MaNan FF : Life With Nandini [Chapter 23 Updated - Page 149] 1 July - Page 26

A lot of photographs were taken and autographs were given and the gathering was on full swing. It was 3 AM and still the party was far from coming to an end. Nandini din't have the habit of wearing high heels and her legs started paining badly. She was standing in those heels, with the new shoes biting her toes - for about 5 long hours. She looked around for a place to sit but din't find any. She din't let the pain show up on her face as she saw her friends and husband enjoying the party and if she would express her condition - they would quit the party right away and she couldn't let it happen. She stood silently, watching them enjoy - drinking all the pain she was going through. Manik noticed her uneasiness and even asked her but she plainly denied. Finally, after 2 long hours, at 5 AM the party ended and they walked back to the villa. By now her legs were red and she felt she would tumble the next moment. The path from the hall to their Villa was a bit rocky and she was finding it difficult to balance herself on the heels. Suddenly, her legs benumbed and she tripped when they were just close to their villa. Manik, who was walking with her, caught her, preventing her from falling and getting hurt. Fab - 4 rushed towards them and circled around them, curious to know what happened. The pain reached its peak and a lone tear escaped her eye. Manik got tensed as it was very unlike Nandini to cry over getting tripped. He got worried and asked her What happened Baby ? Why you crying ? You okay na ? Kya hua hai tumhe? Not able to hide her pain anymore, she said in a suffering tone Manik I can't walk. Please carry me and take me to the villa. He got all the more panicked but first picked her up in his arms and rushed to the Villa while the rest of the Fab - 4 followed them, equally brooded.

He placed her on the sofa and asked anxiously Why are you not able to walk? Kya hua hai Nandini tell me and please, please stop crying. He wiped her tears and started checking her legs. He slowly removed her shoe and found her foot red and swollen. His eyes instantly filled with tears and he looked at Nandini. He softly removed her another shoe and started caressing her feet keeping them in his lap. He looked at her and said Yeh kaise hua Nandini? Tabse tumhe yeh pain pareshan karraha hai. Why din't you tell us ? Dekho kitna swell hugaye hain." She lowered her head and said guility Woh mujhe heels ki aadat nahi hai na aur the shoe was also biting as it was new. Cabir sat near her legs and reprimanded a little angrily Toh Bataya kiun nahi pagal? Dekh kitni swelling hugayi hai. Itna pain lene ki kya zarurat thi?" She looked down and answered Woh .. Tumlog party enjoy karrahe they aur agar main batadeti toh tumlog party chod atey. Isliye .. Mukti sat beside her and continued her Isliye tu chup rahi aur itne ghanton tak yeh pain liya. Choti tu pagal hugayi hai ? Party chod atey toh kya hota ? Bhad me gayi party. Tujhse badhker kuch nahi hai. Pata hai tujhe aisa dekhkar humein kaisa feel horaha hai ? Its paining us too and look at Manik, kamsekam ussey toh batati. Aliya too seconded Mukti and added Haan Nandini! Tumhe aisa nahi karna chahiye tha. Actually galti hamari hai. She was in so much pain and we couldn't see it. We were so much involved in the party that .. Nandini interrupted and said Nahi Aliya aisa kuch nahi hai. Mujhe laga kuch der mein dard kam hujaega, isliye maine kuch nahi kaha. Utna bhi dard nahi horaha hai, bas thodi si swelling hai. Kam hujaega, don't worry. Listening this, Manik got furious and rebuked Yeh tumhe thodi swelling lagrahi hai? Tum jaanti ho na its hurts me to see you in pain. How can you be so careless Nandini? Actually, its my fault - I couldn't observe your pain. I am sorry baby. M so sorry. Nandini bent down and replied cupping his face And you know na that I don't like when you blame yourself for everything. Don't worry baba - garm pani me thoda namak daal kar soak karungi to swelling kam hujaegi. Manik shot a look at her and said Aur yeh tum mujhe ab bata rahi ho? Chuck all these talks, let me treat this swelling first.

He stood up and swiftly carried her to their room and made her sit on the bed. He removed his Tuxedo and folded his sleeves. He asked Mukti to get some salt and himself got into the bathroom and brought a bucket full of hot water. Mukti got salt and he quickly mixed it in the water. He put his hand in the water and on finding it too hot said Yeh to bht garm hai. Main thoda thanda karke laata hoon. He started to move but Nandini belayed him and said Calm down Manik. Its just a swelling and paani garm ho toh hi better hai. He ignored her first sentence and then gently put her legs in the warm water. He then looked at Cabir and entreated Bro! Please go to the manager and get one pain killer. I am sure her legs are paining but as usual, she won't say anything. Cabir nodded and was leaving but Manik stopped him and rejoined Aur sun! Spray ya gel hi lana. Madam ko pills lena pasand nahi hai. Nandini saw everyone standing tensed as if something big has happened and said Guys you all go and rest. Bas thodi si swelling hain. Kam hujaegi. Aur Manik hai na yahan. Manik supported her and said Haan guys, tumlog jao main hoon yahan. Don't worry. Aliya, Dhruv and Mukti complied and left the room asking her to take care.

Manik was upset with her so he dint look or talk to her and changed himself into a track pant. He came near her and checked the water. The water was reduced to normal temperature, so he removed her legs carefully and placed them on a towel. He took the bucket, and changed the water with the hot one and again soused her legs in it. She knew he was perturbed, so she kept quiet and let him do what he was doing. By that time, Cabir came with the pain relief gel and gave it to Manik. They asked him the same, to go and relax and after a lot of convincing, he agreed and left the room. Manik locked the door and came to her and again checked the temperature of water. He was moving to get the water changed when Nandini held his hand and said Manik its okay now. Zyada der paani me pair rakhungi to heels crack hujaengi. He release his hand from her hold and went to the washroom to drain the water and keep the bucket. He came and sat down near her legs and started drying them gently with the towel. Not able to take his silence anymore, Nandini cupped his chin and said lifting his face, making him look at her Baby I am sorry. Mujhe pata tha tum pareshan hujaoge, isliye tumhe nahi bataya. He again looked down and replied skimming his fingers on her feet Agar tum pehle batati toh mere nazuk se pairon ko itna pain nahi sehna padhta. I am very angry with you Nandini. She held her ears and apologized making a puppy face Baby ne Papa ko hurt kiya na? Sorry ! Phirse kabhi aisa nahi hoga. Pomishe. Nandini Pomishe. Her cute antics always managed to melt his heart and it did the same this time too. He instantly smiled and removed her hands from her ears and said cupping her face Baby ko hurt hoga to Papa ko double hurt hoga na. Its okay. Per agay kabhi bhi aise mat karna okay? She nodded her like a child and gave him a tight hug which he reciprocated.

He then broke the hug and started removing her jewelry. He then went to her make up kit and brought rose water along with some cotton pads to remove her make up. He had seen her doing it every time they returned from any function. She smiled looking at him and said Manik! Tumhe toh sab pata hai. Aur mere pair me dard hai haath me nahi. I can do it myself. He gave her a stern look and asked grimly Kiun ?Mere karne se tumhe koi problem hai? She shook her head in a no and he continued Toh Phir? Main karraha hoon na. Chup chaap baithi raho aur mujhe apna kaam karnedo. She smiled and sat straight closing her eyes and he gently wiped off her makeup. He then carefully, untied her braid and untangled her hairs with his fingers. He took a brush and started brushing her hair sedately and delicately while she just kept smiling at the way he was pampering her, as if she was a doll and a little pressure would break her. He finished brushing her hair and walked to the cupboard to get her night suit. Instead of her Pajamas he brought his shirt and shorts. She gave him a questioning look and he answered Cream Lagani hai pairon per isliye yeh. Tum change karlo. He said and turned to go but Nandini clasped his hand and said Itna sab kiya tumne to yeh bhi tum hi kardo na. He smiled and sat beside her on the bed and closed his eyes. He unhooked the halter and slid her dress off her body. He glid the shorts over her legs and then made her wear the shirt and buttoned it. He opened his eyes and saw Nandini confused. She eyed him hazily and asked Manik tumne aankhein kiun band ki ? Tumhe itna formal honey ki zarurat nahi hai. You know I am comfortable with it. Then? Manik cupped her face and replied I was not being formal baby and I know you are comfortable with it. Its just that .. You know na how I loose my control around you and I don't want to trouble you in this state. Isliye I closed my eyes. She just blushed at his answer and gave him a smile. He got up from the bed and again lifted her and placed her on the bed, making her sit resting her back on the headboard. He too got on the bed and took her legs in his lap and started applying the pain relief ointment. He applied the cream and softly massaged her legs. Nandini watched him so much engrossed in it and said Manik! Its okay now. He peeked at her and she babyishly opened her arms and continued Baby ko sona hai aur Papa ko hug karey bina, baby ko neenu nahi aati na. So come, lets sleep. He smiled and keeping the cream aside, hugged her and laid down along with her.

She looked at him lovingly and said stroking her fingers on his jawline Manik. Tum itni choti si baat per itna zyada pareshan hogey toh kaise chalega? Its not good. Manik pulled her closer and replied huskily Yeh choti si baat tumhare liye hogi. Tum jaanti bhi ho tumhe pain me dekhkar mujhey kitna hurt hota hai. Aaj tum girtey girtey bachgayi. Tum gir jati aur tumhe chot lagjati toh ? Tumhare pair dekhey tumne, kitna soojh gaye they aur tum kehrahi ho yeh choti si baat hai ? Tum apna dhyan kiun nahi rakhti ho Nandini sahi se. Tumhari is carelessnes ki wajah se agar tumhe kuch hugaya na, toh main toh mar hi jaunga.

There was a reason why he was reacting like this to just a mere swelling in her legs. His mind unwantedly reminisced the doom day when he had almost lost Nandini

He was in tears by now and Nandini could feel his emotions. She din't say anything and just kissed him, assuring him that she was safe and fine. He too kissed her back with tears still flowing down from his eyes. She broke the kiss and said wiping his tears M really sorry Manik. Mujhe nahi pata tha mere aise karne se tum itna hurt hujaoge. I promise I will not repeat this again. Aur raha sawal mujhe kuch honey ka toh tumhare rehte mujhe koi evil choo bhi nahi sakta.Tum mera itna khayaal rakhtey ho ke mujhe kabhi apne aap ki care karne ki zaroorat hi nahi padi. Don't worry and please give me my beautiful smile. I am craving for it. He instantly grinned at her and said I Love You. I Love you so much. Never do that to me again. She pecked on the corner of his lips and replied I Love You More. I won't They tangled their fingers and slept hugging each other.

At 2 am in the afternoon, Manik opened his eyes feeling her stirring in the sleep. He looked at her and saw some strands of her hair disturbing her and gently tugged them behind her ear. He recalled the last night and slowly placed her on the side and got up to see her legs. He sighed a relief seeing the swelling gone but he knew they would be still paining as the pain wont subside so easily. He softly caressed her feet and kissed them. He tugged her in the blanket, kissed her forehead and moved out of the bed after placing a pillow beside, for her to hug. He got into the washroom and came out after taking a shower, rubbing his body with a towel and wearing a track. He saw the room scattered and started cleaning it placidly without making any noise.He took her jewelry and put them in the box and folded her dress and kept it neatly on the table along with his dress. He threw the cotton balls that he used last night to remove her makeup and arranged the table. After cleaning the room he moved towards the glass wall and stood gazing at the calm beach.

Nandini opened her eyes and sat rubbing them, searching for him. She squinted around and saw him standing near the wall, stretching and rippling his back muscles. Her eyes popped out in surprise. He turned around and smirked seeing her expression and asked Good Morning Mrs. Malhotra! Liked what you saw?She instantly blushed but replied boldly Good Morning Mr. Malhotra! I Loved it. He raised his eyebrow at her answer and advanced towards her. She opened her arms for a hug and he happily gave her one. She pecked on his lips and asked When did you wake up? He checked his watch and said 45 minutes pehle. How are your legs? They must be paining for sure. She looked at her legs and said Haan pain hai but swelling kam hogayi hai. He made her face him and stated firmly You are not gonna put your feet on ground until the pain vanishes. Come! I will give you a bath and No Arguments! Okay? She nodded and he carried to the bathroom.

For a person like Manik, who had craved for care and attention all his life - Love wasn't only about having sex or exchanging gifts. It was par these two things. Love for him means craving and reverence. He loved serving Nandini - and pampering her - not only when she was ill or injured - but every time. He had learnt it from her. The way she cared for him all the time - 24 x 7 - even he tried to do the same but no matter what he does - he could never match her tenderness - he thought. But according to her - he had mollycoddled her so much that she was getting spoiled. She often protested - but her complaints fell into deaf ears. When overindulging her in his care was his daily routine - when she would be fit and fine - she could imagine to what extent he would go when she was in pain.

He made her sit on the slab near basin and handed her the toothbrush and toothpaste. She brushed her teeth while he prepared the tub for a bubble bath. She clapped her hands like a child seeing the bubbles and he smiled seeing his child woman. He came near her and started unbuttoning her shirt and said Come! Let me give my baby soft skin a hot bubble bath. She rounded her eyes in excitement and pecked his lips. He undressed her and carried her to the tub and benignly placed her inside. He sat near the tub and covered her with the bubbles while she was busy bursting them. He took some shampoo and massaged her hair with it and she lathered the soap over her body. He saw her playing with the bubbles and joined her. He took some foam and blew it on her face and she roistered like a two - year old - giving cute pouts and surprised expressions. She took some soap on her finger and put it on his nose and he made weird faces making her laugh. He was just admiring her playing, giggling and frolicking so innocently. He leaned closer to her and kissed her lips softly. She instantly blushed and smiled.

They played for some more time and then he took her to the shower chamber and stood under the shower bearing her in his arms. She laved the soap off her body and hair, scouring her skin with her hands. She saw Manik drenched and said apologetically Manik tum toh phirse bheeg gaye. Sorry! He smiled and rubbed his nose with her and replied Anything for you Love. After getting done with the shower, he again made her sit on the basin slab and wrapped her in a towel. He took another towel and after drying himself, toted her back to the room and seated her on the dressing table. He culled out a white Capri and Blue sleeveless shirt from the wardrobe. He mopped her body with the towel and helped her in getting clothed. Next he took the hair dryer and blow dried her hair while she just gave herself to him and sat admiring him, her love for him growing thousand times, with each passing second - observing him cossetting and coddling her with so much heed and solicitude. He then combed her hair tenderly and tucked the earrings in her ears . He was busy adorning her and she was engaged in idolizing him. He made her wear the bracelets and applied some gloss on her lips. He took a step back and glimpsed at her and said Something is missing. He smiled and kissed her cheeks leaning closer to her, making her blush instantly. He again looked at her and remarked Perfect! You look beautiful as always. She eyed him lovingly and said avidly I can't tell how blessed I feel to have you. I Love You So Much Manik. Even if I tell this to you thousand times a day its not enough. He cupped her face in his hands and replied Its me who is blessed to have you. And you don't need to say it thousand times a day, Your eyes speak much more than that. I Love You Too. She smiled and said Okay! Done with Baby. Now its time to dress up Papa. Ummm .. Take out that white tee with pink stripes along with the white pants. He took out the mentioned clothes and said Your wish is my command! Your highness. She laughed and he handed her the tee and changed himself into the trousers. He came and sat infront of her on the stool and she made him wear the t-shirt. She took some gel and set his hair in a simple style and then dropped a kiss on his mole and said imitating him Perfect! You look Handsome as Always. He chuckled and took her in a bear hug. They parted and Manik called and asked the Manager to send the lunch in the villa.

He again picked her and they walked out of the room to find Fab - 4 snoozing in the living area. Mukti and Aliya on the sofa and Dhruv and Cabir on the floor. They got confused as to why they were sleeping in the hall. Manik placed Nandini on the couch and started waking everyone up. All of them woke up and sat rubbing their eyes. Manik and Nandini gave each other a bemused look and then Manik asked Guys tumlog sab yahan kiun sorahe ho? Rooms me koi problem hai kya? Cabir yawned and answered in sleepy tone Woh humne socha, you might need us so hum sab yahiin per sogaye. How is Nandini now? Nandini was overwhelmed by their this gesture and her eyes filled with tears. She blinked them away and answered humbly Main yahan hoon Cabir. I am absolutely fine. Manik sat beside her on the couch and said She is fine. Swelling kam hugayi hai but pain abhi bhi hai. Nandini turned towards them and added Dont worry guys! Kal tak pain bhi khatm hujaega. All of them smiled at her and felt relieved seeing her fit and fine. Cabir budged towards her and dropped a brotherly kiss on her temple. She asked all of them to get freshened up and then they would have lunch together.

The fall incident had not only left a scar on Manik's brain but had also feared Fab 4 to the core. They had experienced the frightful night when they could have lost Nandini - their angel forever. They loved her a lot and were very protective about her after what she had done with their lives - she was their peace and they couldn't bear anything happening to her.

After they left, Nandini entwined their hands said When there is so much love and care around me, then why would I need to take care of myself? It was such a beautiful gesture. We have come such a long way that I have made such a big space for myself in the hearts of Fab - 4, who were my rivals once. Manik smiled and replied stroking her thumb on his hand Tum ho hi aisi. Koi tumhe kareeb se janey aur tumse pyaar na karey, aisa possible hi nahi hai. You have earned this love sweetheart. She smiled and just then they heard a knock on the door. They saw the Manager standing with the food. Manik signaled him to come inside and lay the food on the table. He left and Fab - 4 entered after getting freshened up.