Sunrays peeped from the curtains and Manik's sleep got disturbed. He was about to move but felt weight on him and looked down. His lips curved into the beautiful smile looking at his wife who was sleeping on him like a baby. Shaking his head in disbelief, he chuckled and took her in his embrace while kissing her forehead. Nandini smiled in her sleep and snuggled to him more.

It has been four months since they married. Every night Nandini used to make pillow wall and every morning Manik would find her clinging to him kicking pillows on floor. Manik was more than happy to have her in his arms. He was falling for her hard with each passing day. Her innocence, her purity, her shyness, her care and everything else about her was making him insane. He was getting addicted to her. She was the only family he has in his life and he swore to protect her till his last breathe.

"Nandini.." Manik slowly whispered her name while caressing her hairs, trying to wake her up. Nandini hided her face in his chest more. He chuckled.

"Rise and shine, sweetheart.." said Manik while patting her face softly. Nandini opened her eyes slowly and looked at Manik. Manik looked at her and gave her a bright smile.

"Good morning!" He wished her and pecked her forehead. Nandini closed her eyes in bliss and smiled widely.

"Good morning, Manik." She said cutely. Manik looked at her who kept looking at his face for long. He raised his brows. She giggled.

"Aapke baal.. it's so messy." Saying this she ruffled his hairs more while giggling.

"You're looking funny but it's okay. It suits you. Soooo cute." She said pulling his cheek slightly. Manik faked a glare.

"Achha ji? Main funny dikh raha hu? And cute too?" Nandini nodded her head up and down while giggling. Manik smirked suddenly looking at her mischievously.

"Let me show you some more fun." Saying this he started tickling her while Nandini laughed aloud.

"Manik.. haha! Nooo! Stoppp! Please.. Mani.kkk!! Hahaha.." Nandini squealed while trying to escape but his grip was firm.

"No no.. laugh na. Have some more fun. See I am giving you the reason." Said Manik while tickling her more. Nandini was all red due to so much laughing. Manik left her finally. She took deep breathes while he kept adoring her. She gave him a glare and pouted angrily seeing his smile.

"You're very bad. I am not talking to you." Saying this she stood up from her place but mistakenly she stepped on the pillow which was on floor and slipped. Manik held her hand and pull her on himself before she fell down and get hurt.

"Ouch manii.." but her words died in her throat when accidentally his lips touched hers. Her eyes widened in shock same as Manik's. Current passed through their bodies while their heart raced like never before. Nandini moved back a little and sat on the bed showing her back to Manik. Heat rushed through her cheeks reminiscing what just happened.

Manik, touched his lips and gulped. Suddenly he wanted to feel those lips more. He wanted to feel her, a little more. He closed his eyes and opened it with a smile playing on his lips. He sat close to Nandini. Her back was almost touching his chest.

Nandini felt his hot breathe near her ear and she shivered fisting the blanket in her hands.

"Nandini.." his lips touched her ears and his husky voice made her feel all giddy.

"I want you to do something for me, will you?" He asked slowly. Nandini felt her heart is going to explode anytime. She nodded her head in a trance.

Manik was observing her each and every action. He smirked seeing his effect on her. He then gently turned her towards himself and cupped her face. His thumb caressing her cheek softly. Nandini was looking at him without blinking her eyes.

"I.. I want you to.."

"To..?"

He moved closer to her face and she closed her eyes waiting for him to proceed. Manik came near her lips and her lips parted feeling his hot breathe. He smirked.

"To stop doing this." He said almost touching her lips and moved back. Nandini opened her eyes not feeling him near. Manik smirked.

"What happened? What should I stop doing?" She asked him being perplexed. Manik gave her innocent look.

"This pillow wall. See, every night you make it and kick it on your own. Anyways you sleep on me hugging like I am your favorite pillow. So what's the need to even make it? Just directly come and sleep on your official pillow. Hai naa?" Teased Manik. Nandini's face turned red hearing him. Manik laughed.

"Oh god! Just look at your face. Now who's cute?"

"Maaniiikkk! Chediye nahi!" Nandini whined on which he laughed more. Nandini pouted but then smiled looking at his carefree laugh.

Nandini's case was no different. Manik's care, his love, his teasings, his flirting nature, his possessiveness, his respect for her, his behavior and everything about him was making her adore him more and more. She never knew she would ever experience love in her life until she married Manik. He used to take care of her every little thing. His smallest gesture would make her happy and she felt blessed to get him in her life. Her life seemed so beautiful and dreamy with him that she feared... One day, this beautiful dream gonna break and she will be again pushed into the hell.

Nandini was very happy with Manik but she was damn scared. Harshad wasn't helping at all. He used to blackmail her every now and then. Nandini wanted to tell Manik everything. But everytime she thought of doing this, she stepped back thinking about the consequences.

Will Manik believe her? What if he misunderstood? What if Harshad manipulate him? Why will he believe her rather than his best friend? She just met him few months back. What if Harshad did something to Manik? What if he does which she fears the most? And worst- What if Manik think her as a gold digger? What if he abandon her? No ways! She can't live without him. She will surely die. He's the only one she has. She can't even imagine her life without Manik. One truth and so many consequences. She was so helpless.

These thoughts would always disturb her. One side, she didn't want to hurt Manik while betraying his trust and another side she was fearing Harshad. She wanted to have a happy life ahead with Manik while another side, she knew one day he would get to know all of it. She knew Harshad could go to any extent to achieve what he want. She was badly stucked in this all mess.

Seeing Nandini lost in her thoughts Manik frowned and waved his hand infront of her.

"Hello? Excuse me, Mrs. Malhotra! Where are you lost?"

"Huh?" Nandini looked at him in a daze.

"Kaha khoyi huyi ho?"

"Woh.. woh aap-"

"Ofcourse! How could I forget? It's me! When I am standing infront of you, where else you will get lost? I know right! No one can resist the charm of Manik Malhotra!" Said Manik smirking. Nandini faked a smile.

"Oh really? Sorry to break your overconfidence but you live in an illusion, Mr. Malhotra! I wasn't lost in you." Said Nandini while Manik kept his hand over his heart and sighed dramatically.

"Ouch! That hurts! My poor heart.." Nandini shook her head at his drama and started making bed.

"Enough of your drama now, go and get ready. I will look after the breakfast. You have an important meeting today, remember? So hurry up or you will be late." Manik rolled his eyes hearing her.

"Yeah yeah alright. I remember. Jaa raha hu! Huh! I don't feel like a boss anymore. Because you only keep on bossing around me. Manik yeh karo, Manik woh karo.." said Manik making faces. Nandini's jaw dropped down. This man-child of hers!

"So mean Manik! When did I boss around ha? Kuch bhi bolte ho aap. Fine. Do whatever you want to. I won't say anything. Fir mat boliye ki Nandini tumne kuch bola kyu nahi? Mujhe yaad kyu nei dilaya? Nandini yeh.. Nandini woh.. huh!" Saying this Nandini huffed and turned to go when Manik pulled her over him. Nandini gasped.

"Manik! What.. what are you doing? Let me go.."

"I will never let you go."

"Manik aap kya-"

"Ssshh! You talk so much." Said Manik and looked at her lips. Feeling his gaze Nandini got nervous. Manik slowly rubbed her lips with his thumb. Nandini felt her knees going weak. She shivered.

"Ma..Mani..kk.." she managed to utter. Manik hummed and held her waist from one hand firmly. Nandini breathed heavily feeling their proximity. She looked at him who was already looking at her.

"I.. I.. need to go.."

"You can't go.. without completing what we have started."

"Ma..matlab?"

Nandini felt butterflies in her stomach while she cluctched his tee firmly in her fist. Manik looked at her intensely.

"Matlab.. I wanna feel my Nandini. Close to me. Very close. Kya mujhe ijazat hai?" He asked looking into her eyes directly.

Instead of answering, Nandini closed her eyes and leaned towards him. Taking the cue, Manik immediately placed his lips on hers. He kept smooching her lips ever so lovingly while Nandini surrendered herself to him. Her knees felt weak but Manik had held her in his tight grip. She was completely leaning on him.

Breaking the kiss after sometime, he joined his forehead with hers. Both were breathing heavily.

"You never have to ask for my permission. Nandini is always yours. And will be only yours. Till her last breathe." Confessed Nandini. Manik looked at her with all his love and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Nandini hugged him and snuggled in his chest. Manik smiled.

_________________________

"Nandini.. Nandini where are you? Nandini????" Manik shouted entering inside the house.

"Coming"

Nandini came out of the kitchen running. Manik picked her up in his arms and started twirling around. Nandini gasped and started laughing.

"Manik!!! Haha! Put me down. What are you doing? Oh my god! Manikkkk!" Manik grinned widely looking at her after making her stand.

"What happened? Why are you so happy? Bataiye na...?" Asked Nandini.

"Nandini! You remember I told you about my dream project? The shimla project? I got the deal, Nandini! The investors were very happy. In next week, every paper works will be done and from next month, our project will start. I am so happy." Said Manik making her dance round and round. Nandini laughed when he pulled her on his chest finally caging her in his arms.

"I am so proud of you, Manik. You worked hard for this. You deserved this. I am very happy. I will always pray to aiyyappa to grant every wish of yours." Said Nandini with a moist eyes and kissed his cheek. Manik smiled brightly but nodded no while wiping her eye corners.

"Hey! No tears on happy occasion. By the way, you forgot the place of kiss I guess! No worries, I am here to remind you." Saying this Manik took her lips in a soulful kiss. Nandini kissed him back happily.

"You're my lucky charm, Nandini! Since the time you've entered in my life, everything have changed. Changed for good. I can't thank you enough for everything. You.. you're my star. My shining star who shines for me. Only me. There's all darkness without you, sweetheart. Just stay with me. Forever and ever." Said Manik emotionally. Nandini cupped his face lovingly.

"I will shine for you, Manik. Humesha." Said Nandini while Manik took her in his embrace.

"Aiyyappa! Stupid Nandu!" Nandini suddenly shouted.

"What happened?" Manik asked breaking the hug.

"Yeh sab baaton mei mei diya jalana bhul hi gayi. Main abhi mandir jake aati hu." Saying this ran towards their house temple. Manik chuckled at her antics and went back of her.

________________________

"Manik! I.. I wanted to ask you something."

"Yes sweetheart. Tell me."

"Actually.. I.. I wanted to shop some things. If.. if you can give me some money please?" Nandini asked hesitatingly. Manik looked at her for few seconds and then left the room.

Nandini's eyes got filled with tears. Is he got angry? Last time also she asked money from him but he gave her. Infact he was giving her a new card all for herself but she denied. Then what happened now? Did he misunderstood her? Did Harshad...? Nooo!!! Her heart cried aloud.

Soon Manik came inside the room while Nandini ran towards him and held his hand.

"Ma.. Manik.. I am sorry. I.. I am so sorry. I won't ask money from you ever again. Aiyyappa promise. I.. I will never ask for anything. Just.. just don't be angry. Don't misunderstand me please. I.. I am sorry. Sorr-"

"Sssh! Chup! Ekdam chup!" Scolded Manik putting his palm over her mouth. Nandini went silent but her tears kept flowing. Shaking his head, Manik wiped her tears.

"You're so stupid. Bilkul paagal ho tum." He said slightly poking her head. Nandini looked at him while sniffing. Manik made her sit on bed and gave glass of water. She drank it and gave back to him.

"Here, take this." Saying this Manik gave her a debit card. Nandini gasped and immediately shook her head.

"Manik no! I-"

"Don't you dare to say no! I am not asking you but ordering you. Keep it with yourself. It's yours." Said Manik strictly. Nandini took the card silently and kept looking at it. Manik sighed.

"Nandini! You don't have to plead me for money. Everything which is mine is yours. It's ours. I don't like when you always plead infront of me for money while hesitating. I absolutely hate it. I am your husband. Your betterhalf. Jo bhi chaiye, haq se mango! And this card.. if I spend my money on my wife then what's wrong? Kon hai dusra jo iss sabka haqdaar hai?" Nandini looked at him while Manik smiled cupping her face.

"My everything is yours let alone money. So please keep this card with you and use it the way you want to. Without any hesitation. And yes, I don't need any explanations about how you spend your money and what you brought. I trust you with my life." Said Manik and kissed on her forehead. Tears fell from Nandini's eyes which Manik wiped off.

"Nandini..." He sighed.

"I.. I just can't thank you enough for everything, Manik. Your name describes you well you know. A gem! You're truely a gem. My precious gem. You.. you just amaze me everytime with your acts. How did I get so lucky to have you in my life, Manik? I.. I.. do I really deserve you?" Nandini sobbed as she felt horrible when he said he trust her with his life. He shouldn't trust her. He shouldn't. She's betraying him. It is gonna break him to no extent.

Manik shushed her immediately cupping her face.

"Hey.. shhh! Don't you dare say that again. You deserve the world Nandini!! And I am happy to be a part of your world. We are happy in our own small world. Just you and me." Said Manik on which Nandini nodded smiling emotionally and hugged him. Manik took her in his embrace smiling.

_________________________

"You liked the dinner?"

"I loved it, Manik. It was so yummy. And that place was so so beautiful. We will go there again okay?"

"As you say, madam!"

Nandini giggled hearing him. Manik had took her out for dinner. Right now theg were in Manik's car returning home. Manik was driving while stealing glances of Nandini whose face was shining in happiness. His heart was at peace.

Nandini looked at him suddenly and raised her brows. Manik nodded no smiling sheepishly before concentrating on road again. Nandini smiled.

"Manik.. do you have any important meetings tomorrow?"

"No. I just have two meetings. One in the morning and one after lunch. Why?"

"Umm.. actually.."

"What happened sweetheart? Any problem?"

"No no. No problem. I just wanted to ask if you can come early tomorrow evening?"

"Sure. Any special reason?"

"Hmm. Special toh hai. But it's a surprise."

"Woaah! Really? Goshh! Now I am so excited. Can't wait for tomorrow evening."

"Haha! Manik! Bilkul bachhe ho aap."

"Oyyee. Don't call me kid. It's my age to have kids." Nandini widened her eyes hearing him. Manik looked at her and winked.

"Manik!"

Manik laughed looking at her face. Nandini slapped his hand and turned her face away blushing profusely.

"Ayeee! Don't blush so much or I will loose my control here only."

"Maniiiik! Please stopppp!" Nandini whined loudly making him laugh more hard.

He stopped the car opposite their mansion and looked at Nandini holding her hand.

"What do you think?"

"About what?"

"Aree, abhi abhi bola na.. our kids. So... Are you ready? You know what I-"

"Manikkk! You are impossible!!" Saying this she jerked his hand blushing and ran out of the car. Manik laughed again.

"Nandini.. wait sweetheart!" He shouted coming out of the car.

Nandini who was running towards their mansion stopped in between and turned to him. Showing her tongue out. Manik chuckled but soon his expressions changed and he screamed.

"NANDINI! MOVE AWAY!"

Nandini got confused and looked at the direction Manik was looking only to get numb on her place. A speedy truck was running towards her. Manik was horrified.

"NANDINIIIIIIIII"

"MAAANIKKKK"

Thud!

Truck went away with a jet speed not caring about anything else.

Screen freezes.

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Hey there!
I hope you all liked the part. Thought to post this till I come back to normal routine.
Don't forget to vote and comment. Thank you. ❤️❤️❤️