I Need You To Be There.... For a little more than Always!!
Part 49:
Nandini: Abhi... Not just my mind, he has gotten his way deep into my heart too!!

Abhi: Not again...
Abhi groaned irritated at it making Nandini giggle.

Abhi: See nandini... What am I to u?? Ur brother right. So Manik has to impress me first to get to u!!

Nandini: Ohh really and who says that??

Abhi: Mee... I m ur brother yr!! U listen to me kiddo, don't say yes to whenever he confesses ohk!! At least not before getting my approval.

Nandini: Aww sorry Mr. Big Brother.... But u r late. I already said YES to him.
Nandini said as she placed her lips over Manik's with a beautiful smile on her face.

She could feel his smile against her face as she kissed him back while they heard Abhi's voice,
Abhi: What?? When?? Why didn't u tell me that he proposed... Does that mean that u guys r actually a couple now!??

Nandini did heard all her questions but choose to ignore them as she lost herself into the kiss. Manik rolled over onto the bed getting her under him as they continued kissing when she heard Abhi ranting another question,
Abhi: Kiddo...  U hv never been in a relationship ever before!! Are u really serious about him?

Nandini immediately broke the kiss catching her breath as she looked deep into Manik's eyes and replied,
Nandini: Abhi... I m more serious than my life. Don't ever doubt that!

It was as if she was trying to tell this to Manik rather than Abhi. Manik tightened his grip over hers still looking feel into her eyes.

Abhi: I m very happy for u!! But.... I want to meet this guy, now that I know that my kiddo is so hopelessly in love with him, i think I should meet him.

Nandini: No Mr. There is no such need... Vese bhi I don't want to witness another dramatic fight scene anytime sooner.

Nandini said glaring at Manik while he simply shrugged when she heard Abhi say,
Abhi: That we'll see... So I m coming tmrw to meet him.

Nandini broadened her eyes listening to him, as her gaze shifted from Manik to her phone, which was now at the other end of the bed, and back to Manik.
Nandini: NO.... U r not coming here abhi!! And moreover if u hv forgotten u hv to go back to vegas tmrw.

Manik smiled at her panicked face thinking about their next meeting when he noticed Abhi had gone silent as he slowly said,
Abhi: Ohh yes... I do!

Manik noticed the change of his tone changed to a pained one which was soon reflected into Nandini's eyes too.

Abhi: That place suffocates me kiddo!! It suffocates me without u being there. Plz come back! Plz.......

Abhi's voice came in a pleading tone making it evident how he would cry any moment while Nandini already had tears filling up her eyes as her gaze was now fixed towards the other side trying to hide those from Manik. When she said in a strong voice.

Nandini: Abhi... I hv said it to u a number of times today. U can talk to me about anything but about vegas or the people there. I hv left that part of my life far far behind me, four years back and if there is anything that I would want back then its simply ur friendship, ur support n u.

Manik knew she was trying very hard to not break down as her voice kept on failing her. She didn't let her tears flow down and clutched the bedsheet tight in her palms to control herself when Abhi lost his calm and shouted,

Abhi: Oo really Nandini..... So u don't care about anyone over there.... U don't wanna know how they are.... U don't wanna know if they miss u or not.... All day today I kept on waiting for any one question that u would ask me about them, but now I think u really don't care right. U will keep on playing with ur fingers and tightening ur palms, hiding ur eyes from me.... But Nandini Moorthy, u r forgetting that I m the one who hv always had ur entire soul reflected onto me and I still do. U keep on lying to me, and I'll keep on persuading u to come back.

Abhi shouted out loud all that he had been hiding within him and this time Nandini couldn't just stop herself. The wall that she had created around herself broke down as she let her tears flow down. Manik thought about to get up from above her, but leaving her in this state was the last thing he wanted. He slowly made her face him, as Nandini looked at him once, not trying to hide her pain and hugged him tight hiding in his arms.

Abhi too heard her cries and softened his voice,
Abhi: Kiddo what happened was a misunderstanding. And it has taken all of us too far away. Plz... Forgive him!! I know u Love him enough to let him off the guilt he is living under. He has Loved u more than anything else in his life and he always will Nandini. U know that right, then can't u forgive him for that one day.
And this time it was like, a arrow had pierced right through Manik's heart. Someone loves the girl that is his life. He slightly broke the hug and looked at Nandini who was still wailing. He could see her pain clearly and yes, she loved this person too, which he could see clearly in her eyes. Manik tightened his grip around her waist, immediately reflecting his possessiveness, but Nandini was too lost in Abhi's words to realise it.

Abhi: Plz forgive Him Kiddo!! Plz forget Rishab... I hv seen him living in guilt for too long now. He has been living in the guilt for being the reason for ur death. He doesn't even know that u r alive Nandini. None of them know that u r alive.

Shocked would be an understatement for what Manik was feeling. This was the first time, he was knowing anything about Nandini. Her past was the only one thing that she had never discussed with him. He knew she didn't want to remember her past and somewhere he had a feeling that the day that Abhi was referring too was the same day that Nandini said, had changed her life before she came to India. Nandini wailed and cried in his arms, making it further difficult for him. On one side, he was too confused to analyze all that Abhi was saying, on the other, seeing her crying like that, pained his heart, and lastly just the thought of some other guy loving her, made his nerves open.

Nandini: Abhi don't..... Plz don't!!!!

Nandini pleaded which abhi clearly ignored as he continued,
Abhi: U know kiddo!! He didn't sell ur house to anyone. He has kept it exactly the way it was when u were there.... He says, being there gives him a hope that u will return.

Manik saw new tears flow down Nandini's face, while he held her close.
Abhi: Nandu... Ur rishu na is now a proud father of a cute one and a half year old girl. Her name is Nayan, he says she has ur eyes....

And the minute he said this Nandini smiled to her broadest in between her tears as she looked again at her phone. While this made Manik kinda relieved. (u know why ppl!!😂😂)

Abhi: Plz Nandu... Lets go back!! U just say yes once, and I'll sort everything out. I'll take u there tmrw itself Nandu.... Just say yes once.

And again Nandini's eyes hardened listening to him and she finally said,
Nandini: I m not going anywhere Abhi... i m not going back!!

Abhi: Kiddo forget that day, forget all that happened. It was not so big, to compared to what u hv suffered bcoz of it. That one day made u leave everything over there and come to India where u had no one to call urs. U left everything kiddo... Ur entire life lies there....

Nandini heard his words with a stern face, as if remembering something that made her take this step. And finally her gaze shifted back to Manik. It was as if, she had totally forgotten that he was right there hugging her tight and listening to everything. But now as she saw him a sudden panic struck her. Her eyes broadened while she heard Abhi continue,
Abhi: Ur house, ur memories.... U left them all Kiddo.... And most importantly Ur life, ur passion....

And before Manik could read her face, Nandini suddenly pushed him off her, as she picked up her phone hurriedly and disconnected the call throwing it at the other end.

She closed her eyes, sighing in relief and trying to calm herself down while she wiped her left over tears. A few moments later, she opened her eyes to find Manik looking at her intently.

She knew he had questions.... But the problem was, did she really hv answers to his questions!!!

Nandini got up from the bed, straightening up her dress and fumbled in her words as she said,
Nandini: I... Umn!! Wo Abhi.... No!! Actually I.... I hv to sleep!!

Saying so Nandini turned around to leave when Manik held her hand and stopped her.
Manik: I m not asking u anything Nandini..... I won't mention the call!! Plz sleep here with me, like everyday.

Nandini heard him and turned around to find him looking intently in her eyes with all his sincerity and within the next second she threw herself over him for a hug.

She knew she couldn't hv been luckier than this, to get Manik in her life. Yes, he didn't ask anything to her yet but today she expected questions. And just a few words from him, were enough to pacify her.

Manik hugged her back tight as they finally lied down properly to sleep as she rested her head over his shoulder.

Nandini: I love u!!
Nandini whispered out of the blue making him smile at her as he replied kissing her hair,
Manik: I love u more....

A few minutes later Nandini felt Manik's breath calm indicating that he was asleep. She looked up at his face, finding him sleeping so cutely that she couldn't stop her hands as she caressed his face. Manik snuggled his face more into her palm as a tear rolled down her eyes and fell on his neck.
Nandini: I so wish I could tell u everything Manik..... I hv lost everything, all I hv now is U..... U r my life Manik!!! I hate to hide the truth from u. But not anymore... I can't hide it from u anymore. I promise Manik, I promise that I'll tell it to u soon.... Nandini promise!! Enough of hiding it, just let this wedding finish off and I'll tell u everything....

Saying so she slowly kissed his forehead and snuggled into his chest letting sleep take over her. While Manik slowly opened up his eyes, which were almost red now due to the tears that he was stopping. Yes, he was awake as sleep was far far away from his eyes. He knew she was in pain, though not physical but emotional and he just couldn't ignore her pain.

The entire night Manik lay awake, staring at her angelic face as her words kept on repeating in his ears,
"I HV LOST EVERYTHING MANIK.... ALL I HV NOW IS YOU!!!!"

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The next morning, Nandini woke up to see the most beautiful sight in front of her, as Manik smiled at her caressing her face.

Manik: Good morning beautiful!!

Nandini: Good mrng Mani...
Nandini said as she shifted her head to his lap..

Manik: Someone is being lazy this morning....

Nandini: umn hnn....
Nandini shook her head in a no at him and smiled sheepishly as she replied with her eyes closed.

Nandini: Not lazy....  Someone wants to be pampered this mrng!!

Manik: Ohhkk... Pampered!! Ohk lets fulfill ur wish.... What does the princess wish today?? Urs Manik Malhotra ready at service Ma'am....

Nandini giggled at his words and acted as if thinking about what do to..
Nandini: Hmn... Ohk so I want to make breakfast today!

Manik: Huh... How is that pampering??

Nandini: Coz u r going to help me with it..
Nandini said casually making his jaw drop.

Manik: Nandini, I don't know how to cook.

Nandini: I know u don't...  That's Why I will do it with u.... Otherwise,  u never know if I would hv ordered u for breakfast.
She replied with a naughty smirk. Manik tried to read her face if she was serious and gave a scared expression.

Nandini: No going back Mr... Anyways, we r not going to office today,  so we will prepare the breakfast.
Nandini said finally moving from his lap. Manik smiled at her and got up from the bed and said,

Manik:Ohk then if that's what the princess wants.... Let's go!!

Manik forwarded his hand towards her to come with him. When Nandini opened up both her arms towards him, asking him to pick her up with an ever so cute pout on her face.

Manik: Ohk.... So pampering in its real sense!!

Manik picked her up in his arms in bridal style, and moved out of his room while Nandini kissed his cheek.

Nandini: Now this is the best morning...

Manik: Achcha... Why so??

Nandini: Coz ur arms are the safest and the most comfortable place for me in the world.
Nandini said in a low voice looking at him with all her love making Manik stop in his tracks.

Manik looked at her amazed when Nandini suddenly said excitedly,
Nandini: Arey... Why did u stop?? Chalo chalo!!

Manik laughed at her childishness and moved down the stairs. He was walking towards the kitchen when Nandini suddenly said,
Nandini: Mani....Stop!!

Manik: Kya hua??

Nandini: I hv to freshen up a bit. U go, I'll just be back from my room.

Manik: No... I will take u! Come.

Manik walked to her room and made her stand in there, as she went to freshen up while he waited for her. Soon she was back to see him busy playing some game on his phone. He stood up from the bed and turned around to leave the room.
Manik: Come... Lets go!!

Nandini saw him totally engrossed into his game and made a grumpy face as she sat on the bed.
Nandini: No...

Manik heard her and finally looked up from his phone, with an confused expression.
Manik: What happened??
Nandini: Gimme ur phone...
Saying so Nandini snatched his phone from him and said,

Nandini: Ur concentration should be on me and not on this stupid game.
She said pointing at his phone making him laugh,
Manik: Jealous of a phone now... Are we??

Nandini glared at him as he gave her a surrendered expression,
Manik: Ohk now shall we Madam??

Nandini gave him a toothy smile as she again spread her arms towards him and he picked her up,

Manik: Full on Princess mode on!!

Nandini: Coz the Princess finally got her Prince, who would bare her tantrums and still love her the same!!

He was touched by her words as he walked her to the kitchen where the staff was shocked to see them like that.

Nandini: Kaka... Aaj breakfast hum banayenge!! Aap jaiye rest kijiye!!

Cook: But Ma'am-

Nandini: Arey Kaka.... Chill!! With great difficulty ur boss has agreed to cook today... I can't miss this chance.... Chalo chalo I want the kitchen empty now!!

Manik glared at Nandini's words while the entire staff left immediately and Manik made Nandini sit on the slab.
Nandini: Ohk so now lemme get down... I know I hv to help u!!

Manik: Ohh thank u very much Madam... But what r u planning to make this morning??

Nandini: Ur favorite.... Aalo parathe....

Manik smiled broadly at her and kissed her cheek while Nandini giggled and said,
Nandini: Ohk u put the potatoes to boil, I'll prepare the dough...

Manik nodded at her and soon they got to work followed by a round of continuous masti and romance.

Half an hour later, Nandini settled at the dining table waiting for the breakfast when Manik came from the kitchen, carrying the breakfast tray, looking damn cute in the apron.

Nandini giggled at his appearance, as he placed the tray in front of her and took his seat beside her. He picked up a piece of paratha along with curd and forwarded it to her which Nandini had and exclaimed.

Nandini: Umn... Wow Mr. Manik Malhotra the Masterchef....

Nandini too made him eat and soon Manik was on to his job feeding her when he heard a voice,
"I didn't know u could be so romantic too!!"

Both of them turned towards the source of the voice and Nandini exclaimed,
Nandini: DADI!!!!

And the next second, Nandini sprang to her feet as she rushed towards Dadi and hugged her.

Nandini: Welcome back....

Dadi laughed at her while Manik too reached her and hugged her.
Manik: I missed u Dadi....
Dadi: Is it??
Manik: Of course!!
Dadi: Ohk then prove it.... Make one paratha for me too..

Nandini laughed out loud at this while Manik stood there with a tremendous expression.
Dadi: What... Go na!!

Manik: Dadi I-
Dadi: That means u didn't miss me...

Manik: Arey...
Manik whined like a child making both dadi and Nandini laugh at him.

Manik: This is not fair...  U guys can't make up a team against me like this!!

Nandini: Aww... Really?? But we toh already hv made our team.... Now what will u do Manik...

Manik smirked at her and pulled Dadi towards himself...
Manik: Well...  I can always join in!!
Saying so Manik hugged Dadi from the back while Nandini stood there admiring the duo and Manik heard Dadi whisper,

Dadi: She gave me my old son back Manik... I got my happiness back!!

Manik looked at Dadi,who had tears in her eyes looking at him as her smile got reflected onto his and both of them looked at Nandini, admiring the angel in front of them.

Yes, she was a princess for him and he was ready to pamper her for as long as he could.
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Confused.... Right?? Ohh yes, i love irritating u guys!! So to keep on with this mystery, wait for some more time now ppl.... Nandini's story is still a bit away. Time for some Wedding Dhamaka though!!!!

A lot many hints were given in this update,  take ur time to take them in, or else wait. Wait until I open up my sweet suspense.😂😂😂

See u soon in the next update...
Till then enjoy reading!
Love Navya😘😘