A Part, Yet Apart

Chapter 113- Through Thick and Thin

Nandini's POV:

"New Years' party at home tonight. We must start acting on our plan from today" Manik said on the video call. "What about the party at resort tonight" I asked. Seriously I don't want to attend any parties tonight as I have no energy left after cleaning home. "Its a couples' only party anyway, staff will take care of it" Manik said. "I'm not even invited to your New Years' party, how can I come there?" I asked. "Mom sent invites to resort, for Cabir, for other business partners and clients, so you're already invited by mom" Manik smiled. "Aise karne se uska gussa shayad badh jayega" I said, my mind elsewhere. "Nandini, tell me what should I wear now, I'm getting ready for the party" he asked fixing his phone and he went to his wardrobe. "Hey, what do you think?" he called, holding up two shirts—oblivious to the fact that he was showing off far more than just his clothing choices. "Blue or white? I—" He paused and grinned wickedly at his phone screen. "Wait. Are you checking me out, Nandini?"

I dropped my gaze, but eyes darted up and lingered, helplessly admiring. "No! I was just... making sure you don't pick the ugly shirt," I mumbled, swallowing a sheepish smile. "Oh really?" Manik teased, stepping closer to the camera, shirt still draped haphazardly over one ridiculously bare shoulder. "Because you look awfully distracted for someone invested in my wardrobe". "You know what, Mr. Malhotra? You standing there half naked is not my fault. But..." I searched for words but the thought of having him forever in my life actually made me bolder. "You only belong to me, so maybe I get to stare as much as I like". He laughed, delighted, and tossed the shirts aside. "That's right. All yours. Just for the record, I don't think I'd want to belong to anyone else, or be ogled by anyone else on video call. Keep staring" he said. "Oh yeah, I can even remove the towel if you'd love to stare" he added. "Shut up! Go get ready, mujhe bhi ready hona hai" I said.

"This isn't fair, you didn't ask me what you'd wear?" he pouted. "Because thats going to be a surprise for you?" I said but honestly I didn't choose what to wear yet. "Ok tell me which one should I wear now?" he asked again. "On you, anything is approved," I shot back playfully. He slipped on the shirt with a flourish—still grinning and never breaking the gaze. Blushing, flustered, and happier than I'd ever admit, I ended the call—knowing, and loving, that every bit of him really mine. After I took a pile of dresses and sarees, I finally decided to wear a blush pink saree. "Does it really look good?" I video called Navya for her opinion. "Hmm...ye sawaal tho tumhe Manik se puchna chahiye tha" she teased. "He already asked me what to wear, I said I'd surprise him, but I have nothing to wear" I complained. "I'm sure Manik will like whatever you wear" she said. "But baat sirf Manik ki nahi hai, itne saal baad main unke ghar jaa rahi hu na" I said anxiously. "Oh pehli baar sasural jaane ki khushi" she asked. "Sasuraal ki khushi kam dar zyada hai" I said. 

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There were hardly any guests when I reached there. I've tried calling Manik but his phone is out of reach. When I tried calling Cabir, he appeared right in front of me. "Hi Cabir" I greeted him. "Hey Nandini, feeling nostalgic?" he asked. As we talked Nyonika aunty just came out with Mukti. "Hello aunty" Cabir wished her formally. She let a smile on seeing Cabir. "I'm glad that you've finally accepted Manik back home" he said. Her eyes were set on me while Cabir spoke to her. Thanks to the saree because she can't see my knees go weak or legs shaking. "Ye?" she referred to me. "Aap Nandini ko jaante hai na" Cabir said. "But I have invited your family and business partners, ye kyu yaha hai?" she said. "Oh Nandini has 10% stake in the resort, she works with us" Cabir said, "Nandini, aunty ko namaste nahi karogi?" Cabir and his infamous ideas. I extended my hand for a shake but she didn't look like she would ever shake hands with me. Is she the same warm Mrs. Malhotra who broke into tears seeing a jar of pickle!