Hello there

Yeah, you don't have to worry. I am not going to take down any book of mine, because that's not what I am and that's not what you all deserve after showing love on this story

And there is no chance I will let down those readers to actually wait for my update.

And one more thing, itna sunaya but i love you all also nah😗

This is a 5K words+ update!

The news is, no targets today *although please comment and vote for your characters <3*

Not because I'm upset
I'm happy!

Becauseeeee... our baby,

Forever Till Aeturnus TURNED 1 TODAYYY on 24th October!
*cues to the confetti*

One year to arrange marriage duo and chaotic duo <3

Happy reading

Nandini:

I sighed, and stretched my arms tight as the sun rays fell straight from those window on me, pulling away my sweet sleep. "Mmm." I yawned, before turning towards the other side and snuggling deeper into the pillow. But something restricted my movements.

I frowned, and gently opened my eyes, only to smile wide. My husband was snuggling deeper into my hairs, as if hiding away from the sun rays. His on hand was around my waist and legs above me. My position wasn't different. My hands were on his back and face dug into his neck.

I sighed in content and stayed there laying down, looking at the ceiling. It's been three weeks since we came back from our tri...I mean honeymoon. I joined back hospital, and he restarted with office work. Our days starts with being in each other's arms and ends with talking our hearts out.

I glanced at the man beside me, before smiling softly and caressing his hairs. I chuckled automatically, remembering the other day.

"Maa the table is set. I'll call everyone." I said, keeping the last bowl on the dining table.

"You've just returned from work baby. At least sit for some time." She said and I smiled, nodding in a no.

"I'm perfectly fine Maa. I'll call.." My voice was interrupted by a loud call from my bedroom, "NANDINI." I shut my mouth at his sudden call and then heard mom chuckling.

"You go, I'll call everyone." She said, and I looked down in embarrassment.

"Nahi Maa, I'll call.."

"NANDINI." Oh god. I face palmed and peeked at Maa who was laughing there standing.

"Go baba. My son will go mad." I bit my lips at her comment and looked at her before making a run towards our room.

I huffed, entering the room only to find him standing there, *shirtless*, "Kya hai Manik. Do minute mere bina kaam nahi hota aapka."

[What is it Manik. You cannot work without me even for two minutes.]

He turned at my voice, and raised his eyebrows, "Toh it's your fault only no."

My mouth fell apart at his remark. I smiled sarcastically and folded my hands against my chest. "May I know how?"

"Ab aadat ban kar bologi ki aadat chodo, yeh kaha ka insaaf." He huffed, and raised his eyebrows.

[Now you become my habit, and ask me to drop this habit. How is this fair?]

I averted my gaze, and shook my head. He always does this. Whenever I try making sense, he says something like this and takes the conversation in an opposite direction.

I walked towards him, "What happened?"

"I'm not able to find my Harry Potter tee." He said, pointing towards the door that lead to the closet.

"Then wear something else nah." I shrugged while he nodded in a no.

"That tee is soft and comfy."

"But there are other tees also." But whom was I kidding to. And next what I knew was, I was in closet, spending two seconds in search for that tee that was literally hanging in front of our eyesight. I glared him so bad, that he almost smiled nervously and took the tee.

I shook my head and moved out of the closet, just when his hands gripped my waist and pulled me back to the original position. "Manik?" I gasped slowly. He smiled, before slowly turning me. We stood in front of the mirror, him behind me.

"Kya mast lagte hai na hum." He asked, or said, with that small smirk on his lips. But even then, my eyes couldn't deny the fact.

Me and him, we fit perfectly.

[We look amazing together, right?]

I smiled softly, and just when his hands reached my hairs, to push it on one shoulder. His wrapped his hands around my waist, and snuggled deeper to the naked end of my neck. I gripped his hold on my waist, feeling his shivering breath on my neck. I shut my eyes and leaned back slowly, waiting to feel his lips there at any moment.

He snuggled deeper, that his nose touched my neck and my chest heaved with the sensation. He caressed my skin with his nose and a giggle escaped my lips. I could feel his lips stretching into a small smile. I waited for his lips to touch there.

I frowned on feeling no movement. I opened my eyes slowly, to see him standing there with a frown on his face. "Manik?" I called, and he opened his eyes to look down at me. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head before making me face the mirror properly. He then held my hairs slowly, and looked at it intently. I frowned at his actions but said nothing. "Wait a minute, did you chop off your hairs?" He asked looking at me, with those questioning eyes. I just turned towards him and nodded.

"Yeah, I thought they were too long.." His mouth fell apart, and he looked at me with those criminal offensive eyes.

"Why did you do that?" Areh?

"Because.." He just shut his eyes and pulled me closer by my waist. He leaned down slowly before snuggling to the crook of my neck, amidst my hair locks.

"I like them nah." He said softly, while I smiled and caressed his locks, "You shouldn't have done that Nandu." He said and I pressed my lips together to stop that laughter bubbling up. Evidently, I failed miserably and ended up chuckling.

He came out of my embrace and scrutinized his gaze. "You are laughing," I immediately nodded in a no, and just when another chuckled escaped my mouth. "You laugh. I'm going." He just stomped away, leaving me baffled.

"Arehh Manik, suno toh..." I ran behind him.

I chuckled remembering the day. He actually took a promise from me that I won't chop my hairs, at least not without him.

I bit my lips, for shifting a little back. I some how managed to turn towards him and looked at him sleeping. I leaned towards his ears slowly and blew air softly, to which he jerked instantaneously.

"Mmm." He moaned, while I chuckled inaudibly and repeated my action. He tsk-ed and turned his face towards the opposite side, loosening his hold on me. It's weird how his mere presence has the capability of making me forget all my worries.

I giggled before raising myself on my elbow and leaning on his back.

This time, I softly placed my lips on his earlobe, "Wake up and shine Malhotra." I whispered and dropped a sweet kiss before pulling back. I waited, but then almost pouted gaining no reaction. I pressed my lips decided not to trouble him more. I turned away and sat on the bed to start the day.

Before I could make any other move, a hand tugged me and immediately pulled me. I gasped feeling him on top of me, "Manik."

His droopy eyes fell upon mine. He was above me, I mean, literally above me, resting himself on his elbows.

"Meri neend uda ke kaha chali madam." His hoarse voice reached me and I giggled replying, "Nahane."

[Where are you going after snatching my sleep madam?
To take bath.]

"Aise kaise." He was completely awake now. I giggled loudly as his hands tickled my stomach. "Mani..k." I gasped, laughing out loud. My eyes were wet laughing so bad. "Okay stop...please." I tried speaking amidst my heavy breath. I sighed in relief when he halted and fell on me, chuckling slightly.

I wrapped my hands around his back. "Subah subah masti sujhi aapko." I asked, chuckling.

[You thought of fun in the morning.

He looked at me raising his eyebrows. "Shuru aapne ki mohotarma."

[You started it.]

I shrugged, "Ab hatein, mujhe nahana hai."

[Now move, I need to bath.]

He huffed, before dropping his face again in the crook of my neck, "Nahi na." I shivered as his breath fell on my neck.

"You have to go to office nah." I managed to say. "Come on, get up." He sighed, and moved aside.

We got out of bed and walked into the bathroom before picking our brushes. He applied paste on mine and his brush. I moved towards the closet to start my day, just when I heard his voice, "Mannat's function is today?" I merely nodded, shuffling my hands through the closet. I picked up a pair of clothes for him and placed it on the bed.

I entered the bathroom, rinsing my mouth and turning towards him. "Aap aayenga na?"

[You'll come right?]

"Of course." He said. I nodded before he left the bathroom. I entered the shower room. There are so many things going on right now at the same time.

Mom and dad said that they won't be able to show up because of prior commitments. Nevertheless, Me, Manik and Anurag are attending Manu's function. It's already been a week since her book was published. And no doubt, it's breaking records. I couldn't be more happier than witnessing her hardwork paying off.

But, there's something off. Her smile isn't reaching her eyes. We speak buy that spark is missing. Today is the day she waited for a long time, but I see no excitement. As if, her attention is on something else. Something much more important. I tried asking but she would just shrug away and divert the topic.

I sighed, before turning the shower knob and drying myself using a towel. I walked towards the closet, and within few minutes, I wrapped myself in black blouse matching with eclair color saree. I looked around for a safety pin. I almost face palmed realizing it's out, on the dressing table.

I shook my head before walking out, holding my pallu to my chest. Reaching my drawer, my hands shuffled to search for the pins but could find none.

I almost pouted, scratching my head and trying to wonder where I would've kept it.

"Aiyoo aiyappa." I cribbed, shutting my eyes in annoyance. It's already nine AM and I'm not even ready. Kisi din sahi mein mujhe hospital se nikal denge.

"Kya hua?" I gasped and jumped on my place at his sudden voice. My hand, which was already on my heart, clutched the cloth even more tighter. I stumbled and turned towards him with those wide eyes.

"Did you by any chance drop a screw of your brain?" I shakily spoke, trying to gasp some air and calm down my raging heart beat. I looked back at him, who was gazing me, standing as if not breathing. "What's wrong?" I frowned asking. He just shook his head in a no and moved towards the side table.

And it was then when I noticed that he came out in a towel? Oh god. My throat dried witnessing his bare well toned built chest in my views. He bent down towards the lower drawer, just when a droplet of water trickled down his hair to his neck, followed by his chest and then... oh god.

I exhaled shakily, before gulping down slowly, and averting my gaze. But are my body parts under my control nowadays? It's like, he has control over them. I lifted my eyes again, just when he appeared in front of me suddenly.

His gaze averted and hands reached my fist that was holding pallu. My heartbeat accelerated as his hand took place of mine. My chest heaved and I looked to see him placing my pallu properly. He stepped forward and held the corner of my blouse on shoulder along with pallu, and pierced a safety pin, before tucking it properly.

My eyes met his, and it did nothing but pass me a sense of comfort, concern and warmth. As his hands slipped away, I released the breath I was holding onto unknowningly.

I looked at him, who was looking at me with those warm eyes. A small smile came on his lips, as he stepped back, giving me my space. I watched him picking up his cloth, while I decided to get myself ready. I quickly applied lip balm and kohl, and picked up the hair brush.

My sight fell upon the clock which showed ten AM already.

I'm late!

God!

In an attempt of fastening my bands, I unintentionally winced really bad when my hairs tangled with the brush and resulted in a harsh pull. I almost whined on seeing my reflection with badly tangled hair.

Just then, a hand caught hold of mine. I knew who it was.

"Kya hua baba." He swiftly held the brush and stood behind me, asking the same.

[What happened baba?]

I turned to face him, and looked up to meet his concerned eyes. "Mujhe nahi pata." My eyes suddenly welled up. God, I have no idea what happened. I saw his eyes questioning for a few moment and then drifting to the calender in our room. As if checking the dates, he realized I'm not PMSing. My cheeks turned red as his eyes came in contact of mine.

[I don't know.]

He smiled softly, and ran his thumb across my cheek to wipe away that lone trail of tear. "You are worried bache. Mannat will be fine." I did tell him about my turmoil a few days before.

"Par.."

"Shh." He held my shoulders, and turned me around. I looked at our reflection. He parted my hairs, pushed one part aside and softly combed the other part. I sighed, and rested myself against him, letting him do whatever he want.

"This...is the look I want on your face, bache." He whispered, and I smiled softly. "And that tear killed me." I opened my eyes, he kept the brush back, and placed hairs on one shoulder. I melted as he wrapped his hands around me and held me close. "Ek baat kahu, galat nahi samjhogi na?"

[I'll say something. You'll not take me wrong nah?]

I smiled, with my eyes still shut. "Kabhi nahi."

[Never]

Shiver ran down my spines, as his teeth slowly nibbled my ear lobes and sucked it slowly before whispering.

"I can't wait to make you mine."

End:

Anurag:

An ocean, a vast expanse of liquid mystery, mirrors the human soul in its depth and complexity. Its surface – calm and composed, hiding turbulent currents beneath. Just as the ocean conceals countless secrets beneath its serene visage, our hearts hold a treasure trove of emotions and experiences, hidden from casual observers.

My world is all around me. But that one missing part just leaves the entire picture empty.

I smiled softly as Maa placed another paratha on my plate, with some makhan. "Uff, this is heaven." I uttered, tearing a piece and dipping it in curd before placing it in my mouth. Maa smiled wide, brightening up those sulking corners of my heart.

"Anu, aaj ghar jaldi aa jana." My hands froze unexpectedly. I looked up, when my brother spoke, filling the empty glass with juice and passed it to bhabhi. I smiled softly, seeing the utter change in him. His care, action, reaction now solely revolves around her.

When she fills his plate before hers and he pulls her to the seat beside him and feeds her. When he silently eats the peas from her plate since she hates them and she passes him water just by an eye contact.

It's surreal how they both have managed to establish a relationship with this understanding this soon. I immediately did that gesture of touchwood and removed all evil sights. Among anyone else, they are the last one I want to have problems.

"Kyu?" I pretended.

[Why?]

"I just you about the function yesterday, come on Anu." The same function I've been keeping tabs on from last three weeks.

I inhaled, and nodded, "Okay."

"Nandini, please pass our blessings to her. And apologize for not being able to attend." My dad said, to which bhabhi nodded with a smile.

"Aap kahiye hi matt. Aapke functions khatam hi nahi hote." My mom taunted, rolling her eyes.

[You don't say anything. Your functions never come to an end.]

My dad smiled nervously, glancing around us, "It's important nah." He said, to which my mom passed a pip tight smile.

"Ha ha. Bilkul." Several chuckles, excluding my dad and mom's echoed on the table, which spoke was converted to a healthy laugh session.

"Now I understand from where Bhai gets these genes. He's scared of you Bhabhi." I said, chuckling. Manik glared me while Bhabhi chuckled.

"Kuch nahi. Sab natak hai in dono ka." Mom said, rolling her eyes.

[Nothing. It's just the act they put]

"But Bhabhi, I must tell you. Bhai loves bottle guard." I said, stuffing my mouth with another piece.

"Yes yes, I know." Bhabhi said, giggling looking at Manik.

His eyebrows scrunched, "Nandini nahiiiii nahh." His eyes came to me, glaring me bad. "Tujhe marna hai na Anu?" Manik passed me a lip tight smile, to which I shrugged and hi-fied with bhabhi, giggling slowly.

[You want to die, is it, Anu?]

My eyes wandered around, trying to find that lost peace in my everyone's smiles. It made me happy, but definitely it wasn't the key to my peace.

Breakfast came to an end with the same hustle bustle and giggles echoing around. Me, Bhai and Bhabhi soon left for our respective works. I was driving with Bhai beside me and Bhabhi behind us.

"Kya hua?" My brother asked, seeing his wife's frowns. I caught her look on the mirror and looked at my brother who had the similar look.

[What happened?]

"Manu isn't picking up my call Manik. It's been a week and..I don't know. What has happened suddenly." My knuckles turned white as my hold on steering wheel tightened.

"She'll come around baba." My brother tried assuring her.

"I really hope." She muttered. "I don't know what's the reason behind her behavior this time."

I am

I shut my eyes and tried to focus on my driving.

Manik shook his head, "Amma appa are there. Don't worry."

She nodded, before typing something hastily and keeping phone aside. I halted the car before Bhabhi's hospital.

"She'll be okay Bhabhi. Don't worry." She smiled softly at me and nodded before getting out.

"Have lunch both of you. Complete it warna Maa ko complain lagaungi." We chuckled and nodded, before bidding bye.

[Complete lunch or I'll complaint to mom]

Nevertheless my brain couldn't stop signaling me about the subtle meaning behind those words.

This time.

And I was able to understand what she means by it.

It's been three weeks since that incident. My inner self screamed to go to her that time.

Hug her. Ask her. Listen to her. But every bit of mine feared the consequences. May be, I wasn't courageous enough to listen her reasons that time. Those moments which we spent as an act.

It wasn't.

My subconsciousness screamed loudly. And I believed it. I knew it. It wasn't. But the fact that she was aware of everything all this while and I was...being played along. It just hurts to see it coming from someone, who...

Those initial days, yearned to run to her, to be by her side, to hold her close. Yet, a complex web of circumstances, doubts, and fears held me back. The weight of unspoken words and unaddressed issues suffocated me, creating a turmoil I couldn't escape. My feelings for her was a powerful force, but so were the obstacles that stood in my way.

It's her big day

A small smile takes its place over my lips. She has achieved what she wanted to. For what she was yearning to. And my chest swells in pride that today, I'll witness Mannat Murthy, standing upright there to welcome another future.

Somewhere at back of my head, a voice kept ringing, saying me to analyze my actions and understand what was happening.

But, something else stopped me. The fear. It hurts me to be like this. To see someone drifting away when they were a major part of my daily life.

Those eyes which were left red, swollen, my heart ached. The fingers which used to wipe those now had no courage to run to her and wipe them. Calm them. Kiss them. Her name is etched in my thoughts like a melody I can't forget, a refrain that plays on a loop, each note resonating with longing and desire.

I long to be by her side, to share in the beauty of her presence. Every moment apart from her feels like an incomplete piece of music waiting to be perfected.

That unspoken understanding that bridges the gaps in our words. It's the way her presence completes me, like the missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle, making the picture of my life whole.

The emotional turmoil of not being able to go to her is  of frustrating, longing. It's a restless night spent tossing and turning. The most agonizing part of this thing between us, is the feeling of missing out on the everyday moments.

It's the idle chitchat and shared laughter, the silence that speaks volumes in our togetherness, and the ability to hold her hand, knowing that it signifies something deeper and more surreal.

It's stupid how nothing interests me these days. The world seems to lose its color. Her absence creates a void that cannot be filled by anything else.

But again

Something stops me

May be it's the promise she made me three weeks ago...

Three weeks ago...

"Come in." I answered to the knock on my cabin's door. I placed the file back on the rack before picking another one and leaned down to the laptop, while my hands still going through the file.

I saw the receptionist entering, "Sir, we have Miss. Murthy waiting for you. Shall I send her." My movements automatically halted. This is the control she's having over me.

Insane.

I nodded, "Let her come in." No matter where we are standing right now, making her wait is the last thing I'd do in my life. It's so set on automatic mode in my system. She nodded, "And yeah," She halted at my voice. "Never make her wait next time."

"Yes sir."

And a few minutes, after which she entered. Though my eyes weren't on the entrance, but her mere presence had that power. I inhaled shakily, before turning towards her. And there she was.

Standing in that chikankari kurta and denim. Her ears shining with a stud and shoulders carrying a bag. But what dropped my heart were those mild bags under her eyes. It was three days ago I saw her. And today is another day.

"Me aau?" Her voice. My heart beat rose to its maximum.

[Can I come?]

I sighed, chuckling slightly, "So this is how we are going to be? Formal?"

Her eyes saddened, and she entered the cabin. The door shut behind her, leaving us all alone in the cabin.

My gaze fell upon her hands that were fidgeting and lips under the pressure of her tooth. "Anu..." She sighed.

"You're nervous." I said, walking towards the slide window with my hands tucked in my pockets.

"Let me explain myself Anu. Please?" She said, and I smiled. These were the words my ears were itching to listen.

Talk

Explain

Clear out

Initiating

I turned towards her, leaning towards the window, "Yes Mannat." I could make it out from her expression what caught her attention.

Mannat

Not Minion

She smiled slightly, "I know you are disappointed and hurt. But...I...I was scared." She exhaled. I walked towards her to hold her hand and make her sit on the couch. I say next to her and said,"Scared? Of what? Me?"

She looked up, "Never. But Anu, it...was difficult for me to understand your feelings. You were deeply attached to that girl and what we had was beyond it. Don't forgive me on the basis of this fact, but if you feel somewhere I was right, then try giving us a chance." I stayed silent, listening what she was saying. "It was just six months ago I...broke up with Shivansh."

"That...Bangalore guy?" She nodded.

"I said you the parts I was comfortable with. Because I...dint trust you enough back then. It was with time I got to know you." She said, and I understood every bit of it. "When...me and him were in a relationship. Everything was going fine. We were happy. He used to buy me presents, every weekend dates and those happy moments. I started seeing my future with him. I'd be an author, he'll be a businessman and we'd have our chota sa aashiyana." I clenched my fists, and looked down, trying to take in every bit of what she was saying. About her love. It wasn't easy.

"New feeling of love even sees gold in copper. That is the mistake I made." I looked at her. Her hands were fisted, trying to control her emotions. To stay strong. I did not think twice but entwined my hands with hers, and held it tightly. She scooted near me, and I rubbed my thumb over her dorsal side. "We even...took our relationship...ah..ahead." She said, and paused as if waiting for my reaction.

"You were in love with him. Continue." I softly said, and she looked at me with those welled up wide doe eyes.

She sniffed, before looking down and continuing. "After a few weeks, I was badly caught up with my story and...somewhere I wasn't able to give the usual time to us. I used to wake up early, sleep late, have dozens of coffee and somehow complete chapters. And that is when our equation changed." Her voice went meeker. "We fought several times on this and I.. I had no explanation. I started feeling as if I was eating up our relationship, my career was eating up my relationship. His continuous taunts, disappointed texts. They pulled me down." I wonder why did I not break his face when I saw him in Bangalore.

"But I never gave up hope. The only thing that was keeping me alive that time. And then, few days later I witnessed something that snatched away the only thing I was living on. Hope." My heart thumped.

"We were on call that day. I was able to overcome my writer's block and I was excited to narrate him my story. I had this manuscript with me and I planned on surprising him by giving him those, the first person to read it. He was talking to me and I was excited as I entered him house. With great hopes, I walked into his room only to catch him making out with this girl. His hand were covering her mouth. They were...and...he was also talking..to me." I wrapped my hands around her waist and pulled her to my lap, and immediately embrace her. She went blank for a second, but then threw her hands around my neck and cried her heart out in the crook of my neck.

My eyes were bloodshot red, and my palms were continually caressing her back, whispering nothing but sweet things, "Shh...he doesn't deserve those pearls." Her cries were decreased to sobs and eventually sniffs. I made her face me, and wiped those tears softly.

"What did you do, Minion?" I asked, little scared. She looked at me, and then at her lap. I frowned, and held her chin to make her face me. "Ab batao."

[Now tell me.]

She exhaled shakily, and said,"I..I was left with nothing. I did not even bother to listen his part of explanation and just exited straightaway. But at what cost? Unable to write for next few months. Lost my music. Amma Appa eventually came to know. Appa even attempted to sue his company. But, I refused. It became difficult for me to stay in a room alone. My fingers burned because words were not there to even express my character's feelings. Nandini was beside me throughout and they... my family pulled me out, Anu! Warna me mar chuki hoti."

[I would've or else died.]

"Mannat." My stern voice immediately came out. She nodded in a no.

"And then...correct after one and half month, jeeju and your family showed up. For my sister's hand. And I met you." She whispered, with a small smile. She rested her head on  my chest, and I caressed her arms, listening her patiently. "You did everything unknowingly. With you nah, things were different. It was like, naturally happening. Even those fights, it dint feel as if I'm snatched away from myself. You were managing to do everything my wounded heart was expecting, without even knowing." She poured out, and my vision blurred.

"And then as time passed by, I never realized you became...a part of my life." Her voice shallowed my end. "You were there to celebrate my every victory and to handle me at my worst. That night when you mentioned about your girl, it felt as if I'm in a book. It felt destiny. But a huge part of my subconsciousness held me back from trusting anyone that way. I'm sorry, Anu but...it's the truth. It took me my whole will to come out of that darkness, only not to be pushed in again." Her sobs came to an end and her voice went softer passing each second.

"Your every action every time gave birth to a part in me, revoked the thought of hiding it from you. But...I dint want to lose this Anurag." Her eyes came to mine, and I did not avert my gaze. "I was afraid that what has pushed me into darkness, would end this between us. And among all uncertainties, having you beside me always was something I was certain about." I smiled softly, caressing her cheeks.

Everything was clear to me. It was. "Minion..."

But she nodded in a no and got down to take place beside me, "Nahi Anurag. You won't forgive me because of my past. I know how hurt you are, and...I.. I'll make it up." She said, rubbing her palm across her face and then looked at me.

I smiled ever so softly, and held her hand, "I'll be waiting for it."

End:

Precap: Saathiya

Hello mere saathiyo

Kaisan baa?
*giggles*

How was it?

Liked it?

Worth wait?

Actually... I'm aware what you all are waiting for. I'm totally aware. Which is why next 2 chapters are completely special.

Stay tuned <3

Lots of love

~
Mahak