|| ENDLESS LOVE || -- A MaNan FF

|| Chapter Ten ||

It was a new day, a new beginning. I opened my eyes feeling fresh, rejuvenated and loved. Nothing can beat the feeling of waking up next to the love of your life. Manik was still deep asleep mumbling something incorrigible as I wiggled myself from his embrace. I sat up slipping into his shirt to admire the view in front of me. It was magnificent. The sky was still dark and sun rays were threatening to cut their way into the blue sky. This really is a dream house. I curled up and hugged my knees tightly with my hands realizing that my body slightly aching from all the tumult of the previous day. I looked at the man responsible for this, he was sleeping like a baby and I couldn't take my eyes off from his beautiful face. It was perhaps almost 24 hours since I had arrived here, but somehow it feels like a week or more.

Everything is intense with Manik. His anger, his care, his guilt, his love, his desire- everything. My life which had been in black and white since the last three years suddenly started shining in high definition saturated colors. Ever since he stepped on my front door a week ago, it seems like life returned back into my veins. I am no longer blank. I am no longer passive. I am no longer lost. I feel completely alive and full of energy.

I cannot help but acknowledge what an amazing father he is turning out to be. A small smile played on my face which quickly turned into apprehension. He had gathered up a lot of baggage these past three years, so have I. We need to look towards the future, think about us and our kids.

I am still not sure what happened that day, three years ago, when I decided to run, but for now, I am not going to worry about it. I am not going to worry about anything other than my family. Manik loves me. Manik loves our kids. Period. I refuse to think beyond this. It is one day at a time and one task after another.

As of now, we need to find a school for the kids and set-up the new house. I clambered out of the bed and took a leisurely shower knowing that Nikki and Tara won't be up until another thirty minutes. I think I am going to make a big breakfast. I select a sari which is royal pink in color, I love the way it complements my complexion. I am sure Manik is going to like it. I notice the time. Oh no, they must be up. I quickly knot my hair and step outside, closing the door behind me. Mrs. Andrews is already out fixing up things in the kitchen. I smell coffee. "Good Morning" I mutter guiltily.

"Good morning ma'm. I checked on the kids, they are not awake yet. Would you like some coffee??" she asked very professionally.

"Oh. Yes, please. Do you make breakfast for Manik every morning?" I inquired.

"Mr. Malhotra doesn't eat anything in the morning. He only takes coffee, at least 2-3 cups, black." She answered. What? So much coffee, must be for his hangovers. I shake my head. Manik!! This is not done.

"Ohh..well I would like to make something. What do we have?" I ask.

"Not much ma'm. Mr. Malhotra hardly eats anything at home. That was why he ordered food even yesterday. The old refrigerator exclusively used to hold only alcohol." Mr. Andrews informed, with a tinge of disapproval. That was pretty indiscreet of her I thought.

"Right, could you go with one of the guys and get some things from the store? I am going to make a list." I politely ask her.

"Sure Mrs. Malhotra." She smiles. She seems to like me.

"Please call me Nandini." I smile back.

"Yes. Nandini." she smiled some more. I couldn't help notice that everyone was scared of Manik. Typical Manik, ever intimidating and acting all uptight. I hand her the list, sent her off and was pouring myself a cup of coffee.