Abhimanyu voice was like a thunder to them.
Manik immediately left Nandini's hand and stood up.

Man: kuch nai Abhi let's leave
He said nervously and took Maria in his arms

Abhimanyu stood there looking at Manik and Nandini face his eye were now fix on Nandini who was looking down.

Abhi: Wait Manik
He stopped him who was moving out while looking at nandini's face to take a note of her reaction on this, and as expected she looked up shocked as if she is caught red hand.

Man: kya hua
He turned now being confident after all he was The Manik Malhotra.

Mu: Manik give Maria to me.

Mukti said taking Maria from his hands.

Abhi: Hold on Mukti she is going to be with me okay. Manik mujhe de
He said taking her from his hand and went outside.
Mukti followed him outside with grumpy face.

Manik looked towards Nandini and gestured her to come as she was yet sitting there on the seat.

They settled in a SUV to leave for the Hotel Sterling.

The way to hotel was silent only Mukti used to start the conversation as other three were in their own land.

Mukti and Manik sat on the bucket seat. Abhimanyu sat on the front seat with Maria sitting on his lap and resting her head on his chest while he was playing with her hair. And nandini sat alone behind on passenger seat keeping her leg above on the seat, sleeping half, her head had support of the window.

They could not see the beautiful scenery as it had turned dark.

Manik self talk: What the hell were you trying to do Manik. Have u gone nuts. Control your hormones Manik or u will mess up everything. I accept I am attracted towards her, her cute baby antics make me crazy and her dove shape innocent eyes but it's all wrong. She is Abhimanyu sister for god sake this should not happen noway. I can't fall for her. I can't hurt her. I have to stay away from her. Manik behave yourself.

Nandini self talk: Nandini Murty what just happened in the flight Manik kissed your forhead.

She said touching her forhead and smiling while caressed her cheeks too remembering his touch.

Nan: Was it real or were u dreaming oh god. Par hold on Nandini this can't happen u r doing wrong he is married has a baby how can u fall for him. It's all wrong. Ayyiappa will be very angry with u. U can't do this u will hurt yourself and if ur bhai come to know he will be very angry. Nai nandu u can't love him. Love are u serious Nandini how can u love him u met him just few weeks ago that to only twice and love noways u have gone mad. Take a grip on yourself. Par I love to talk to him, to listen to his voice, to spend time with him, I love when he is around I become happy. Oh ayyiappa please help me. I should stay away from him par I don't want to stay away.

Abhimanyu self talk: What going on between Nandini and Manik why were they behaving so werid. And after landing Manik was holding Nandu hands and they were staring at each other which was totally not normal. There is definitely something wrong. Their behaviour around each other is completely weird Either of them is staring or they act all lost. Mumbai, dinner, twice in the flight it can't be coincidence. Abhimanyu be careful it's question of ur sister. Manik won't do anything wrong I trust him more than myself par nandini I don't know but it feel she....has infatuation towards Manik. Abhi keep a watch on Nandini.

He thought and looked in the side mirror to see Manik face.

Manik too looked at him and smiled awkwardly as he found it werid of Abhi staring at him blankly. While Abhimanyu had an expressionless face.

Manil self talk: Did he get any doubt on me and Nandini. No ways it will lead to disaster. I will lose him forever. It can't happen. Manik stay away from Nandini.
He said face palming nervously, remainding himself.

Manik thought something n messaged.

Nandini's phone beeped and her thoughts got disturbed

She opened her phone to check the message which was from unknown number

' What's wrong why were u crying ??😯'

After reading it, she looked ahead to find Manik looking at her behind.

Nandini message
' How did u get my number '

Man : ' I had your nos. since long back now tell me what's wrong '

Nan : 'Nothing was missing appa and amma while I saw you talking with Maria my old memories with appa came back so got abit emotional 😅 '

Man : ' We always don't have everything Nandini. Maria just has me n I have Maria.'

Manik this statement left Nandini confused she looked at him but saw him staring outside the window in some deep thought

Manik althought remainded him self nth number of time to stay away from nandini par yet he messaged her, reason unknown to him.

And about the number, he had taken from Abhi when she completed her M.B.B.S to congratulate her par unfortunately Soha and her drama got him so busy that he could not message or call her.

Nandini self talk: what did he mean. Why it seem he show's something else and he feel something else. Why do I always feel he has many things hidden inside him. He seem like a mystery. Mystery which I wish I can solve one day.

She said with dreamy eyes looking at his face.

Mu: Mystery ???
She didn't hear everything what she said par only few words.

Mu: kya mystery
She questioned Nandini been confused

Nandini looked at her with wide eyes n said

Nan: Life is a mystery Mukti.
She said dramatically in one go.

Abhimanyu looked behind hearing this being confused

Abhi: Happy realization Nandu
He smiled at her more over made a disbelif face.

Abhi: Such a true proverb ' Empty Mind Is A Devil's Workshop '
He said sarcastically

Mukti chuckled at his statement while nandini mouth was wide open in shock.

Nan: You are making fun of me bhai
She asked annoyingly

Abhi: Any doubt
He replied looking at Manik as he was lost in his thoughts while looking outside the window not aware of the surrounding what's going on.

But before he could ask him a empty bottle hit Manik from no where making him grasper.

He was shocked and look behind to see Nandini covering her mouth with her eyes wide open.

Man: Are u crazy What was this for Nandini ?
He asked rubbing his head

Nan: I so sorry Manik it was not for u. It happen accidental pakka.... I m sorry
She said moving towards him taking off his hand rubbing his head with her own hands.

Abhi: U r okay Manik ?
He asked trying to control his laughter.

Mu: Abhi shhhh
She glared at him.

Manik was staring at nandini angrily.

Man: Are u planning to kill me nandini. U just aim an empty bottle towards me like seriously.
He said picking up the bottle while showing her.

Nan: No Manik I can never ever think such a thing I am sorry I didn't mean to hurt u sorry. This is bhai's fault I had aim the bottle towards him don't know how u got hurt.
She said passing angrily glare towards Abhimanyu.
Who was making note of her words 'I can never ever think such a thing.' 'I didn't mean to hurt you'

Man: Really morning mi toh your aim was so good each and every pillow which u threw they hit me only par abb it got bad right nandini ?
He said clenching his jaw

Nandini nodded in a NO like a baby
and said something so stupid that Mukti too started laughing loudly

Nan: No wo morning mi I was fresh and had energy na so my aim was perfect par now because of this travelling and packing I have become so tired so the bottle instead of going straight went left. You know I should have aim in your direction toh it would have hit bhai.

She said showing direction with her hand straight left and making funny faces which made Mukti and Abhimanyu laugh their lung out while she smiled sheepishly looking at Manik.

Manik made a face 'Are U Serious '

Nan: You know reverse psychology
She said as a 'matter of fact' as if she was explaining him Newton's law

Man: U r crazy
He said making a disbelief face.

Mu: You are impossible Nandini.
She said taking her in side hug.

While she again looked at Manik and mumbled a sorry

Abhi: Ohh Maria is fast a sleep Dude.
He said adjusting her head properly on his shoulder.

Man: Acha. Abhi give her to me I will take care now.
He said forwarding his hands.

Abhi: Kyu let her be with me na. And Nandu if your stunt would have wake her up I would have killed you.
He said threatening her.

Mu: haha very funny Abhimanyu. You were the one who was teasing her. And now u are putting full blame on my Nandu
She said hitting his arm lightly beacuse Maria sleeping peacefully.

Nan: Mukti you are my saviour.
She said wiping her fake tears

Man: Drama queen
He said softly

Nan: I heard that

Man: Really good for you.
He smirked at her.

Nan: Navya mujhe si bhi baadi drama queen hai Bhai call's her Madhubala
So get used to it.
She said proudly

Abhi: He is not going to stay with Cabir, Nandini.

Nan: Par they will meet quite offen na

Abhi nodded helplessly

Mu: Point

Man: Hogaya Miss Jerry
He said looking at Nandini.

Nan: Jerry?
She asked being confused.

Man: You don't like being called as wild rat or mouse na so Jerry. Tom and Jerry wala
He said smirking at her

Nan: Awww Manik u r so sweet. U think I am smart and intelligent like him while that toh I am.
She snapped back.

Manik looked at Abhimanyu who gave a look ' NOTHING CAN HAPPEN OF HER' look
And asked the driver

Abhi: Aur kitna time lagega ?

Driver: Aur 45 min saabji

Nan: Bhai give Maria to me I will make her sleep over here properly. The seat is empty toh she can lie down.

Abhimanyu nodded as he didn't had any energy left to argue with her.

Manik took her from his hand while Nandini sat properly and gestured him to keep her head on her lap.

The way to hotel now was quite as nandini was busy admiring Maria's face, she was caressing her cheeks, hair, hands.

The girl who always stayed away from kids was for the first time admiring and loving the site of a little baby lying down on her lap and sleeping peacefully.

Manik used to occasionally turn behind to check on Maria but used to end up seeing nandini's smiling face staring at his baby which made him smile.

Mukti was listening to music and Abhi was resting by keeping his eyes close he was awake just relaxing.

Soon they reached to hotel.
Abhimanyu had already done the booking he had booked a small cottage for them. For safety as well as privacy.

The cottage was beautiful with living room a small kitchen with a store for coffee or tea. And three bedroom which were luxuries. Two were next to each other while one was in opposite direction of living room.

Man: Nice place Abhi
He said looking around.

Abhi: Good u liked it.
He smiled

Maria was in Mukti's arms and was yet sleeping.

While Nandini was checking out the rooms

Nan: bhai I will take that room
She pointed out one of the two which were adjacent to each other and it too had a common door inside between the two rooms ie they were connected.

Abhi: Fine then we will take the one next to your's
He said knowing the fact of the room having a door inside connecting the two bedrooms.

But Mukti shouted
Mu: Nope Abhi I want to stay in that room.
She said the one which was opposite ie single one.

Abhi: Stop behaving like kids. Let Manik select
He said crossing his finger so he select's the single one but unfortunately

Man: I will take the one which is adjacent I love the view that side it's valley view.
He said coming outside from that room.

Abhi: All are valley view Manik. I think u should take the opposite direction wala it's more comfortable.

He said nervously as he could not directly tell him not to take one which is next to her sister room as it could create misunderstanding and he could doubt on him.

Man: Abhi all rooms are comfortable and spacious so stop being formal.
He said moving towards Mukti to take Maria with him.

Abhimanyu nodded helplessly and glared at Mukti while she looked at him confusingly trying to understand what wrong she did.

Nan: Manik can I keep Maria with me please. I will freshen her up and bathe her too when she get's up.
She said moving her hand forward inorder to carry her.

Man: Par Nandini you don't need to do this I will take care of her myself so relax. Moreover the climate here is chilled and she will feel damn cold so while having a bath she will show lots of tantrums and then you will have to cover her immediately with some blanket, shovel or her jacket orelse she will catch cold soon she is too less immune.
He said worriedly inorder to make her understanding.

Nan: I promise I will pakka take care of all this stuff please.
She pleaded making a puppy face

Abhi: Nandini she won't be comfortable with you.
He said making her naive sister understand.

Nan: Bhai she has befriend with everyone here even with Mukti except me. I want her to befriend with me please.

Abhi: Nandini but try to understand our point too she is quite reserve type of child so if she want to befriend with you she will come around.
He said with a serious face.

Nandini face felt down and she nodded silently with watery eyes.

Man: Okay fine Abhi let her take Maria with her now as she is sleeping and if something happens in that case so I am just in next room toh it won't be a problem.
He said looking at Nandini who's face had a bright smile listening to this.

Abhi: Are u sure I don't want to scare her.
He said being unsure as he knew Maria well.

Manik nodded in assurance.

Abhi: Fine give her to me I will check ur room once all is proper and ask the man to put heater too.
He said taking Maria from Manik hand and going to nandini's room.

Nan: Thank u Manik for trusting me.
She smiled and went behind Abhimanyu.

Man: I will freshen up

Mu: Yup see you soon bye

They too moved towards their respective rooms.

Abhimanyu entered the room and made Maria sleep comfortably on bed.

He move towards the extra door and saw there was no lock from her side of room that means it was lock from other side and having only one side lock.

He yet pushed and check whether it was lock or no and found it to be lock properly.

Nan: Kya hua bhai

Abhi: Nothing

Just than the man entered with heater and another with her and Maria's suitcase.

Abhi made them keep things properly like heater, mineral water bottle. Checking the warm water tap, etc. He made sure that everything was proper and safe afterall he was a protective brother.

After making sure everything is fine he left but before going he instructed her to take care, be careful and call him if she needs anything.

To which nandini nodded and thanked her ayyiappa for giving her such a loving bhai.

Cottage

Living room

Small kitchen

Nandini's room

Manik's room

Abhimanyu and mukti's room