Hello people

A quick segment

If you could...what I'd be?

• Change your name?

• Stay any age forever?

• Be besties with?

• Having someone else's talent?

• Meet a celeb other than PaNi?

• Spend a day in someone else's shoes?

• Eat one meal where calories couldn't count?

Ow..Kay

That is it

So target for this chapter: 70+ votes and comments

Thus, do inline comment and vote

Happy reading

Dated: 13th February, 2023

Mumbai:

Nandini:

Oh it was a long day. I sighed in extreme tiredness before moving out of the kitchen.

"Everything is wrapped Nandini. Go to your room and have rest. Go." Maa instructed me before literally pushing me out of the kitchen.

Talking about this new home of mine.

I think Malhotras have mastered in making anybody feel homely. Maa papa are treating me as if I'm their daughter. It feels so good when they team up with me again Manik, or even the slightest of their gestures overwhelms me. Maa is literally treating me as if I'm here from past how many years. As Manik predicted, Maa did explain me how do we plan the monthly expenditure, everybody's birthdays, what is the routine and she's legit the best companion anyone can have in the kitchen. She's so fun yet warm.

It was so clear to me that Maa tops Manik's priority list. And I'm glad. My priority list isn't different. I'm happy that he knows his priorities. And trust me on this, I don't think anybody else can be happier than me on this. Maa is actually this house's jaan. Papa is smitten on her, it's so evident from his acts. And I have no words about Manik and Anurag when it comes to Maa.

Anurag is no less. I mean he isn't here, but these few days and hours were enough for me to know how he's. It's as in I'm witnessing male version of Mannu. He's just like her. That makes me even closer to him. Like a little brother.

And Manik!

It's been nearly a month since we know each other and nothing has ever felt this right. It's like God has blessed me with his presence in my life. I don't term this as love, at least not this soon. But whatever it is, I'm happy. It's like, a stranger turning into a person who's right now in my top priority list. It's like you cannot explain what do you see in that person through words. It's just the way they take you to the place where no one else can. His every act causes a very bad effect on me.

God I ain't this sensitive.

But his mere touch has that power of erupting thousands of butterflies, and goosebumps are always complimentary. And you know the best part? I'm never uncomfortable. His touches aren't desperate, it's rather...something else. But just mere physical but something else.

Above everything, my soul almost collapses at his respect towards me. His eyes hold it. His actions prove it. This particular thing can never be enacted. You can never act to respect someone, coz if you do, you're just being nice. But he'd definitely more than nice.

Good impact on me with this one month Mr. Malhotra.

I chuckled at my thoughts and opened the door of my room. I moved in before locking the door and the noise from washroom made it clear that he's in. I further moved towards the closet and fished out my nightwear. I quickly changed it in closet only and by the time I was done, door of bathroom unlocked and he came out. I then went I to quickly brush my tooth and rinse my face.

Done with my night care routine, I entered the room. My nose flared seeing the wet towel on bed. My eyes immediately searched for the culprit behind it...and there he was. The apple of my eye *note the sarcasm*, in balcony. I shook my head in anger and marched towards him.

"Manik." I sweetly called out while he passed me his skeptical look. Good he understands my tone. He'll need it in future it seems.

"Too much sugar Mrs. Manik." Thank goodness my nightwear is full sleeved or else the goosebumps erupted because of this one mere sentence would've been too evident about his effect on me.

"You are in balcony right?" I questioned ignoring his previous line.

"I guess I'm." He quizzically said while I glared him.

"Then would it break your arm to bring that towel with you and hanging here instead of using it as your quilt?" I gritted sarcastically and his reaction did made me feel good about the fear he has for me. But this wet towel on bed really irritates the hell outta me.

"Uh. Yeah?" I flared at his response. Understanding my state of mind, he immediately ran in and again came back with the towel. He hung it and passed me a thumbs up along with that stupid cute smile. "You're becoming like other wives. First lovey dovey and then gussa like this." He pouted quiet adorably and my heart almost aww-ed at it.

"Even you're becoming like other husbands Mr. Malhotra." I replied, shrugging carelessly and moving inside.

"Oh Nandini, I needed to talk to you about something." He said while we moved inside.

"Is it about that deal?" I guessed and indeed I was right.

"But it's also about us." He added while I frowned.

"Kuch hua hai kya?" I'm worried.

"No my panic button. Sit down." He made me sit and himself taking seat beside me. "It's like I was thinking, if you could join me for Washington and then we could go for our honeymoon? I mean there's no pressure from my side. If your schedule and professional commitments permit. Because I honestly don't feel like leaving you here now and going there." He explained and it took me a whole minute to digest. Okay, honeymoon? My cheeks slowly started flaring at the mention. I chose to look down in order to hide my red cheeks.

"Umm." I fumbled.

"No if you aren't free then I'll talk...like if they can shift it a little." He interrupted. I again tried speaking but it all went in vain as he was constantly interrupting me.

"Manik meri baat suniye..." I tried speaking.

[Manik listen to me]

"Actually it's my bad. I should've not come to a conclusion. You might be joining hospital too." He muttered to which I shut my eyes in annoyance.

"Manik. Statue." I commanded and he immediately halted at whatsoever position he was in. I sighed in utter relief and shook my head in disbelief.

"Mujhe bolne doge aap?" I asked while his expression changed from shocked to apologetic one. "I'm fine with it. Besides, I think I can definitely not loose opportunity of seeing your concert live. But nahi, you toh don't let me speak only." I ended and looked at him who was legit a statue. "Okay release." And he slouched.

"Are you sure?" He asked me again and I nodded. "Okay then."

"But where will we be going?" I asked quietly.

"My concert is for three days, so three days in Washington then we can decide mutually." He suggested and I nodded in agreement.

"Ab aap batao, who's idea was it?" I asked and his smile immediately fell.

"Obviously mera hi. Aapko mere pe vishwaas nahi?" He blinked his eyes saying so.

[Of course mine. Don't you believe me?]

"Nope. So who's idea was it?" I replied while he made an extremely bad face and murmured dad. I chuckled and nodded before getting up to walk towards the mirror. But before I could even take a step forward, I felt a tug on my wrist and in a span of a second I was in his lap.

In his freaking lap.

"Manik." I gasped, my eyes widened as his hands traveled to my waist pulling me closer.

"Hmm?" I don't know why did it sound so...hot.

"What are you..." My voice cracked up as his breath almost neared my face.

"Ab haso na." He whispered over my face and my hands immediately caught held of his collars. Is he mad? Does he have any idea about his effect on me? I hope not.

[Now laugh na]

"Manik.." I muttered slowly and his hold on my waist tightened. He pressed his nose against mine and further slipped it down to my cheek and jaw bone.

Not with his lips, but his nose.

Hasty breath escaped my lips and I had no idea about how to stop this. Not because I was uncomfortable, but because I was too much for me to take in. I felt him nuzzling his nose over my neck and even before his lips could make and contact with my skin there, I banged myself in the crook of his neck and chose to embrace him rather than his lips. I heard his deep chuckle that reddened me and he pulled me to a proper hug.

Our first proper hug.

If felt bliss. The feeling of fulfillment.

End:

Bangalore:

Anurag:

"So if I don't come to office for a couple of hours, this is what you'll do?" I hissed angrily. "A blunder?"

"Sorry sir." The employee stammered which had no effect on me. The blunder could've cost me millions.

"Shut it with your shitty sorry. Either get this clear in an hour or get ready to receive your resignation." I announced angrily. I saw employee's scared face but that again had no effect on me. Everything has a limit.

"Yes sir." He hurriedly left and I sat on my chair again with the laptop. The moment I typed a few words, my phone pinged with notification.

I could hear her squeals from the texts itself. I chuckled imagining her jumping here and there. Shaking my head in disbelief, I kept my phone aside and got back to work which managed to turn my smile into a pissed off face. Dad would be so upset because of it.

Within an hour I heard a knock on my door and I already knew who it was. I granted the permission and there was the same employee with the corrected file. I went through it and gave him a stern nod. He murmured a sorry and left as I instructed.

Taking a glance at the mistakes that I pointed out, and kept the file on the rack. Quickly dialing a number, I supported the phone with my shoulder while cleaning the messed up desk.

"Hello Mr. Chen?" I alerted as the noise came from the other side.

"Hey man, it isn't Dad. It's me, Josh." The guy answered from the opposite side.

"Oh, hey Josh. If I could ask when can we talk about the deal?" I said.

"Tomorrow is fine?" He questioned and I quickly saw through my tomorrow's schedule.

Shoot!

Five PM is only the free slot left. Suddenly air suffocated me and I ran hand through my hairs in frustration.

"My PA will inform you and we can decide it mutually?" I suggested.

"Yes but it has to be done by tomorrow." Yeah, they are leaving for New York by night.

I'm screwed.

"We'll fix something." I quickly said and we hung up the call. Lower lips of mine were under the pressure of the upper teeth. There was only one way left.

To Miss. Shorty,
Let's meet tonight?

From Miss. Shorty,
But we decided tomorrow na?

To Miss. Shorty,
Screwed up!

From Miss. Shorty,
You always are *giggles*
Cool done, let's have dinner only then.

To Miss. Shorty,
Don't even dare to expect a thank you.

From Miss. Shorty,
*quickly texting the chef of the restaurant to mix poison in your food.*

I chuckled at the reply and quickly texted my PA to confirm the meeting timings for tomorrow before stuffing my laptop and other necessaries into my bag. I then descended down to the main hall where everybody stood at my arrival. But I was in a rush to notice anyone of them. I drove fast to my hotel and slipped myself into a tee, jacket and jeans before rushing out again to the Cafe we decided. It was already half past eight and knowing Mannat a little, she might have already been there.

As I reached the Cafe, aroma of rich coffee hit me nostrils. My stomach suddenly felt in the need of food. I scanned my eyes and found her at the corner seat, with legs on the chair, curled up completely. She was in her Jean shorts and a loose tee. I made my way towards her but frowned seeing her curled up, differently...

"Zdravstvuyte¹." I muttered in her ears to see her flinching suddenly. Her frightened expression turned into glaring ones as I took my seat adjacent to her.

"You can enter as a normal human too?" She says, which I for now, ignore.

"Why are you sitting...like this?" I slowly asked, not wanting to offend her. She averts her gaze and tries to sit erect but fails everytime. My gaze falls on her every posture. Legs close to her stomach, hands clutching the table, shoulders scrunched and slight discomfort.

"Is it your period?" I asked while she looks at me with her automated pout. "Goodness girl you should've just been at your room!" I literally yelled, yet keeping the surroundings in my mind.

"But you were so excited for this." My glares seemed working as she shut her mouth.

What do girls want during periods?

Chocolate?

But I don't have any right now.

Hot water bag kaha se lau. I looked around with no options left. I somewhat felt guilty now. She's in pain and yet she's her coz I asked her.

"Anurag." My name rolled off her tongue and my entire system shivered up. It was probably the first time she was calling me with my name. "I'm fine, it's a part of me. Literally every month. And we're here to celebrate my book okay. Don't feeling guilty." I sighed and shook my head to let go all my thoughts.

"I hope you aren't expecting any Congratulations." I said, taking the sip of the water that the waiter placed.

"Oh that comes into the category of manners right? Then I am definitely not expecting from you." She says while I glared her.

"Whatever." I shoved off.

"But what did you utter we you came?" She asked and I simply shrugged off. "You know... languages?"

"Perks of being a business." I shrugged while her eyes widened.

"Hey that isn't fair, you can say anything without me being able to even type the spelling in the search bar!" She whined while I muffled my chuckle.

"You think I'll say anything bad to you?"

"Keeping our history in mind, yes!" And her answer successfully achieved a chuckle from me.

"I'm hungry girl. I'm straight here from my office." I didn't lie.

Or I did?

"Liar." She yawns which I wish to punch off. "Anyways, what will you eat?." Before I could answer, she says, "but I've already said to the cook to mix poison in your food as per my text!" She says and a laugh escaped my throat.

"Then I'll make sure to haunt you after I die." I said and looked through the menu. We both ordered our food.

"By the way, I'm leaving tomorrow." Huh..what?

"What?" I blurt out.

"I'll be leaving tomorrow, since the book is signed." She says and something in me suddenly feels hollow.

"Oh." Was all I could say. "Then you could've spent time roaming around, instead of being here."

"I'm having the best time right now." She winks and I chuckle.

"Flirting with a single and oh so handsome boy must be a crime." I boasted while she narrowed her gaze at me.

"But I flirted with you."

"And it's the same 'you' whom I'm referring as single yet handsome."

"You're so full of yourself." She says while I shrug.

"Learnt from the best." I said and time she giggles. I legit groan as the food finally arrives. We literally attacked on the food as if we are starved for God knows how many days.

We spent our dinner in silence and ones we were done, I looked up at her. Her legs were now hanging out with her chin resting on her hands.

Pain is gone.

Thank goodness!

"When will you come Mumbai?" She asks, as we get up.

"Day after tomorrow most probably." I replied, before gesturing the waiter to come. I quickly mutter something to him and he immediately nods before leaving. I turned towards Mannat who was done with payment. The waiter arrives with the a paper and the pen. I quickly scribble something in it and return the pen before uttering a thank you.

"So Foodie Malhotra, I hope your time spent was worth." She steps forward and said.

"I never said it isn't with you." I shrugged before passing her the paper. "Open it ones I go."

"I'm not into love letters from you yet!" She says and I made a disgusted look.

"I'm not into letters only, let alone love." I replied while she raised her eyebrows and slowly eyed the paper in my hand. "This isn't a letter. Here." I handed it to her.

"So see you in Mumbai next?"

"Surely." I say and we continue to stare at each other for a second or so before averting our gazes.

"See you!"

"Yeah." We bid byes, and I left..to my hotel, and she to Mumbai!

End:

Mannat, ones Anurag leaves, opens up the yellow paper in her hand and sees the letter scribbled in beautiful handwriting.

Connect
On
Nachos

Gate

Rather
And
Tell
U
Let
Alone
Time
If
On
Nachos
Sauce

And soft smile took over her place along with amusement glinting in her eyes. She carefully folds the paper before placing it in her bag.

There's no way she could loose it.

the_anuragmalhotra

Liked by the_manikmalhotra, mannatmurthy, nandinimurthy and 1,01,235 others

Yeah, we are alive.

@mannatmurthy

Comments section:

mannatmurthy: Don't ask me how I controlled myself
the_anuragmalhotra replied: somewhere we are on the same page
*the_anuragmalhotra has pinned this comment*

the_manikmalhotra: lemme tell you something anu, among your all the accomplishments, this is your best one! Maa anu zinda aa raha hai😭😭
the_anuragmalhotra replied: Maa aapka ek beta will kill dusra😭😭

neyonika.m: I'm pretty sure you must have again eaten up her share!
the_anuragmalhotra replied: Maa I got her another oneee😭😭. @mannatmurthy you ullu, I'm goin' to bhadkao bhabhi against you😭😭😭😭
mannatmurthy replied: and I'll motivate @the_manikmalhotra to murder you!
the_manikmalhotra replied: I'll do it without even getting motivated 🙃🙌🏻
nandinimurthy replied: Says the one who claimed to miss his little brother, just a while ago 🥂
the_anuragmalhotra replied: GOTCHA BROOOO!🕺🏻
the_manikmalhotra replied: @nandinimurthy please come to our bedroom.

Tripthy_dubey: Second pic of them being together, I'm getting sus...
Laxmiiiiiiiiiiii: I'm toh sure now! But don't ask me, my gaze landed first on that arm at the left side.
Ayesha: haila same pinchhh😭

And many more...

_________________

"Haila! There honeymoon and here love story!" Aiyappa gasped while I grinned.

"I wanted to drop a bomb together."

"Behen we'll diabetes because of this sweetness." Aiyappa said and I giggled.

I love the way story is progressing.

___________________

Precap: Blooming us

Hey people

Well, yeah, happy birthday to me.

So how was it?

Fine?

Boring?
If yes, sorry *kaan pakad ke*

Rate it out of five (honest one)

Any which ways, I'm eager to see their love blooming!

Stay tuned for more.

Lots of love

~

Mahak