Humdum

Chapter 6 ~ New Beginnings

Manik

All of us were outside the wedding hall as it was time for the bidaai. Nandini threw three handfuls of wheat, rice and coins over her head at the doorstep with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Abhi Bhai, Cabir, Arshad and Alia stood at a corner, trying their best to control their tears. Mumma and Papa were hugging each other, crying badly.

Abhi Bhai hugged me, "Take care of her, Manik. I am absolutely nothing without her."

I squeezed his hand, "Both of us will take care of each other, I promise!"

Cabir side hugged me, "Nandu Di is my twin, my best friend, my human diary, my everything. I hope both of you will always remain together."

I smiled at him, "Always!"

Arshad hugged me and scowled, "Remember what I said that day. Cabir, Abhimanyu and Arshad can go to any lengths to protect their sister."

What is up with this man?

"Well, unfortunately for them, their sister can protect herself.", Alia remarked as she glared at Arshad.

"Baby, I was just warning him.", Arshad protested.

Alia rolled her eyes at him, "Nandu can take care of herself, Arsh!"

I side hugged Alia and smiled at Arshad, "Absolutely, I'm sure she can take care of herself."

"Paws off my wife!", Arshad growled.

Paws? What am I, a cat?

I let go of Alia and straightened my sherwani. Nandini walked to us, unaware of the glaring battle going on between Arshad and me.

She hugged Alia and Arshad and talked to them for a minute.

She stared at Abhi Bhai teary-eyed for a second before jumping on him and crying while hiding her face in the nape of his neck. Abhi Bhai tried not to cry but ended up sobbing badly and I couldn't help but feel bad for taking Nandini away from a family who loved her more than themselves.

Cabir wrapped his arms around both of them and the three of them cried together.

Papa walked to me and held my hand, "They've been together every step of the way, Manik. These two sons of mine don't know how to live without their sister."

I nodded, "They love her so much!"

Mumma and Papa hugged Nandini and I and then I opened the back door of the car and gestured to Nandini to sit. Once she had seated herself comfortably, I sat down and closed the door.

Abhi Bhai, Cabir and Arshad pushed our car from behind as the driver started driving out of the venue.

It was a new beginning for both of us. A fresh start. I knew I wouldn't be the best husband in the world but I was determined to be a good husband.

Nandini sniffed softly, breaking my train of thoughts.

"I don't bite, you know.", I whispered.

"Huh?"

"You don't have to cry in a corner, you can cry on my shoulder."

She stared at me for a second.

"Only if you're comfortable.", I shrugged.

She slowly nodded and rested her head on my shoulder as she cried.