Mission Manik Malhotra - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Last Chapter - Mission Manik Malhotra Accomplished.

~When I'm with you, I feel safe from all things that hurt me inside..~

We entered the NICU and saw Mukti and Harshad standing next to an incubator and peering affectionately into it. We made our way to them and they moved aside to let us see our daughter.

The sight took our breath away.

A tiny little baby with a tuft of soft black hair, peacefully slept inside the incubator, her little hands resting on each side and clasped into tight fists. A pair of small prongs delivered extra oxygen through her nostrils, helping her to breathe normally. She was much tinier than a normal baby, but definitely was the most beautiful and precious soul to us.

''We..we created her..'' Manik gasped, stunned. My hand dropped from his grasp as I continued staring, sharing the same feeling of disbelief. It felt like the scars on our hearts were promising to heal in no time just by looking at the newly-born child who was going to change our lives completely.

That fateful night, when us two shattered souls had made love - deep down, we did know something beautiful had taken place but today, we were actually seeing the extent of its beauty. This exquisite little baby was a living proof of our love.

I had loved my baby before she was born and now, seeing her with my eyes gave me an uncomparable sense of joy.

''My beautiful princess!'' I cried out gently and leaned forward to softly kiss her forehead.

''C-Can I pick her up?'' I asked one of the nurses there, my heart suddenly picking pace.

''Yes. Just be careful with the prongs.'' The nurse nearby demonstrated how to lift the baby safely and I carefully watched. I then gulped nervously and lifted the baby in my own arms. She was light as a feather.

She whimpered a little and then snuggled her tiny face into my chest, absorbing my warmth. A natural connect was formed the same moment.. one of the purest bonds - that of a mother and her child. She fit perfectly in my arms, like she was tailor-made for them. I instantly felt choked with emotion. Overwhelming feelings of love, care and protective-ness towards my child filled my heart.

''Manik, see - I gave birth to such a lovely little angel..'' I murmured in fascination. Holding her so close to my heart, I forgot all my pains and worries. This tiny angel gave me so much of strength and happiness all at once. Recieving no response, I looked up at Manik.

His eyes glistened with tears and he was intently gazing at both of us with utmost love and awe, taking in the sight and probably trying to deal with the million emotions that came with it.

After a while, he stepped forward and took one mini balled up fist of hers in his large palm and kissed it tenderly.
''She's so little, so beautiful..''

I smiled and nodded in agreement, looking at her proudly.

''...just like you.'' He completed and kissed my forehead next, just as tenderly as he kissed our daughter.

''And she's a fighter too.. Just like her daddy.'' I laughed a little. Manik smiled wide in adoration and ran his long finger very lightly across her chubby cheek.

I could hear Mukti and Harshad admiring us, standing on one side but my entire attention was taken up by the Daddy and his daughter.

''Tara.'' I announced suddenly.

Manik offered me a confused look and I explained ''Her name, Manik..''

''Oh..'' His face brightened up as soon as he registered what I meant. ''Tara..'' He looked at her and slowly called out. The utterly content and happy look that settled on his face made a smile break upon my face once again. I sent a silent prayer to the heavens, to let him keep smiling that way, always.