I Need U To Be There.... For a little more than Always!

Epilogue part 2:

"Buuaaa!!!"

I heard the excited voice as we entered the house making me smile broadly as two small pair of arms were wrapped around my legs.

Nandini: Hello princess....

I kneeled down in front of a six year old Nayan and kissed her cheek.

She opened up her mouth to say something but her gaze shifted behind me making her smile broader.

Nayan: Cabirrrr.....

She exclaimed and ran past me.

Anjali: Nayan... Cabir Uncle! He is elder na.....

I heard Anjali scolding as I got up with a chuckle. Hugging anjali, we all moved inside and settled down in the living room.

Nandini: Bhai couldn't even leave his work for one day... He isn't even here to welcome us. Its 31st yr, who works today?

Aliya: The Moorthy siblings.... U too were busy on ur phone all the way here!

Aliya said making me pout.

Nandini: Well not just me, Cabir, Manik and Mukti too....

All of us laughed out at it while Cabir seemed too busy with all the three kids literally sitting over him.

Nandini: Nayan... Why don't u take harsh and Diya to ur room and play something?

Nayan: Ohh yes, I want to show them my new doll... Daddy named it Nandu!!

She chipped while jumping off the sofa as she held both Harsh's and Diya's hands slowly and carefully taking them inside.

Nandini: Plz don't tell me Bhai actually named one of her dolls after me?

I asked turning towards Anjali who just giggled.

Anjali: Its just too chubby and cute! He said its exactly like u were at the age of two... Even the same size!

All the others laughed at it while I pouted as Manik wrapped his arm around me.

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Soon we all had some food before moving to our rooms to take some rest. Mukbhi stayed back in Abhi's room in the Moorthy Mansion while we all moved to the Nanz Villa. Well, that's a place I can't leave... Even though we hv enough rooms in the Mansion, I still like staying at the Villa, its my house and I love it.

Later that day, my Princess mode was again turned on as Rishab returned back from work. After spending the entire afternoon being pampered by him, I didn't even know when I feel asleep on the couch itself.

I opened up my eyes in my room a few hours later, at the sound of the door being shut when I saw Manik coming back into the room after probably a bath, as he smiled at me with just a towel covering up his waist. I smiled back at him lifting my head from my room's extra stuffed pillows, looking at him intently making him chuckle.

Manik: Like what u see?

He asked making me blush red before I replied back.

Nandini: I guess I do... But I think, I would like it further without that towel!

Manik's eyes broadened at my answer seeming taken aback as I laughed out loud.

Manik: Gosh.... U r gonna kill me someday!

I heard him mutter, much more to himself than to me, as he laced his fingers through his hair.

I laughed out louder at his words before sitting up slightly, resting my back on the headboard as he sat in front of me.

Nandini: Why did u get me here to the room? U should hv just woken me up!

Manik: I did once, but u seemed in quite a deep sleep..... U were down for 4 hours straight....

He said softly before bending further towards me as he took my lips for a brief kiss.

Nandini: That long?

I asked as we pulled apart.

Manik: Umn hnnn.... U seemed peaceful though.

He nodded making me smile as I wrapped my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder.

Nandini: I m feeling peaceful!

Manik: I m glad....

I heard his whispered as I pulled apart from the hug. I placed a soft kiss on his cheek before pushing him slightly,

Nandini: Go wear something before u catch cold!

Manik chuckled at my words but got up none the less muttering under his breath,

Manik: Way to spoil my Romance always!

I rolled my eyes still hving a small smile on my face when he said,

Manik: Come on... Get ready! Its 8... Rishab planned a bonfire night on the terrace for everyone, we hv to go up in half an hour.

I nodded at him before getting up from the bed as I walked into the bathroom. I got ready soon in something comfortable and moved out of the washroom to see Rishab, Abhi, Manik and Cabir all busy in my room's balcony doing the arrangements.

Nandini: What's happening guys?

I asked moving their attention to me.

Cabir: Nothing much.... Just arranging a bonfire here itself instead of the terrace. It would be easier to make the kids sleep in ur room when it gets late.

Nandini: Yeah... We would be able to keep a watch over them!

I nodded agreeing to them as I saw them arranging the wood.

Nandini: U guys need help in something!

Rishab: Nah... We got this...

I shrugged at them and moved back inside the room to pick up a few things. Soon the guys moved to their rooms to call everyone. I was sitting on the bed passing sometime on my instagram when I heard a voice from the door.

"U look beautiful!"

A smile spread on my face as I looked up to see my Husband standing on the balcony door looking at me.

Nandini: I m just dressed in casuals Mani...

Manik: And still u look beautiful!

He complimented again making me smile broader as I kept my phone aside when he walked towards me. I got up from the bed only to be wrapped in his arms around my waist.

Manik: Why don't u accept my compliments ever?

Nandini: Coz u just tend to give me a lot more compliments than what I deserve!

I replied wrapping my arms around his neck. Getting that special smile of his, reserved just for me made my heart swoon as I leaned in resting my head on his chin. He unwrapped one of my hands from around him as I saw him bring it up to his lips placing a soft kiss as he whispered.

Manik: I hv something for u!

I lifted up my head to look at him only to find him slipping something on my finger. He held my hand in his caressing the beautiful ring which he just slid in. The small shining diamond studs twinkled between us while I felt manik's eyes right on me.

Nandini: Anything special today for this amazing gift?

Manik: Why should it be anything special... Can't I buy u a gift without any occasion?

He replied back placing a kiss on my hair.

Nandini: Ohk but are random gifts supposed to be so special?

Manik: Everything for my star has to be special...

He said smiling at me as I wrapped my arms around his neck again.

Manik: But this gift has a reason....It's to celebrate the end of yet another amazing year of our togetherness and welcome this new year standing together.

The next moment itself, I had my lips over his, pulling him downwards. Manik held me tighter diminishing the negligent space left between us.

This was exactly the moment for which I could go and do anything that is asked. I know I m not too good with expressing my feelings towards him well, may it be in words or any other way. But then there was Manik, and he didn't seem to waste one single time to show his affection or the intensity of his feelings for me ever. And no matter how long it has been I still haven't got used to it.

We broke the kiss at the sound of door opening when Mukti and Abhi walked in.

Mukti: Oo disturbed some steamy action, did we?

I felt my cheeks warming up with blush at her words moving away while Abhi just held Mukti's hand and pulled her towards the balcony.

Abhi: Sorry guys... Continue!! But yeah, the others too might be on their way...

Mukti laughed at his words as I picked up a pillow and threw it on his head.

Nandini: ABHI...

I saw Manik laughing at my face turning fully red in embarrassment while the others too entered. I glared at him and moved out deciding not to talk to him now.

And as a result I was soon lying comfortably on the couch with my head placed on Rishab's lap as he sat there giving me his special head massage and feeding me with some blueberries.

Mukti: I literally envy u Nandini, whenever we come here! I so wish I had brothers like these.

Cabir: Ouch... That hurt!! That really hurt Mukti. How can u forget us?

Cabir said pointing towards Dhruv, Manik and Himself when Mukti turned towards him and lifted her legs over his lap.

Mukti: Ohh right... Cabir!!!!

She said sweetly with a big cheeky smile.

Mukti: I m really tired yr.. Plz would u give me a foot massage?

Cabir looked at her for once and then at her feet before sliding it off his lap.

Cabir: Ohk I agree... Keep on envying Nandini!

All of us laughed out loud at his words while Mukti threw a cushion at him.

Mukti: See... Jerk!

Just then Manik sat up on the couch next to her before pulling her feet on his lap and bowed at her.

Manik: At ur service Ma'am!

Aliya: Aww.....

Mukti smiled broadly throwing her arms around Manik. She broke the hug and sat back as Manik started pressing her feet softly, and believe me when I say this, he gives one of the best foot massages ever. And yes I m definitely talking from experience!😜

Right then Abhi wrapped his arm around her neck pulling her backwards making her lie on his lap as he started massaging her forehead. Mukti smiled further at him pulling him down as she placed a kiss on his cheek.

Mukti: See... Learn something!

She said sticking out her tongue towards Cabir who simply rolled his eyes.

Manik chuckled at him and turned towards me with a wink making me blush instantly.

Rishab: U know I still think, u guys should stay for a few more days.... Why r u leaving tmrw itself?

Manik: We would love to but we hv an event on 2nd.

Cabir: And I also hv the opening of my new Hotel next week, so the preparations are left.

Cabir said looking back on his phone to whatever he was doing. I looked up at Rishab and held his hand.

Nandini: Its ohk na bhai... At least we r all celebrating New Year Eve together. Rest we'll plan something when everyone is free...

Rishab sighed at it and nodded softly. I know why he wants us to stay. Lately he had been feeling it a lot. As Abhi too has shifted to India, the past few years Rishab had been quite lonely. Its just Him, Anjali, Nayan and his work. I wish he could too settle in India some day with all of us.

I feel Rishab's hands on my forehead again as I look all around me. My brothers, my Husband and my friends.... My entire life summed up in these people. Everyone was busy in something or the other. Aliya had her sketch book opened up, trying something new. Dhruv was busy on some official deal, Cabir busy on his phone. Navya playing with Harsh and Diya. Manik, Abhi, Mukti and Rishab in some random conversation. And suddenly I feel contended!!!

Though with years, we hv grown up, our responsibilities hv increased, we hv changed from the all time partying youngsters to focused adults. But still sitting here together on the new year's eve is everything I could wish for.

Its like this feeling which u can't explain, but its still the best u could ever feel. Like they say na, u r the most luckiest person in ur life when u want everything to just keep on going as it is. And u just don't.... Just Don't Want anything Else at all.

And this....... This time right here! I don't think I want to change anything around me.

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Abhi:10

Mukti: 9

Dhruv: 8

Aliya:7

Cabir: 6

Navya: 5

Anjali: 4

Rishab: 3

Nandini: 2

Manik: 1

" Happy New Year guys!" we all shouted together as we clicked out glasses together welcoming the new year with the most important people of our life.

I turned towards my side to see Manik's eyes already on me. Both of us having broad smiles on our faces. I kept back my untouched glass on the table, before being pulled into his chest.

Manik: Happy new year...

Nandini: Happy new year Manik!

I replied feeling his lips touch at the top of my head.

I felt his fingers entwining with mine holding my hand tight. Though I knew that he was pity drunk, but right now with his eyes closed, his forehead resting on mine and the warmth of his touch, he felt as sober as I could ever want him to be and it took everything in me not to kiss him and say things which I would not be doing in the presence of others around us.

Manik opened up his eyes and looked down at me,

Manik: I love u!

Nandini: I know...

I teased him earning a cute drunk pout making me laugh.

I looked around to see everyone still wishing each other when both my brothers together pulled me into a hug.

Rishab: Happy new year nandu!

Abhi: Happy new year Kiddo....

Nandini: Same to u guys...

I wished back as they pulled out of the hug. Rishab caressed my face when I saw him placing something on my palm. Looking down confused at the small box I opened it up only to have my eyes fill up with tears.

Nandini: That's His pen!

Rishab: He always knew u to have it! Its urs Nandu..

Rishab said nodding at my appa's pen making my tears flow down further as I hugged him hard.

Nandini: Thank u Bhai....

Rishab: Thank Abhi, he found it!

I smiled between my tears before hugging Abhi.

Nandini: I love u both!

Abhi: And we love u even more than u could ever begin to imagine.... Even more than ur husband!

Abhi said back at me making me chuckle when we heard the talked about call out from behind.

Manik: Impossible!

All of us laughed at it while Abhi shook his head.

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The next morning, I woke up wrapped by an arm around my waist as usual.

I slipped out of his grip, covering him up with the duvet properly. I heard him groan at my absence before turning away and going to sleep again. I smiled at him before walking away to freshen up.

About half an hour later, I was standing next to the bed looking at his sleeping form as I took a deep breath.

"U can do this, u can do this!" I kept on repeating to myself before finally sitting at his side.

I caressed his hair lightly and saw him recognise my touch immediately as he moved off the pillow and snuggled closer into my lap. A broad smile crept onto my face seeing him sleep like a baby, as he took away all my nervousness in a single second.

I leaned down close towards him to check whether he was actually listening to me and whispered softly in his ear,

Nandini: Good morning!

Manik: Hmm...

Came his reply, his eyes still closed.

Nandini: Happy New Year Daddy!

I whisper again with a soft kiss on his check.

Manik: Same to u!

Came his sleepy reply again as I expected. I continued starting at him until his eyes finally sprung open and he turned towards me with broad eyes.

Manik: Huh? What did u say?

He asked in a confused tone making it even difficult for me not to laugh out loud.

Nandini: I said Happy New Year!

Manik: But I heard-

He started saying something before stopping mid way and rubbing his face.

Nandini: Come on get up! We hv our flight in two hours... I'll pack.

I said to him casually before getting up and moving towards the mirror. I stood there doing some slight makeup, feeling his gaze bore into my back continuously until I heard him sigh and get into the washroom. I gave myself a cheeky smile before getting onto work.

10 minutes later, Manik walked back into the room. Coming closer to me as I continued packing, he placed a soft his on my hair and gave me a few stuff to keep into the bag before walking away to change and get ready. Around five minutes later, I heard his voice calling me and smiled at my successful idea.

Manik: Nandini.....

He called again as I got up from the bed.

Nandini: Coming... Wait!

I moved into the walk in closet to find him standing there with a confused expression while his eyes stayed fixed at the floor. He noticed my presence and sighed,

Manik: Whose shoes are these?

I followed his gaze with a straight face and there on the floor were the shoes that I had picked out for him. But right next to it were a tiny little pair of baby shoes followed by my sandals at the end.

Nandini: Ohh yes, these must be Diya's.... Navya was looking for these!

I smiled at myself and picked up the shoes before walking out of the closet to hide my smile from him.

Soon both of us were ready with the bags packed when I saw Manik looking distracted. His face filled with remorse. Even though we weren't trying much for this, but I know we had always been waiting for it to happen naturally and come to us as a surprise. But somewhere within both of us wanted to have a little one of our own and just seeing his face like this made my heart melt, making me decide to stop playing around with him now.

I walked up closer to him before cupping his cheek.

Nandini: What happened Mani?? U seem distracted.

He smiled broadly at me shaking his head.

Manik: Nothing... Are u ready?

Nandini: Hmn...

I said nodding softly at him before I moved forward into his chest. He seemed taken aback by my sudden hug but not much later I felt his arms wrapping around me tight.

We stayed in the hug for a few minutes as I held his hand and placed it softly on my stomach. As I whisper into his chest.

Nandini: I couldn't think of any better New Year's gift for u!!

I felt him stiffen at my words as I moved back slightly to look up into his eyes. The stunned expression stayed onto his face as he continued staring at me as if wanting me to say it's a joke.

I smiled up at him before nodding,

Nandini: Yes Manik.... U r gonna be a daddy very soon!!

A triumphant smile spread over his face, one that I had never ever seen before, as he picked me up in his arms twirling me around.

Manik: I love u, I love u, I love u..... Thank u so so much! This is anyways the bestest gift u could ever give me....

He shouted making me laugh out loud. He put me down before immediately placing his lips on mine kissing me with as much passion as he could.

Manik: It was u doing all those hint thing since the morning?

Nandini: I wanted to play around a little before telling u but I couldn't wait any longer.

I smiled cheekly at him.

Manik: Ohk now sit here first and tell me When did u find out and how?

He asked his happiness clearly shouting in his voice as he made me sit on the bed and sat by my side.

Nandini: I went to the hospital the day we came to vegas... Found out then!

Manik: A week back??? And U Didn't Tell Me!!

He shouted almost instantly making me shiver.

Nandini: I just wanted u to be free with all the concerts and not worry about me. And then it was new year, this was supposed to be a gift for u!

Manik: But when did u go to the hospital and how come I don't even know?

I bit my lip at his question before turning towards him seriously,

Nandini: Promise me u won't get angry?

Manik: That means its that bad, haan?

He said again anger already in his voice.

Nandini: I m so soory Manik... I just asn't feeling well at home. I puked a few times, was feeling tired very often. But then we were all supposed to be leaving for vegas and I knew u wouldn't just leave if u knew about it. That's why I didn't tell u. But then as soon as we reached vegas, and u went for ur practise session I drove to the nearest hospital and that's when I got the news!!! I hv been dying to tell u since then.... I really have! Plz don't be mad at me...

Manik sighed at my words as he cupped my face.

Manik: I m not mad at u Nandini.... Its just that I don't like u neglecting ur health. And even these days, u knew but still u were working the entire day, attending practices, handling media and concerts for us and plus, the work back at office which u got with urself.

Nandini: I m fine Manik...

Manik: I know u r fine.... But now!! This has to change! Now onwards u won't be doing anything, u r just gonna have rest and a lot of rest for that. I want u to be taking at most care of urself as well as our baby.

A smile crept onto my face at his words as I saw him move his hand over my stomach, his eyes staring deep into mine, with his emotions clearly visible in them.

Manik: U hv made me the Happiest Person alive today!

He got down on his knees as he lifted up my top and placed a soft kiss onto my waist.

Manik: Hello baby.... I m ur daddy!

He whispered near my stomach making my smile broaden.

Manik: And I love u very very much.... For now u r gonna stay in there with ur mother for some time but I just can't wait to hold u up in my arms and shower all my love towards u! Come soon baby!

A couple of tears flowed down my eyes as he kissed it again and looked up. His own eyes shining with tears as well.

Nandini: Ur baby is already 5 week older Mr. Malhotra! U won't hv to wait much....

Manik: I love u Nandini!

Nandini: I love u too....

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Awwww.....

Well yeah, that was my response while writing this sequence.

Anyways, u all comment ur responses immediately, lets see whose is the Best!😉

Anyways... That was epilogue part 2... Hope u all likes it.

Love,

Navya😘