As soon as they stepped in the hall; they heard the mellow motherly voice of Chachi; who was laying down the breakfast for everyone on the dining table; greeting them Good Morning mere Shah Rukh aur Kajol! Chalo ab jaldi se aaker baithjao aur naashta karlo. Bas tum dono ka hi intezaar karrahe they. MaNan smilingly wished her back and then Nandini said, while moving towards the area along with Manik Sorry Chachi! Aapko yahan aker bhi yeh sab karna padraha hai. Instead of Chachi; the reply came from Chacha - who was coming along with Rishabh from the lawn Dekha Shanno Ji! Bacche badal gaye hain. Kehte hain ke hum issey hamara ghar samjhe aur uper se formality bhi karte hain. Being the innocent soul, Nandini shook her head and replied, sadly Arey Nahi Chacha! Mera woh matlab nahi tha. I am sorry. Chacha - Chachi chuckled and Manik - Rishabh snickered seeing her take the joke seriously and then not wanting to make her feel guilty, Chachi side - hugged her and said Arey Meri Bholi Nandu! Tu itna jaldi dil pe kiun leti hai baaton ko? Murthy ji toh bas mazak karrahe they. Nandini smiled and then Chachi continued Accha Chalo ab jaldi se baithjao sab aur naashta shuru karo. Acting as obedient children, Manik and Rishabh took their seats while Nandini helped Chachi in serving breakfast.
Ruffling his hair lovingly, Chachi asked Manik with utmost concern Tumhari tabyat theek hai na beta? Bohot zyada dard to nahi hai na? Manik smiled and answered, clutching her hand between his two in assurance Main bilkul theek hoon Chachi. Bas stitches hain aur kuch nahi. Aaplog please worry mat kijiye. Year me ek baar toh family time aata hai jab aaplog yahan aatey ho aur usme bhi aaplog aise sad rahogey toh mujhe bohot bura lagega. Understanding his effort of making her feel good; everyone smiled and then started with their meals.
With a lot of light - hearted moments and chats on Random topics; they completed the breakfast and were walking to the hall when Aarav came running; or rather flying; and crashed himself on Manik's legs - who was busy talking with Rishabh. It din't take him a second to recognize the familiar touch of two tiny hands that were wrapped around his knees and instantly a smile appeared on his face which turned into a grin, hearing him speak I Missed You Partner! He effortlessly picked the cute little thing in his arms and replied, after kissing him tightly on his cheek Hey Champ! I Missed You too! Per aap itna miss karrahe they toh aye kiun nahi? Aarav shot a look at Navya; who had just passed by them after greeting Manik and Rishabh, ignoring her Son's dagger looks; and then replied, making a face Kaise aata main Partner! Mom ne clearly reduce kardiya. And this time Dadda too supported her. Both Manik and Rishabh chuckled at his adorable confusion about English words and then Manik corrected him; pinching his nose Reduce nahi Champ! Refuse hota hai. As usual; Aarav gave a smug - visibly embarrassed and to avoid further teasing; the witty lad said, smartly changing the topic Accha woh sab chodo. Tell me about your health. Aap theek hogaye ho na? Manik smiled at his innocent and thoughtful inquiry and answered, ruffling his hair endearingly Aap agaye ho na! Ab I am absolutely fine.
Giving his lovely smile; Aarav kissed his cheek and finally recognized the one - man audience to their confab; Rishabh; who was sitting right beside them but wasn't spared a notice. His forehead instantly wrinkled and brows knitted in a frown; an expression clearly expressing his 'Oh! Why is he here again?' inner feeling; seeing which Manik sniggered; but acting by his manners, Aarav faked a smile and politely greeted to which Rishabh replied warmly with a hand - shake. This healthy acrimony betwixt the two kids of the family; Aarav and Rishabh; that arose due to the million dollar question 'Who of the two is more dearer to Nandini?'; provided the much needed salt ingredient to their sweet life; that did no harm and only increased the taste. Rishabh, being mature enough, would only raise this topic with an intention of pulling his leg but Aarav being the one to have been born yesterday and super - possessive when it to his 'Massi Ma's Love' ; would either get pissed or more often; would turn hot under the collar and engage in a rib - tickling bun-fight, that also involved shooting black looks and irate stomping of feet; during which the elders would laugh their guts out but, under their breaths except Nandini, who would be having a hard - time controlling the duo especially her steamed up Baccha.
Just when Rishabh was about to start his razzing; which was evident from his mischievous way of looking at Aarav; to Aarav's and also Manik's relief; Rishabh got a call - to receive which - he excused himself; leaving the Partner - Champ dyad in the hall. As soon as Rishabh went out of sight; Aarav turned to Manik and said, exasperatedly Why is he here again Partner? You know na I don't like him then why do you allow him to come here? Ab phirse he will argue that Maasi Ma loves him more. Huh!! Manik snickered hearing his huffing and opened his mouth to reply; but was interrupted by Cabir - who answered, poking Aarav's head lightly with his finger He is here to meet his sister and you better behave yourself. Last time ki tarah ladai ki na toh punishment milegi. A scowl appeared on Aarav's cute face which was replaced with a smile in no time; seeing Manik's 'Don't Worry I am Here' reassurance that he gave as a second - long blink.
Cabir Hi - Hello'ed Manik and then asked Wese Behen se milne to main bhi aya hoon. Hain kahan Nandini? Before Manik could answer, Nandini said, entering the hall along with Chachi and Navya Hi Cabir! Bohot jaldi yaad aayi behen ki. Overjoyed on seeing his Maasi Ma after 2 long days; Aarav jumped off Manik's lap and sprung in Nandini's arms - who smilingly embosomed him and then asked Hie Baccha! How are you? Inne din se kiun nahi aye aap? Pata hai How much I missed you? Breaking the hug, Aarav replied, cupping her face in his little hands I Missed You ussey bhi bohot zyada Maasi Ma. TWO days se I din't meet you. He stressed the word 'Two' - at which Nandini smiled and then he asked cutely Aap naraz ho mujhse? Nandini awed, along with all others and then answered, after kissing him zor - se Maasi ma can never be upset with you. I Love You Shoo Much! Aarav too returned the kiss - favor with equal or more sweetness and said, hugging her again I Love You too Massi Maa! Everybody witnessing this, went all smiles and after greeting Chachi, Cabir came near Nandini; disturbing their moment; and said, taking Nandini in a side - hug and planting a brotherly buss on her temple Hello meri behna! Ghussa kiun ho rahi hai? In fact you should thank me! For sparing you itna sara lone time with your Monster! Manik rolled his eyes while Chachi and Navya smiled and then Nandini replied, slapping Cabir's shoulder Very Funny! Rubbing the thwacked spot, Cabir faked getting hurt - while others tee - heed.
When all was said and done with his Massi Ma; Aarav's gaze fell on Chachi and he exclaimed mirthfully, waving his hand at her Shanno Ji! Hello! Smiling ear to ear, Chachi walked to him and replied, gritting her teeth out of love and pulling his cheek Hello Meri Jaan! Akhir main dikh gayi tujhe? Aarav smiled sheepishly, biting his thumb, and then Chachi added; after giving him a kiss on cheek Chalo chodo. Kaise ho tum? Aarav smilingly replied to her question and a whole new conversation followed; involving Nandini, Aarav and Chachi - about every thing and anything that Aarav did in the last two days.
Nandini was so engrossed with Aarav, Chachi and CaVya that she din't realize Manik wasn't in the hall and when she did; after a good 20 - 25 minutes; she panicked and almost shouted Arey! Where is Manik? Abhi toh he was here. What do I do with him. Ghumna phirna strictly mana hai per phir bhi - he doesn't listen to me at all. Keeping her hand on Nandini's shoulder, Chachi replied; calming her down Shaant hoja Nandu! Sab jaantey hai ke Manik sab karsakta hai but teri baat nahi taal sakta. Woh Raha! Saying this, Chachi pointed her fingers to where Manik was sitting along with Chacha near the pool side; shooting the breeze and within a second; the pucker between her eyebrows eased and a gush of reverence filled her senses that was reflecting through her sparkling eyes and then elating her spirits, Chachi rejoined - admiring the Manik - Chacha jawing scene Log kehte hain ke koi bhi insaan perfect nahi hota per Manik ko dekhkar yeh theory ghalat lagti hai. Har kisiko equal importance kaise dee jati hai - koi Manik se seekhe. Tu sacchi mein bohot lucky hai Nandu. An immediate rush of blood turned her cheeks scarlet and she felt herself bursting with proud; more or less like a peacock; and why wouldn't she? Nothing in the world can ever eclipse the contentment; that fills heart; when one's Parents respect and sing praises of the one's better half - and when this extraordinary stroke of luck was bestowed upon her; Nandini had every right to get puffed up.
Intervening Nandini's self - talks; that majorly held Manik as the topic; Chachi asked To Bhai aajka kya plan hai? Lunch me kya khana? Main banaongi aaj apne bacchon ke liye - apne style me. Sab apni apni pasand batado. Not having any mood to digest Chachi's innovative and not - so - delicious food; Cabir said, voicing the common thoughts of every one present in the Mansion; coating his words with sugar and honey so that Chachi doesn't feel offended Arey Chachi! Aap kiun banaegi hamare hotey huay. Aap yahan holiday per aye ho toh relax and enjoy. Today I will cook along with Nandini and Navya. Sharing similar views as that of Cabir's about Chachi's culinary skills; Navya seconded him with a pinch of drama, saying Haan Chachi. Aap saal me ek baar toh aatey ho. Usme bhi agar humne apna pyaar nahi jataya toh sharm hai hamare pyaar per. Aap bas yahan baitho aur apni farmaish batao. Being an impressionable and wax - hearted human; Chachi smiled widely - an indication that she was influenced by their words and replied Haye mere sone Bacche! Tum sab itna pyaar se kehrahe ho toh main Mana kaise karsakti hoon? Per Cabir! Tum bhi pakaogey? Aata hai tumhe? Cabir raised to his feet and answered, with his special exaggerated swagger Of Course Chachi! Aisa koi kaam nahi hai jo Cabiraa na karsake.
Once again proving his inclination towards Nandini; showing the love that was exclusively for her; he moved near her and continued, giving some of his credit to her Waise to I can cook but I only do it with my sister. Iske saath cooking karne me jo maza aata hai na Chachi, I swear its out of the world. Na koi chaos; Na koi mess. Har cheez ready hoti hai iski kitchen mein. Bas ingredients lo aur mix kardo. Aur saath me iski company. I seriously search for chances to cook with her. Saying this he gave a light hit on her head with his and after smiling to her fullest along with Chachi; seeing the bro - sis bond; Navya said, handing Aarav - who was ensconced in Nandini's lap - to Chachi Ab commitment ki hai toh kaam bhi karna padega. Tum dono chalrahe ho ya hum khud banalein. The bhai - behen jodi instantaneously straightened and after taking Chachi's preference - list for the lunch menu; they moved to the kitchen for knocking up some tasty vivers.
You Morons! I can't believe I have such selfish bunch of friends. How can you guys just leave me alone and enjoy? A known fierce feminine voice put a full stop to Nandini and CaVya's playful chattering and before they could defend themselves; they found themselves being bombarded with a rain of breads and all the edible light stuff from the dining table - that were thrown at them by the owner of the voice; their own lady - hulk Mukti. Flinging a solid Orange at Cabir, Mukti barked Kamine Cabir! Tu mujhe lene kiun nahi aya? Her gaze shifted to Nandini and Navya; who were also glaring at Cabir and then Nandini said, giving him a punch in the stomach Liar Cabir! You said Mukti is coming on her own when we asked. Openly shrugging off their rant and deliberately shutting his eyes to Mukti's death stares - he replied Kamini Mukti! Tu choti bacchi hai jo main tujhe lene aaon? Khud se nahi aasak .. His vocals turned mute all of a sudden; seeing the ladies of his life grabbing their random weapons and charging towards him - with a clear motive of thrashing the blue out of him and not wishing an ounce to face their wrath; he said - in a trembling tone Arey! Tumlog to serious hogaye. Accha baba! Sorry! Galti hogayi. Insaan hoon main bhi after all. The girls looked at each other and then smiled; the 'Mission Accomplished' one; and he sighed on getting rescued.
Meanwhile in the Hall; Chachi amd Aarav were having some fun with each other; chatting and playing - when Manik entered along with Chacha and on not finding any one around; he asked Chachi their whereabouts. Getting the answer, he strode to the kitchen and saw Nandini standing alone; piping the cream over cupcakes while humming a melody. Taking stealthy steps; he advanced near her and sedately slid his arms around her waist; hugging her from back and smiled; sensing her shiver. Her lips curved and he said, after tucking the hair that were disturbing her, behind her ear and kissing her shoulder Main thodi der door gaya aur tumne kaam karna shuru kardiya. Very Bad Princess! Butlers hai na Baby cook karne ke liye. She pecked on his cheek and replied Haan Baba butlers hain. Per Chachi kehne lagi ke woh cook karengi toh unhe rokne ke liye we cooked. And I din't do it alone; Cabir, Mukti aur Navya bhi they. Since aaj weather itna accha hai - toh humne socha lunch bahar Garden me karenge. And thodi grilling bhi karni thi. Isliye they went. To arrange. Convinced by her answer, Manik just hmmed, and then said, nuzzling her ear - lobe Accha hua they went. I got some time with you. Itni der se I was away. You din't miss me? Veering about, she muffled her hands around his neck and answered I din't miss you because you were right in front of my eyes. Main toh tumhe tabse dekhrahi thi. But you din't see me only. Now this is something bad! He kissed her pout and replied Oh! So you were ogling at me haan? Woh bhi secretly? Holding his collar, she pulled him closer and muttered Of Course I was! When you have such a hot husband; then it becomes really difficult to keep eyes off. His lips twitched in a smirk and he said huskily, raising his left brow Accha? Getting Naughty with me haan? She din't reply and just fused her lips with his; for an intense kiss and sending quivers down her spine; he clasped her waist and responded with more passion. Feared of the possibility of some one barging in; as unlike every other day, they weren't alone; Nandini broke apart and replied I have all the rights to get naughty with you Mr. Malhotra! Manik smirked and was about to answer but a phone Call interrupted him and seeing Manager's Name flashing; he excused himself for some minutes and Nandini continued with her icing.
Manik! No way! You are not even allowed to get off your seat and here you want to go office; that too for a conference. No! You are not going! Nandini plainly denied Manik's request - that he made after getting informed by his Manager about the importance of his presence in a meeting that was going to be held in the next 3 hours. Manik sighed and replied, cupping her face Baby you know na main tumhari koi bhi baat nahi taal ta. Bohot important hai isiliye jaana hoga. She removed his hands from her cheeks and said, hanging his blazer back in the wardrobe Tumhari health se zyada important kuch bhi nahi hai Manik. And if they actually want to meet you then ask them to come home. But I am not letting you step out of the house. Saying this she turned to go downstairs; where everybody were settling for lunch; but Manik held her hand and gave the last try, as the deal was really germane to their industry Nandini Please Baba! Dekho main unhe ghar bula leta per agar maine aisa kiya toh they will doubt and you know na no one is aware about my health. Agar kisiko thoda sa bhi clue milgaya then media will go mad. Please Baby! He made a puppy face which made it impossible for her to deny further and then she replied, after processing something in her mind Ohkaye! But on one condition that I am coming with you. And don't you dare say no - Chacha Chachi ke liye CaVya hain and I am sure they can manage with the lunch. More than happy with her proviso; as for him nothing could be better than her company; he readily gave his consent to which she smiled and then helped him in getting changed.
They apprised every one; who also objected considering Manik's health but when they heard about Nandini joining him; they acceded and taking the lunch and his medicines along; MaNan left after asking their friends to take Care of themselves, Chacha - Chachi and Rishabh.
To Be Continued ..
