I Need You To Be There.... For a little more Than Always!!!
Part 50:
"OMG... OMG... This is so Amazing!! Nandini.... I love u, I love u....."
Aliya screamed as she rushed towards Nandini and took her in a bear hug. Nandini almost fumbled at her place but stood still hugging her back.

Aliya: This is so beautiful!!
She exclaimed again as she turned back admiring the view in front of her. They had just reached the venue for the wedding and Aliya couldn't stop herself from screaming as they got out of the car. It was an amazing lake side palace, with a bit of a modern touch along with its tremendous heritage beauty.

(Guys, imagine the same Palace from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, in which Aditi got married!!)

All the others smiled at her excitement as everyone got down the cars. Fab5, Nandini, Navya along with all their families had reached Udiapur through Fab5's private jet. Dhruv's parents and a few of his very close relatives, along with Cabir's mother, and Dadi. A few of Fab5's close friends too accompanied them. Rest of the guests were about to arrive themselves.

Everyone entered the palace, admiring its beauty and reached the front hall where they were served with refreshment drinks as they sat to take rest after the long journey.

No one had any Idea about the venue till now as Nandini wanted it to be a Surprise, and everyone was busy getting to know the palace, looking here and there. When finally Nandini stood ahead and said,

Nandini: Ohk Ohk.... Everyone, I know u all must be dying to look around this place but lemme warn u, this palace is really big, so might want to rest before getting out for a tour.

All of them laughed at it while Nandini pointed out towards a team of about 20-25 youngsters standing in front of them and said,
Nandini: This is a small management team that I have appointed here. Any problems, u can find me or take their help.

All of them turned around to see them all standing in grey T-shirts with "D weds A" printed over them.

Mukti: I love their T-Shirts.... Nandu, I want one too!!

Nandini smiled at her and replied,
Nandini: Sure Mukti... For now, all ur bags have already been taken to ur rooms. The rooms on the ground floor are for the elders, these people will help u with it. And the younger clan along with our Bride and Groom needs to follow me, as ur rooms are on the first floor.

Cabir: Chalo bhai... Mujhe to bhut need aa rhi h yr!!
All of them laughed at him while Mukti smacked his head.

Nandini: But Cabir.... If u want to have dinner, then plz wake up before 9, its 5 already. Coz, the dinner is arranged at the lake side tonight sharp at 9 pm.

Cabir: Yes Boss...
Cabir saluted her while everyone got up to leave. Nandini talked to the management team for a minute, ordering them for the arrangements and took the list of the rooms aloted, as she walked towards the stairs.

Manik: Too busy??
Manik said as he walked by her side.

Nandini: For u.... Never!!

Manik smiled at her as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder walking ahead.
Manik: Thanks...

Nandini looked at him confused asking him to continue when he said,
Manik: For all of this... The arrangements are seriously amazing!!

Nandini: U know Manik.... There was a time when I used to die to listen at least a few words of appreciation from u, but No.... Monster Manik never appreciated me ever!! And see now-

But before she could complete Manik said,
Manik: And now... Everything has changed, coz somehow u managed to bring out the Manik behind that Monster Manik....

Nandini: Who is Mine!!

Manik smiled at her and nodded....
Manik: Who is Yours....
Manik whispered huskily but the intensity in his voice made Nandini shiver as she blushed hard.

Soon they reached the rooms and Nandini hid her blush.

Nandini: Ohk, so Aliya this room is yours and Dhruv, ur room is at the far most corner at the end.

Dhruv: Nandini.....

Nandini: Hey... Sorry guys!! But I hv been ordered by Dadi and ur mother to keep u two away from each other till the wedding.

All the others laughed at it while Dhruv looked at Aliya with a grumpy face making her blush.

Nandini: Ohk.. So where was I??
Nandini said as she looked back at the list.

Nandini: So first room is Aliya's. Next to her Mukti, then the next one is Mine... Next is Manik, then Cavya, and last Dhruv.

Manik: Woah... One second, Cavya??

Nandini: Cabir and Navya!!
She replied making Navya blush while Manik interrupted again.

Manik: But why r they getting one room?

Nandini: Coz they r a couple...

Manik: Ohh madam....
Manik said pointing at himself and her making the others laugh at him. While Nandini stood confused,

Nandini: What Manik??
Manik: Why r we not in the same room??

Nandini blushed at it but still replied confidently,
Nandini: Coz for ur reminder Dadi is back from Dubai and she is here.. So we stay in different rooms! Thats it...

Manik: Arey.... But Cabir's mom is also here na!!

Cabir: What problem do u hv with me Buddy.... Apni problem thik kr na, meri kyu badha rha h!!
All of them laughed at it except MaNan.

Nandini: I don't know all that, I m tired now, I m going to take rest. If u want a room then take that one or else keep standing here....

Saying so Nandini moved ahead and rushed to her room closing the door behind her.
Cabir: Beta Manik.... U hv a really dark future ahead!!!

All of them laughed out loud at this and soon moved to their respective rooms. While Manik too left for his room.

It was around 8 when Manik knocked at Nandini's door, he waited for sometime but she didn't open up. He knocked for a few times and called out her name but still got no reply. This made him worried for her and he called out louder when a guy came running to him.

"Sir any problem??"
Manik saw his T-Shirt recognising him from the management and ordered,

Manik: Get me the key for this room.... Nandini is not opening up!!

Guy: Sir... Ma'am is not in the room!! She is on the lake side since the past one hour.

Manik heard him and rushed outside still worried but finally relaxed when he saw her talking to someone about the next day's arrangements.

He walked towards her slowly and saw her standing there looking amazing as always in semi formals.

Nandini was looking at the other side and talking when she felt a warm pair of arms around her waist.

Nandini gasped at the sudden contact but relaxed knowing who it was.
Nandini: Manik... Leave me!!

Manik moved closer, resting his chin on her shoulder while Nandini tried to hide her blush seeing everyone smiling at them. Manik moved his hand indicating the guys standing in front of her to go away, who immediately left.

Manik: Beautiful....

Nandini: The view??
Manik: And u...

Nandini smiled at him and held his hand on her waist as she rested her head on his chest.

Nandini: Being quite romantic?

Manik: Hmn... Kya kare?? Madam ne hume apne room se toh bahar kr hi diya h... Yahi pe kaam chala lenge....

Nandini giggled at his words as she looked to her side and kissed his cheek.

Manik: I hv decided... Now na, I won't leave u at all...

Nandini: Achcha ji.... And what will u do when everyone will come down for dinner??

Manik: Haan so ohk na, then also I won't leave u. Let them see, whats wrong in this?

Nandini: And what about Dadi?

Manik: I know my Dadi... U na wait and watch, she'll also support me.

Nandini heard him and burst out laughing while he still continued to hold her, when he suddenly said,

Manik: Stop laughing now..... U know Nandini, u na have become very lazy these days!! There is so much work and u r standing here busy romancing with me.

Nandini: Hawww...
Nandini said as she got out of his hold and turned to face him.

Nandini: I m busy romancing haan.... I called u here, or u came??

Manik was about to say something when someone held his ear and twisted it from behind making him yelp in pain,
Manik: Ouch Dadi!!

Nandini: Manik.... U cheat!! U knew Dadi was here na, that's why u suddenly changed ur words....

Manik: Arey Nandini I-

Nandini: I don't wanna talk to u.... And don't u dare disturb me now!!

Saying so Nandini walked away angrily leaving Manik with Dadi who twisted her ear further.

Dadi: Why do u keep on troubling my daughter haan??

Manik: Dadi yr.... Not u plz!! Stop taking sides both of u...
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Later that day, everyone reached downstairs to see the dinner arranged at the lake side in an amazing yet simple way as a number of lamps were hanging all around in the night say, making it look phenomenal. And the lake in the background just added to the charm.

All of them sat down at the long table arranged in the middle while the staff started serving them. They started eating their food when Aliya asked,

Aliya: Arey.... Where is Nandini??

Navya: Yeah... I also haven't seen her from a long time.

Cabir: Manik baba.... Where is she??
Cabir turned towards Manik to see him sulking there with his food untouched.

Manik: I don't know..

Cabir: Ohk... So why r u sitting here like a devdas...

Manik passed a glare at him when he saw Nandini walking towards them, when a few papers in her hands. She reached the table, greeted all the elders as she came to sit with them.

Mukti: Nandu... Where were u??

Nandini: Arey Nothing... I was in the front garden looking for the arrangements for tmrw!!

Nandini looked around for a chair and saw only one empty chair beside Manik. She glared at him once as she sat by his side. Nandini picked up her plate and started serving as she said to everyone.

Nandini: Guys, tmrw it's the haldi function so everyone get up early and plz finish off ur works and get ready before the time. Cabir.... Don't forget to check all the food arrangements for tmrw!! Mukti, I hv talked to the beauticians, they'll be here, so u coordinate with them. And Navya u plz help me with the decor. And yes, cabir tell ur frnd to look after the remaining guests who r to arrive tmrw mrng!!

Cabir: Huh... Friend??
Cabir asked confused when Manik said,

Manik: She meant Me!!

Cabir looked at him dumbfolded along with the others after which they all got into fits of giggles.

Cabir: Ohh... So this is why u were sulking around! By the way Nandini, I must say only u can take out all the shades of Mr. Manik Malhotra out.

Nandini: Mr. Monster Manik Malhotra!!

All of them giggled at it while Manik tried to talk to Nandini who simply looked away. Nandini didn't talk to him for a long time until she noticed him not eating anything and said again,

Nandini: Cabir, tell ur friend to eat something or else there are ppl who might not want to talk to them for even more days.

Cabir looked at Manik who glared at him not to open up his mouth and started eating his food, making Nandini smile slightly.

Soon they finished the dinner and all of them moved to their rooms after sometime.
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Later that night, everyone was fast asleep in their rooms due to the tiring journey and the excitement for the next day while Nandini kept on turning and rolling on her bed. She tired a lot but couldn't sleep, so finally giving up, she moved to the balcony of her room only to be mesmerised by the sight in front of her. It was around 12:30am and the view made her smile to her broadest. The city lights shining all around while the stars twinkled in dark n clear sky.
The only name on her mind was MANIK....

She remembered that evening when he had taken her in a hug near the pool side and smiled at his silly talks.
Nandini: Idiot!!!
She murmured and slowly moved back to her room. And lied down again, when she finally realised what was missing.

She immediately got up from the bed and moved out of her room. She moved to the room next to hers and slowly turned the lock to check where it was open or not. To her luck, the door opened as she peeped in to see her man sleeping peacefully. She couldn't stop herself but drool over this perfect creation of god, sleeping there in front of him bare chest with the duvet covering him just upto her waist.

Nandini slowly entered the room and locked the door behind her, as she carefully got onto the bed by his side and rested her head on his chest.

Manik: Nandini....
Manik murmured making her stiff, but soon she realised that he was still deap into his sleep as he wrapped his arms around her taking her into himself. Nandini blushed at the thought, that he knew her presence even in his sleep and placed a feather like kiss just above his heart.

Yes, this was what she was missing. His warmth was all that she needed. Soon she too feel asleep peacefully loosing herself in his arms.

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The next morning Nandini woke up by the bright sunlight entering into their room, and saw Manik hiding his face into the soft traces of her hair. A smile crept on her face at his cuteness, as she slowly got up and closed the curtains. She walked closer to him and slowly kissed his forehead before moving out of the room.

Soon she freshened up and moved downstairs starting all the preparations and the others too started joining in. Nandini was sitting with Dhruv's mother discussing about the customs related to the haldi ceremony when Dadi called her.

Nandini: Ji Dadi??

Dadi: Ye le.... Have this milk!! U r working since the mrng, u weren't there for breakfast also.

Nandini smiled at her concern and simply drank the flavoured milk that she offered.

Dadi: Very good... That's like my daughter.

Nandini: Hmn... But u tell me, did u hv ur medicines or not??

Dadi: Yes Madam... Ur Romeo already made me have it, so that u wouldn't hv to worry.

Nandini blushed at her teasing and whined,
Nandini: Dadiiiiii..... Achcha I m busy, I'll see u around.

Dadi laughed at her cuteness, while she walked away still blushing. Soon all the work was finished and it as time for them to get ready as it was just an hour left for the function. Nandini and Navya were getting ready in Nandini's room together, while Manik and Cabir got ready in Manik's room as Dhruv was busy with his father and cousins. And Mukti was with Aliya.

Cabir: Manik.... Why r u standing there beside the door?? Get ready fast, or else ur madam is gonna get more angry...

Manik: Her anger is just on her face....
Manik said with a smile as he thought about Nandini.

Cabir saw him smiling and shaked his head thinking 'this_guy_has_gone_mad_in_love'. Cabir moved closer towards him and shook him,
Cabir: My brother.... Come out of ur dream world and get ready. By the way, where is Nandini?? I hvn't seen her today!!

Manik heard him and made a frown,
Manik: I myself don't know where is she?? She is working since the morning!!

Cabir smiled at his restlessness and they continued getting ready.

While on the other side,
Navya: Nandu.... See na, is this hair style ohk??

Nandini: Yes Navya, u look gorgeous!!

Navya: Thank u.... But what r u waiting for, go and change fast.

Nandini: Ohk ohk I m going, u be here....
Saying so Nandini picked up her dress and got into the washroom to change. Just then mukti entered the room and said,
Mukti: Navya yr... Come with me, see na Aliya is eating up my head there that the haldi will spoil her hair.

Navya: Arey but haldi is good for her!!

Mukti: I know... But u come and explain her.
Saying so Mukti pulled Navya out of the room while Nandini was still in the washroom.

A few minutes later, Manik entered nandini's room to meet her but found the room empty.

Manik: She is not here yet!!! Nandini ke Ayiappa, where is this girl??

He was about to step out of the room when he heard her voice from the washroom,
Nandini: Navya.... Come here for a second na!!! I need ur help....

Manik smiled listening to her voice but stood there itself,
Nandini: Arey navya, come fast.... We'll get late!! I need ur help, I can't tie this Dori myself.

Manik thought for a second but then slowly walked towards the washroom to find the door half open. He slowly entered, when he felt his breath hitched at the sight in front of him as Nandini stood there with her fully bare back facing him, as she support her blouse with her hands on the front.

Nandini: Navya jaldi kar....
Nandini said sensing someone, being impatient as she always is, when Manik slowly moved ahead. He reached closer to her when Nandini felt his warm breath on her shoulder and immediately looked at the side mirror as she gasped,
Nandini: Manik....

Manik slowly moved his hands ahead as he held the strings of her blouse and began tying them with his hands skimming through her bare back again and again, making her shiver as she closed her eyes.

Manik tied her blouse as his hands moved over her back, he held both her shoulders and pulled her back towards himself, making her back collide with his rock hard chest. He bent down as he placed a soft kiss on her neck. Nandini shivered at his touch but still moved her face, giving him more access. Manik continued his trail of kisses from her neck to her collar bone and give her an open mouthed kissing, making Nandini moan at the intimacy.

She turned around suddenly, as she pushed him out of the washroom and closed the door blushing hard at the encounter.
Nandini: Go to Dhruv Manik.....

Manik closed his eyes and smiled at her as he finally moved out of her room and went to dhruv's room.

Cabir too joined him as they got him ready and then went to see Aliya. Cabir knocked the door as Mukti opened it up for him.

Cabir: Aye haye Mukti.... For a change, Tu toh Hot lag rhi h!!

All the others laughed at it while Mukti smacked Cabir's head. Cabir saw Navya and winked at her whispering,
Cabir: Planning to kill someone??

Navya blushed at it and looked away while Cabir hit his heart pretending to be clean bowled.

They moved inside and Manik saw Aliya,
Manik: Looking beautiful!!

Aliya: Thank u Manik.....

Manik: Ready for the first function of ur marriage??

Aliya: Yesssss!!!
Aliya exclaimed making others smile at her excitement. Soon they all moved downstairs where Dhruv was waiting for them.

Dadi: Haye.... Kitni pyaari lag rhi h meri bachi!!! Nazar na lage....
Saying so Dadi applied a kala tikka behind Aliya's ear making her smile.

Soon the guests too arrived and Dhruv's mother said,
Dhruv's Mom: I think we should start, Its time to start with the ceremony.

Dadi: Arey haan.... But where is the haldi??

Navya: Dadi... Nandini is getting it. Ohh there she is!!
Navya said looking at the other end as Nandini walked towards them with the haldi bowl, while a pair of eyes was stuck at her as soon as he saw her. Of course, who else would it be, other than The Manik Malhotra.

(Imagine the haldi bowl in place of the flower....)
Nandini walked closer and handed over the haldi to Dhruv's mother who thanked her and blessed her in return, Nandini smiled at her and joined Mukti, Navya who were standing beside Aliya.

Cabir noticed Manik lost in her as he whispered slowly,
Cabir: Gorgeous right??

Manik: Out of the world!!
Manik said in daze but soon realised it and covered up,
Manik: Wha- what???

Cabir: Hmn... Out of the world haan??
Manik: Yes, the decor right?
Cabir: Decor, or the person who got the decor done?
Cabir teased him while Manik tried his best to control his smile and failed miserably.

Cabir: OMG... Manik Malhotra is blushing!! Now this is out of the world.

Manik: Shut up Cabir!!!
Manik groaned as he looked back at Nandini, It was as if Nandini knew he was looking at her and she turned towards him to receive an instant wink, making her blush.
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Hush!!! Done.... Sorry to keep u waiting guys, but my exams are about to start, so I m damn busy these days!! U guys will hv to adjust a bit for this month, as my xams will get over on 31st May. Till then, I'll try my best to write whenever I can, so Keep Reading, Keep Loving and yes.... Keep commenting!!!
-Navya