Destiny's Will

CHAPTER 16

The Next Morning,

As ordered by his princess, Manik reached the kitchen at 7am sharp.

Aadhya- good morning dad! I am glad to see you on time!

Manik- good morning princess!

Aadhya- so have you learnt to cook?

Manik- let's try by following the steps as shown on internet.

Manik took out his phone and kept it on the countertop after opening the video of the recipe. Aadhya extended her arms towards him and getting the clue he picked her up and settled on the countertop right beside his phone. They started following the steps and after a lot of efforts, they made something which could be called anything but a dosa.

Manik- what's this?

Manik examined the so called dosa carefully with raised eyebrows

Aadhya- it was supposed to be a dosa?

Manik- but it doesn't look like one!

A sigh left their mouths and they kept scrutinizing the unique dosa that they had made.

Aadhya- now what will we give mom for breakfast?

Manik stood there silently looking around at the shiny grey walls, with his mind racing to find a solution to this problem. While Aadhya too did the same, cutely placing her index finger on her chin. The next moment, Manik's eyes lit up and an excited squeal left his mouth,

Manik- why didn't it click me before? Your mom loves to have cheese sandwich and filter coffee made by me.

Aadhya gave him a bright smile and excitedly said,

Aadhya- so what are you waiting for? Make it quick.

Manik bowed in front of her and obeyed her orders,

Manik- yes ma'am

They both chuckled and Manik started to make Nandini's once favourite breakfast for her. The smile never left his face while cooking for his angel as this sandwich and coffee had so many memories attached to them. He remembered that how Nandini had told him that she will marry him only if he would learn to make a good cup of filter coffee and this special cheese sandwich for her. He chuckled at the thought of how kiddish and cute his angel used to be but unfortunately, now she rarely smiled. All her smiles were reserved for her princess. His reverie was broken by Aadhya's voice,

Aadhya- is it ready?

Manik- yes princess!

Aadhya- good, now let's go to mom's room to give her this breakfast.

They both headed towards Nandini's room and saw her sleeping peacefully. Aadhya tiptoed to her, pecked her cheek and wished her a good morning.

Nandini- good morning princess.

It was then that Nandini noticed that she was in her bedroom. Deep frown lines appeared on her forehead on looking around.

Nandini(to herself)- how did I come here? I clearly remember being in the study room last night.

She noticed Manik standing there with a tray in his hands.

Nandini- did you bring me here last night?

Her question came out in a sharper tone than intended,

Manik- Yes

Nandini had expected him to explain his actions but he didn't seem in the mood to do so, so she decided to do the honours and ask him for a reasonable justification for doing what he did.

Nandini- why?

Manik- I don't think I need to explain anything to you for taking care of the woman I love.

Manik said gazing deeply into her eyes. The word 'love' made Nandini's heart flutter but she maintained a poker face. Their eyes were still locked. It seemed like the surrounding had disappeared and it was only them and their longing for each other that clearly shone in their eyes. Their eyelock was broken by Aadhya's voice which startled them,

Aadhya- look mom, dad has made breakfast for you. I never knew that you like cheese sandwich.

Aadhya said with a cheerful smile adorning her lips.

Nandini(looking at Manik)- I used to like it but not anymore.

Aadhya- but it looks delicious. Dad has done a lot of hard work in making this for you. He has also made filter coffee for you. Now you will forgive him, right?

Nandini looked at Manik. His eyes held a pain, a grief, a request. They were pleading her to forgive him. She maintained a blank face and said,

Nandini- Mistakes can be forgiven, sins can't.

Manik closed his eyes painfully grasping the meaning of the line she had just said.

Aadhya(confused)- what does that mean?

Nandini(smiled)- nothing, now go and get ready. I will make breakfast for you.

Aadhya left from there. Nandini too stood up and made her way towards the cupboard. Her back was towards Manik.

Nandini- you can leave too.

Manik- Nand

Nandini- please leave Mr. Malhotra.

Nandini's voice came out harsh.Manik left from there without saying another word. As soon as he left, tears brimmed in Nandini's eyes.

...................

Hey!

Hope you all liked the chapter!

DON'T FORGET TO HIT THE STAR BUTTON AND LEAVE YOUR PRECIOUS COMMENTS.

Best Wishes!

Inaayat