For Infinity

Part 26: Changes are certain

It was a Saturday afternoon and after having a lunch date, the King and his Queen were cuddling each other on his King sized bed. After what had happened their relation grew nothing but stronger. The trust they had was almost invincible.

Manik was lying on his back, while Nandini was lying on him. Apparently, for her he was softer than his bed. He had held by her waist so tight and she was literally straddling him. There was no awkwardness. They had grown so close that they were completely comfortable in each other's skin.

"Manik?" Nandini whispered.
"Yes babe?" Manik was brushing her hair with his fingers like she was his child.
"I miss them" She replied. Her voice was hoarse as if she was on the verge of crying. Manik noticed it and immediately panicked. He sat up with his back resting on the board and placed her delicately on his laps. He cocooned her in his protective embrace.

"Who? What happened?" He asked her lovingly.
"Amma and Appa. I miss them. Will they be proud of me Manik?" Her words were filled with pain. The loss of her parents was something that has haunted her all her life.

Manik tightened his hold on her in response. He knew she was in need of his love and support.
"Babe.. Ofcourse they would be proud of you. Look at you. So strong and talented and beautiful. They are smiling at you from the heaven, my girl." He kissed her forehead. She said nothing but was drawing lines over his heart. A sign that she was thinking something.
"What are you thinking Nandini? Why did you say this all of a sudden?" He asked. She stopped doodling and looked up at him. Her eyes shined because of the unshed tears. Her lips quivered. But, she composed herself, somehow.
"The way you hold me, protect me and care for me Manik is something I have been missing out since they passed away. No matter how much Amms and Chacha-Chachi tried, they could not take away the emptiness. But, Manik I feel Amma's love and Appa's presence whenever I'm with you. You remind me of them. It's because of you that I'm finally able to move on from the pain and remember my parents in a happy way."

Nandini's pure confession made him feel some emotions he had never felt before.
"You will always have me Nandini. I will love you like a mother and protect you like a father. That's my promise." He cooed to her.