“Good morning, Mrs. Malhotra,” Manik’s deep voice came, husky with sleep yet mischievous.
Nandini turned, only to find him propped on his elbow, smirking down at her. “App… uth gaye?” she asked, her voice low and shy.
“Haan, tumhari saans ki awaz ne uthaya,” he teased, leaning closer.
She immediately pulled the duvet higher, glaring at him softly. “Aap ko mazak sujh raha hai subah-subah?”
“Hamesha. Tum meri zindagi ki subah ho,” he said, stealing a quick kiss on her forehead before she could protest.
Her blush deepened, but before things could escalate again, Mukti knocked loudly on the door. “Bhaiii! Bhabhi! Jaldi niklo. First breakfast together ka rasam hai!”
Nandini’s eyes widened in panic, while Manik chuckled. “Dekha? Sabse zyada excited meri behen hai.”
Downstairs, the family bustled with anticipation. Ayesha was instructing the helpers while Mukti hovered around the kitchen.
Nandini entered, draped in a maroon and golde suit, dupatta carefully pinned. She looked every bit the newly wedded, shy bride. Ayesha cupped her face lovingly. “Allah tumhe hamesha khush rakhe, beta. Aaj tumhari pehli rasam hai. Jo bhi dil kare banao.”
Nandini smiled nervously. “Ji, Aunty—meri matlab, Ammi.”
“Ammi kehna seekh lo,” Ayesha encouraged, making her heart warm.
After much thought, Nandini decided to make kheer, a sweet her mother always prepared on such occasions. As she stirred the milk, she recalled Zoya’s gentle smile and instructions from years ago.
Mukti peeked in. “Bhabhi, thoda extra sugar dalna. Bhai ko zyada meetha pasand hai.”
Nandini blushed, glancing at Manik who was leaning against the counter, arms folded, watching her intently.
“Bas dekhte hi rahenge? Madad bhi karenge?” she asked, trying to sound stern.
“Meri madad ki zaroorat toh tumhe raat ko thi…” he whispered under his breath.
Her eyes widened, spoon slipping slightly, and she glared at him. “Manik!”
Mukti gasped. “Ooo, kya secret baat chal rahi hai?”
“Nothing!” Nandini said quickly, cheeks crimson.
Later, when the kheer was served, the family gathered. Ayesha took the first bite and smiled with teary eyes. “Bilkul Zoya ki haath ki yaad aa gayi. Bohat mazay ki bani ha Nandini.”
Manik tasted next, locking eyes with Nandini. “Perfect. Bilkul tumhari tarah.”
Her heart skipped, and Mukti smirked knowingly.
By afternoon, the mansion was alive with hustle. The venue was decorated in ivory and gold, flowers arranged elegantly, and soft instrumental music played. Guests began arriving—relatives, business partners, old family friends.
Nandini sat beside Manik on the stage, both looking radiant as a couple. Compliments poured in, cameras flashed, and blessings showered over them.
Zoya and Asad mingled gracefully, making sure their daughter looked comfortable.
At one point, Manik leaned closer to Nandini. “meri lag rahi ho. Bohat piyari meri tu nazar he nahi hat rahi.”
She looked at him nervously. “Manik, sab dekh rahe hain. Please…”
“Exactly. Sabko pata chale ki tum meri ho.” His possessiveness was evident, but his tone carried warmth.
Later in the evening, after the main dinner, Zoya approached Ayesha gently. “Ayesha, ek rasam hoti hai—humari beti ek raat ke liye apne maayke aati hai. Sirf ek raat. Main chahti hoon ki Nandini bhi aaye kal.”
Ayesha smiled softly. “Bilkul. Rasam hai toh zaroor.”
Ayesha went up to Manik and Nandini and she told Nandini about the rasam.
But before Nandini could even smile, Manik interjected. “No.”
His jaw was tight, eyes firm. “Nandini yahin rahegi. Mujhe yeh rasam pasand nahi.”
“Manik…” Ayesha said, a little startled.
Ayesha placed a hand on his arm. “Beta, yeh sirf ek raat ki baat hai. Zoya ki taraf ki riwayat ha”
“No, Ammi. Main apni biwi ko abhi chhodne wala nahi,” he said sharply.
The atmosphere tensed. Nandini lowered her gaze, embarrassed. She gently tugged at his sleeve. “Manik, please. Sirf ek raat. Mams, baba ke liye.”
He looked at her, conflicted. “Tum sach mein jana chahti ho?”
She nodded softly. “Haan. Unke liye. Kal subah wapas aa jaungi.”
His possessiveness battled her pleading eyes. He finally sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But kal subah. Ek din se zyada nahi.”
Relief washed over Ayesha's face and she went and told Zoya that Nandini will.come .
Back in their room, Nandini carefully removed her heavy jewellery, still replaying Manik’s harsh tone in her head. He shut the door behind him and leaned against it, staring at her.
“You were so quick to agree,” he said bitterly.
She turned, surprised. “Manik, aap… yeh sirf ek rasam hai. Parents ke liye hai.”
He walked up, trapping her against the dresser. “Aur mera kya? Don’t you know I can’t stay without you even for a night?”
Her heart thudded. “Aap… itna possessive kyun hain?”
“Because I love you, dammit,” he whispered fiercely, cupping her face. “Mujhe darr lagta hai tum mujhse door na ho jao.”
Her breath caught, his raw confession melting her frustration. She placed a hand on his chest. “Main kahin nahi ja rahi. Main aapki hoon.”
His eyes softened. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. “Good. Bas yaad rakhna.”
After freeing herself from heavy clothing and makeup. She got her few essentials in bag for sleepover at her mum's and went down with Manik.
---
✨
Mystery
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Meri Jaan
Romance'Why can't you leave me alone' Nandani yelled helplessly. 'Why should I leave you? You are my life, Zindagi ban gayi ho meri' I whispered yelled each word so it stays in her mind forever. She ignored my confession as usual and pushed me away. 'Mer...
