Strings Attached/Manan FF / CHAPTER 50 page 147/ 05th may - Page 74

AT NANDINI'S PLACE...

Navya was sleeping in her room when the continuous ringing of her phone woke her up. She looked the screen and finds Manik calling her.

"Hello Manik." Navya answered the call.

"Haan Navya. Wo actually Nandini has got drunk in the party and right now she is with me. She has slept in the car so just be on the door I am reaching in five minutes." Manik informed her.

"Ok ok. I am there." Navya replied. Hanging up the call she went to the door.

...

Manik reached the building and carefully picked Nandini in his arms, not disturbing her sleep and reached to her floor by lift. As the lift opened, he saw Navya pacing up and down. She helped him and Manik reached Nandini's room.

He carefully made her lie and sat beside her looking at her face. Her crying face and unstoppable tears flashed in front of his eyes. Unable to control himself, he caressed her cheeks and forehead with his palm and bend down to kiss her forehead.

Manik was feeling guilty with each passing second for not understanding her. He was just staring her face when he felt a touch on his shoulder. He turned around to see Navya standing there who faintly smiled when he looked her.
Manik too smiled back faintly and got up from the bed. Navya removed her sandals and Manik covered her with the duvet. Giving a last look at her, both came out of her room.

"Everything will be fine Manik. Just don't lose hope." Navya said softly as soon as they came in the living room.

Manik looked at her and nodded lightly. He thought of something and turned to Navya.

"Navya, has Nandini shared something with you. Something like what is bothering her. Anything. Big small, any type. Has she?" Manik asked Navya with hopes.

"Manik, I know what you are trying to say and ask but believe me she hasn't shared even a single thing with me. I have asked her so many times what has happened why she behaved liked this with you but every time she just stays quiet. I don't know what is wrong with her. She has always shared her feelings with me. But this time, God knows what has happened." Navya replied helplessly and Manik sighed in disappointed.

"Manik, I know you are hurt with whatever happened but Manik you also know Nandini is not like this. I know what place you hold in her life. She will never do anything to hurt you. Just be patient with her. I am sure she is come up with the truth." Navya continued looking at Manik.

Manik nodded slightly understanding everything that Navya said to him. He recalled Nandini's words and realized he was at big fault. Had he been sane, this would not have happened. Things could have been way easier if he would have just comforted her to say what she's hiding in her heart.

"Thanks Navya." Manik smiled faintly to her and she responded back with same.

"Just be with her in the morning. She might freak out if she recalls what happened today so just be with her." Manik continued and Navya nodded in agreement.

"Has Abhi returned?" Manik asked her.

"Yes, he returned few hours back only." Navya informed him.

"Ok I'll leave. You take care of yourself and her too please." Manik started to leave.

"Don't worry, she will be fine." Navya assured him.

"Good Night." Manik wished her and moved out.

"Good night." Navya replied and closed the door.

...

AT ABHI'S PLACE..

Abhi was engrossed in some work when he heard his door bell ring. He at first was surprised as it was quite late for anyone to come but moved the door to open it.

"Manik !!" Abhi was surprised to see Manik at his place at this hour.

"Can I come in?" Manik asked hesitantly as he was still standing on the door and Abhi too was standing there with shocked and worried expressions.

"Of course Manik. Since when you are required to take permission." Saying so Abhi took him in a tight hug as they were meeting after really long.

Since the time Manik was furious on Nandini, he never visited her place and hence could not meet Abhi. He too was occupied with his hospital stuff and didn't got time to communicate with each other.

"Wass up? Been long we have met. I understand you were mad at Nanhii but you could have met me at least. Or is it like when mad at sister, don't talk to brother as well?" Abhi said to him in a playful manner.

"Come on Abhi, you know it's nothing like this." Manik said softly.

"Relax, was just kidding. Anyways you say, you here at this hour. All good?" Abhi asked him.

"Ya. All good. Actually we had a party at one colleague's place and Nandini did not bought her car so I just came to drop her." Manik informed and Abhi nodded.

Abhi noticed the tension on Manik's face. And he very well knew the reason behind it.

Manik came to him as at that point he was too lost and disturbed to think about anything and thought to share it with Abhi.

"What's up Manik? You look stressed. I mean yes I know somewhat the reason for it but still you look way more stressed. I know it's something more added to the worry than what we know. What happened? All ok?" Abhi questioned him.

Manik nodded in negative indicating nothing is ok. He let out a deep sigh, cupping his face in his palms. Abhi patted his back making him relax and after few minutes he removed his hand from his face.

"Today at the party..." Manik started narrating him all the incidents of the party and their talk after that.

"I don't know Abhi what's bothering her. And I being the supreme idiot, did not for once bothered about it. I was so much obsessed with myself that I just over looked her pain." Manik sighed in anger and frustration.

Abhi looked at Manik with guilt in his eyes. He was feeling helpless and just couldn't do anything about it. He knew their happiness belongs to each other but things were just not falling into place.

Abhi had been the witness of some of Nandini's alone crying sessions but was just helpless.

Recalling her baby sister's sniffing when clinging to him and seeing his soul brother and friend feeling guilty about everything, he himself was drowning in the pool of guilt. Letting go away all the thoughts, he firmly decided to take all the charge in his hands, for settling the matter for once and all.

"Manik, do you trust me?" Abhi asked keeping his hand on his shoulder. Manik looked at him in confusion.

"Abhi what are saying?" Manik asked him all confused.

"Manik just answer me. Do you trust me?" Abhi again asked him with a stern and determine face.

"of course Abhi. And you that very well." Manik said in a firm tone.

Abhi smiled at him and replied in a cheerful mood; "then don't worry brother. I promise that my baby sister will come up to you all by herself, keeping everything aside. It's a promise from to brother to a brother."

Manik was shocked after listening him. His happiness knew no boundaries. But still he was unsure.

"Abhi you really think it will happen? I mean Nandini... Will she actually come to me after how I behaved with her?" Manik was in doubt as he thought Nandini is hurt with the fact that he didn't understood her.

Abhi smiled to him and replied, "She will not only come, she will run and come to you. Believe me. That's a promise." Abhi assured him and Manik was delighted. He felt relieved as if a big burden is being removed from his head and heart. He immediately locked his arms around Abhi, expressing the contentment he was feeling from his words.

"But Abhi, how will you do this? We all have seen her stubbornness. She is just not ready to open up, then how will she come to me all by herself?" Manik asked him after he got acquainted with this sudden happiness.

"Not me... WE will do..!" Abhi stood up in front of him and stated excitedly opening his hands.

Manik at first was confused but then he too smirked looking at him at stood up putting his hands on his waist. Both nodded their head in confirmation and patted each other's hand.

"Nandini Murthy... we are coming." Manik said to himself.

"No more pains Nanhii. You have to do this... For yourself." Abhi said to himself.

********

New readers of the story, kindly send buddy request if you want PM and PMs of this update are sent to only those readers who commented on the last update.