"Nandini..?" Manik whispered in a shock. Nandini looked at him with a pain filled eyes.

"Manik I.. Main.. pata nahi kyu I feel like.. like maa doesn't love me the way she loves Rishu. So many confusions.. mtlab I.. Aur.. Manik.. main na.. aap.." she couldn't continue and sobbed while saying when Manik took her in hug immediately and rubbed her back. She cried badly in his arms.

"Sshh.. Nandini, honey. Bas baba. Stop crying. Sshhh. Relax. Shant ho jao please. You will get ill. Please baby. Sssh. Calm down, please." Said Manik while Nandini was hiccuping. He broke the hug and wiping her tears, made her drink water. Pulling her in his embrace again, he started caressing her hairs lovingly rocking her a bit.. Nandini sniffed clutching his shirt.

"Feeling better?"

"Hmm."

There was a silence for few minutes. Both stayed in same position. When Manik finally decided to speak.

"Nandini?"

"Hmmm.."

"Are you ok, baby?"

"Hmmm."

"Tell me what happened? I am right here with you. Hmm?

Nandini just snuggled in his chest more. Her eyes were closed. Manik looked down at her face. She looked pale and tired due to excess crying. Her eyes puffy and swollen. She was almost asleep. Manik sighed. He knew she isn't in a state to talk.

He picked her in his arms gently and made her lie on bed. Covering her with duvet, he placed a long kiss on her forehead. Caressing her soft cheeks, he went in deep thoughts.

"Why Nandini asked like that? If there's something I am missing out?"

_______________

All Malhotras were chit chatting while having dinner. Nandini was disturbed but she pretended to be all fine. Manik had his eyes on her.

"Nandu, beta why are you not eating? Are you okay?" Nandini looked at Niyonika who looked worried. She just nodded her head.

"No mumma. Nothing like that. I am eating." She said eyeing the vegetable. That's when Manik realised something and rolled his eyes.

"Absolutely no, Mom. Your ladli doesn't like mushrooms so she-"

"Manik-"

"Arey what? I am telling truth." Said Manik shrugging his shoulders. Niyonika glared at Nandini. She looked down.

"Why didn't you tell me, Nandini?" Asked Niyonika with serious expressions. Nandini was looking down. Her eyes teary. Manik thought to interrupt when Niyonika showed him hand.

"Mom.."

"Manik! I am talking to her. Nandu, look at me." Nandini slowly looked at her mother in law like a scared kitten. Niyonika smiled and caressed her face lovingly.

"Bahu nahi, beti mana hai tujhe. Never hesitate to tell me your likes and dislikes. I am always there to pamper you. Just like my Manik and Cabir." Everyone smiled hearing Niyonika while Nandini looked at her shocked.

"Aap gussa nei ho?" She asked innocently. Niyonika chuckled and nodded no.

"Why I will be angry? It is okay if you don't like any particular dish or thing. Yes, but not everything. I am very health conscious." Niyonika said last sentence strictly. Raj laughed.

"Yeah yeah. That is why she maintained her figure along with mine. Look at us. Do we look like a couple married 30 years back?" Niyonika rolled her eyes.

"Raj!" Manbir laughed while Raj raised his hands up in surrender. Nandini smiled looking at them and went in flashback.

Flashback -

"Woww! Mushrooms! You are the best. Love you, Mom!" Squealed a happy Rishab seeing his favorite mushrooms in dinner. Ishani smiled and ruffled his hairs.

"Love you too. Now have it." Nandini made disgusting face looking at it and started checking another containers. Ritesh looked at her while eating.

"Nandu, what happened? What are you looking for?" He asked.

"Papa, I am looking for another sabji." She replied. "Where's it maa?"

"I didn't make another one. Only mushrooms. Have this only Nandu." Nandini made bad face.

"But why maa? You knew na I hate mushrooms. Still you.."

"I know but Rishu loves it na? That's why thought to make it. And anyways I make two sabji daily. If didn't make today what's a big deal? Can't you adjust for one night? And you're not small now to show tantrums for food." Nandini looked at her sadly.

"It's not about adjusting, Maa. Rishu doesn't like almost every sabji still you never say a word and make one extra sabji so that he could eat any one. And if I deny for just mushrooms, you say I am showing tantrums? My likes dislikes doesn't matter, maa?" Asked Nandini to which Ishani looked at Ritesh and then at Nandini angrily.

"You mean to say I am being partial with you and Rishu? Aur voh kyu? Are you my step daughter? Or I got you from road? Come on, you are my own daughter. I love you the same. But I want you to behave mature and understanding. This stubbornness and comparisons are not good for girls. Rishu is younger than you, bachha hai. Maturity aayi nahi hai abhi. You are grown up now. Will get married in following year or two. Will you behave same at your in laws home? Fir toh maa baap ki ijjat utaarni hi hai unhone. Yahi sikhaya hai beti ko. So enough of your childishness now." Nandini looked at her with tears.

"Childishness! Rishu is in last year of engineering still he's bachcha for you and me...? His wish matters and If I wish to have something of my choice then I am wrong? You think it as childishness, maa? I obey everything you both tell me. I never say no. Do I? Still you always say like this. And marriage? Why you always feel like I will make you both ashamed infront of my in laws? Don't you trust me and your upbringing-"

"NANDINI!" Ritesh shouted and Nandini flinched. She was shivering while crying.

"For how many times I have to tell you that never answer back. Just say ok and apologize. A simple sorry. Don't you understand? Aur yeh sab kya bole jaa rahi ho aaj? Say sorry to Ishani and finish your dinner." Nandini looked at him unbelievably with painful eyes. For a moment, she could feel his eyes soften but then he again composed his posture.

Rishab went near Nandini and held her hand. She gripped it tight. Ishani was looking at her furiously.

"Dekha aapne Ritesh? How's she speaking to me? This, this is all because of that two friends I am telling you. Those witches started filling her ears-

"Enough maa. Not a word against my friends. They don't even know what happens here. I don't like to make an issue of small things and keep spreading here and there. And even if I tell them, they comfort me. Give me the much needed strength and love. These ear filling and all can be seen only in your tv serials." Said Nandini in between her cries. She looked at Ritesh and wiped her tears harshly.

"I am sorry!"

Said Nandini choking at her words before storming towards her room.

"Nandini!" Ritesh shouted worriedly and stood up to go to her when Ishani held his hand.

"Diii.. Dii suno toh.." Rishab also shouted.

"Kuch nahi bas drama hai. Jab bhook lagegi aajayegi khane. You both eat." Said Ishani. Rishab looked at Ritesh who was looking disturbed and restless.

"But Maa-" Ishani glared at him and he started eating his dinner silently. Ritesh looked down at his plate and sighed.

Flashback Ends.

"Nandu?" Nandini looked at Niyonika who was looking at her worriedly.

"What happened beta? I am calling you since long. Where are you lost?" Nandini smiled faintly shaking her head.

"Nothing mumma, you say. What were you saying?" Niyonika smiled.

"I was asking what's your favorite dish?" Nandini giggled. Manik adored his wife and was finally at peace seeing her genuine smile.

"Mumma! Don't even ask. I love so many dishes. You will get tired listening but my list will keep going." Everyone laughed along with Niyonika.

"Now it's proved that we got suitable match for Manik and perfect bahu for Malhotras. All foodie lives here and one more added! Waaah!" Exclaimed Raj eating his parantha. Everyone laughed.

"But bhabhi, there must be something na, which you love the most? Kuch toh hoga.." Asked Cabir.

Nandini smiled at Cabir and nodded agreeing.

"Achha. Toh batao aisa kya pasand hai meri beti ko?" Said Niyonika pulling her cheek. Nandini giggled and replied with twinkling eyes.

"Puri Aloo!"

Silence prevailed in the dining hall. Everyone were looking at each other silently while Manik shook his head knowing what are they upto. Nandini got nervous and looked at him. He chuckled.

"Relax Nandu. They are just shocked and trying to scare you." Everyone laughed out and Nandini looked down feeling embarrassed. Niyonika took her in side hug.

"Awwee! Why so cute? You don't have to be embarrassed, darling. We were just pulling your leg because Puri Aloo is Manik's favorite too." Said Niyonika chuckling. Nandini looked at Manik who winked at her.

"Really?"

"Yes!" Nandini smiled widely hearing Niyonika. Her likes dislikes are quite similar to Manik which she always observed. And now this too. She felt happy.

"Mumma, can we make it tomorrow? I mean, only if you like. And if you, papa or Cabir bhai don't like na then we can make another curry for all too. What's say?" Niyonika chuckled hearing Nandini and nodded.

"You don't have to ask me, dear. You can make anything and everything you want to. This is your house. Aur rahi baat humari toh hum teeno ko puri aloo se koi problem nahi hai. We like it too." Said Niyonika smiling. Suddenly Cabir spoke.

"Voh toh theek hai, par bhabhi, what about rice? What are you going to make tomorrow?" He asked like an excited kid.

"Pehle aaj ka rice toh khatam kar le Cabir." Said Manik sarcastically. Cabir glared at him.

"You shut up! Bhabhi, aaj ke green pulao ka jawab nahi. It's absolutely yummy. Pr kal kya banane wale ho?" Nandini smiled and asked him softly.

"Bhai, apko kuch special chaiye toh bataye. I will make it." Cabir showed his battisi hearing her.

"Really? Then will you make Paneer Tikka Biryani for me?" Nandini nodded in positive while Cabir jumped on his seat. Everyone shook their head.

"God! Thank you so much bhabhi! Love you!" Nandini giggled. Manik scowled.

"Oyy, mind you, bhabhi hai teri. Meri biwi!" Said Manik emphasizing on word 'meri'. Everyone laughed at his possessiveness while Nandini blushed looking down. Cabir shrugged.

"Whatever." Niyonika thought to change the topic before these two brothers start their drama.

"Hello madam, kal ka kal dekhenge filhal ye bataye ki abhi aap kya khayenge. Should I make some other veggi-"

"No no mumma. No need. I can manage with curry. Also dal makhni is there so no worries." Said Nandini smiling.

"Pakka?"

"Haan mumma, pakka. Now come, let's finish our dinner." Said Nandini making Niyonika sit on her place. They started having their normal dinner while Manik was in his own thoughts.

At night, Manik didn't ask Nandini about her sudden breakdown because she seemed happy and refresh after dinner. He didn't want to make her upset again. He wanted her to tell him everything by herself. He respected her privacy and space. They slept as usual cuddling with each other.

________________

One month later -

Things were going all good with manan. One fine day, Manik was in office while Nandini was in home, alone. Niyonika along with Raj and Cabir had went to Punjab to attend a wedding of their relatives. From last two days, Manik was also home and they were spending quality time together but today he had to leave in noon due to important meeting. It was 9 pm now and still Manik wasn't home. Nandini called him. He picked her phone in three rings.

"Hello"

"Hey Nandu! I am so sorry I just forgot to call you. I got stuck in important work you see. Anyways, you fine? Maria is there with you na? I was about to call you but I got stuck with presentation and then this meeting." Nandini smiled hearing her over caring husband.

"Oh hubby. It's ok. Take a breathe. I am all fine and yeah, Maria just now left. She was with me but then some emergency came in her home so she had to go. I thought to check on you as it's late and also dinner time. Did you have something?" Manik got worried hearing her.

"God! Maria left? And now you are alone? Shit! I will be late too and it's raining heavily. Let me call Aman and-" Nandini cuts him in middle.

"Manik! Relax. Calm down. Don't worry. I will be fine. And don't leave your work in middle for me please. No need to come here running. " Manik tried to protest.

"But how will you stay alone till late night? I may come by 12 am or 1 am. Will you manage? And wait.. what about your dinner? Did you make anything for yourself?" Nandini nodded hearing him.

"Yeah. I made for both of us. But now I guess I have to eat alone. Sorry Manik, I made special dinner but didn't know you'll not come or else I would have made something normal for myself." Nandini apologized. Manik frowned.

"Hey, it's okay. No need to be sorry. In fact it's my fault. And wait, why can't you eat special dish alone? Is there any rule that you can only make special dish if you have someone to share? If anyone won't be there you'll eat dal rice? Huh! Come on, you can always enjoy making your tummy happy you know. When everyone will be there, make that dish again. You think too much. Uff!" Manik exclaimed gaining a chuckle from Nandini.

"Ok baba. Sorry. I understood. Now excuse me and let me enjoy my yummy tasty food. You concentrate on your work and don't forget to have your dinner." Manik chuckled.

"Oh-kay my lord. Anything more?" Asked Manik. Nandini smiled and whispered softly.

"Come soon. I am waiting." Manik grinned before replying.

"I think I should leave now only." Nandini widened her eyes hearing him.

"Manik!"

"What? Arey my wife is so desper-"

"Manik! Stop. You will never change na?" Nandini shook her head at her husband's teasing nature. She was blushing.

"Hayeee. This blush makes me go crazy. Uff!" Nandini's cheeks heated more.

"Aaan! Manik! Chediye nahin." Manik laughed hearing her whinning.

"Okay okay. Sorry. But on serious note, have your food and take care. I will try to come as soon as possible. Hmm?" He said softly. Nandini smiled.

"Okay Manik. Bye. Drive safe while coming." Manik smiled seeing her care.

"Yeah. Don't worry. Bye." Call ended and Nandini went inside kitchen. Keeping the food in oven to warm, she drifted in her thoughts.

Flashback -

"Dii, you know yesterday we enjoyed alot. Me, Suyash and Pratik went to big hotel and had a party. I had lots of starters. All your favourites, you know I missed you sooooooooo much.." teased Rishab making Nandini frown. Ishani was listening everything from dining hall as she was arranging the table. Nandini looked at him angrily but then gave him a tight smile.

"Oh really? Awwee. That's so sweet of you. But it's okay, Rishu. No worries. Even I enjoyed alot yesterday. I was alone at home because mom and dad also went for some business party. I made my favorite yummy creamy white souce pasta with a garlic bread. And you know, at last even I ordered mint chocochips Icecream from your favourite Icecream parlour. I ate everything watching my favorite movie on netflix. And I swear, I missed you too, baby. Tch tch.." teased Nandini with a fake sad face. Rishab's mouth hunged down. White souce pasta that too Nandini's handmade? It's his LOVE! He is fan of her handmade food. She doesn't make special dishes daily but whenever she makes, it's worth eating. You will not leave without licking the dish from your fingers. It's Nandu's Magic!

"What? You made white sauce pasta? You made it? And ate alone? Without meeee? Yaar diii! Not fair! You know na I am AC of your handmade food. Still you did this. Go I am not talking to you." Rishab cried like a kid. Nandini laughed.

"Aww Rishu baby got jealous. It's ok na. I will make again for you. And bacchu, what about you ha? You ate there my favourite and I just had pasta toh you started cribbing. Not fair." Rishab showed her tongue making faces. She laughed. Ishani, who was hearing all this, came there.

"Nandini, why did you make pasta and garlic bread yesterday? I asked you to make some curry and parantha for yourself, right?" She asked seriously. Nandini looked at her and smiled.

"Maa.. I wasn't much hungry. So thought to have pasta and garlic bread. Also, parantha would have been very heavy for my tummy. So I just chucked it and made all that." Said Nandini. Ishani shook her head.

"Keep your excuses to yourself. You were too lazy to make proper dinner so thought to make this. I better know. And also, how many times I have told you, do not make anything special if no one is home. Didn't I?" Asked Ishani angrily.

"But maa.. Rishu had party with his friends and even you and papa had dinner in party. Then if I made something at home which I like, what is the problem?" Asked Nandini.

"Problem is this doesn't happen in our house. We always make special dish in our home when there's anyone to share. Do you like to eat alone when your family isn't with you? This selfishness is not good Nandu. Change your habits I am telling you. Your in laws won't tolerate these." Said Ishani which hurted Nandini.

"It was just a simple pasta, mom. Nothing special. And if you all can have special food outside why can't I have it in home?" Asked Nandini. Ishani showed her hand.

"Enough. I told right? You can't. Then you can't. Don't question back. Now go and bring juice for breakfast. Your Dad will come down anytime and better control your eye tankers." Nandini ran to kitchen holding her tears while Rishab looked at them with sad eyes.

Flashback Ends.

Nandini came out of her thoughts as she heard beeping sound of oven. Her food was warmed. She had her dinner sitting in hall watching her favorite movie.

After completing her dinner and washing plates, she looked out through window and got worried. It was raining so much heavily and also it showed symptoms of storm. There was lightening. Nandini looked at watch which showed 11 pm. She sighed and entered inside her room. Changing her clothes she lied on bed surfing her phone when she started feeling a bit uneasy. Her lower abdomen was aching slightly. Suddenly her phone rang grabbing her attention. It was Manik.

"Manik" Manik frowned hearing her voice which felt a bit low.

"Nandu, are you ok? What happened? Your voice sound different." Nandini felt a huge pang of pain in her stomach but she managed to speak calmly. She didn't want to scare Manik.

"I.. I am fine, Manik. Just sleepy. When will.. you come?" Biting her lower lip she asked. Her pain was increasing. Tears flowed from her cheeks. She needs him right now.

"I have left office honey but there's a traffic jam due to the storm. But don't worry, I'll reach as soon as possible. It is getting clear. Don't be scared, Okay?" Nandini nodded faintly when she heard a huge thunder sound. Also electricity suddenly went off which scared the shit out of her.

"Aaah! Manik!"

"Nandu! What happened baby? You ok? Nandini? Speak something damn it." Manik was panicked.

Nandini sobbed clutching the bedsheet near her chest.

Screen freezes..