Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room as Nandini snuggled closer to Manik. Sensing movement, Manik stirred from his slumber and opened his eyes to the sight of Nandini nestled beside him.
He reached out to gently brush her hair away from her face, a small smile gracing his lips as he admired her serene sleeping form.
He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead, getting a contented sigh from Nandini as she snuggled even closer to him.
Lost in the moment, Manik couldn't help but think about how many times he had yearned for this simple act of intimacy. "Manik," he heard Nandini's voice, breaking him from his thoughts. "Hmm," he murmured, planting another kiss on her forehead.
Nandini playfully rubbed her nose on his shoulder, and he couldn't help but smile at her cuteness.
As she pulled back and looked into his eyes, Manik felt exposed, as if she could see straight through him to his raw emotions.
Raising an eyebrow, Manik silently questioned her. Nandini shook her head and enveloped him in a tight hug, whispering, "I missed you."
Manik tightened his embrace around her, his hand moving to caress her baby bump reassuringly. "I'm here now, and I'm here to stay," he whispered back, their embrace seeking warmth and comfort from each other
After a while, Manik broke the peaceful silence with a question. "When is the next doctor's appointment?" he inquired softly.
"On Thursday," Nandini replied with a smile.
"Three days. I'll go with you," Manik declared, his tone resolute and supportive.
"Really? You'll come?" Nandini's eyes widened in pleasant surprise.
Manik nodded, his expression determined. "Of course. I want to be there with you."
Nandini's heart swelled with gratitude. "You know, Manik, whenever I used to go to the doctor alone, they would ask about the baby's father. I always told them that he lives out of town." She paused, remembering the judgmental looks she received. "Their expressions... You should have seen them. But then I corrected them, insisting they call me 'Miss' instead of 'Mrs.' It felt like they were judging me."
Manik's expression shifted, his thoughts drifting into a reverie. Nandini noticed his distant gaze and gently shook him out of his thoughts. "What's wrong? Where are you lost?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
Manik shook his head, trying to push aside his troubling thoughts. "Nothing," he replied quietly, though the weight of his guilt lingered.
Sensing his unease, Nandini quickly changed the subject. "You know, this time we're going to see the baby and hear its heartbeat. I'm so excited!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitment.
Manik's face lit up with genuine joy at the prospect. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Nandini nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Yes! It's going to be amazing."
Nandini couldn't resist teasing him. "You look so cute when you smile," she remarked, reaching out to pinch his cheek playfully.
Manik chuckled, pulling his head back and rolling his eyes in mock annoyance. "Not cute, Nandini," he protested, though the affection in his voice was unmistakable.
Nandini laughed at his response, feeling lighter and happier in his presence. They continued to enjoy each other's company.
After spending some time together, Nandini pouted, "I am hungry."
Manik rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you made me go to the kitchen in the middle of the night to cook and then slept."
Nandini sat up, remembering. "You cooked, Manik? Uthana that an toh, what did you cook?"
Manik then remembered what happened the night before, but he quickly changed the topic. "Bhukh lagi thi na, chalo niche," he said, leading Nandini downstairs.
All the while, Manik kept reminding Nandini to be careful. "Be careful, Nandini. Aaram chalo stairs p," he repeated, causing Nandini to roll her eyes. "Kuch nahi hoga, Manik. Relax," she reassured him.
As they descended, Nandini felt emotional, cherishing the moment they were sharing. Their friends, witnessing these tender moments from the dining area, smiled and felt emotional too, silently praying for their happiness and protection.
Entering the dining area, they saw all their friends looking at them. Manik, pulling out a chair for Nandini and making her sit, asked, "aise kya ghur rahe ho?"
Cabir teased, "Ab har din toh Manik Malhotra ko bacho jaisa behave karte dekhne ko thodi na milta h."
Everyone chuckled as Manik rolled his eyes. "Cabirrrr," he responded.
Cabir reverted, "Manikkk."
Manik took his seat and said, "Shut up, Cabir," as everyone else chuckled at their usual banter. Three of the girls, feeling relieved, realized how much they missed those moments.
Mukti intervened, "Stop it, guys. Subh subh nahi bhook lagi hai, yaar."
As they focused on their food, Manik subtly looked around, as if searching for someone. Nandini noticed and understood, asking, "Waise, where is Neyonika ma?"
Navya replied, "She had work at the office, so she went early."
Nandini noticed Manik relaxing at this, as if he got the answer he was looking for, and she smiled to herself.
Nandini served herself idli, sambhar, and appam on her plate, her favorite South Indian dishes for breakfast. She made a yummy face, which made Manik chuckle at her cute expression.
He reached for his usual toast when a helper brought a plate and put it on the table. Mukti asked, "Isme kya hai, kaka?"
He replied, "Neyonika madam ne aloo ke parathe banane ko bola tha aaj. Manik baba ke favorite hain na."
Manik's hand paused in the air, reaching for the toast, as everyone looked at him, waiting for his reaction. But to their surprise, he picked up a paratha from the table and started eating.
Everyone watched in astonishment as Manik enjoyed the paratha. He looked up, feeling their gaze, and raised his brow in question as his mouth was full. Everyone nodded, and they focused back on their plates.
Manik shrugged and focused back on his food. It had been so long since he had a desi breakfast.
Everyone was surprised by his actions, wondering what brought about this change, but they were happy for their friend.
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