Malhotra's Bride ✔️

Chapter 31

Next morning Manik and Nandini got up late due to exhaustion.By the time they reached downstairs it was 10oclock.

Raj  was in the office and Swetha in the home.She cooked freshly for them and they filled her with details of trip and shopping. Lazing in the hall they waited for Raj to come for lunch. After his arrival all of them had lunch and gave the presents bought by them but they got to know that the dry fruits which they specially ordered for all the families   in Srinagar were delayed.Manik too joined Raj to office casually even though he will be starting to attend from next day. Nandini and Swetha  unpacked the luggage and properly divided the gifts for all the families.

Same day Nandini and Manik reached Murthy Mansion for dinner as Nandini will also joining hospital from next day.
Avni and Vishwa  were delighted to see their daughter after a week.Abhi and Aru too joined them shortly.Having dinner and Sharing the adventure rides and gifts they had their dinner.
Late night they started journey to Malhotra's.

Next morning

Manik was the one who was up first.It was 6 in the morning so he decided to hit the gym in the home after a long gap. After completing his session he reached his room to see Nandini still sleeping .So he went to bath and came near Nandini to wake her up.

Sitting on the bed Manik started to wake her up and reminded her about her work and hospital.
Nandini woke up quickly listening to the word work and hospital.
Grogily she leaned on Manik's shoulder inhaling his  perfume which was not so strong but felt fresh and masculine.
Sniffing the smell Nandini asked, 'It's so refreshing Manik ,nice perfume'.

Seeing her sniffing like a cute puppy in her half sleep state Manik laughed inwardly.
'Thank you Nandini but I think you don't wanna be late to the hospital.So get up now, I'll be downstairs'Manik answered.

'Aye Aye captain'.

Nandini left to washroom with half open eyes making Manik chuckle.

By 7 Nandini reached kitchen to see it empty.Even  Manik was not there in the Hall. Not knowing what to do Nandini started to wash potatoes in case if all want to eat aloo paratha.But she only knows till boiling potatoes.
Listening to footsteps Nandini turned and saw her mother in law with a surprised look on her face.

Swetha. :Arey you are early than me beta .

Nandini : Good morning Mom.

Swetha : Good morning beta.So what are you preparing for breakfast?

Nandini's  face lost its colour listening this.

Preparing breakfast and she ,looks like no one wants to be on time for their respective works thought nandini.

Seeing Nandini's face Swetha couldn't control her smile and patted Nandini's back.

Swetha  :Arey there is nothing wrong if you don't know how to cook.Even Manik doesn't know cooking.

Nandini  : Thank you mom.

Swetha   : Comeon now let me get started with aloo paratha as you already started it.

Nandini  :Can I be of any help.

Swetha   : Little help would be good.

The new Daughter in law and Mother in law pair cooked the breakfast gossiping as Swetha was informing about their relatives who reside in Mumbai and both Manik and Nandini have to visit them .

Here Raj and Manik were in study discussing office matters.
Reaching dining hall they saw dishes were already kept there.

All four of them had their breakfast and Manik dropped Nandini to hospital as her car was still in Murthy Mansion.Dropping her and asking  about her shift timing Manik reaches office .

Next day Aru brought Nandini's car to hospital in the morning.So she called to inform him about the same .But Manik didn't wanted this thing ,he liked dropping her and picking her up daily.He thought of something and continued his work.

After dinner both of them were in their room,Manik with a laptop and Nandini in closet .

Seeing her coming to the bed Manik asked started the conversation.

'Don't you think pollution is in it's peak stage these days Nandini ',asked Manik.
Nandini gave a quizzical look to him but still agreed with his statement.

So don't you think we should be doing our own contribution to lessen pollution continued Manik.
'Of course Manik' .

So as you got your car today why don't we do carpooling.
'Carpooling with whom', questioned Nandini.

'Ofcourse we both , tomorrow it will be me who will drop you and pick you up and next day it will be you who will be doing the same ',exclaimed Manik.
Nice idea Manik but once you were the one who said that your office comes  after my hospital, questioned Nandini.

Ofcourse Manik remembered that,it was on the day they were shopping for jewelry. Taking a deep breath and trying to be more convincing Manik said that it will be just 20 mins drive which is not a big deal and they can start a little early if they want to.

Convinced Nandini said ok to the arrangement.
Next day Manik dropped Nandini near the entrance where they met Navya . After a little talk Manik took his leave.

What happened to your car asked Navya.
Nandini summarised yesterday's conversation to Navya.

How romantic exclaimed Navya.

Nandini just a questioning look to Navya who gushing over it.

See nandu  thses little arrangement is about you two spending more alone time for Manik.How can you be so dumb Navya said.

After a little thinking Nandini felt happy and stupid for not getting this yesterday.

Hey I'm not dumb retorted Nandini.

Sure Sure said Navya went in direction of her department.

Sitting in her chair Nandini was thinking about the efforts Manik puts in their Marriage.Sometimes it looks like he is only one in their relationship showing efforts.It may be their honeymoon destination or gifting her a whole new wardrobe, waking her daily, taking her on a date, trying to spend little extra time with her.
It may be overwhelming but at the same time felt bad for not reciprocating the same efforts . knowing that a relation will flourish if both the partners are equally into it and thinkin about it Nandini resumed her work .