Chapter 57

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Chapter - 57

Location - Peter Island

You are such a Monster Manik! I hate you! Nandini stated the biggest lie of the universe and giving him a bonus black look - moved into their Villa - stomping her feet with puffed up cheeks. Considering her state; drunken and weak out of fading fever; Manik had brought or to be more precise - had literally towed her back home and this act - which didn't had her seal of approval and was done against her wishes - had pissed the stubborn baby off. Manik's lips twitched into a smile - a smile which; if truth be told; had never left and kind of frozen on his face owing to her non-stop and extremely chucklesome antics - and then countering her little white lie, he replied, taking his seat beside her on the sofa But I Love You! And I know You Love me too! She made a poker face and denied, moving her index finger and head sideways as special effects to go along with her words No! I don't Love You! I don't Love You Because .. Because .. She paused and bit her finger, trying to recall the big reason of hate that just slipped from her mind and on failing miserably - even after churning up her grey matter; she sighed a defeat and asked, looking at him from the corners of her eyes Mujhe .. Mujhe yaad nahi araha. Tumhe reason pata hai kya? Amused by the cutest forgetfulness; he laughed quietly - not wanting to tickle the already irked Mini - Monster - and then clearing his throat, he replied, tongue in cheek Haan! Pata hai na. Because main tumhe wahan se zabardasti wapas le aya. A big grin stretched across her face and her eyes dilated as wide as they could at the aha! moment but then quickly getting back to the angry mode; she continued, crossing her arms on her chest Yes! That is why I don't Love. Mujhe wahan rehna tha beach per! But tumne mujhe rehne nahi diya. I hate you Manik! He was about to say the stock 'But I Love You' stuff when something mischeivous cropped up in his brain and acting accordingly, he began with his drama, pulling a long face Tumhe abhi bhi thoda sa fever hai na aur yahan per bhi toh beach hai. I did all this; taki tum jab bhi rest karna chaho toh travel ni karna padega. Per I shouldn't have done this. I am Sorry! I think I am very bad. Tum ne aaj doosri baar bola that you hate me. I am really hurt Nandini! His words instantly influenced her sensitive heart and chucking the anger; she asked innocently, turning to him and blinking her eyes nimbly You are hurt? He nodded; making a puppy face and replied, pointing his index finger towards his heart Yes! I am hurt! Here! Staying mum; she stooped closer to his heart, dropped a gentle kiss over it and then spoke, reposing her head on his shoulder and holding her ears Sorrry for hurting you! I don't hate you Manik. Main angry thi na isliye boldiya bas aise hi. You are not bad. Not even 0%. You are tooo good. And that is why I Love You. So Much. Saying so; she wrapped her tiny arms around him and squeezed him tightly; hugging him with all her Love and smiling to the fullest at her babyish ways; he nestled her in his lap and captured her lips with his for a soft lazy kiss to vent out all the endearment he felt for her at that moment. Sensing her shudder and struggle for oxygen; he broke away and giving a baby look; she accused whilst puffing and panting You are a Chor Manik! Raising his brows; he cuddled her closer and asked, brushing a wisp of hair away from her face Accha? Aur kya churaya hai maine? Surprising him; she kissed him again - but briefly - on his lips and then answered, smiling naughtily You stole my kiss. But ab its okay. I took it back. Letting out a hearty laugh; he gave her a smacker on her cheek and enveloped her in a bear hug.

. . . . .

Aise kya dekhrahe ho Baby sky ko? Manik asked Nandini who; with her full interest invested; was deeply involved in gazing at the heavens above. Dusk had already cracked and at Her Highness' behest - they were having their dinner out - sitting on the white sand of the beach and while goggling at the starlit night sky. She munched on the morsel that Manik had just fed her with and replied, glancing at him for a nanosecond and again shifting her focus back on the moon I am watching Noom! Kitna accha lagraha hai. Full White! He smiled at her tongue's cutesy alphabet jumbling and just hmmed and then she added, staring thoughtfully at the moon Manik I think humein Moon pe ek room book karna chahiye! Chotu Sa! 400 sq. Ft wala. Regaled by her tipsy brain's sudden and out of the ordinary idea; he chuckled and asked, seeming intrigued Accha? Moon pe room chahiye mere baby ko? Kiun? She bobbed her head like a two - year old and then answered, slurring her words Kiun ke Manik see na - thish moon is sho close to stars. You Love stars na! Agar hum wahan room book karenge toh .. She hiccupped on which he made her drink some water and then she continued Agar hum wahan jaenge na Manik toh hum stars ko inni kareeeb se dekh sakenge. Woowww! And you know what? He gestured a 'What?' - already knowing that something cute was on the way - and then she whispered, leaning closer to his ear Wahan janey ke baad na tum mujhe lift karna aur main chupke se ek star chori karlungi tumhare liye. Ek dum secretly! Shhh! Though being totally senseless and purely produced by zonked intellect; her talks didn't fail to touch his heart and twinkling admirably - he kissed her lips with all his Love and then she asked, expectantly Hum jaenge na? He just smiled in answer and taking it as a Yes; she flashed a toothy beam and said, continuing her jejune planning Hum na holiday per jaenge. Aur sabko saath lekar jaenge. How cute no! Keeping quiet; he simply reveled in the adorbs of his liquored up lady Love and after an extensive concoction of the exclusive holiday on the Moon; she yawned and like a baby, just crawled up to him and snugged down in his lap. Awwing at her chotuness; he pecked her nose and asked, cupping her cheek Baby Sleepy? She nodded against his shoulder and burrowed more into him - impossibly closer - and snuggling her in his warmth; he wished her a good night with a kiss on her forehead and calling it a day; made his way into the villa - carrying her in his arms.

. . . . .

God! Why on the earth is the Manager calling me now? Kuch time khud se handle nahi karsakte yeh log kuch bhi! Manik huffed; shooting daggers at the Caller ID displaying on the screen of his chiming Phone. With loads of leg pulling by the opportunist Manik and sheepish realization of her inebriation on waking up in the late morning followed by a sumptuous brunch and their usual romance - the day had ticked past its afternoon and was welcoming a balmy evening. Thanks to the mild alcoholic content; Nandini wasn't having a hangover and in fact was in the pink of her health - her temperature having finally toned down to normal. Lounged in the Veranda; MaNan were spending their time in a simple and sweet way - playing a board game when his phone began ringing and never quietened; intervening their time and irritating Manik. She urged him to take the call and reluctantly; after a lot of procrastinating - he received the call and on learning that work needs him; excused himself for discussing about an important deal. Minutes passed, she had gone through all of her and also his social media accounts and he was still not done with the call. Bored; she came back to their room, read a few pages of Pregnancy Guide, switched on the idiot box, zapped through a lot of channels, shut it on finding nothing worth watching, roamed in the Villa for some time and ended up in the kitchen searching for something to eat. She wasn't really hungry but just wanted something sweet to munch on. The counter was flooded with snacks, fruits and dry fruits but none of it was what she actually needed to chomp on. Not getting the 'thing' which had now become a puzzle; even after hunting through the whole kitchen - she pulled out some ingredients and dishes to instinctively cook something; based on her liking; and was about to start - when Manik; who had come looking for her; stopped her and asked Kya hua baby? Bhook lagrahi thi toh bolna chahiye tha na. Sorry kuch zyada hi time lag gaya. But now that I am here - I will cook. Tum bas batao ke kya khana hai tumhe. She let out an exasperated sigh; unable to decode that specific food herself; and replied, explaining her dilemma Something sweet though, but I am not sure what exactly. Baby ko kuch khana hai per mujhe samajh nahi araha kya. That's why I thought of cooking randomly and taste in between; So that i'll end up with what I and she want to eat. She spelled out and after meditating over the 'tough-like-math-problem' issue for a while; he made her sit on the kitchen slab and said, easing the creases formed on her Hmm! Its complicated but why fear when your Manik is here? Hum dono saath mein banaenge. Tum bas suggest karti jao - I will cook aur tum taste karke dekhna. Okaye? She affirmed and then without any further ado; Manik put on the apron and set the cooking ball rolling.

. . . . .

From instant ready - to - cook Kheer to basic American pancakes to around 10 different sweet recipes; some random and others from internet; Manik in Nandini's guidance; had rustled up an entire celebration meal in the last 2 hours but sadly, even after toiling to bones and cooking continuously like never before; they couldn't crack the code of whatever their baby was craving for. Every selected course; while and upon its preparation; gave the positive 'Eureka!' vibes which eventually proved nothing but false as every plate ended up getting gloriously rejected after being trialed by Nandini. Tired and exhausted; Manik propped up against the Cabinet - taking a short physical break from the challenging task while his mind soldiered on with the puzzling out business. Providing her with everything and anything she asks, wishes and dreams for - was his pigeon and the very inability of giving her and the baby whatever they were aching for had put him on tenterhooks. He was ill at ease and sensing this, Nandini coiled her hand around him and relaxed her head on his shoulder in assurance. They were in a fix; neither could they just let it be as the urge was too strong and nor were they able to get the solution. And to make it more difficult; Nandini had begun to feel hungry but kept herself from eating anything as both her palate and the baby were adamant on having only and only that mysterious thing. Restless with the growing need for food and knowing she couldn't control more; Nandini pulled out a carton of Milano biscuits from a nearby Cabinet and started munching on them lazily. Two seconds of momentary silence prevailed and suddenly, startling Manik, Nandini exclaimed joyfully, as the sweet flavor and buttery goodness of cookies melted in her mouth and cheered up her taste buds Manik! This is what she wants! Flabbergasted was the word for Manik and he didn't know if he should smile or cry. He devoted himself to the vessels and stove, experimented with food for around 150 minutes, experienced what being in the reality show MasterChef felt like and his Princess just wanted a Milano. He laughed at himself and asked, overwhelmed by the revelation Bas itna hi? Only Milano? Nandini tee - heed at his question and replied, unveiling the million dollar 'thing' which wasn't only a Milano Mr. Malhotra! If you think your baby is so easy. Then you're totally wrong. She actually wants a coffee flavored dark chocolate hot fudge with cold Vanilla Ice Cream. He gaped at her in disbelief for a couple of minutes and then asked, tittering And you got that from a Milano? Seriously? He mocked and laughed out loud and making an angry pout, she replied Thank Aiyappa first and then me. At least mujhe pata toh chala what your baby wants to eat. Otherwise it would have taken you two days to crack your daughter's bon appetite code. Saying so; she puffed up her cheeks and turned her face to the other side. He smiled at his tantrum queen and then making her look in his eyes; he locked her in his arms and said, after sucking her lips lovingly Usse bhi zyada time lagta na, tho bhi main try karna band nahi karta. It is for you and our baby after all. And waise bhi, akhir beti kiski hai? He pointed towards himself and spoke further Manik Malhotra Ki beti hai! Uske wishes simple kaise ho sakte hain? She smiled at his earnest dedication and also the latter truth and returning the favor; he gave her a quickie kiss and then dialing up Manager's number, right away ordered him to be present with the 'Coffee Flavoured Dark Chocolate Hot Fudge with Cold Vanilla Ice Cream' within 10 minutes to which he, of course; complied.

. . . . .

Being way too excited; itching and also famished - Nandini sort of forgot offering the dessert to Manik and took it on her shoulders to polish it off. While she slurped and licked and savored the bonny bouche to the fullest - Manik feasted his eyes on her - something he could never get enough of. Just when the she gulped down the last spoon and bothered to look at him; it dawned upon her that she hadn't shared her food; for the first time; with Manik. Punching and kicking herself in mind out of guilt; she made a sorry face and said, apologetically I am so Sorry Manik! How mean of me! Tum itna kaam karrahe they jabse aur maine pucha bhi nahi. I am so b.. Shushing her; he pressed his lips on hers and kissed her with dominance - indulging himself in her chocolaty sweetness. Still in the kiss; he picked her off the dining table, wend his way into their room, latched the door and gently reclined on the bed. His proximity had like always; numbed her body and also - she was too lost in his kiss to react. Breathless; he pulled apart and said huskily, resting his forehead on hers and lingering his fingers on the shoulder straps of her top You don't need to be Sorry for anything Love. About the dessert; I would love to have my favorite one. The sweetest of all. Should I? His deep dark orbs; hooded with Passion sent sparks up her spine, causing her to quiver and she bloomed red as blood rushed into her head and warmed her skin. She could only blink and smiling at her with utmost Love; he muttered an I Love You and kissed her once again. Pulling a quilt over; he peeled the clothes off and entwined himself with her. Desires ignited their bodies, their lips inflamed. He snogged her; tenderly and with consuming fervor, madly and being mindful of her delicate condition at the same time and she basked in his touch; her every inch melting into him, like wax in fire. The rest of the world faded around and he Loved her, a little more amorously as the moments wore on and as the night grew young.

. . . . .

Manik if You don't mind main ek baat kahun? Nandini put forth hesitantly; as they lazed around at the Honeymoon beach the next day - soaking in the cool morning Sun whilst sipping on refreshing beverages. Pinched by her act of seeking permission; he backed a little bit away from her and replied dejectedly, detangling his fingers that were interlaced with hers Haan! Main toh zaroor mind karoonga. Aaj tak maine waise bhi tumhari kounsi baat mani hai! Hai na? Struck by the guilty conscience of having offended him; she bit her tongue, mumbled some curses under her breath to herself and said, creeping closer to him and hooking her arms around his elbow I am So Sorry Manik! I didn't mean to hurt you! I am really Sorry! No matter what she does or say; he could never be upset with her as her one Sorry was magical enough to mollify his love - sick heart in a click and heaving a breath; he replied, sliding his hand in her hair to spoon it around her neck Nandini tum acche se jaanti ho tum mujhse kuch bhi kehsakti ho. Tumhari baatein sunne ke liye hi toh main hoon. You don't ever need to ask. Chalo ab bolo jo bhi tumhare dil mein hain. Smilingly; she pecked the corners of his lips and then spoke, voicing her thoughts Manik mujhe Dad ki bohot yaad arahi hai. I don't know why but I am missing him so much since yesterday. I just want to meet him. Subah se teen baar phone bhi kiya per he is so busy. Pehle toh aisa kabhi nahi hua ke Dad ke paas mujhse baat karne ke liye time nahi hai. Hum London chalein kya? Much to her confusion; his mouth hung slightly open and he tore his eye lids at her with utter shock written all over his pale face. He had knowledge of the reason that was restricting the King from talking to his Princess but was bound by a strict promise; taken by the King himself; of keeping it as a secret for the sake of his Princess' well being. And on seeing the Princess become suspicious out of the blue and all by herself; despite having exactly no idea about things being wrong; Manik couldn't help getting speechless. Breaking his trance; Nandini poked his shoulder and asked, arching her brows Kya hua? Aise kyun dekhrahe ho? Still dazed; he parted his lips to speak but snap them shut, gulped nervously, gathered some wits and then said, his voice raspy and barely audible Kuch nahi! Mujhe kya hoga? I am more than okay with going per Baby! Iski kya zaroorat hai? Dad call nahi utharahe hain iska matlab hai woh kisi cheez mein engaged hain. Agar hum gaye aur woh busy rahey toh? Anyway jab time milega toh Dad sabse pehle tumhe hi wapas call karenge. His words were correct at their place but her heart wasn't convinced and she replied, expressing the same Haan karenge per pata nahi kab. Already main kal se iss cheez ko taal rahi thi. Ab aur nahi hoga mujhse. Apart from this - I am also having negative intuitions. Aisa kabhi nahi hua 4 saalon main ke maine Dad ko phone kiya aur unhone nahi uthaya. You remember? London Business Meet ko pause kardiya tha Dad ne mera phone receive karne ke liye. I just hope everything is fine. His lips curved into a smile at the connection she has with his father and after learning about her instincts; he knew he couldn't stand by his words and hold her back. Planting a kiss on her forehead; he held her face between his palms and said reverently I seriously wonder how could I be so Lucky to have you! Tumhe jaana hai? Toh hum zaroor jaenge. Your wish is my command. She grinned vibrantly with happiness gleaming in her eyes and smiling more; he asked Yeh sab toh theek hai per tumne yeh kiun laga ke I would mind this? Hmm? She averted her eyes and answered skittishly Woh tumne yeh trip plan ki hamare liye. Aur abhi two days baki hai. Phir hum sabke saath busy hojaenge. Toh isliye .. Gently, he gave her head a hit with his and then said puckishly, caressing her face Mrs. Malhotra! Aap mujhe underestimate karrahe ho. You think kisike honey ya na honey se mujhe fark padta hai? Of course not! Main kabhi bhi kahin bhi aapse romance karsakta hoon! Aur rahi baat trip ki toh - jab dil chahega hum kahin aur chalejaenge. Mujhe jagah se koi matlab nahi .. Bas dil ko tu chahiye .. tu Chahiye .. Bas tu chahiye! She blushed and ran; pushing him away as he advanced for a kiss - leaving him smiling and back to chase.

. . . . .

Being the Genie he is; Manik had arranged for everything in no time and before she could even realize; they bade bye to the Island with lots of cherish able memories, took a flight from Tortola to London, landed in the City of Westminster and were now entering the gate of their Mansion in London. While Manik fidgeted imagining the consequences of their unannounced visit; Nandini with all her exhilaration - zoomed in, carefully climbed the stairs and dashed into her Dad's masculine bedroom only to get a frozen at the threshold by the least expected and gut - wrenching scenario of her beloved Dad lying weak on the bed with a doctor sitting by his side. Tears welled up in her eyes as her heart sank watching her ever so Strong and Hero Dad bedridden amidst glucose and medicines. Taking baby steps; she reached to his bed and murmured in a hushed and choked tone, curling her little finger with his Dadda! Astound; he shot open his eyes to find the most pleasant surprise that could ever be for him and said, with a smile spreading on his lips Princess! Having figured out the reason behind her anxiety; she sobbed and clung to his big arm. Giving the nurse and Doctor a 'dunya-hila-dene-wala' jhatka; Mr. Malhotra smiled and said, keeping his hand on his head No Crying Princess! I am perfectly fine. You know Dadda hates your tears. She sniffed and then replied, raising upright and waggling her head Jhoot bolrahe ho aap! Agar aap theek ho toh aise bed per kiun lete ho? Kya hua hai aapko? Doctor! What happened to him? She asked turning to the doctor and instantaneously; he replied humbly in his British accent His Blood Pressure has fallen fatally Low and his body is affected by Viral. But its under check now. We've been treating him since yesterday. She sighed a relief and asked further, getting into her considerate clothes while Mr. Malhotra looked on at his caring Princess with Love But why? What caused the Blood Pressure to droop? Instead of the Doc, the answer came from an equally emotional Manik Late night tak; thand mein - khana aur dawai skip karke kaam karte rahenge toh tabyat toh kharab hogi hi na! Kya zaroorat thi aapko itna stress lene ki? He took a pew on a stool and Mr. Malhotra reprimanded in his rich heavy voice; louring at him Maine jo kiya woh kiya! Per tuney kya kiya? Bola tha na maine ke ussey bataker pareshan mat karna. Ek kaam diya tha woh bhi tujhse nahi hua! Manik made a moue and spoke in his defense Mr. King! Don't blame me. Maine kisiko kuch nahi bataya! Aapki Princess ko hi khud sujha! She is very sharp in all this. Uski sixth sense ne ussey batadiya ke something is not right. Yaad aaney lagi uski aapko! Aur bas! Hum yahan pahonch gaye. Both smiled at her deep affection but the next second the color of their faces drained on hearing her yell, her voice shrill in fury Aapne Manik ko bataya aur mujhe nahi? Manik tumhe pata tha aur tumne mujhe nahi bataya! Aap dono ne itni badi baat mujhse chupayi! How could you both do this? The duo exchanged glances and before they could even utter something in justification; she threw a scowl at them, jumped off the bed and stormed out of the room.

To be continued.....

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