The sun rays is peeking in Nandini's room trying to wake her up but she put a pillow on her face and covered herself. Chachi entered her room and pulled the curtains open. And she start her ranting.
"Nandu uthja... Dekh 10 baj Gaye hain Sab ne naashta kar liya hai... Siwaye tere aur Navya ke... Navya tu bhi uthja..."
" sone do na chachi... Please... Thodi der aur..." Nandini turned to the other side and trying to sleep again.
Chachi came and sat at the edge of the bed.
"Uthja beta...dekh Nyonika Bhabi ka phone aaya tha...woh tujhe pick karne aarahi hain..." Chachi said with so much of love in her tone.." Woh tujhe shopping per le jaana chahti hain..
" again...Kal hi tou hum shopping per Gaye thei..." Nandini said getting up and start rubbing her eyes like a kid.
" aur nahi tou Kya... Teri shaadi hone waali hai...shaadi ke time per ladkiyon ka pura wardrobe change hota hai... With new clothes and accessories.." Chachi was explaining her..."yehi tou Maza hai shaadi ka...Acha tu ready hoke neeche aaja aur breakfast karle... Woh aati hi hongi" said chachi going out of the room.
Nandini throw herself again on the pillow on the back. Navya was still snoring. Nandini's phone starts to ring. Without looking she grabbed it with her left hand and said
N--"Hello" in a very sleepy voice
M--"Hey beautiful " it was Manik on the other side. Nandini got up with jerk
N--" good morning " she said in a very sleepy voice.
M--"Abhi tak soo rahi ho"
N--"Nahi jaag gayi Hun...how are you "
M--"missing you already yaar"..
Nandini starts blushing.
M-- "I'm excited for tonight..are you excited too"
N--"woh...actually..."she is searching for words
M--" bolo na...tum bhi excited ho aaj shaam ke liye...you and me...alone...spending time together...haan..."
N--" ya...I am ..."
M--" ok than... I'll come and pick you up,at 7 pm sharp...be ready. Ok"
N--" ok... I'll be ready"
M-- " acha waise...mom is gonna be there at your place...may be in an hour or so..she has to go shopping with you...get ready"
N--" ya chachi abhi abhi batake gayi hai "
M--" well I have to leave for the office... Phone rakhne ka Mann to Nahi kar raha.. But I have to...I'll see you in the evening..."
N--" me too... I'll see you in the evening "
M--" not bad...not bad...improving"
Nandini's cheek starts turning red.
M--"kaash main wahan hota tumhara chehra dekhne.."
She didn't say anything..
M--"ok ok I'll let you go now... I'll not say bye...see ya..."he gave a laugh..and cut the phone.
Nandini smiled to herself and got out of the bed... Stretching herself went into the washroom to get fresh. Before going she shakes Navya to wake her up who still didn't budge.
Nandini comes down hopping on the stairs like deer. She was wearing a green georgette anarkali suit with golden embroidery on the sleeves and churidaar with chiffon dupatta. It looks like a parrot flying down the stairs. Narendra get delighted seeing his daughter in a happy mood. Nandini came near him and hugged him putting her hands around his neck..
" good morning papa.." Giving a kiss on his cheek she said.
"Some body is in happy mood today.." Narendra said. While taking a sip of his coffee.
Nandini thought about the phone conversation of hers and Manik and blushed and smiled to herself. Narendra didn't noticed it as she is hugging him from the back.
"Papa aapne breakfast kiya... And medicine liya " Nandini asked.
"Haan baba breakfast bhi kar liya and medicine bhi leli. Now you go and do your breakfast... Coz you have to go, Bhabi aane waali hai to pick you up" Narendra said.
" Lekin papa I have so many clothes phir Kya zaroorath hai aur clothes ki"
Nandini said getting a little irritated.
" beta aise nahin kehte...woh tumhari marzi se tumhare liye new clothes buy Karna chahti hain.. You should be happy. ". Narendra said
" I am happy papa but...its just that ki I already have lot of clothes..that's all". Nandini saw amms coming out of the kitchen with a coffee mug in her hands. She went to hug her.
" mera bachcha jaag Gaya.." Said amms with all the love in the world for her..
"Good morning amms" Nandini said. Amms gave a peck on her forehead. Namratha who was sitting with Narendra sipping her coffee asked Nandini. Namratha stayed over in Nandini's house as it was late last night.
"Nandini...meri kumbhkaran beti abhi jaagi hai ki soyi padhi hai..." Namratha said.
"She's awake abhi aati Hogi.." Nandini replied siting on the table for the breakfast.
" hum uth Gaye maa...aur ready bhi ho gaye..." Navya said coming down the stairs..
"Good morning every body" she said and came and sat on the breakfast table..
"Navya aaj ghar chalo...tumhare baba tumhe bahut yaad kar rahe hain" said Namratha
" but maasi maa I told you naa ki she is not leaving here till next week...than why today"
Nandini said making a pout.
" I know sweetheart...just for today...she'll come back again tomorrow...balki aisa karo tum bhi hamare saath chalo aaj...kal wapas aajana.." Namratha said
"Arey Nahi maa yeh aaj Nahi aa sakti...yeh to aaj jeejaji ke saath da... I mean dinner per jaa rahi hai". Navya said in a loud voice giving a naughty smile to Nandini..rolling her tongue in her cheek.
" acha yeh kab hua". Namratha asked surprisingly.
" yeh kal hua jab aap log chale Gaye thei toh jeejaji ne sab kuch jhat phatt final kar diya" she paused and " waise hamare jeejaji na bahut hi fast forward mein chalte hain...kyun Nandu " Navya whispered to Nandini.
" Navya". Nandini shows her a glare getting all red hearing her talking about Manik.
" waise maa humne kal girls ka sleep over rakha hai hamare ghar per...toh Mukti and Aliya is also joining us...Nandu kal subah aajayegi. "
" yeh toh bahut achi baat hai... Shaadi se pehle mere ghar mein bhi thoda ronakh ho jaayegi" Namratha said in a very cheerful way.
" Kiske ghar mein ronakh ho jaayegi bhai". Nyonika Said entering the hallway.
Namratha and shanno went to gave her a hug. Nandini also leave her food and went and hugged her.
" how are you beta..." She asked Nandini " arey you left your food for me...go finish it first". Very lovingly she touched her cheek.
" Aunty aapke liye coffee ya chai kuch laaon ". Nandini asked.
" coffee toh I'll take...but after you finish your breakfast...than we'll have it together...ok" She said
" and one more thing tum mujhe Aunty Nahi mom kaho...main tumhari maa ki jagah tou Nahi le sakti but...ill try my best to be a mother to you...you are just like Mukti to me...and I really mean it..."She cupped her face in her hands and kissed her forehead. Nandini hugged her again. She didn't felt a motherly love other than chachi and Namratha. Nandini's eyes got wet with emotions. Even amms and Shanno's and Narendra's eyes got wet seeing with emotional scene.
"Acha acha chalo finish your food...than we have to leave..." Nyonika said breaking the hug. She turned and wish amms and sat near her. Amms said
" Nyonika beta I'm satisfied now ki Nandini tumhare ghar jaa rahi hai.. Hamari fikar qatam ho gayi hai.."
" aap bilkul bhi fikar mutt kariye...her happiness will be my first priority...before Manik and Mukti." She held amms hands and said.
"Waise Nyonika tum apna hi record break karti rehti ho na.." Namratha interrupted trying to make change the atmosphere. Nyonika looked at her in a puzzled look.
" yesterday according to the party you were dressed out of this world...and today you dressed elegantly and I think I should start taking tips from you..." Seeing her way of dressing Namratha complimented her. Nyonika was dressed in a long straight white kurti with black embroidery on it and black trousers and blach and white shaded big broad dupatta.
" Namratha tum bhi na..." Nyonika felt a little awkward hearing her praise.
" Nahi Auntyji... Maa theek keh rahi hai...hum tou aapke fan homgaye hain"
Navya also added.
" Navya tum agar free ho tou tum bhi hamare saath chalo...Nandini Ko bhi company ho jaayegi aur tum bhi apne liye kuch khareed Lena"Nyonika said
Navya took a glac at her mom to ask the permission. Namratha gave her the OK.
After fishing the food and drinking their coffee... They left Murthy villa with Navya.
All the way in the car Nandini was somewhere else. She was thinking about Manik and his talk on the phone.she was having mix feelings. She is excited and she is nervous. This is going to be the first time that some one asked her out for dinner and that someone is none other than his would-be-husband.
'Husband...Aiyyappa it's such a big and heavy word... How m I gonna handle this. I didn't even shared anything with him...not even my personal feelings...he is so nice...he always tries to make me comfortable...Aiyyappa at least today give me strength...so that I can share my past with him...' She was still in her thought which didn't go unnoticed by Nyonika and Navya.
" Nandini...sweetheart are you alright...you don't look fine..." Nyonika bring her out of her thoughts.
" I'm alright mom...nothing serious..." Nandini came out of her thoughts.
'Nandini calm yourself...this not the time to think about all those things...you still have time ' Nandini thought calming herself.
They stopped at the mall. Driver dropped them in front of the mall and Nyonika send him away giving instructions. As they were going inside Navya asked Nandini
" Nandu tum theek ho naa...koi pareshaani hai toh Hume bolo..."
" kuch Nahi Navya...its just that I'm a little nervous thinking about tonight..." Nandini replied.
"Tum bilkul tension mut lo Jeejaji hai naa woh sab sambhalenge aur tumhara nervousness bhi dur kardenge..." Navya said giving a wide grin.
They went inside and started looking for clothes. Nyonika brought around 25-30 different kinds of clothes, like party wear casuals and even some of the night wears as she knows that Nandini don't know anything about marriage and all...so without letting her know she got her every thing. Navya also got some clothes for herself. Than they went to shoe place and got 10-12 pairs of different sandals with heels and without heels. It was already past 3 pm..thay felt hungry. So they went into a restaurant to grab something. Nyonika's phone starts ringing.she picked it up. While she was talking she was smiling and happily gave the address where they were. Thay gave the Order and waiting for it..
Nandini was again in her thought process thinking about how Manik will react when she will tell him about Aryaman...
'Aiyyappa...what will he think about me...what if his views change about me...what if he judge me on the bases of my past...aiyyoo...Aiyyappa...main Kya karun...Batana bhi zaroori hai...' She was busy in her thoughts when she saw a person coming near them looks exactly like Manik..
'Aiyyoo Aiyyappa...ab woh mere mind ke saath saath...I'm imagining him in real too...how can he be hear...he said he is in the office...' She gave a tap on her head and looked down to take a sip of water...
"Hi everyone " Nandini choked on her water hearing him. She looked up,and her heartbeat stopped for a second...and than it started to beat in a faster pace.
'It is him...in real...I wasn't imagining...'she thought.
Manik was observing her since he came... how it's obvious that she didn't expected him and how she got shocked seeing him. He is enjoying her state of mind. He sat very next to Nandini pulling a chair close to her.
" what a pleasant surprise jeejaji ". Navya got excited seeing him.
" hi " she whispered in a way...that only he heard her being all shy and red.
" thanks Navya...I was feeling hungry so I thought why not join you guys for a light meal..." He said looking at Nandini with side glances.
Feeling his continuous gaze on her...her heart couldn't stop pounding in her chest.
" Manik how did you manage of coming here in the day time...what about the public and your fans.." Nyonika asked getting all concerned.
" don't worry mom I just sneeked from the back with the help of a mall security guard"
He said giving a look to Nandini.
" Are you done with all your work in the office...or..."Nyonika asked him.
" haan... Ya mom almost done..few more meetings and I'll be good to go..." Manik replied.
" make sure that you finish off with every thing before Thursday. Coz you gonna be busy with the rasams and all.." Nyonika said again.
After looking each other and gazing they done with there food and they left from there.
Manik thought as soon as he left from the mall...
' why I just can't get enough of her...oh god...she so innocent and serene beauty...that...I just want to...' Controlling his thoughts...' No problem I'll compensate in the evening today..just me and her without any disturbance...no phone calls and no other people around.' And he drive off.
Nyonika dropped Nandini and left from outside, making the excuse of having so much of work in the house.
When Nandini entered the house. Chachi came and said
" Nandini tere liye parcel aaya hai, ek ladka de Gaya hai...keh raha tha ki Manik ne bheja hai...Maine tere room mein rakhwa diya hai".
Nandini and Navya went to the room to check what it is. It was V neck floor length lace gown white in color with cap sleeves with a skin color satin lining...hanging in a hanger with transparent plastic cover. With a matching shoe with heels and there's also a small velvet box lying on her bed. Nandini opened it...there're beautiful star earring with a dropping pearl which looks very elegant...there's also a note in it..
" A Beautiful Dress For A Very Beautiful Girl . Hope You Like It "
Manik
"Wow what a beautiful dress... Wah Nandini Kya choice hai Jeejaji ki " Navya said opening her mouth wide.
" chalo hum jaane se pehle tumhe ready karte hain...tum fresh ho kar aao..."
Navy's is just admiring the things.
Nandini changed her dress and got ready and sat in front of the dresser. Navya started putting on very light makeup to her. Nandini put on some kohl in her eyes and a little bit of lipgloss and combed her hair.
"Nandu ek minute ruko...hum tumhare Baal bun mein baandhte hain.." Navya said .
"No Navya let it be like this...I'm comfortable like this..." Nandini stopped Navya and smiles thinking how Manik opened her hair the other day..
"Ohhh acha...theek hai...theek hai hum samajh Gaye...Lekin you have so long hair at least hair clip lagalo..." Navya teased her..
And she puts on a hair clip on her silky shinny hair. Some of the bangs were coming out of her face making her more beautiful.
Chachi came and said " Nandu Manik aagaya hai. " and when she saw he she stood still..came near Nandini and said
" aaj pari lag rahi hai...Manik toh Gaya..." She starts teasing her..
" chachi aap bhi na ". Nandini got all shy and hugged her.
Nandini came out of her room and descending the stairs she saw Manik standing in the middle of the hallway. He's wearing a white shirt and dark blue jeans with a dark blue sports blazer. Nandini skipped her heart beat just by looking at him. She without blinking her eyes took very slow steps coming down.
'Aiyyappa...how can someone be so breadth takingly handsome... He looks so gorgeous...Aiyyappa...what's going on with me...what am I thinking...control Nandini control...' She calmed herself...
Manik was waiting with Nandini's father in the hallway. When Narendra heard that Manik came to pick her up he welcomed him and was just giving him company till Nandini comes. As soon as he heard the foot steps coming from the stairs he turned around to take a look and he was stunned...as the house was already decorated with flowers and small lights...it looks like a fairy princess coming down the aisle from the fairy land.. Even Manik was looking at her without blinking.
'Wow simply beautiful...pure...elegant...she looks so innocent...'Manik thought.
" Hi "Nandini very softly said to him and walked to her father and stood beside him.
Narendra puts his hand on her head.
"Go have fun and enjoy." He said.
Nandini's cheeks were turning red in color which is visible...feeling Manik's intense gaze on her.
" Papa if you say ok...than may I..." Manik asked with A very mannerly way.
" Ya sure...enjoy and have fun " Narendra said and walked to his room.
Manik gave her his elbow to grab and said
"Shall we ".
She puts her hand under his elbow and held it with her fingers.
They walked out of the house and Manik took her to the front passenger door and opened for her.. She sat on the seat..
He came to the driving seat and starts the car. The thought of sitting alone with him that too on the front seat is giving her jitters. There's this weird feeling in her stomach which is un-explained. She is fidgeting with her fingers. Manik noticed this and figuring out a way to calm her down
" I know you are nervous...even I'm nervous...this is my first time going out with someone other than Mukti or Aliya or mom...but relax...it'll be fine..." Manik said trying to make her relax.
Nandini relaxed a little and turned to him and smiled still with nervousness...
' Aiyyappa he is so understanding and trying all his best to make me comfortable...I have to make him feel that I'm ok..."
" I'm fine...its just that...this my first time too...I didn't go out to dinner without my family...never alone with a guy..."she said...
' and that too with a handsome guy' she thought to herself.
" we'll do like this...we'll listen to music till we reached our venue...what say...of your choice..." Manik continued the conversation...
" But how can we listen to my choice of music...I didn't get my I pod "...she said suddenly and she realized what she did...
' Nandini Murthy...you just can't keep your mouth shut right '... She was cursing herself of being randomly quick..
Manik smiled wide and turned and told her
"No problem...you like soft music right...I have a good collection of that.. I'll put it on and you tell me do you like my choice or not..."
"Ok" she said. They were listening to songs. In about 45-50 minutes they reached.
" We are here ". Manik said. They entered a wired fence that has a gate which was left open. He parked the car in the drive way.
It looks like a house made of glass. Manik came out of the car and went to open her door and gave her the hand. She hold his hands very lightly and step out of the car.
" This is our beach house plus studio...when we get very tired or when we want to be away from all the hassles of the the city life or when we have to practice to prepare new songs...we come here". He explained..
The house was all lit up and all the interiors were visible. They were standing in front of the path way which leads to the entrance of the house. There were small dim lights on the sides of the way leading to the door. She was getting surprised seeing all the decorations and was trying to ask him when did he do all this preparation. But he came in front of her and offered her his hand she took it and they started walking. After taking a few steps he opened the door for her. Two men dressed like chefs came in front of them and one offered an flower bouquet and other offered drinks.
" welcome sir and ma'am. " one of them said. " would you like something to drink "
He asked.
Nandini said " a little later". She was observing the house which was decorated very nicely and it's a little cozy. There were A big sofa set in the middle of the hall an dining area with 10 seaters and another sofa set in the right side corner. A door in left going to the kitchen stairs next to the kitchen leading upstairs. There were so many other doors opening some were.
Manik indicated the chefs to leave through his eyes. And they left.
" are you comfortable now... Or still nervous.." Manik asked her bending a little in front of her.
" no not that nervous "...she said "but...I have a question...when did you prepare for this...you were busy in the office since morning..." She asked with a very surprising look.
Manik gave a hearty laugh and getting all flattered on her innocence.
" I don't have to come here to do all the preparation...we hired this team to do all the cleanup and set everything... And we also hired chefs for food. " he explained.
"Nandini would you like to stay here or want to go outside on the deck...
Khuli hawa... Asmaan ke neeche with the stars. " Manik brought her out of her observations.
" Let's go out..." She said.
" This door leads out side...You go ahead I'll put on some music." Manik said and went to the stereo system to turn in the music. The speakers are all over the house.
Nandini went out side and saw there's a table set for two people at the corner of the deck. With a beautiful red roses arranged in the middle and all the other necessities. There's dim light spread all over the deck making it more elegant. She walked to the railing of the deck and put her hands on it and admiring the view.
Manik came from the back and stood very close to Nandini that she can feel his hot breath on her neck.
" Nandini ". He called her in a very. Husky voice...
" do you like it. " he whispered getting more closer. She felt goosebumps all over her body feeling his close proximity.
" It's beautiful... So peaceful here... Very quiet... You can feel the waves making music. " she is lost in the night life.
Manik put his hands on her shoulders very gently and turns her to face him.
A shiver ran through her spine all over her body. She closed her eyes as she turned and her face down. He lift her face with his fingers. He can feel the heat rushing to her cheeks.
" Nandini aankhein kholo." He said in a more huskier voice. She opened her eyes. He got lost in her deep doe like eyes. He gave a smirk seeing his effect on her.
" kuch bologi nahin" he ask her looking into her eyes.
" Aap agar... Itne paas... Aayenge tou I can't even... Talk..." She fumble with words taking deep breadth.
Manik gave a wide grin to her and left her. But still standing very close to her.
"So if I stand close to you... You can't talk right... But why..." He asked very seductively.
She started blushing. And couldn't able to handle his intense gaze on her.
"Ok ok... But one minute... He bend to her a little. Her heart stopped a beat and she stood still. He moves his hand at the back of her head and opened her hair clip...and gave it to her and said
" I like your hair just like that without ties..." He whispered. Her face turned red.
" let me look at you... I didn't even looked at you properly" he said and took a step back and watched her from top to bottom... And said
"Beautiful... Exactly like a fairytale princess. "
She was speechless hearing him. She lift up her eyes and looked into his eyes which had so much of love in it.
She got shy and started to blush.
" Acha yeh batao... What do you want to eat... Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean,continental ya kuch aur... I didn't know what you like so I ordered all of these..."
" Hawww itna saara food I like Indian food... But baki ka food toh waste ho jaayega " Nandini got surprised listening to him
"Arey don't worry waste nahi hoga... But it will be distributed it in the orphanage..." He gave a laugh and got stuck on her innocence.
" so you like Indian food... Let's eat first... I'll just come ". And he went inside. After giving instructions to the chefs he came out and they settled on the table waiting for the food. The chef served them fresh and hot food...they enjoyed. After they are done.
" Nandini would you like to eat sweet or ice cream" Manik asked her
" ice- cream " she excitedly said.
Waiter cleaned every thing and asked the permission to leave. Every body left from the house leaving Manik and Nandini alone. Manik went inside to get the ice cream. Nandini was sitting outside alone thinking.
'Aiyyappa I think now will be the right time to tell him everything...he has done so much for me today... And I can't hide anything from him... To take this relationship on a clean slate...I have to tell him...I will tell him now..' She thought while moving her head and sits straight on her chair.
Manik was standing there watching her actions... And smiling
" So you took the decision." Manik said...she startled and ask
"What... What decision...what are you taking about. " she laterally got sacred that she got caught doing something wrong...and she started sweating.
' Aiyyappa how can he figure out the things which I was thinking...this is so scary...he is like sitting in mind reading it...' She thought.
" ok...ok...ok...relax...don't panic...the way you were moving your hands and shaking your head... I thought you were deciding something so I asked..." He put the ice cream bowls on the table and held her hands making her relax.
" here drink some water " he gave some water. She took a sip of water and sat on the bench.
" you ok now". He asked worried.
" yes... I'm fine...actually... You were right... I was thinking something... And was taking a decision..." She said lifting her face and trying to make an eye contact with him.
' wow... So I was right...My instincts were never wrong... I can read people correct... I knew it ... Since the day I met her something is disturbing her... Let's see if she trust me enough to share it with me. ' Manik thought giving himself a credit.
" decision... For what" he asked.
" woh... Actually... I wanted to tell you something...since the day we met...but..." She stopped again.
" Nandini listen to me now... You can tell me anything... Don't hesitate... Trust me I will not say anything"
"Trust... ". She scoffed " trust he to karna difficult hai mere liye ... I'm scared of trusting people..." She became restless.
" Matlab " he asked getting confused.
" when ever I trust people they break my trust and leaves me..." She said.
"Tum Kya kehna chahti ho" he asked
" Before I say anything... I request you to understand me...about my past..."
She looked at him and said very quietly.
" when we first meet you said that the base of every relationship is trust.
Even I think the same way... That's why I want to share with you how I felt and all my feelings. "She paused
" will you be able to listen and understand me". She asked him looking directly into his eyes.
Manik got a little surprised looking the frankness in her eyes. He never expected that she will share her feelings with him.
"Before you say anything...let me make it clear... Your past don't matter to me... What matters is your present and your future... And I'm not even interested in your... Past but if you feel relaxed sharing it with me than go ahead." He said and sat on the chair opposite to her eating his elbows on his knees.
Nandini took a deep breath
" Aapko pata hai... Main Mumbai move hui thi...I didn't have any friends except Navya... But I used to be very chirpy and bubbly... Me and Navya enjoyed life to the fullest... Kabhi kisi aur ki zaroorath hi nahi padhi... " Nandini took a breath
" and than this boy came into my life"
Hearing boy Manik got more attentive
" life changed for me... We were the best of friends...we spend all our time together happy times sad times...almost all the times... 5 yrs we were friends... My heart starts to build feelings for him...and I talked to him about it... But he ignored and took it as a joke... And one day all of a sudden he came to me and said that he has to leave for US where his parents live." She paused.
Manik didn't say anything. He wants her to complete what she started.
She continued
" I asked him is he gonna come back... He point blankly said no and said that he won't be able to come back Coz his parents wants him to continue studies over their and settle down... I even asked him about our friendship... He just joked about it and said I'm the one who was serious about it... Otherwise he never gave any indication that he is serious about anything..." Nandini starts crying silently... Her voice started breaking. Manik notices it and he paas on the glass of wate to her.
" you know he left and it's been more than a year almost one and a half year there is no news about him... I tried to contact him but he was not available on any of his given number... It broke me down..."
She was sobbing like little girl.
Manik came by her side and sat beside her and took her in his arms.
She put her head in his shoulder unintentionally Puting her right hand on his heart and cried.
He was rubbing her back gently to calm her down. He thought
'She is so young and went through a lot first she lost her mom at a young age and now this... Oh God how's she gonna come out of it...Manik...Take control on yourself... You can handle it... Yea you can... '
Manik thoughts were all haywire.
At the current situation he was not thinking about how close she is to him... He is just concerned about her and wants to give her that security which she needs. He wants to assure her that he's gonna be there for her always to protect her. But right now her trust issues is so fragile that he is a little confused.
Nandini took a good amount of time to calm herself down and than she realized where she is. She separated herself from him and said
"I'm sorry " looking down in her lap.
"It's alright... Are you ok " Manik asked getting concerned.
She moved back a little and said " it's very difficult for me to trust somebody but...I'm trying...sab kuch itna jaldi jaldi ho Gaya ki... I Got confused but I want this relation to work." She said. " now that you know everything about my past... Aap ab bhi mujhse shaadi karna chahte hain."She asked looking at him with a red nose and swollen eyes due to crying.
Manik smiled and looked at her lovingly.
'How can someone be so innocent ' he thought to himself and said
" when I saw you for the first time at the mall... Your innocence...your shyness your cute face made a place in my heart...I couldn't take you out of my heart and mind...but When mom and dad told me about this proposal I was surprised and ready to say no... But when I saw that the girl is you... Than and there I was sure that this is meant to be... You and me...we are meant to be..."he turned and hold Nandini's face in both of his hands very gently and said
" meri Taraf dekho and listen to me very carefully... raha sawaal tumhare past ka tou... What ever happens it happens in your past... Which has nothing to do with your present... What matters is... Tumhare aaj aur tumhara aane waala Kal... Jo mujhse judne waala hai...Bas I just want to know only one thing... Are you happy about it ..., Tum khush ho..."
She nodded her head in a yes very willingly..
" I just need time to adjust myself to all these"... She said.
"Theek hai... Tumhe yeh baat proof Karni hogi..." He left her face and stand up.
" kaise" very innocently she asked.
" hamari engagement ho gayi hai...hum aaj first date per aaye hain...aur tumne Abhi tak mera naam nahi liya" he looked at her with so much of love in it. She forgot about the things she said and started to blush.
" so I just wanna hear my name from your mouth and say ki 'Manik I'm happy with this relation and I'm happy for us... That's all"
She started fidgeting with her hands again and not to know how to say his name feeling very shy...her face is getting crimson red. Manik moved a little closer to her and held her hands... Make her stand and pull her slowly more closer to him. She was still looking down. Manik lift her face with her fingers and said
"Bolo na " he said very huskily.
She shivered by the intensity in his voice. She looked into his eyes and got lost in it.
"Maanik...I'm happy... With this relation and... I'm happy... For us."
Manik grabbed her in a tight hug with a jerk His name never felt this good before. He tighten the hug more to never let her go. Nandini felt as if this is home. This is where she belongs. This is her destiny. She raised her hands very slowly upwards and grabbed him by his shoulders and held him very tight. He felt her hold on him and got relieved...Her face is on his chest. She feels that this is the most safest place.
' Aiyyappa thank you so much... He understands me I feel so protected with him... I feel that this is where I belong.' Nandini was thanking her Aiyyappa with a very happy face.
They stood like that for a while absorbing each other's presence and fragrances. Than Manik moved from her a little and looked at her. He took her face in his hands and getting more closer to her...kissed her on the forehead.
" we'll take everything slow... You take your time to adjust yourself... To build the bond and trust in this relation... But but don't take too much of time that it become difficult for me to control... Ok." He starts teasing her. She got shy looking down.
"Manik... Thank you..."Nandini said
"For what" he asked
" for understanding me. "
She said with appreciation in her eyes for him.
" no need to say thanks... I want you to be comfortable..."
" Acha it's getting late already... So you wanna go and freshen up before you leave." He asked her.
'it's already midnight. ' He thought
"Ya ill just get fresh up a little" he showed her the restroom.. She got freshen up and they leave from there.
On the way back he asked her
" Nandini... How are you feeling now..."
" relieved...very light... Now you also know why I don't like byes "she said
" oh yeah... Now I know don't worry we won't say bye" Manik said.
They enjoyed this light conversation all the way till they reached. It was close to 1am when they reach.
" Nandini... Papa naraaz tou nahin honge itna late ho Gaya hai" Manik asked getting worried.
" papa tou so chuke honge."Nandini said.
"Ok than I'll see you tomorrow maybe sometime before you Go to Navya's place for sleepover". Manik said
" Navya told me to come as soon as I wake up"Nandini added.
" tou aisa karte hai... As soon as you wake up give me a call I'll drop you at her place... What say" he asked
" sounds fair enough to me " Nandini smiled. " ok I'll see you tomorrow "and she was about to step out of the car.
"Ek minute... Aise hi chali jaaogi ". He hold her hand and stopped her. She turned and gave a questioning look. He bend to her and give a very soft yet seductive kiss on her right cheek. Heat ran through her cheeks in the form of hot blood. And her heart start racing.
" now you have to return my kiss" he starts teasing her.
" hawww... " and she turned her face to the other side.
" ok theek hai aaj chod raha hoon kyun ki Bahut Der ho gayi hai... But I won't leave Next time." She smiled widely and stepped out of the car and ran inside the house. Manik smiles like crazy and drove off.
Nandini entered the house. The dim Lights of the kitchen and around the hallway was still making it visible so she can climb the stairs. As she was about to go upstairs she heard her fathers room door clicked open. She turned around to look. Narendra was coming out of his room holding a jug in his hand. She went near him and asked
"Papa aap soye nahin "
"Woh I got thirsty so pani lene jaa raha tha" he was trembling.
"Aap yahan baithiye main pani laati Hun." She took the jug from his hand and make him sit on the sofa" and walked into the kitchen to get water.
After getting water she makes him drink it and told him to go to bed.
" I'll manage you go and change... I'll be ok". Narendra said.
Nandini started climbing the stairs
"THUD" she heard a loud sound and turned around. Narendra was lying on the floor in an unconscious state.
"Papaaa" she screamed like crazies
Running down the stairs.
"Papa. Papa.kya hogaya papa Aapko " she was shouting and crying. Hearing her scream Mahinder and Shanno came out. As soon as they saw Narendra unconscious he called the driver to take out the car and without wasting any time all of them went to the hospital including Rishab who woke up with the hussle. Amms also wants to go with them so nobody stopped anybody from going to the hospital. Nandini was crying all the way to the hospital. They took him to the emergency room and the staff informed the doctor who is handling Narendra's case. The emergency Doctor came and told Mahinder
"Don't worry... he is gonna be fine I hope that his tumor had not spread.. The new medicine we used were working on him...we will know the actual reason of his unconscious state after we get his CT Scan report"
Doctor said and went inside. Nandini is just crying non stop. Her eyes are swollen and her nose is all red.
As soon as Manik reached home he got a txt from Rishab
' Bade papa is in city hospital come soon he has brain tumor'. he got the shock of his life. Without changing or even going into his room... He left for the hospital.
End of part 6
This was always the twist. So how do you like it
The Date...The revelation...Manik's reaction...
Give me your feed backs...
I really want to know. Is it up to the mark
As expected
Please comment and let me know
Thanks for reading and thanks for the comments
I
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