay intact! Not having much thought, I leaned more towards him, enjoying his touch.

But something felt wrong! He never spoke a word. I turned around to face him and Boy, he was looking pretty hot. Despite the tiredness, he rolled up his white sleeve, the top 3 buttons were undone. But he was not looking in my eyes. Is everything alright Manik? My mind screamed. I still felt his hands on my hips, holding securely and he was feeling lost. I could sense in his eyes, it didn't have the usual twinkle it has.
I put my hands on his chest, gradually building up the distance for us to speak comfortably.

"Mani, are you okay?" I asked, all I got in response was a hmm. However, he quickly left me and went to our room. Boy, you are not running away from me. Tell your problems. I know I am clingy wife, thats what the world thinks. But I love him and I can't see him upset. I feel unless and until you speak out the things bothering you, things will stay in your heart to haunt you. He feels otherwise I know. But he can't give me this silent treatment with no fault of mine. The dinner was quickly done and Manik has already changed into his pajamas. Generally, we both set the table and eat together. However, today he didn't help me with plating. He merely sat on the chair and gulped a glass of water.

I couldn't see him like this, breaking our routine. Everyone feels down, but let him atleast voice out! If he says, he is not in mood, I will definitely understand. But, staying quiet is not my thing.

I kept a hand on his shoulder and served him the dinner. He didn't even wait for me, he just began to eat. What in the world? I shrugged and eat my dinner. It was weird. Generally, we would discuss our day and spend time speaking sweet nothings, but today was awkward. After eating, he simply dumped the plate and went to our room. Basic courtesy Manik, wash your plates. I simply rolled my eyes and washed our dishes. I refilled water bottles and returned back to our room, only to witness Manik starring into the ceiling. He looks like some depressed person and this is not settling well with me. I called him twice, thrice no response. I shook him and that's when he reacted. But, I was shocked to see rage.

"Mani, I know something is not okay, can we talk?" I asked, regaining my patience. I cannot loose calm here. I am short tempered, but my anger is nothing in front of Manik's who seldom gets angry, but once he is angry, it will take several days for him to calm down.

" Leave me alone Nandini " he screamed as he held my arms roughly. I was still in shock. Never in the world I thought I would experience his rage. My inner shook in fear, but I will have to be a strong woman.

"Manik, I know something is not okay. But you cannot show anger on me with no fault of mine. I am just concerned about you" I said calmly. Hell I was everything but calm inside!

He grabbed my shoulders roughly and screamed in my ears as if I am deaf!
" How many times do you want me to tell huh? When I say leave me alone, you leave me alone bloody! "

" Manik, I know and I respect your space but "

"But what Nandini, you still bother me with so much questions "

"Manik, if you have a bad day, all you have to do is tell me instead of ignoring me like I don't exist!" I screamed equally annoyed. Boy, he don't get to ignore and shout at me with no fault of mine!!
" Don't you dare back talk me " and that's the moment guys. He raised his hands.

(To be continued)

A/N:
I am writing after so many months guys, do let me know your views on this chapter. Hopefully, I will update more frequently!

Question: What do you think of their fight? Will things be okay between them? How will they resolve the matter?

Lots of love ♡