NEVER IN A FOREVER (Manan)

36

Nandini

“Not now Nandini, please. Let me get done with the meeting” Manik said, his voice felt so distant at that moment.

I just nodded my head and sat on the couch and took the book in my lap and started studying quietly.

Don’t cry like a kid now Nandini, he is having a meeting. Stop being an obstacle everytime.

I murmured to myself as I tried not to think about the man who was just a few feet away from me and took my notes and started writing.

I needed to tell him that I needed to go to college and was about to speak but I stopped myself. I can tell him tomorrow. I have less than two weeks aah.

I grabbed my headphones and connected to the bluetooth and turned on the music. Now I can study peacefully.

I didn’t know how four hours passed until Manik came and sat beside me. I flinched at his sudden invasion.

He looked more tired than a few hours ago as if he was bearing all the weight of the world on his shoulders. I kept my book aside even I thought I needed a break. First day of marriage, I was studying and he was attending a meeting. Wow. How romantic.

He just laid his head on my lap and my heart fluttered at this small gesture that he is trying to seek comfort from me.

"You didn’t have to go all hulk on madhyam you know” I said as I ran my hand through his hair slowly.

“Of Course I have to,” He said, closing his eyes.

“And why is that?” I asked, massaging his head as he sighed.

“He thinks wrong about my wife, he deals with me” Manik said and there is no stopping the butterflies in my tummy and my heart even skipped a beat or two.

“How did the meeting go?” I asked, not knowing how to reply to his last sentence as I undid his tie, easing him into breathing comfortably.

"When Manik Malhotra takes over something, it is not going to be anything less than perfect” He boasted his big fat ego and a chuckle escaped my lips. Oops.

“Now get up and let me treat your hand” I said, urging him to get up. And he fell silent. His breaths were even and his eyes were closed and I thought he slept off before I noticed the tiniest smile on his face and I knew he was acting.

“Oww” I winced. “What happened? Did you get hurt? Is your hand in pain?” He asked instantly sitting down and I glared at him. Drama king. It took him a moment to realise that he fell into the trap and he looked betrayed and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Go get the first aid box” I told him. He cocked his eyebrows but obliged anyway. Better. I grabbed my mobile and saw the time. 1:30 A.M. He needs to go to the office again tomorrow.

“Nandini” He trailed off as he came back with the first aid box after a few moments.

“Jii Manik” I said as I grabbed the first aid box as he sat beside me.

“What do you think about our honeymoon?” He asked and I looked at him with wide eyes. He should be glad that I’m not drinking water orelse I’d have spit it all over his suit right now.

“What?” I asked again as I opened the box and grabbed the cotton and dettol. I started cleaning his wound and he repeated the question.

“I have exams Manik and I think you are busy at this moment too” I said, knowing his tight schedule as he had to work the time he took off for marriage.

“Will you be okay with it after a month? After your exams are done and my work will lessen?” He asked, a smirk on his face. I dabbed on the wound harder asking him to shut up.

But when I think about it, I know his parents would need an answer for this. But I don’t know if I’m confident enough to let him claim me this sooner. It would become awkward.

He kept his hand on mine as I was done putting band-aids over his wounds and made me look at him as I lowered my eyes.

“Hey what’s wrong?” He asked softly.

“I don’t think I’m ready for consummation of our marriage Manik. I don’t want it to happen because it had to happen. I want us to know each other, to fall in love with each other, to connect mentally and emotionally before that happens” I said honestly.

I want it to happen with the emotional connection and with love, not with lust. He kissed my forehead, surprising me. That was unexpected. I thought he’d at least argue or say something.

“Well then, is it okay if we go on our honeymoon after a month or two, just to know each other, like only our time to connect emotionally? Because with your college and my work, that will be impossible here” He said.

And I knew he was right. I need time to adjust and my exams, stories, his mysterious nature, I definitely need space with him.

I nodded my head happily. That would do. He just gave me a smile.

“What about reception?” I asked, that completely slipped out of my mind.

“We can have it after your exams because shopping, spa and everything will take almost a week with the occasion and there are only two weeks left for your exams. Get familiar with everything here” He said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I rested my head on his shoulder as he buzzed another kiss on my forehead.

“What about Maa and Papa?” I asked. Their opinions are important too and oh- my parents. I need to face them. Just the thought sent shivers down my spine.

“This was dad’s idea to have a reception after your exams. He said he wanted you to enjoy every occasion in your life” Manik said and I thought I’d burst into tears at that moment. But all I did was smile.

“You are the daughter of this house Nandini. They are as much as your parents as much as they are mine” He said and I caught the hidden meaning behind it.

This is your family and they are your parents. Don’t worry about the ones who gave you birth but never cared. That’s what he means. I think Abhi was right. This marriage is the bestest decision of my life.