Manav: She told me the same thing about you. (Silence and then,) My mom was right..I am too judgemental.
Armaan: I was not here when uncle and aunty..
Manav nods: I know.
Both of them start at the same time: Toh..(Then give a small smile and Manav gestures Armaan to continue.) Toh tu khush hain? Nisha ke saath?
Manav nods: Haan. I was..angry at first but later..(He shrugs.) Now I just think about ways and means to make her smile and laugh like before.
Armaan looks at his friend: Pyaar karne laga hain usse. (It was part statement, part question.)
Manav shrugs: Meri chod apni suna..Srutiji se pyaar karta hain. (Part statement part question. Armaan smiles and shrugs.) Bataya kya unko?
Armaan: We never talked about it explicitly but..I guess both of us know what we feel for each other.
Manav: I met her through Nisha. Gave her lift once..she is treating one of our employees at VM. (Manav finally turns and looks at Armaan.) She is a nice person..and Nisha says she is one of the best OBG in Ahmedabad. (Armaan nods. Manav gives a small grin.) At least both of your professions are the same. Meri toh..Nisha agar kuch bolti hain toh phir usko ruk ke usse translate karna padta hain. And she starts yawning when I talk about the company shares and upgrading the technology.
A soft laugh escapes Armaan: I can imagine. Par mera situation kuch aur hain. No matter what the occasion we end up talking about CGH and the patients.
Manav leans back on the bench with both arms propped on either side: Achcha lagraha hain yahaa itne saal baad..I didn’t expect..
Armaan cuts in: I don’t know if I can get over what Abhi did. Why didn’t you file the FIR Manav?
Manav: One reason. He was with you when I was not. He stuck with you when I did not. (A heartbeat of silence and then,) Uske gunaah ki sazaa milega ya nahi mujhe nahi pata..but I didn’t want to be the instrument that would only end up hurting you.
Armaan looks at Manav: Thanks.
Manav gives a lopsided smile: I got the door repaired for our house this afternoon. Planning to move back tomorrow evening some time. Shifting mein madad karega?
Armaan has a twinkle in his eye as he replies: Kyon? 40 saal ke umr mein kamzor padgaya kya?
Manav grins: Kabhi match khelke dekh mere saath. Pata chaljaayega kaun kamzor hain. (Before they realize their grins turn to chuckles and chuckles turn to laughter. finally they just hug each other and pat each other’s backs.)
Next day afternoon CGH:
Sruti and a few of the staff come out of the OT to find Manav and Nisha standing and talking quietly in the corridor: Hello Nisha..hello Manav.
Manav: Srutiji..Menakaji?
Sruti nods: She is fine. We took out the tumour completely and sent it to the biopsy. Filhaal she is still under anaesthesia. Thodi der mein ICU mein shift kardenge where she will be under observation for 24 hrs. Barring complications, she will be shifted to the regular room later on.
Nisha: Oh that’s good. Chaliye mein aap logo se baad mein milti hoon. OPD is waiting. (She looks at Manav.) Shaam ka program fixed hain na? (Manav nods and with a final smile at Sruti, Nisha leaves.)
Manav: I..uh..I spoke with Armaan. (Sruti nods with a happy smile as if to say “I know”) Can I ask you something Srutiji? You said “What if I come to know that he didn’t do anything.” Why did you say that?
Sruti explains her talk with Rohan and the conclusion she had come to: I didn’t say anything to Armaan because..
Manav completes the sentence: You didn’t want to give him false hope. I will help you Srutiji. Let’s talk to Rohan and see what we can do.
Chapter 16
Armaan walks into his cabin removing his surgical cap, still in his surgical scrubs only to come to a sudden halt. He finds Manav standing with his back to him and staring at one of the wall hanging. Manav also turns at the sound of the door opening. Both look at each other and smile at the once again familiar tableau. All those years ago, when Armaan had recently joined at CGH, Manav used to come whenever he wanted, just to chat and catch up.
Armaan closes the door behind him: Kab aaya?
Manav: Buss abhi abhi. Employee ka surgery tha aaj..socha tum se bhi milta chaloo
Armaan: Bait. Chai peeyega?
Manav: Canteen mein chalte hain na. Chal.
Armaan looks at his scrubs: Arre par..
Manav pushes him towards the door: Abe chal na. Baad mein change karlo. Mujhe office bhi jaana hain.(both men reach the canteen and get their tea before sitting at one of the corner tables.)
Manav: Abhi se baat ki?
Armaan shakes his head: Thoda time lagega yaar. I am too angry right now.
Manav nods then grins: Srutiji ko batadiya (It’s a statement and Armaan smiles and nods.) Proposed her?
Armaan blinks: What? No.
Manav: Why? (Armaan looks away as if he has no answer.) Karo karo..what are you waiting for? Today..nahi aaj toh tu mere saath rahega. (Armaan blinks rapidly and takes a sip of the tea in an effort to dislodge the lump in his throat. Both men remain silent as if they want to say some many things but not sure if they would ever find the words. finally Manav runs a distracted hand through his hair, clears his throat and resumes.) Take her out to dinner tomorrow and do it Armaan. (Armaan nods his ok with a slight smile.) Achcha sunn..apni gaadi laaya?
Armaan frowns: Haan. Kyon?
Manav: Toh tu ek kaam kar. Shaam ko aate waqt Nisha ko bhi leke aaja. I dropped her today so she doesn’t have a car. Then from there on, we will take the luggage and stuff..go home and have dinner. Kya kehta hain? I will tell Nisha to cook your biryani.
Armaan looks at Manav’s face silently for a few moments before nodding: Tujhe yaad hain? (Manav’s smile of response says he never forgot making Armaan’s eyes sparkle with genine happiness.) Teek hain. Shaam ko milte hain. (Both of them slap each other’s backs and leave the canteen to go to their respective jobs.)
That evening: Verma residence:
Manav looks aghast at the food items spread on the table: Aunty..yeh sab kya hain?
Nandini comes out of the kitchen carrying two bottles of pickles: Kya hain matlab? Yeh mitai hain..aur kuch chatpati snacks..aur yeh..tumhaare favourite achaar.
Manav: Par itne saare..
Nandini: Chup. Bilkul chup. Mein de rahi hoon aur tum lejarahe ho. Buss.
Manav gives a tired sigh which turns into one of relief as Armaan and Nisha walk in: Oh hi..aagaye tum dono. Cool. I think we need to hire a truck or something. (He gestures to the display on the table making Armaan grin and Nisha smile.)
Nandini looks at Armaan: Chai peeyoge beta?
Armaan: Nahi aunty. Thanks.
Nisha: Aaplog baaten keejiye mein change karke aati hoon.
Manav: Your big carry on is already in the car. And I am not bringing it back up.
Nisha scowls which makes him grin at her devilishly but she refrains from picking a fight after a hasty glance at the others in the room: Teek hain. Mein fresh hoke aati hoon. Phir nikalte hain. (Soon enough they load the luggage in Manav’s and Armaan’s cars since Nisha’s car was already parked in their house that morning on the way to CGH. Manav closes the trunk and throws the car keys at Nisha who catches in reflexively before he goes and settles himself down in Armaan’s car. Nisha and Armaan exchange a smile of understanding and in a minute both the cars, one with Manav and Armaan and another with Nisha and HK, leave for Manav’s home waving bye to Nandini and Yog.)
After dinner: Manav’s house: In the hall:
Nisha comes out of the kitchen wiping her hands. She looks at Manav, who is sprawled on the sofa and chatting with Armaan, as if unable to keep her eyes away from his relaxed smiling laughing face. the weight is off his shoulders and its obvious on his face.
Manav gives Armaan a look of open astonishment: You really learnt how to cook?
Armaan: I didn’t have a choice. London mein roz roz baahar ka angresi khaana kaun khaayega yaar. Its not as tasty as what I just had but..(He shrugs.)
Nisha softly intervenes: Aap log baaten karo mein ooper jaarahi hoon. Goodnight Armaan.
Armaan looks at his watch: I will also make a move.
Manav: Arre baito na..whats the hurry? (Then he turns to look at the tired face of his Chulbuli and his eyes turn tender and soft.) Took the water bottle? (She nods and shows it) Teek hain. Jaake sojao. (With another nod at Armaan, Nisha goes up.)
Armaan gives Manav a thoughtful look: You love her (This time there is no question. It is just a statement of fact.)
Manav shrugs: I guess so..kabhi kabhi ajeeb lagta hain. I loved her before too..not “love” love but you know..(Armaan nods.) But now I love her like..like..(Again Armaan nods.) In some ways she is the same Chulbuli and in some ways she is not..(His eyes dull a bit.) She still doesn’t talk about whatever happened in the last decade Armaan.
Armaan: May be she doesn’t want to hurt you or make you feel guilty..may be with you in her life now, the past has seized to matter. I think you should tell her that you love her.
Manav: I think she knows. (Armaan just looks at him making Manav sigh out) Yeah ok I will tell her. Tu pehle Srutiji ko bolke propose kar phir mein batata hoon. Ab kuch aur baat kare? Yeh goey goey stuff ajeeb lagraha hain. (Armaan laughs and nods.)
Manav comes up almost an hour later and stretches himself before cuddling up to her by pulling her back to his front. She holds his palm to her cheek with a soft hmmm and settles down. Manav stays awake for a long while after that. How do I tell you that I love you Chulbuli. Pyaar karta hoon tumse. Bahut zyaada pyaar karta hoon. (A frown gathers on his brow) But you do know that, right? Or do you still think I see you only as my friend and companion? You are all that and more. I love you..the woman you have become..the woman you have made yourself to be..you make my brain go soft, my knees go weak and every time I look at you, all I want is to be inside you. When you walk into a room, my heart damn near jumps out of my chest and when you smile.. (His arm tightens around her involuntarily.) When you smile I feel as if I have won some Nobel prize, your laughter lights up my life and your eyes..your eyes reach inside and grab my heart every time you look at me. I can’t tell you how much or in how many ways I love you..I don’t know how. I just know that I love you. (He is jolted out of his thoughts when she turns and almost climbs on top of him in her sleep..her fingers once again gripping his t-shirt as if making sure he doesn’t move away from her. He smiles to himself at his body’s predictable reaction and his hands start wandering over her body.)
Nisha mumbles: Tiger..
Manav: hmmm?
Nisha: Thak gayi hoon. hanky panky nahi. Sone do na please.
Manav chuckles: Hanky panky? Woh word kahaa se mila re tujhe? (But he realizes that she has once again drifted off to sleep. With an indulgent smile, he wraps her in a bear hug, digs his fingers in her hair and closes his eyes on a blissful sigh.)
Next day morning:
Rohan picks up his phone after checking the caller id: Hello Manavji boliye.
Manav: Hi Rohan. You have a minute?
Rohan: Ji kahiye.
Manav: Srutiji told me about Aditi being her patient and someone else being the father of her child.
Rohan: Ji. I am trying to contact her friends etc. Kyon? Aap ko kuch pata hain kya?
Manav: No. But I think I can help you. Why don’t we start with her college? I will email you the details of the year she attended, name of the college etc..she did her UG and PG at the same place. If you can get the year books of those years..they will have the class group photos etc, right? May be its one of her classmates..may be Srutiji can identify the person and we can go from there?
Rohan gets up: Achcha idea hain Manavji. Ok. Mail me the details and I will see what I can do.
Manav: Ok. Will do it right away. Thanks Rohan. Bye.
Rohan: Bye.
That night: In a restaurant:
Armaan looks at Sruti’s glowing face with unblinking eyes: You are looking beautiful today.
Sruti’s face becomes a cute mixture of surprise and shyness at the compliment: Thank you. Ek baat kahoo? (Armaan nods.) You are looking different today. Aaj tak meine tumhe aise pehle kabhi nahi dekha.
Armaan places his hand over hers on the table: Do I take that as a comment or a compliment?
Sruti looks at his hand on hers and slowly turns her palm so that their fingers get entwined: Tumhe sach mein nahi pata?
A few moments of silence and then Armaan says: Sruti..I want to ask you something.
Sruti: Haan poocho na. Waise today you are being very formal Armaan..opening doors, baat baat pe please..thank you..ab yeh..if I didn’t know you better, I would think you are nervous..aur sabse badi baat toh yeh hain ki..
Armaan cuts her: Sruti mujhse shaadi karogi? (Sruti blinks not sure if she has really heard what she thought she heard.) Mein tumse pyaar karta hoon. I love you. Will you marry me? (Sruti covers her mouth, blinks away her happy tears, nods her yes, laughs and nods again before managing a wobbly “yes”.) I know that you don’t like finger rings so..(he takes out a square box and extends it to her.) I got this for you. (Sruti takes it with slightly trembling fingers, fumbles with the catch before opening it. her slight intake of breath tells Armaan that he has succeeded in surprising her. inside is a thin platinum chain with a heart shaped diamond locket.) Its an engagement heart..instead of an engagement ring.
Sruti looks at him with her heart in her eyes: Thank you Armaan.
Armaan shakes his head: Thank YOU. For your love, your patience and your understanding. Thank you. Chale? (She nods, her smile still wobbly and both of them get up and leave the restaurant and Armaan guides her with his hand on her waist. A little while later, he stops his car in front of her house and turns to look at her in the dim light from the street lights. Wordlessly she extends opens the jewellery box and extends it to him. He smiles into her eyes before taking the chain, leaning forward and fastening it around her neck. She places a soft kiss on his cheek, whispers a “Goodnight. I love you” before getting down and running inside her house. Armaan remains sitting in his car silently for a few moments before smilingly taking out his phone and calling his best friend. No greeting. He just says,) She said yes.
Manav closes his eyes at the feeling of staggering relief before deliberately making his voice cheerful: Awesome. Congrats. Ab jaldi bol kaisi shaadi chahiye..grand one..simple one or register marriage?
Armaan: Woh sab baad mein. Meine boldiya toh ab teri baari hain.
Manav: Yeah yeah..I know. I will do it. Tomorrow. Kal uska birthday hain.
Armaan leans back so that the back of his head rests on the head rest. He closes his eyes: Achcha lagraha hain Manav.
Manav attempts to lighten the atmosphere: Kya? Shaadi ka idea?
Armaan: Nahi..buss..ab zindagi achchi lagne lagi hain.
Manav: Mujhe bhi. I will talk to you tomorrow. Ok?
Armaan: Goodnight.
Manav: Goodnight.
Armaan starts the car and drives home. Once inside his house, he stops near Abhi’s room as if undecided and then gives a decisive knock on the door. Abhi opens it, sees him and gives a hesitant smile: Bhai..
Armaan: Just wanted to tell you that I have proposed to Sruti and she has said yes.
Abhi’s whole face lights up and he gives an impulsive tight hug to his brother: Sach? Wow bhai! Congratulations! Tumhe pata nahi bhai ki mein kitna khush hoon..(The fact that Armaan is not hugging him back registers then. His arms slacken before falling away from him and he takes a step back. His smile slips off.) Congrats bhai. Sach mein aaj mein bahut khush hoon. (Armaan nods and turns towards his own room.) Bhai..mein bhi aapse kuch kehna chaahta hoon. I am going to shift to another apartment close by. (Armaan’s back stiffens but he doesn’t turn towards Abhi.) Galat mat samjhna bhai. I am not going to leave Ahmedabad or you. But I think for now, mera yahaa se jaana hi behtar hoga. (He forces cheer into his voice.) Lekin mein aata rahoonga. Aap se milne aur bhabhi ka haath ka khaana khaane.
Armaan swirls towards Abhi and slaps him hard across his face: Samjhta kya hain tu apne aap ko? You can do whatever you want and expect instant forgiveness for everything that you did and if you don’t get it you run away? NO. Tum YAHI rahoge. Issi ghar mein! You will live here and wait for my forgiveness. Is that understood Abhimanyu? (Abhi battles his shame and relief, bows his head and nods.)
Next day morning: AshNi’s residence: their bedroom:
Nisha stretches herself on the bed before rolling and flinging her arm towards her husband. She frowns and blinks open her eyes slowly when her fingers touch something soft. Her frown dissolves and in its place a beautiful smile dawns in her eyes and spreads to her lips. Then excitement takes over and she gives a small whoop and a squeal, almost jumps up to sit on the bed to look at the huge bunch of red roses and a greeting card under them. Tiger ko yaad hain!! Oh My God! Tiger ko yaad hain! He got me red roses! She bounces around on the bed a little before settling down and carefully picking up the flowers with both the hands. She smells them, rubs her cheek softly over the petals and kisses them before placing them back on the bed and opening the card. There is a swift intake of breath and it gets locked in her throat as she just stares at the card and her eyes take in the words.
You mean everything to me…
I love you..
Happy Birthday!
Have a day as special as you are!
Manav stands near the door and just watches the mirade of expressions chasing across her face one after the other. The slight frown, the smile, the slight disbelief and then the excitement. His feet had come to a shuddering halt at the sound of her whoop and her excited squeal almost had brought him to his knees. She brings the card to her lips and places a kiss where he has placed his signature in his bold scrawl:
Sirf tumhaara, Manav .
His measured steps slowly take him into the room until he is standing right in front of her. Her wide eyes slowly raise up until they meet his content and smiling ones. His eyes still locked with hers, he opens his arms. She gets up on the bed on her knees, puts her arms around his neck and homes into his embrace as if it’s the only place in the world that she has ever wanted to be.
Manav pulls her a little away from him by cupping her cheeks, leans forward and kisses her forehead: Happy birthday!
Nisha’s arms slide down and wrap themselves around his waist. She tightens her arms around him and lays her head over his beating heart: Thank you.
Manav: You don’t want to see your birthday gift?
Her arms tighten some more around him as she turns her head and kisses his chest right over his heart before lifting up her eyes to his: Aur bhi gift hain? (He nods and with one arm still wrapped around her, he stretches his other arm and pulls out a small square box from under the pillow. With a press of his thumb, the box opens revealing a beautiful diamond studded platinum finger ring. He removes it from the box and throws the box carelessly on the bed. Wordlessly, he opens the palm that’s wrapped around her waist and she places her left hand in his. He lifts it up and places a tender kiss on her palm before putting the ring on her middle finger.)
She wets her lips before saying: I love you too.
Manav’s fingers tighten around hers and his breath puffs out on a shudder: I know.
She looks at the ring that’s now gracing her finger and kisses it: Its beautiful Tiger. Her eyes become a little damp and she quickly blinks to clear her vision. Manav rubs his face in her hair as his lips search for the point where her neck meets her shoulder. Finally finding it, his lips pay homage before his tongue and teeth decide to join.
She tilts her neck to give him better access: Aaj office nahi jaana?
Manav: Jaana hain. Of course jaana hain. (He fingers start unbuttoning her night shirt.) Pehle birthday girl ko birthday suit mein dekhloo..
She pulls away from him with a laugh and hops down from the bed: Sirf dekhke kaam chaljaayega?
Manav raises his eyebrow and shrugs: Depends. What does the birthday girl have in mind?
Nisha’s eyes spark with pure mischief: Agar Tiger ne birthday girl ko pakaliya toh jo chaahe inaam milega..aur agar nahi..
She shrugs and jumps back with a shout just as he moves in to catch her. She puts her tongue out just to tweak the Tiger’s tail some more and runs towards the bathroom. But before she could close the door literally on his face, his palm stops it. His eyes glitter as he barges in right behind her and closes the door. Undettered by the fact that she has been effectively cornered, she picks up the hand shower spray and a second later the full blast of cold water hits his chest wetting his shirt and part of his face. But it doesn’t even slow him down. She keeps giggling and backing off alternately wetting his face and body with the shower spray. Uncaring, he closes in on her and before she could slip through, he catches hold of her hand that’s holding the shower spray and he turns it towards her own face. Her laughter gets cut off on a startled small scream and a moment later, the tussle is on: This is MY shower. I didn’t invite you.
Manav: Oh yeah? (he turns and calmly starts undressing.) So who is stopping you? Go ahead and have your shower na.
Nisha gives him a doubtful look: Game pause ok? (Manav shrugs and she puts the nuzzle on the floor and puts her foot on it just to make sure he doesn’t take it away from her before starting to hastily remove the wet clothes away from her body. She looks at his tightening features as each piece of clothing gets peeled off and she slows down to better relish his reaction.) I..I think this knot is stuck. (Wordlessly, Manav comes forward, picks up the scissors from the bowl at the sink and cuts the knot at her waist. She back up a step and completes her undressing.) Thank you. Now go. I need to have my shower. Kya dekhrahe ho? Jao na.
She knows she is challenging him with that statement and sure enough, a moment later, the whole bathroom is splattered with water and their wet naked bodies slide against each other. Neither of them can get a good grasp on any body part. At least, she can’t. She suspects he could have won the tussle at any time simply by using his size and strength and wrapping his arms around her. He holds back so that he can play at her level. But his hands are everywhere..on her breasts, the slight curve of her waist, her bottom while she laughs and tries to bat them away. The wrestiling match has a predictable effect on both them them and soon their laughter fades. Still anchoring her to him with one arm, he smooths a hand up her torso to cup her breasts and they both watch as his long fingers curve around the pale globes. He groans and bends his head, water dripping from his hair onto her skin as he kisses and sucks both breasts. She leans far back over his arm and her tight grasp on his shoulders conveys her own desperation. She trembles, not sure how long her legs would support her. Her soft moan of “Ma..nav” is answered by his own rough “I am here..I am right here!” He dips down and lifts her up until she has both her legs around his waist and her back to the wall. Instinctively, she bows back to aid his penetration, taking all of him deep within her. Her eyes flutter close but just then he gives her a small shake: Look at me. Nisha..I want you to look at me. (She opens them and locks them with his as he begins driving into her) Mine! Mine, aren’t you? (She nods jerkily and their movements pick up speed and climax hits them both almost simultaneously dissolving the world around them until its just the two of them and their love for each other.)
Later that day: At CGH: Nisha’s cabin:
Nisha picks up the phone: Hi Anu..
Anu starts an off key song making Nisha grin: Happy Birthday to you..happy birthday to you..happy Birthday dear Ni..sha..
Nisha: Thaaannkk you..
Anu: Jeejaji ne kya gift diya?
Nisha: Platinum finger ring. Tu shaam ko aayegi na toh dikhaadoongi. Waise tu aarahi hain na?
Anu: Of course aarahi hoon. Aunty called up this morning and invited all of us for dinner tonight at your maika. Ring kaisa hain? MMS karna yaar. Shaam tak kaun wait karega?
Nisha: Abhi I have to go to the OT. Baad mein kardoongi. Teek hain? Rakhti hoon.
Anu: Ok bye. Bhoolna nahi. Ok?
Nisha: Ok. Bye.
Anu: Achcha sunn..Rohan bhi aaraha hain kya?
Nisha: Yes. He called me this morning and I invited him. Mom ne bhi baat kihogi ab tak toh.
Anu: Cool. Ok. Bye.
About the same time: At VM: Manav’s cabin:
Manav picks up the phone: Haan bol Armaan
Armaan: Tu busy hain Manav?
Manav: Nahi. I have a call in 15 minutes. Bol kya baat hain
Armaan: Just wanted to ask..did you tell?
Manav grins: Haan boldiya. Tu bata tera kya situation hain? Shaadi ka date kuch fix hua?
Armaan: Nahi yaar. But neither of us want a grand wedding. Sruti ka koi khaas rishtedaar bhi nahi hain. Her mom died when Sruti was 3 years old and after her father passed away..
Manav nods: Hmmm..so two options left. register marriage or mandir mein shaadi.
Armaan: I was thinking register marriage and some kind of party for friends and staff of CGH..kya kehta hain?
Manav leans back and fiddles with his pen: Idea achcha hain. Less fuss. Par tu mujhse kyon poochraha hain? Apne dulhan se poochna.
Armaan also leans back in his chair: She says whatever I want is ok with her. (A bit of silence and then,) Manav..Abhi wanted to move away to another apartment somewhere.
Manav: Oh. You ok with that?
Armaan shrugs: I refused. I can’t think. Those 2 kids died in my OT Manav..and try as I might, I am not able to get over that. I feel..I feel responsible..but..it is Abhi and I can’t let him go like that.
Manav closes his eyes: May be I am responsible too. If I had heard you out, none of this would have happened.
Armaan: And if I had tried harder, I would have made sure you heard me..if I had paid more attention to him, I would have realised..
Manav: Enough Armaan. Stop thinking of ways and means to blame yourself some more. Ab buss. Aur nahi. Now just be happy. Be happy Armaan. Jo hoga dekha jaayega.
Armaan nods and sighs: Yeah..I guess so. Chal rakhta hoon. OT jaana hain.
Manav: Shaam ko aaraha hain na Srutiji ke saath?
Armaan: Haan. Aunty ne invite kiya hum dono ko. Will be there. Bada party hain kya?
Manav: Arre yaar nahi. Nisha hates them. Its just friends..hers and mine at Yog uncle’s house for dinner. That’s it. Teek hain phir. Milte hain shaam ko. Bye
Armaan: Bye.
Manav cuts the call, thinks for a bit before sending an sms to Nisha: Need to tell you something. Come home and we will go to the dinner from there.
Nisha replies: sure. Everything ok?
Manav: Yes. Nothing to worry.
Nisha: Will be home around 6.
Manav: Perfect. Ok. Love you
Nisha: :) love you too