III - MaNan FF : Life With Nandini [Ch46 - PG137/Thread4 Link - PG153] - Page 6

Kya Hua Navya? Nandini asked on coming downstairs; a bit worried as Navya was shouting on top of her voice and before she could get any answer; she was hit by a soft and innocent blow on her back as Aarav; who had just returned from his school camping trip; rammed into her and took her in a tight hug; wrapping his arms around her waist and locking them on her stomach. Her lips stretched from ear to ear at his yet another adorb and then she said, looking down at him from over her shoulder My Baccha is back hmm? I missed you so much Baby. Saying this Nandini pulled him to her front and kissed his cheeks tightly after kneeling down before him and then Aarav replied, rubbing his nose with hers I missed you more Massi Ma. And I Love You. Aapne mujhe bataya kiun nahi ke aap agaye? Main kal hi ajata na camp. Nandini couldn't help but awe at his words and doing it; she pulled his cheeks lightly and said, gritting her teeth out of Love I Love You too mera baccha! Isiliye nahi bataya. Kiunke aap ajatey. Camp bhi important hai na Baby. Wese how was it? Giving the answer to her question in a simple nod; he squinted around the house with narrowed eyes; as if searching for someone and observing this; Nandini asked Kya hua Baby? Kisko dhoond rahe ho aap? Giving the entire Mansion another once - over; he bent close to Nandini and said or inquired seriously; slowly as a whisper Partner Kahan hai? Nandini was a bit confused as to why Aarav was asking this in hushed voice and that too with a gambhir look on his face but playing along; she answered in the same way Uper hain room mein. Per aap aise kiun baat karrahe ho? What happened? Bowing his head; as if guilty of some big sin; he replied, in a dejected tone and while fiddling with his fingers Woh! Maine partner se promise kiya tha ke aap ke aaney tak I will be with him per yeh stupid camp ki wajah se mujhe jana padha. Maine jab unko bataya dinner per toh unhone sirf hmm kiya aur next day when I went to say him bye; he din't open the door only. I shocked so many times but he din't come out. I think woh naraz hai mujhse. A small smile crept on her face at the naive assumption of his pure heart; just like all others who were witnessing; but before Nandini could say something to console the poor little thing; who was drowning in culpability; Manik tapped Aarav's shoulder once, standing behind him and said in a bit firm voice Shocked nahi Champ; knocked hota hai. Gulping down the lump formed in his throat; Aarav turned about and apologized; with his head lowered and hands catching his earlobes Sorry Partner! I know you are upset with me. Coz i broke the promise na. Per main kya karta? Important tha na. Aur mom maan hi nahi rahi thi. You can ask her. But still if you want you can be cutty with me. I did wrong. So you can. Manik was carefully listening to him; pursing his lips to suppress the smile whilst trying hard to not aww; so that he can play around with him for sometime but all his plans went in gutter seeing a lone tear fall from his baby's eyes. Shunning every other thought; Manik quickly picked him up in his arms and said, releasing his ears from his hold and then wiping the dew off his eyes Arey Champ! You don't need to be sorry at all. I am not upset with you. Dadda ne mujhe bataya tha ke camp is compulsory. Partner can never be upset with you. You know na? Then? Aarav sniffed and asked, looking at Manik with nimble blinking eyes Aap upset nahi ho toh door kiun ni khola aapne uss din? Manik smiled and replied, pinching his now-red elfin nose Kiunke mujhe laga koi servant hai. Apne toh aawaz hi nahi di thi na. Finally smiling; Aarav slapped his palm on his forehead and then said sheepishly Stupid me! Main toh bhool gaya. Saying this he giggled heartily at himself; making others also titter and then added; hugging Manik I Love You Partner! So Much! An overwhelmed Manik; tightened the grip on the bairn; engulfing him completely in his arms and replied I Love You Too Champ!

After the elaborate; milofy and manaofy session; everyone sat in the hall to kill some time before starting up with the bedecking business. The youngsters were having a random chat; with Aarav snoozing in Nandini's lap; when Chachi came along with lunch plates and said, laying them on the center table for the boys and passing one plate to Chacha Chalo bhai ladkon! Tum log lunch khalo. Sorry thoda late hogaya. The ever famished Cabir literally pounced on food followed by a sharp - set Dhruv and half - starved Rishabh; thanks to the labor work of decoration they were engaged in since morning and an additional work; in case of DhruBir; of pampering their observing wifies; whereas Manik; in contrast to all the other three men; abruptly stood and excused himself; citing some work as a reason and seeing this; Chachi asked, oblivious to the most obvious fact that could ever be Arey! Issey kya hua achanak? Khana toh khaker jata. Instead of a reply; she got a chuckle from Cabir; smiles from everyone else and a shy tomatoish Nandini and then solving the puzzle; which wasn't a puzzle at all; for Chachi, Cabir said Aap kitni bholi hain Chachi. Aarav ko bhi pata hai ke agar Nandini khana nahi khayegi toh Manik bhi nahi khayega. Yeh toh sarvabhumik satya hai. Aapko kese nahi pata? At last; on getting the aha! moment; Chachi smiled but then getting into the mother mode; she said in a tone full of concern Arey per ese kaise? Kabse kuch nahi khaya usne. Kaise rahega chaand nikalne tak? But Chachi again missed another writ large point; probably because of the fast and under the effect of hungry gut; the naked truth that Manik had Nandini; the FikrMinister herself as his wife who, for once, can forget breathing but not anything regarding him and his health. Shooing away her blush; Nandini held Chachi's hand and replied, putting her motherly heart at rest Its Ok Chachi! Mujhe pata tha isliye maine subah hi apne saath ussey acche se khana khiladiya tha. Sighing a relief and mouthing an Oh!; Chachi smiled and then spoke with 'Kahin pe nigahein; kahin pe nishana' glint in her voice and while shooting daggers at Chacha and RishDhruBir; who were getting their laughing gears round the food as if deprived of it since ages Mera Shah Rukh hai hi sona munda. Warna kuch log toh itna bhi dhyaan nahi dete ke koi bhuke saamne baithey hain aur thoos thoos ke khatey hain; jese zindagi me pehli baar khana dekhrahe ho. The male hands with ready to pop morsels stopped in their tracks; just inches away from their chops; on hearing the solid oblique taunt that came along with the complimentary black looks from the ladies of their lives; except a tee - heeing Nandini and already full Mukti; but as they say 'Bhook Insaan ko kuch aur hi banadeti hai'; the not - so - insensitive men got their skins thick and giving a damn to the put - down they were just rewarded with; took their plates and whizzed out of the hall; leaving the girls jaw - dropped. After shouting some curses at the arch blokes and chortling on getting some funny comments back; of course from Cabir; the ladies got involved with the last - minute cross - checking and arrangements; which took about 2 hours; and when everything was set; they retired to their rooms to get ready.

Though Manik had just made a bahana; eventually he was loaded with work that propped up out of nowhere and had kept him engrossed all the while. Not wanting to get late and miss the golden chance of adorning his wife with loads of romance; Manik hurriedly sorted out the 'work' and happily entered his room only to get all his plans dashed and hopes shattered by the scenario; an all ready Navya helping Alya and Mukti who had put on their glad rags and were well settled on the bed with all their accessories and make up kits. For a moment he felt he had entered a wrong room and just when happiness seemed to be returning; his eyes fell on the their Portrait hanging above the bed which confirmed that the room was his; theirs; only. He scanned the room for Nandini but stopped seeing the washroom lights on; that indicated she was inside as all others were out; and then he asked, pointing to the mess strewn all over the bed Tum log yahan kya karrahe ho? Aur yeh sab kya hai? Bedroom kam aur dressing room zyada lagraha hai yeh. As usual; Alya and Navya paid a deaf ear's attention to him and Mukti replied, giving him a look Oye Mr. Cleaner! Zyada taaney mat mar! Dikh ni raha tayyar horahe hain. Manik rolled his eyes and then said, flashing a sarcastic grin Accha? Thank God tuney batadiya. Stupid! Dikhraha hai tayyar horahe ho per yahan kiun? Mukti made a 'Whatever' face and replied, shifting her gaze back into her eye - shadow palette Saath mein ready honey mein zyada fun hai. Isliye yahan. Aur humein janey ke liye bolna bhi mat. Coz we are not going. Giving her a second long glare; Manik huffed and declared, being the stubborn head he is Jo karna hai karo. Per main yahan se kahin nhi jaraha. Expect bhi mat karna. Much to his good; the girls din't protest and he reluctantly compromised; feeling a bit of joy for at least getting to be close to her.

Uttering some 'honey - laced' swear words and imprecations under his breath; to 'whoever' was responsible for creating this highly undesirable situation and dampening his romantic spirits; Manik made his way to the cupboard to pull out his clothes; stomping his feet like a two year old with a sullen face which was becoming longer and longer thinking how he had not kissed; let alone kiss; had not even touched her from last 3 hours and with all the beauty queens around; wouldn't be able to do it any soon either. Just when he had started encouraging himself saying things can get better; to a drastic contrast and for testing Manik's already stumbling patience; the bathroom door creaked open and Nandini entered in the most sensuous and stimulating condition; for him; wearing her lehenga and struggling with the strings of her skintight choli that was beautifully defining her figure and exposing her shapely back as her long open velvety tresses were left gathered on her right shoulder; extending elegantly along from her bare neck till her moistened slender waist with their ends tickling the supple rosy - white skin of her curve. As a spontaneous reaction; his body suffered a hike in temperature as passion warmed his blood and he fisted his hands; that were itching to skim over her body; while breathing heavily in order to control the manly urge of slamming into her and kissing the hell out of her. Unmindful of his presence in the room and also the havoc she had wreaked within him; Nandini approached Mukti; who was standing in front of the mirror; to helping her with the choli for which she readily agreed.

A cold shiver ran down her spine and her skin turned into gooseflesh; the moment Nandini lifted her eyes to have a look at herself in the mirror; seeing the reflection of his kindled state with flames of desire blazing in his eyes. The intensity of his dark, possessed and fierce gaze raking her body; like always; paralyzed her psyche and drove tingles through her and she felt her skin burn with the hot blood rushing fervently in her veins; making her heart thud erratically inside her chest. Both were intoxicated; by each other; and were blushing hard; with their subconscious minds amazing at the way they affect the other; even after two years of marriage and on having done it as recently as the previous night. The mere imagination of what the scene would have been; had the three sheilas been considerate enough to use their rooms; and what would eventually happen anyway was melting their insides but knowing maturely that there was no chance of getting some private hubby - wifey moment till some good midnight; they composed themselves by almost snatching the sticks from their titillated hearts so they could stop drumming wildly against their chests and then Manik asked clearing his throat; not before turning her totally crimson by giving an impish 'You are in serious trouble' smirkNandini mere kapde kahan hai? Though she was tickled pink by him; she din't hide the brazen side of her and replied, returning the naughty look Couch per hai Manik. Then in a trice; becoming the typical lovely wifey; she asked Woh wala theek hai na? Agar kuch dusra pehenna hai toh boldo. I will take that out. Smiling; he just shook his head in denial and then giving her a quick covert flying kiss; grabbed his clothes and moved into the washroom to get freshened up.

Bubbles of glee began bursting in his heart; one after the other; when he found the room fortunately empty on entering back with the three sources of disturbances having gone and only his damsel sitting before the mirror and decking herself up for him. Enchanted and bowled over; were the words for him; as his eyes descried her bridal form and Venus - like gorgeousness; her skin resembling to that of a marble dusted with light specs of gold in contrast to the dense sanguine hue of her raiment; her rich mahogany shaded tresses loosely curled and let free to flow along her back; hiding it; with some errant bangs tracing the contours of her rouged face that shone with radiance that would even put the stars to shame as daylight does to a lamp; her lush long lashes gracefully framing her kohled doe - like eyes and her lips wearing the color similar to that of a wine; exactly how he loved.

Beholding her picture perfection and falling deeper in her spell; he walked near her and said huskily; taking her in a back hug and nuzzling her earlobe I want to kiss you. She blushed on getting the most worthwhile and pithy compliment and then replied in her mellow voice, pushing herself more into his rock - hard torsoBas thodi der rukjao. Fast khulne tak. Firming the hug; he first hummed and then said, while dropping feather - like kisses on her shoulder I was dying to be this close to you. But kisine sahi kaha hai. Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai. Bas farq itna hai ke mere sabr ka phal behad khubsurat hai. I Love You! Very very much. Tilting her head sideways; she gave his lips a tender brush with hers and then replied I Love You More Manik. Yeh vermilion aur nuptial chain mujhe pehnadogey? Its a ritual. More than ready; he nodded and tied the Mangalsutraaround her neck with a peck on her nape. He kissed her temple; after filling her hairline with a pinch of vermilion and then he said Tumhe kaise protect karoon main? Pakka aaj tumhe sabki nazar lagegi. Shayad meri bhi. Tumhari beauty agar aise hi badhti gayi na; toh phir duniya ko tumhe bhuljana padega. She gesticulated a 'Kiun?' and he answered Kiunke main tumhe apni bahon se aur is room se bahar jaaney hi nahi doonga. Mrs. Malhotra! Itna zalim hona theek baat nahi hai. Show some mercy on me. Uper se yeh kiss na karne ka rule. Mujhe pata hota na toh main bilkul rakhne ni deta tumhe yeh fast. You know na how difficult it is for me. She smiled at his puppy face and then replied, taking the veil over her head and adjusting his kurta; making him stand with her Jab tak tum ho mujhe kisiki evil eye choo bhi nahi sakti. Aur rahi baat oxygen; yaani kiss ki; to main toh hoon hi tumhari. Fast kholne ke baad jo chahey karlena Saying this; she bussed his chin and he said throatily; yanking her closer You know I Love it when you say main toh hoon hi tumhari. Its feels out of the world to be the one to own you. Aur rahi baat fast kholne ke baad ki; toh let me tell you; kuch nahi main bohot kuch karne wala hoon. He pulled her more into himself and muttered against her ear Agar maine apne iraade batadiye toh tum kaanpna bandh nahi karpaogi. Aur issey pehle ke I loose myself; lets go. Warna phir mujhe mat blame karna. Blooming with shyness; she hit his shoulder lightly and then exchanging some more chaste kisses; they exited their room to join everyone.

Veero kudiye Karvara,

Sarv suhagan Karvara;

Aye katti naya teri naa,

Kumbh chrakhra feri naa;

Aar pair payeen naa,

Ruthda maniyen naa,

Suthra jagayeen naa;

Ve veero kuriye Karvara;

Ve sarv suhagan Karvara;

The holy verses resonated in the incensed hall; as sung by the married women; who sat encircling the idol of Goddess Parvati for the feris and karwa puja; while listening to the narration of Karwa Chauth story and passing their puja thalis around. For youngsters like Fab 5 and NavNi; it was something new to participate in the authentic traditional fiesta and surprisingly; none of the seven held a hint of boredom. Rather; all of them; including the boys who were present as observers; seemed quite exuberant and joyful; enjoying the unfamiliar rites and ceremonies wholeheartedly and revelling in them. For boys; their venerating darling beauteous wives donning their ever beguiling smiles and evoking all the dieties earnestly for their well - being and health; was a sight more delightful and captivating compared to the actual services.

Veero kudiye Karvara,

Sarv suhagan Karvara,

Aye katti naya teri nee,

Kumbh chrakhra feri bhee,

Aar pair payeen bhee,

Ruthda maniyen bhee,

Suthra jagayeen bhee,

Ve veero kuriye Karvara,

Ve sarv suhagan Karvara

The verses changed in the seventh feri; at the end of the puja and after a heartfelt congregated prayer to Goddess Parvati; in which the men also secretly took part; the women along with their respective better - halves and Karwa Thalis moved to the garden area to await the rising of the moon.

The night was growing older and darker but yet there was no sign of the moon and smokey clouds were all that the sky had with heavens anticipating Lord Chandra to begin his chariot ride across and illuminate the night. But by the looks of it; Lord Chandra was in no mood to do this favor and seemed to have plans of giving tough time to the observing women. The elder ladies; being experienced; were comfortably chewing the rag; talking nineteen to the dozens; but the novice younger belles were on the verge of crying; with their faces having turned pale out of hunger and lips chapped due to thirst. Alya and Navya were as usual; cribbing like babies and chuntering about their famishment whereas Nandini being the stoical soul and not willing to demean her fast; was silently sitting; resting her head on Manik's shoulder who was the most stressed of all; having asked whether or not she was okay for over hundred times and still counting and impatiently foraging the sky to spot the moon so that he can feed his baby.

Shona jaanedo na yeh fast. Its 9 PM aur ab tak chaand nahi nikla. I wonder what is taking so long. Kitna time hogaya tumne kuch ni khaya. Manik said while kissing her head and holding her securely in a side hug and in response; she entwined her hand with his and muttered feebly Tumne bhi toh kuch nahi khaya na subah se. How is my foodie tummy bearing? Hmm? He smiled sheepishly on getting caught; unbeknownist to the fact that he was never a theif; and asked, snuggling her close Tumhe sab pata hota hai na? She bobbed her head like a chirpy bird and then he continued, playing with her bangles Maine socha ke agar; in actuality; yeh fast ki significance true hai then meri life long hujaegi. Isliye maine bhi fast rakha; taakey tumhari life bhi long hojaye. Equal to mine. So I would never have to live without you. Taking a brief dekko of the surrounding and on finding everyone busy in their own worlds; Nandini gave him a pronto peck on his lips and said, keeping her hand on his heart Agar tum aise hi mujhe pyaar karte rahey na toh pakka main tumhe khudse glue karlungi aur kahin bhi nahi jaane dungi. He snickered at her threat and replied, getting into his goo - goo form and running his fingers secretly on small of her back Tumhara pata nahi per main zaroor aisa karne wala hoon. Tonight. Aur haan; apne chotu stomach mein na thoda extra food stuff karlena coz you are going to need a lot of energy. Advance mein sorry bolraha hoon abhi kiunke I am not going to let you sleep and I mean it. Saying this he smirked feeling the sudden shudder in her body and before she could give him her piece of mind for the audacious menaces; Cabir exclaimed puckishly Bhai tera hogaya ho toh uska fast khulvadein? Chand nikalgaya hai aur meri behen bhooki hai. Disregarding all the razzing; Manik literally dragged a cheeky Nandini to where all were standing; not wanting to make any further delay in breaking her Vrat.

Cabir; Dhruv and Manik leaned and kissed the foreheads of their wives after feeding them with sweets and quenching their dried throats; culminating their day - long abstinence; as tokens of gratitude; for forbearing so much for them. Nandini too did the same to Manik; for even he had endured with her; and then without wasting another second; the boys took charge and rushed their ravenous babies to the dining area so they can fill their empty tums with the sumptuous victuals and viands.

After gifting the guests with Karwa Matkis and bidding them adieu; Chachi suggested to call the long and weary day off and since each one of them was worked up; they complied and the girls left first leaving the boys to look after the post - function wrapping up.

Getting rid of all the jewelry but not the dress; Nandini stood in the balcony; gazing at stars with her mind pondering over random thoughts; which were mostly about him and their love; when she felt his two strong arms sliding around her waist and embracing her from behind. Her eyes automatically shut as volts of current produced inside her feeling her cold bare back abut his warm steel - like chest but giving it a time; she raised her hand and asked; ruffling his hair Kahan gaye they tum? He held out a rolled paper with a red ribbon tied around, to her; keeping it on his palm and replied Tumhara karwa chauth ke baad wala gift receive karne. Yeh lo! With a guessing frown; she took the 'Gift' and unfurled it to find that it was a certified document issued by International Astronomical Union; reading:

Be it known to all that Stars Vega and RR Lyrae along with all the other stars and celestial bodies residing within the boundaries of constellation Lyra 'The Harp' are hereby named in the honor of

Nandini Manik Malhotra

Be it further known that this name shall be copyrighted and permanently recorded in the Star Record Book published by IAU,

With All Rights and Privileges attended thereto.

Like any other girl who would be at her place; Nandini was dumbfounded and gobsmacked; at the unbelievable reality where her man had just named an entire constellation; that too her favorite; on her name for an eternity. And topping it like cherry on the cake; he annotated Tumhara glow is duniya ke saarey taaron se bhi kahi zyada hai. This mere group of stars is nothing. Since tumhare aiyaapa ne tumhe; yaani sabse brightest star ko mere paas bhejdiya; toh maine socha kiun na kuch sitaaron ko tumhare naam karke iss universe ko thoda light up kardun. Taki woh meri life se envy karna bandh karde. You like it? She was touched; moved and mist filled her eyes; as his words tugged at her heartstrings and letting them flow; she swerved and crashed his lips with hers; putting the certificate on the table lying on their side and kissed him with every ounce of love and compassion she had for him. He smiled; perceiving her feelings and the next moment; scooped her in his arms whilst kissing her back with equal or more fervor and advanced into the room.

In one expeditious move; he peeled the clothes off her body; tossed them carelessly across the room and tugged her in the duvet with his rugged body wound compactly around her svelte and sylphlike form; like two tendrils of a twine. Moans escaped her vocals; in low , strained tones and reverberated like melodies; to his ears; in league with his savage lips and tempting fingers that hovered over her silken skin; kissing and fondling her to insanity and delirium whilst swooning over and cherishing her every expression that came following his touch. Every muscle trembled as much with tension as with bliss; tangling her in knots and his groans echoed as only sounds in the amorous quietude; as he locked her lips with his and occupied her with all his might and ample gentleness; completing her and himself yet once again. Rendering her bitten; rashed, enervate and getting blood - scraped himself; he marked the conclusion with a protective forehead kiss and asked Baby tum theek ho na? Was I too frenzied? She smiled at how he was doubtful and replied, raking her fingers through his hair Yes you were. And don't even dare to say sorry. Because I Love when you get all mad over me. It shows the depth of your love and makes me feel beautiful. And to be honest; I Love wild Manik. My Manik. I Love You so much. So much and I Loved the gift too. All smiles; he cuddled her close and said, while massaging her hair Your kiss showed me how much you liked the gift. I Love you too. Saying this; he looked down and grinned widely in awe seeing her already asleep; buried in him like a baby and after showering some more love in the form of pecks on this baby; he too drifted in slumber.

To Be Continued ..