MmThe morning sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains of the Malhotra mansion, painting the room in a golden glow. Nandini stirred first, her hair tousled, her hand still resting against Manik’s chest. He, of course, wasn’t one to let go so easily. His arm was firmly wrapped around her waist, and the moment she tried to slip away, his grip only tightened.
“Where do you think you’re going, Mrs. Malhotra?” His voice was groggy, husky, but laced with that possessive warmth only he carried.
She turned, rolling her eyes, though her heart skipped. “Kitchen… warna what will Ammi think.”
He smirked, pulling her even closer. “So? Let her think what she wants to. You’re not going anywhere. At least not without giving me my good-morning kiss.”
“Manik!” she hissed, cheeks heating, trying to push against his chest. “You’re impossible.”
“Exactly. And you love it,” he whispered, brushing his lips lightly across her forehead before letting her go. “Fine, jao. But remember, if you don’t come back quickly, I’ll drag you from the kitchen myself.”
Shaking her head, Nandini grabbed her dupatta and hurried downstairs.
The house was already buzzing. The household staff moved efficiently, but Ayesha liked all ladies to take part in the cooking. Nandini tied her hair into a messy bun and began preparing parathas.
Mukti entered with a sly grin. “Bhabhi, you woke up late today. Bhai must have kept you busy?”
“Mukti!” Nandini glared, flustered. “Nothing like that… I just overslept.”
“Haan haan, I believe you,” Mukti teased, grabbing a piece of fruit. “Bas, don’t burn the parathas while daydreaming about my brother.”
Before Nandini could retort, Ayesha walked in. Her sharp eyes softened when she saw Nandini working. “Beta. you don’t need to rush. The staff can handle most of it. But I like seeing you here—it feels like home.”
Nandini smiled, heart swelling at the warmth in Ayesha’s words. “Ammi, main manage kar lungi. Waise bhi, aapke haath ka paratha toh main bana nahi sakti, but I can at least try.”
Ayesha chuckled and touched her cheek lovingly.
When they all sat down for breakfast, Manik joined late, hair damp from a shower. He slid into the chair next to Nandini, deliberately close, ignoring Mukti’s exaggerated coughs.
“Tum ne mere liye coffee banayi?” he asked lowly, almost like a secret.
Nandini passed him the cup silently, her blush betraying her calm façade.
Mukti leaned in. “Wow, bhabhi already knows all his preferences. Soon she’ll be making him diet-friendly parathas too.”
Manik smirked. “No need. I like everything she makes. Even if it’s burnt.”
Nandini kicked his foot under the table, making him stifle a laugh. The breakfast continued with laughter, bickering, and that rare sense of family peace.
Later in the day, Nandini rushed to the hospital. She and Mukti were both caught up with rounds, treating patients. During a short break, Mukti nudged her.
“Nandini you’ve changed.”
“Kya matlab?” Nandini frowned.
“You smile more now. You look… settled. Bhai finally behaving?”
Nandini hesitated, then gave a small smile. “He’s still the same angry young man. But… he’s softer with me. Possessive, yes. But he listens, too. Sometimes.”
Mukti squeezed her hand. “Good. He deserves you. And you deserve happiness.”
At that very moment, Manik appeared at the hospital cafeteria, casually leaning against the doorframe. His eyes found Nandini instantly, and he walked over with that lazy confidence.
“Mujhe tumhari yaad aa rahi thi,” he said, sliding a coffee cup toward her.
Nandini flushed. “Manik, yahan bhi? You didn’t have to come.”
“Of course, I did,” he said simply. “I wanted to see you. Simple.”
Mukti groaned, rolling her eyes. “Bas karo tum dono. Yeh hospital hai, not your personal dating spot.”
The three of them laughed, the tension from the past weeks slowly fading.
That weekend, Faiza and Ibrahim dropped by casually, bringing sweets. The house filled with chatter and noise again. Ibrahim pulled Manik into a playful headlock while Faiza and Ayesha fussed over Nandini’s cooking experiments.
“See? She’s already the perfect bahu,” Faiza teased, making Nandini blush.
Manik, not missing the chance, leaned close to whisper, “Perfect wife too.”
She pinched his arm under the table, making him wince, while Mukti burst out laughing.
The evening stretched on with endless stories, shared laughter, and teasing banter. Nandini sat quietly for a moment, just soaking in the warmth—something she hadn’t known she craved until now.
That night, when the house finally quieted, Manik tugged Nandini’s hand and led her to the rooftop. The city lights sparkled, the night breeze cool against their skin.
He sat down, pulling her close against him. “This… this is my favorite time. Just you and me. No noise, no fights, no family drama. Bas hum.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “It does feel peaceful.”
“Tell me something,” he said suddenly, tilting her chin up. “What do you dream about? Future… kids… life?”
She flushed crimson. “Manik, stop.”
“No, really. I want to know. Because my dream is simple—you. With me. Always. And maybe… little versions of you running around.”
“Manik!” she swatted his chest, burying her face against him.
He laughed, pressing a kiss to her hair. “You blush so easily. God, I love that.”
Silence lingered between them, soft and warm. Then he tipped her face up and kissed her gently, not rushed or demanding this time. Just slow, tender, filled with promises unspoken.
When they finally pulled apart, Nandini whispered, “I think… this is happiness.”
Manik’s arm tightened around her. “No. This is just the beginning.”
The next morning at breakfast, Ayesha mentioned casually, “By the way, extended family will be visiting soon. We should start thinking about Mukti’s engagement preparations.”
Mukti groaned but didn’t protest this time. Nandini caught Manik’s gaze and smiled.
The house, after weeks of storms and drama, felt calm. And in that calm, everyone found strength again.
✨️
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...
