The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Nandini was sitting at the dining table, trying to decide between two different types of cereal. Her face was scrunched up in concentration, her eyebrows knit together in a way that made her look utterly adorable.
Manik entered the room, freshly showered and ready for the day. He paused when he saw her, a smile spreading across his face. He couldn’t help but feel a warm surge of affection for her. She looked so cute, so engrossed in her simple dilemma.
“Nandini, you’re the only person I know who can make choosing cereal look so serious,” he teased, walking over to her.
Nandini looked up, her expression shifting from concentration to a shy smile. “It’s important, Manik. I need to make sure I’m getting the right nutrition for the baby.”
Manik chuckled and pulled a chair closer to her. “You’re right, it is important. But you’re just so cute when you’re focused like that.”
Before she could react, he gently cupped her face in his hands and pulled her cheeks softly. “You’re adorable, you know that?”
Nandini blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. “Manik, stop it,” she mumbled, embarrassed but secretly pleased by his attention.
Manik laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I can’t help it. You’re too cute.”
Later that day, Nandini was in the living room, trying to reach a book on the top shelf of the bookcase. Her petite frame made it difficult, and she was on her tiptoes, stretching as far as she could. Manik walked in just in time to see her struggling.
“Need some help?” he asked, amusement evident in his voice.
Nandini turned to him, her lips forming a pout. “I can’t reach it, and I don’t want to strain myself.”
Manik’s heart melted at the sight of her pout. He walked over and easily grabbed the book for her. “Here you go, my little bookworm,” he said, handing it to her.
She took the book, her cheeks flushing again. “Thank you, Manik.”
Manik couldn’t resist. He gently pinched her cheeks again, his eyes soft with adoration. “Why are you so cute, Nandini?”
She swatted his hands away playfully, her embarrassment evident. “Stop doing that, Manik. You’re making me blush.”
Manik grinned, his love for her shining through. “I love making you blush. You look even more beautiful when you do.”
In the evening, Nandini was in the kitchen, trying out a new recipe. She had flour on her nose and a determined look on her face as she mixed the ingredients. Manik stood in the doorway, watching her with a fond smile.
“You’re so focused,” he said, walking up to her. “What are you making?”
Nandini looked up, a bit of flour smudging her cheek. “I’m trying to make these cookies I saw in a recipe book. They’re supposed to be good for pregnancy.”
Manik chuckled and reached out to wipe the flour from her cheek. “You’re covered in flour, Nandini.”
She blushed again, looking down at herself. “Oh, I didn’t realize.”
Manik’s heart swelled with affection. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “You’re too adorable for your own good, you know that?”
Nandini looked up at him, her eyes shy but happy. “Manik, you’re making me embarrassed.”
He laughed softly, pulling her into a gentle hug. “I love you, Nandini. And I love seeing you like this.”
That night, as they were getting ready for bed, Manik noticed Nandini struggling to put on her socks. Her growing belly made it difficult for her to bend down easily. He walked over and knelt in front of her.
“Let me help you,” he said softly, taking the socks from her hands.
Nandini tried to protest. “Manik, I can do it. You don’t have to—”
But Manik was already gently sliding the socks onto her feet, his touch tender and loving. “I want to help, Nandini. You’re doing so much already.”
She watched him, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. “Thank you, Manik.”
He finished and looked up at her, a playful smile on his lips. “Anything for you and our little one.”
Nandini blushed yet again, her heart fluttering. “You’re being so sweet. It’s overwhelming.”
Manik stood up and cupped her face in his hands once more. “I’m just showing you how much I love you.”
Nandini leaned into his touch, her eyes closing. Manik smiled and pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her warmth and the gentle movements of their baby.
In that moment, he knew that despite all the challenges they had faced, they were on the right path. They were building a future together, filled with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.
As days turned into weeks, Manik continued to find joy in the little moments with Nandini. Whether it was helping her with simple tasks or just watching her as she went about her day, he cherished every second.
One afternoon, Nandini was in the garden, tending to her plants. She had a wide-brimmed hat on, protecting her from the sun, and she was talking to the plants softly, encouraging them to grow.
Manik watched her from the porch, his heart swelling with love. He walked over and knelt beside her, admiring the way she cared for the plants.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Nandini looked up at him, a shy smile on her face. “I’m just taking care of them. It’s not a big deal.”
Manik shook his head, pulling her into a gentle hug. “It is a big deal. Everything you do is amazing to me.”
Nandini blushed deeply, feeling his love and adoration. “Manik, you’re making me embarrassed again.”
He chuckled, kissing her forehead. “I’ll never get tired of making you blush, Nandini. It’s one of my favorite things.”
The next morning, Manik woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. He decided it was time to truly get to know Nandini, to learn every detail about her likes and dislikes. He wanted to show her how much he cared and how committed he was to making things right.
As they sat down for breakfast, Manik started with simple questions. "Nandini, what's your favorite color?" he asked, his tone gentle and curious.
Nandini looked up from her plate, a bit surprised by the question. "Um, I like blue. It's calming."
Manik smiled, noting it down mentally. "Blue, got it. What about your favorite dish?"
Nandini thought for a moment. "I love paneer butter masala. It's been my favorite since childhood."
Manik's smile widened. "Paneer butter masala, noted. And your favorite Bollywood movie?"
Nandini's eyes lit up. "That's an easy one. 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. It's a classic."
Manik chuckled. "A classic indeed. And Hollywood?"
"‘The Notebook’. I love the story and the emotions."
Manik nodded, absorbing each detail. "What about books? Do you have a favorite author?"
Nandini's smile grew. "I love Jane Austen. 'Pride and Prejudice' is my all-time favorite."
Throughout the day, Manik continued his quest to know more about Nandini. They went for a walk in the garden, and he asked about her favorite flowers. "I love roses," she said, stopping to smell one. "They remind me of my childhood home."
Manik smiled, watching her. "Roses it is. And what's your favorite season?"
"Spring," Nandini replied without hesitation. "Everything feels so fresh and new."
Manik took note of every answer, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction in learning more about her. They sat on a bench in the garden, and he continued. "What about music? Any favorite artists or songs?"
Nandini leaned back, thinking. "I love Arijit Singh. His songs are so soulful."
Manik grinned. "Arijit Singh, noted. And what about your favorite dress style? What do you feel most comfortable in?"
Nandini blushed slightly. "I love traditional wear, especially sarees. But I also enjoy wearing casual dresses."
Manik's heart swelled with affection. "You look beautiful in everything, Nandini.
"As the evening approached, they sat down for dinner. Manik had made a list of all the things he had learned throughout the day. "I hope you don't mind me asking all these questions," he said, his voice sincere. "I just want to know everything about you."
Nandini smiled, feeling overwhelmed by his genuine interest. "I don't mind, Manik. It feels nice to share all these things with you."
Manik reached out and took her hand. "Nandini, I want to know everything. Your dreams, your fears, your favorite moments. I want to be a part of your world."
Nandini's eyes welled up with tears. "Manik, you're trying so hard. But I'm scared. It feels like history is repeating itself. I tried so hard before, but you never reciprocated. I stopped trying because it hurt too much."
Manik's heart ached at her words. He squeezed her hand gently. "Nandini, I will never stop trying. I know I was a jerk before, and I didn't appreciate you the way I should have. But you never stopped trying, even when I didn't deserve it. You tried more than me, and I see that now."
Nandini looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. "How can I be sure, Manik? How do I know this isn't temporary?"
Manik leaned closer, his eyes filled with determination. "Because I love you, Nandini. I love you with everything I have. I know I messed up, but I'm here now, and I won't stop showing you how much you mean to me. Please give me a chance to prove it."
Over the next few days, Manik continued to immerse himself in Nandini's world. He started playing her favorite songs in the house, filling the air with Arijit Singh's soulful melodies. He surprised her with a bouquet of blue roses, knowing how much she loved the color and the flowers.
One afternoon, he found her reading "Pride and Prejudice" and sat down beside her. "I started reading it too," he said, holding up a copy of the book. "I want to understand why you love it so much."
Nandini's heart fluttered at his efforts. "Manik, you don't have to do all this."
"I want to," he replied firmly. "Because I want to understand you better, every part of you."
They spent evenings watching her favorite movies, laughing and crying together. Manik cooked her favorite dishes, even attempting paneer butter masala, which earned him a delighted smile from Nandini.
One night, as they were sitting on the porch, Manik asked her about her childhood memories. Nandini shared stories of her family, her school days, and her dreams. Manik listened intently, cherishing every word.
"Nandini," he said softly, "I want to be a part of all your dreams. I want to support you in everything you do."
Nandini felt a warmth in her heart, a feeling of being truly seen and understood. "Manik, I don't know if I can forgive you completely, but I see that you're trying. And that means a lot to me."
Manik nodded, his eyes earnest. "I'll keep trying, Nandini. Every day, I'll show you how much I love you."
One evening, as they were watching "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," Manik turned to her and said, "You know, this movie has a lot of memories for me too now. Because I watched it with you."
Nandini smiled, feeling a connection building between them. "Manik, I appreciate everything you're doing. But remember, it's not just about knowing my favorite things. It's about being there, understanding, and supporting each other."
Manik took her hand, his gaze unwavering. "I understand, Nandini. And I promise I'll always be here, supporting you and loving you. Thank you for giving me another chance."
Nandini looked at him, feeling a mixture of hope and fear. "Let's take it one day at a time, Manik. Let's see where this journey takes us."
Manik nodded, his heart filled with determination. "One day at a time, Nandini. And I promise, I'll make each day better than the last."
In the weeks that followed, Manik and Nandini continued to rebuild their relationship, one moment at a time. With each conversation, each shared experience, they grew closer, learning to trust and love each other anew. It was a journey of healing, hope, and the promise of a beautiful future together.
Nandini's cravings started subtly at first. She would mention a dish in passing, something that didn't quite fit her usual preferences. Ishita, Vivek, and Navya noticed but didn't think much of it initially. However, as days went by, her cravings became more specific and peculiar.
One afternoon, as they all sat in the living room, Nandini suddenly said, "I really want some... jalebi with pickle."
Ishita blinked, looking at Vivek and Navya. "Jalebi with pickle? That's... interesting."
Navya chuckled. "Nandini, are you sure that's what you want?"
Nandini nodded earnestly. "Yes, it sounds so good right now."
Vivek scratched his head. "I'm not sure where we'll find jalebi with pickle at this hour."
They tried to satisfy her cravings, but nothing seemed to hit the mark. Nandini grew more frustrated, and her cravings became even more unpredictable. "I want... chocolate ice cream with mustard sauce."
Navya's eyes widened. "Are you serious, Nandini?"
Nandini nodded, looking determined. "Yes, it sounds amazing."
Just then, the doorbell rang, and Manik entered the house with his parents and Dadi. They were immediately greeted by the sight of a confused and slightly frantic Ishita, Vivek, and Navya.
Neyonika noticed their expressions. "Is everything alright?"
Ishita sighed. "It's Nandini. She's asking for the most bizarre food combinations, and we can't figure out what she really wants."
Nandini sat on the couch, looking both frustrated and apologetic. "I just... I don't know. These cravings are driving me crazy."
Neyonika and Dadi exchanged a knowing glance. They walked over to Nandini and Neyonika asked gently, "Nandini, what exactly are you craving?"
Nandini looked at them, exasperated. "I want something like... spicy noodles with strawberry jam."
Dadi chuckled softly. "Ah, I see."
Neyonika nodded. "Nandini, you're craving Manik's favorite foods."
Ishita and Navya looked bewildered. "What do you mean?" Navya asked.
Neyonika smiled. "When Manik was a child, he would ask for the strangest combinations of food whenever he was hungry or wanted something specific. Spicy noodles with something sweet was one of his favorites."
Manik's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. "Mom!"
Dadi laughed. "It's true. Manik was quite the foodie, even as a child. He loved mixing flavors."
Navya grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, what Nandini is craving are actually Manik's favorites?"
Neyonika nodded. "Exactly. It's quite common for expectant mothers to crave foods that the father loves. It seems your baby has inherited Manik's foodie nature."
Manik looked down, embarrassed and shy, while Nandini blushed deeply. "I... I didn't realize."
As the realization settled in, everyone in the room started to laugh. Vivek clapped Manik on the back. "Looks like your baby is going to be a little foodie, just like you."
Manik, still blushing, smiled sheepishly. "I guess so."
Nandini looked at him, her eyes softening. "It's funny, isn't it? How the baby already has a connection to you."
Manik nodded, feeling a swell of emotion. "Yeah, it is."
Navya grinned. "Well, Manik, now you know what to do. Make sure you have all your favorite foods on hand for Nandini's cravings."
Manik nodded, determined. "Absolutely. Anything for Nandini and our baby."
Neyonika and Dadi shared a warm smile. "We'll help too," Dadi said. "Just like we did when you were a child, Manu."
Manik felt a wave of gratitude and love for his family. "Thank you, Dadi. Thank you, everyone."
That evening, the family gathered around the dining table, sharing stories of Manik's childhood and his unique food preferences. Laughter filled the room as Neyonika recounted tales of Manik's adventures with food.
"One time," Neyonika said, "Manik insisted on having mango pickle with his chocolate pudding. We thought he was crazy, but he loved it."
Nandini laughed, her heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. She looked at Manik, who was grinning despite his embarrassment. "Looks like our baby is going to have some interesting tastes."
Manik reached across the table, taking Nandini's hand in his. "And I'll be here to make sure you get everything you crave."
Nandini smiled, feeling a renewed sense of connection and hope. "Thank you, Manik. For everything."
As the night went on, the family continued to share stories and laughter, bonding over the impending arrival of the new member of the family. For Nandini and Manik, it was a step towards healing, a promise of a brighter future filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of culinary adventure.
In the days that followed, Manik made sure to stock the house with all his favorite foods, ready to satisfy Nandini's cravings at any moment. He watched her closely, learning more about her needs and desires, and doing everything he could to make her comfortable and happy.
Nandini, overwhelmed by his dedication and love, began to see the changes in him. She still had her moments of doubt, but each day brought a new reason to believe in the possibility of a future together.
Manik, determined to show her how much he had changed, never stopped trying. He was there for every craving, every need, and every moment, proving his love through his actions.
And slowly, but surely, they began to rebuild what they had lost, one day at a time, with the promise of a brighter future and the love of their little foodie-to-be.
One sunny afternoon, the Fab4—Cabir, Alya, Mukti, and Dhruv—along with Abhimanyu and Navya, arrived at the Murthy mansion to visit Nandini. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement, as they hadn't all gathered together in quite some time.
Manik greeted them at the door, his expression a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Hey guys, glad you could make it."
Navya stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "How's Nandini doing?"
Manik sighed. "She's... well, she's having a tough time. Cranky, moody, and unpredictable. It's been a challenge."
Cabir smirked. "Sounds like a party. Let's go cheer her up."
As they entered the living room, they found Nandini sitting on the couch, her arms crossed and a frown on her face. She was clearly not in the best mood.
Mukti approached her with a bright smile. "Hey, Bhabz! We missed you!"
Nandini looked up, her eyes softening slightly. "Hi, Muku. I missed you guys too."
Alya sat beside her, gently nudging her shoulder. "What's got you down, girl?"
Nandini sighed. "I don't know. Everything feels off. I'm uncomfortable, and these cravings are driving me crazy."
Dhruv, always the peacemaker, chimed in. "We brought some snacks. Maybe that'll help?"
Abhimanyu added, "And we're here to take your mind off things. Let's just relax and have a good time."
Despite their best efforts, Nandini's mood swings continued. One moment she was laughing at a joke Cabir made, and the next, she was tearing up over a daily soap serial playing on the TV.
Manik watched her closely, his heart aching for her. He approached her gently. "Nandini, what's wrong?"
She sniffled, pointing at the screen. "Look at that! How can they be so mean to her?"
Manik glanced at the TV, seeing a dramatic scene unfolding. He sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "It's just a show, Nandini. It's not real."
She buried her face in his shoulder, crying softly. "I know, but it feels so real."
Manik kissed the top of her head, whispering soothing words. "It's okay. It's okay to feel emotional. I'm here."
The Fab4, Abhimanyu, and Navya watched with a mix of amusement and empathy. Cabir whispered to Alya, "I've never seen Manik so patient."
Alya nodded, smiling softly. "He's really changed."
As the day went on, Nandini's mood swings continued, but Manik handled them with surprising grace. He coaxed her with her favorite snacks, reassured her when she felt overwhelmed, and even joined her in watching the daily soap, providing running commentary to make her laugh.
Mukti and Navya took turns distracting her with gossip and funny stories, while Dhruv and Abhimanyu entertained her with their antics. The house was filled with laughter, and slowly but surely, Nandini's mood began to lift.
At one point, Nandini started craving something unusual again. "I want... ice cream with ketchup."
Everyone looked at her, stunned. Alya asked, "Are you serious?"
Nandini nodded, determined. "Yes. It sounds perfect."
Manik didn't hesitate. "I'll get it for you."
As he walked to the kitchen, Cabir followed, chuckling. "Manik, you're a saint."
Manik smiled. "Anything for Nandini."
Later that evening, as they all gathered around the living room, Nandini's mood had significantly improved. She was smiling and laughing, enjoying the company of her friends.
Manik sat beside her, holding her hand. "Feeling better?"
Nandini nodded, squeezing his hand. "Yes, thanks to all of you."
Navya smiled. "We're glad to see you happy, Nandini."
Nandini looked around at her friends, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, everyone. I really needed this."
Manik leaned in, kissing her forehead. "And we'll keep being here for you, every step of the way."
As the night went on, they shared stories, jokes, and memories, creating a sense of warmth and love that filled the room. Manik's patience and care for Nandini shone brightly, and she began to feel more at ease, knowing she had the support of her friends and the love of the man who was doing everything to make things right.
Nandini’s eyes met Manik’s, and she saw the sincerity and love in them. She smiled softly, feeling a flicker of hope for their future.
And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.
Over the next few weeks, Manik faced a new challenge: Nandini's sudden bursts of anger and frustration over seemingly trivial things. Despite his best efforts to stay calm and supportive, Nandini's temper often flared, leaving him bewildered and sometimes embarrassed.
One morning, Manik was in the kitchen, carefully preparing Nandini's favorite breakfast. As he arranged the toast and eggs on a plate, he hummed a tune, feeling pleased with himself. Just as he finished, Nandini walked in, her face set in a scowl.
"What's that smell?" she demanded, wrinkling her nose.
Manik looked up, surprised. "I made your favorite breakfast, love."
Nandini's scowl deepened. "I told you yesterday I don't want eggs! You never listen!"
Manik blinked, taken aback. "But you usually love them. I thought—"
"You thought wrong!" she snapped, her voice rising. "You never get it right, do you?"
Before Manik could respond, Nandini stormed out of the kitchen, leaving him standing there with the plate of food. He sighed, placing it on the counter.
Later that day, the Fab4, Abhimanyu, and Navya gathered at the Murthy mansion to check on Nandini. As they chatted in the living room, Nandini suddenly burst into tears, glaring at Manik.
"It's all your fault!" she cried, pointing an accusatory finger at him.
Manik, confused and worried, asked gently, "What did I do now?"
"You made me fat! Look at me!" Nandini wailed, her hands on her growing belly. "I can't fit into any of my clothes, and it's all because of you!"
The room fell silent for a moment before Cabir burst out laughing. "Dude, you're in for it now."
Alya giggled, patting Nandini's shoulder. "It's not his fault, Nandini. It's just the baby."
Nandini glared at Manik, who was trying hard not to laugh. "Still, he should have known better!"
Manik took Nandini's outbursts in stride, understanding that her pregnancy hormones were making her more emotional. He continued to be patient and loving, even when she blamed him for things beyond his control.
One evening, as they all sat in the living room watching a movie, Nandini suddenly shouted, "Manik, why did you pick this movie? It's so boring!"
Manik, who had chosen the movie because it was one of Nandini's favorites, tried to defend himself. "But Nandini, you said you loved this one."
"Well, I changed my mind!" she retorted, crossing her arms.
Cabir leaned over to Dhruv, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Manik is in the doghouse again."
Everyone laughed, and Manik couldn't help but join in, despite his predicament. He looked at Nandini with a playful smile. "Alright, we'll watch something else."
As the days went on, Nandini's friends couldn't resist teasing Manik about his new role as the target of her frustrations.
One afternoon, they all sat around the dining table, enjoying a snack. Mukti smirked at Manik. "So, how's it going, Manik? Surviving the Nandini storm?"
Manik chuckled, shaking his head. "Barely. She's been giving me a hard time for everything."
Despite the teasing and Nandini's outbursts, Manik remained steadfast in his love and support. He understood that her anger was often a way to cope with the overwhelming emotions of pregnancy.
One day, after a particularly intense argument over a misplaced pair of shoes, Manik found Nandini sitting alone in their bedroom, tears streaming down her face. He approached her quietly, sitting beside her.
"Nandini," he said softly, "I know you're going through a lot right now. And I'm sorry if I make things harder for you."
Nandini sniffled, looking up at him with red-rimmed eyes. "I just... I don't know why I'm so angry all the time. I don't mean to take it out on you."
Manik wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I know. And it's okay. We're in this together, remember?"
She nodded, burying her face in his chest. "I'm sorry, Manik."
He kissed the top of her head. "No need to apologize. I love you, Nandini. And I'll be here, no matter what."
In that moment, surrounded by their friends and the love that had grown between them, Nandini and Manik found a new understanding. They knew there would be challenges ahead, but they also knew they could face them together, with patience, love, and a little bit of humor.
And so, amidst the laughter, tears, and teasing, Nandini and Manik's bond grew stronger, paving the way for a future filled with love and happiness.
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Hope you all like the chapter.....
Few words for Manik...
Few words for Nandini...
So this chapter is dedicated to you guys as you asked me to show your fantasy. I'm not able to mention your ID's so I'm writing it like this.....
Manan Discussing about baby names- Samiaahmed5 chaithra28
Manik Getting to know about Nandini's likes- kuchiman12
Nandini cravings only what manik likes- AnkitaPatil8
Manik getting mushy over Nandini cuteness- SSrr143
Favourite moment???
Do comments and vote...
Thank u 🙂🙂
Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️