MaNan SS - I Know What You're Doing - Archana Vinod Part 3, Pg 16 - Page 6

Originally posted by: sayanti7278

Thrilling!!!!!

It was damn good... Very much interesting & unique too...

Would like to read more

Originally posted by: filter.coffee

Please update the next part and pm me when you do

Originally posted by: kavyach

Nice concept...
Nandini was sooo horrified...
Manik was soo romantic...
Please update spon...

Originally posted by: krazzy_parthian

omg...

this is an hell amazing thing...

btw...hey...

i just read...and was having an urge to read more and more...

this is simple amazing...

manik's love and care...

nandini is so much horrified with this stalker thing...

did he really broke into the house???

ufff...these mysteries...

waiting for stalker revelation...

amazing concept...

continue soon

LOVE

SANJANA

Originally posted by: Archana_Vinod

Thank you so much Sanjana dear 😛 Well, it's in the nature of stalkers to be creepy... and this one is going to be no different. 😉 I for one, am waiting for the moment when Manik catches him red-handed. Oh dear. 😆

Originally posted by: krazzy_parthian

hoping he's nt just like tht psycho soha...

btw...wen are u giving nxt update

PART 2

Manik accompanies Cabir while he completes a quick round of investigation around the house.

CABIR: I wouldn't call him a stalker as of now. Probably one of those perverts who gets a kick out of peeping in at women. There are lots of them out here. I'd suggest to redesign the exhaust. Make it such that it's hard for someone on the outside to see through.

MANIK: But yaar, what about the door? And the gate? I clearly remember latching it up.

CABIR: You said that you stepped out, right?

MANIK: Yeah, but---

CABIR: It's possible that you didn't lock it up properly. Happens in situations like this.

MANIK: Cabir. I'm dead sure. I did lock it up.

CABIR: Dude. Don't you think that it's weird? An intruder just coming in like that and leaving through the front door and gate? As if he wants to be spotted. Come on now, that'd be like suicide for the guy. Stalkers or perverts. They don't take that kind of risk.

MANIK: (annoyed) Maybe he is weird.

Cabir sighs and puts an arm around Manik. They walk casually to the front side of the house.

CABIR: Manik. Bro. Chill. All what I'm saying is... we're probably not that close to freak out yet. Let me give you another suggestion. Now. It's just a suggestion. In the end it's your call. I'd say that you try and get a dog if you can. Keeps these lot away. If any.

MANIK: A dog?

They are at the front door now.

CABIR: Yeah, a dog. One thing is that it'd smell an intruder from miles away. Second is, the guy won't even dare to come over to this side again. And yeah third, it'll give you guys some company. Now it's just a suggestion. It's entirely up to you.

Nandini waits for them at the entrance.

MANIK: No. I'm actually thinking about it. Many a times I get late from work, so Nandini would end up being alone. And after this incident...

CABIR: Yeah, that's exactly what I'm talking about. The dog will keep her safe and tear apart an intruder. Now let me tell you that keeping a dog is no cake-walk, but it's worth it.

MANIK: No, I get you.

CABIR: (sighs deeply and smiles) Chalo. Got to make a move now. Getting late for work.

NANDINI: Please join us for a cup of tea.

CABIR: (chuckles) Thanks, but I'm not much of a tea lover. Mom is though.

MANIK: So bring your mom then! Dammit. To hell with the formalities man. You're visiting us after a long time.

CABIR: What to do yaar. Work.

MANIK: Oh hello. Even I work. Sometimes around the clock.

CABIR: Fine-fine bro. I'll join you. But only because you insisted. I'll have it out here though.

Manik gets the cups from Nandini and hands one over to Cabir.

MANIK: So how's your work going on?

CABIR: Ahhh! Better not even remind me about it.

MANIK: (smirks) Why? What happened?

CABIR: Headache bro. Total headache. I'm investigating a complicated case at the moment. You've probably heard it from the news by now. Couple of girls gone missing?

MANIK: Yeah-yeah! I've seen that. So how's it progressing?

CABIR: Not reached a conclusive stage yet. Going on.

NANDINI: Are you still assisting the commissioner?

CABIR: Nah sis. That was before.

MANIK: (pats Cabir on the back) Commissioner is old stuff babes. He's with the crime branch now.

Nandini smiles and Cabir blushes. He quickly finishes up his cup.

CABIR: Chalo. I'll make a move. Think about what I told you. The dog?

MANIK: (pats him on the shoulder) Yeah buddy. Going to do it. Thank you so much for coming over, in spite of your hectic schedule.

CABIR: Nah! What are friends for?

Manik sees off Cabir at the gate and comes back in. He throws an arm around Nandini's shoulder and leads her into the house.

MANIK: So? Problem solved? There's nothing to worry about. Now I'm going to get you a cute puppy to protect you when I'm not around. He's going to rip the ass off anyone who dares to come close to my baby.

NANDINI: (anxious) But how will we train it and all that?

MANIK: Just leave that to me. You don't have to worry at all.

A metallic clunk at the gate distracts them. A guy in his mid-twenties walks through. It's MADHYAM SINGHANIA.

MADHYAM: (grins) Sur-praaaissse!!!

MANIK: (stunned) Yaar! You!!! When did you come back!!!?

MADHYAM: Last night.

MANIK: (punches him in the arm) Idiot! And you didn't even tell me about it? You could have at least messaged me!!!

MADHYAM: (rubs his arm) Hehehe. Wanted to give you a surprise. Howzzit?

Madhyam smiles uncomfortably at Nandini and she returns an equally confused smile.

MANIK: Yeah, you surprised me alright! You haven't met my wife ever, have you?

MADHYAM: No. Not yet. I've just seen your pics on Facebook. That's it.

MANIK: Alright. (to Nandini) Babes. This is Madhyam Singhania aka Maddy. My best buddy from school. He had literally disappeared after moving off to Australia. And now... (shoots a sarcastic look at Madhyam) ...he's back again.

MADHYAM: (smiles at Nandini) Hi.

NANDINI: (smiles back warmly) Hi. What do you do there?

MANIK: (answers for Madhyam) Loafing around.

MADHYAM: (snickers, to Manik) Shut up! (To Nandini) I'm working there.

MANIK: We'll dig into the details later. Let's sit for some breakfast now.

Nandini smiles and disappears into the kitchen.

MADHYAM: (to Manik, quietly) When did this happen by the way? And how?

MANIK: Do you mean Nandini?

MADHYAM: (shoots a naughty grin) Yeah.

MANIK: (laughs) Long story. We'll get to it slowly. Come in for now.

IN THE KITCHEN - EVENING

Nandini is busy preparing dinner - a delicious roasted chicken with gravy. Manik walks in nonchalantly and takes in a deep whiff of the luscious aroma floating in the air.

MANIK: Wah-wah-wah! What a beauuutiful smell! I can hardly wait.

But Nandini maintains the grim expression on her face.

NANDINI: (seriously) Hmm.

He comes up from behind, wraps his arms around and nuzzles into her neck. She squirms a bit and tries to shake him off.

NANDINI: (hisses irritably) Leave na.

MANIK: (mockingly) Whoa. So. Serious.

Nandini pulls off from his embrace and bustles to the other side of the kitchen. She pretends to be busy with some work but what she really wants is to show him some attitude.

Manik wraps his arms around her once again. This time, he tickles her waist. She discourages him with one tight slap to his hand.

MANIK: (in a low hiss) Lord...

Nandini is at the stove now, stirring the gravy. Manik comes up from behind and hugs her again.

MANIK: (in a singing tone) Nandu...? You make the best chicken curry in the world. Do you know that?

NANDINI: (grimly) Your buttering business isn't working. Trust me.

MANIK: Buttering!!? Babes, I'm not buttering. It's the truth. You're a wonderful cook. And you make the best food around. And the better than the best meat. Even if you're a veggie.

NANDINI: (sarcastically) Yeah, whatever.

Manik smiles and places his chin on her shoulder. Nandini continues to keep a straight face.

MANIK: (quietly) Honey... This will be the last time. I promise. It's only cause Maddy is here for the night. And he loves chicken. Or else... you know me na... I won't bring meat into the house.

Nandini still maintains her stiff lip. After a moment of silence...

NANDINI: It's okay Manik. If you feel like having non-veg, you can. I don't have any problem.

MANIK: Even I don't have any problem. It's been like six months that I've gone without meat. And I'm absolutely fine with it.

NANDINI: (turns to face Manik) But I'm not fine with it Manik. I don't want you to give up your happiness for me. Whatever it is. I want you to go for it. That's where my true happiness lies.

MANIK: (brightens up) Really?

NANDINI: Really.

MANIK: (cuddles her) Love you my jaan.

NANDINI: Love you too. (She pulls back. Her tone shifts drastically from caring to dangerous) But that doesn't mean that you can bring bottles into the house and party all night. Do you understand!!!?

MANIK: (chuckles nervously and plays innocent) W-what bottle? What party? W-what are you even talking about?

NANDINI: Manik. Don't think that I didn't see you sneak those liquor bottles inside before.

MANIK: (has an "oh shit" expression, but quickly covers it up) Ahh---umm--- Ohhh! That! Ha-ha-ha-ha! That---um--- that was --- honey! Yeah, that was honey.

NANDINI: (raises an eyebrow) Honey. Really? For what?

MANIK: Honey yaar. You know na. It's---um---- an integral ingredient of Ayurvedic medicines.

NANDINI: Achcha. And why do you need Ayurveda?

MANIK: (clutches his chest and goes into a violent coughing fit) Too---cough---cough--- too much---gasp---wheeze---coughing! Just give some chicken in a bowl na?

NANDINI: (gnashes her teeth in fury) Manik. Do you really think that I'm nave enough to not see through all your dramas?

MANIK: Drama? What drama? (Sneezes and coughs)

She thunders off to "process his order". Manik smirks as he watches her unleash her wrath on the poor bowl and utensils. She angrily scoops out some chicken from the pan and dumps it into the bowl.

NANDINI: (mutters) Some people think that I'm a fool. (imitates Manik) Oh! My friend has come so I'll just flood the place with booze and what not! (gnashes her teeth) He knows that I don't like it. And still!!! Can you believe that? Aiyappaaa!

Manik hears her angry muttering and grins sheepishly. She hands over the bowl with a tight, throbbing jaw.

MANIK: (quietly, tips her chin up) Shh. Hello. Look at me. Just chill.

NANDINI: (pushes his hand away, crossly) Go-go! Go fast! Before it evaporates. Alcohol is highly volatile. I suppose you know that already.

MANIK: It'll be the last time. I promise.

NANDINI: (looks away sulkily) That's what you said the month before last.

MANIK: This time it's pukka promise. I won't buy it again. No matter what happens. Now please don't be sad.

NANDINI: (crossly) Whatever.

MANIK: (lands a quick peck) Love you. (pulls up the corners of her mouth) Now smile. Come and join us. Let's sit and chat.

NANDINI: I don't drink.

MANIK: (teases) If you want to drink you can. I really don't mind.

NANDINI: (frustrated) Just! Go away!

He giggles and bounds off to the terrace where Maddy waits for him. He is leaning casually onto the waist-high wall and enjoying the cool breeze.

MANIK: You're still standing here just like that? Why didn't you open it yet?

MADHYAM: Was just enjoying the breeze bro. (turns around and faces Manik, leans on the wall) It's so relaxing to be out here.

MANIK: I know right. (settles down on the tiled floor with the dish, bottles and glasses) That's one of the main reasons I got this house. Nandini just loves it up here.

MADHYAM: So tell me the story. About how you guys finally got together. If I remember, both of your parents weren't too cool about your relationships.

MANIK: (pours out two pegs and drops in a couple of ice cubes) And they still aren't. You know, the usual problem. She's a Tamilian. A Brahmin. Then here I am. A boy from the north. That's what her folks call me.

MADHYAM: So. How did they finally get used... to the boy from the north?

MANIK: They didn't. I had to take her away.

MADHYAM: (shocked) What!!?

Manik shoots a guilty eye at him.

MADHYAM: (chuckles in disbelief) You can't be serious! You mean... you eloped? You!!? (laughs heartily)

MANIK: (groans in a depressed manner ) Maddy... we didn't run away like that. I asked her to come out.

MADHYAM: And?

MANIK: And she did.

Nandini pops in all of a sudden.

NANDINI: Seems like an interesting conversation. (shoots glances at Manik and Madhyam) What's it about? Care to share? (sits beside Manik)

MANIK: (quickly covers up) Erm... some old stuff that happened at school.

Madhyam notices Manik's expression and understands. He probably didn't want to discuss all this stuff in front of Nandini. Definitely, a sensitive topic.

NANDINI: Really? What's that?

MADHYAM: (joins them on the floor) Ha-ha-ha. You don't know right? This guy was Princy's favourite. Always in her cabin.

Princy!!!? Always in her cabin? Doing what? Nandini glowers at him questioningly with wide, open eyes.

MANIK: (lowers his head and clears her doubts with a tired hiss) Principal.

Nandini's tensed features relax and a smile pops up. They spend the rest of the night talking and laughing about old stuff until the booze finally gets to their heads. Madhyam's head.

Madhyam is saturated beyond his tolerance level. He's now possessed with Mr. McDowell.

*** For those of you who don't know, McDowell's is a brand of whisky in India***

And when McDowell is in charge, he is in charge. He takes no orders. He gives them. And the world is expected to follow without complaints.

Madhyam prepares to help himself to another peg, but Manik stops him and retrieves the contents.

MANIK: Dude. You're done. Come on now, I'll get you to the guest room.

MADHYAM: (slurs) ... that is something which you can do! I'll sleep in your room.

Manik shoots a troubled glance at Nandini. Her eyes seethe in response.

MANIK: (quickly forces Madhyam onto his feet) Get up! You've totally lost it.

Manik helps him to the guest room amidst all the slurred nonsense that kept coming out of his mouth. It doesn't take long for him to pass out senseless.

MANAN'S BEDROOM

By now, Nandini is at the mirror, preparing herself for bed. She has a very grim expression as she pulls off her earrings and brushes her luscious hair. Her lips contort a bit as she spots Manik on the mirror, sneaking into the room with nervousness plastered on to his face. She quickly pulls off her glance from him and concentrates on her hair.

Manik is behind her now, wrapping his arms around her delicate waist and taking in a deep whiff of her fragrant hair.

MANIK: Ahhh! Is it that new shampoo? (Nandini doesn't respond) Hmm? Is it?

NANDINI: Mmm.

MANIK: (clears his throat, quietly) See... about Maddy... don't bother what he said back there.

NANDINI: Oh. I don't mind. I understand that he's drunk.

MANIK: I knew you would understand.

NANDINI: If tomorrow he gets drunk and does something to me, then?

MANIK: (firmly) Then I'll kill him!

NANDINI: (turns around to face him) I'll kill you before that.

MANIK: Me!!!? Why?

NANDINI: Because you got him drunk in the first place. You deserve to be killed.

MANIK: (fake sadness) So you want me dead.

NANDINI: Is that what I meant!!!?

MANIK: (very low) No... it's okay. I understand. No one needs me now.

NANDINI: (worried) Manik. That's not what I meant.

Manik quietly slithers into bed and sighs dramatically. He lies down like a broken hearted lover on the beach, with his arms under his head and his eyes screwed shut in profound sadness.

MANIK: (sings) Tere mere beech mein... tere mere beech main... kaisa hai yeh JUNGLE... anjaaana... kaisa hai yeh JUNGLE... anjaaanaaa!

NANDINI: (doesn't get it at first) Jungle? It's supposed to be bandhan, right? (figures out the double meaning, takes a pillow and whacks Manik) You!!! You idiot!!! Take that! And that!!!

Manik laughs and tugs her sharply. She plops down into his arms. Her grudge over the day's incidents forces her to put up a fight but a seductive wink from his end is all what it takes to subdue her. He gently tucks a section of her behind the ear and smiles at her pronounced blush.

MANIK: So. Is Rajdhani ready to chug out of the station tonight?

NANDINI: (bites her lip and hides her blushing face in his chest) I hate you.

MANIK: And I love you. (kisses her)

Manik is in a great mood but Nandini tucks him off to sleep. And her justification?

NANDINI: I don't want Mr. McDowell to screw me.

MANIK: Wha---? But he's gone yaar.

NANDINI: Oh no he isn't. And get this clear Mr. McDowell. If I'm going to make love, it's only going to be with Mr. Manik Malhotra. Get it? So buzz off.

They cuddle down to sleep, unaware of the dark silhouette of a man that flits past their bedroom window.

TIME: CLOSE TO 3 AM

Nandini stirs in her sleep. She gets up and trudges to the bathroom groggily. Once done with her business, she washes her hands generously.

3 AM... The time when the eerie silence and solitude of the night is at its peak. It's so quiet that the strong jet of water hissing out of the tap seems SO LOUD. Unlike the peak hours of the morning with all its confusing sounds, this hour of the night has that air of mystery to it. Nandini could make out one sound from the other. The hiss of the water, the lathering soap, the shrill chirps and cries of crickets and strange night birds, barking street dogs, deep snores and an obvious ruffle from the exhaust window.

Her eyes were wide open with horror when she shot a quick terrified glance at the window. Though it all seemed clear, she could sense the presence of someone outside. She could feel a strange, hungry set of eyes watching her... closely. Real closely.

With her terror-stricken eyes on the window, she hastily wraps up her washing business and bustles out of the bathroom. She huddles into the protective arms of her snoring husband. The booze had finally got the better of him so he was in a very, deep sleep.

She eagerly shot out for the water bottle to moisten her dry throat but realized that she had missed out to fill it up this night.

IN THE KITCHEN

Left with no choice, Nandini heads into the kitchen. The kitchen is designed in such a way to flood it with ample amount of light and air in the day and even at night. Being a bright night, Nandini did not bother to switch on the kitchen lights. The full moon beamed its mysterious bluish glow through the large windows in the kitchen that runs from the top to the bottom of the wall and a door that led into the compound of the house.

The thirst was killing her, so she pulls out a bottle from the fridge and chugs it down her throat.

The night is breezy. A strong gust of wind pushes at the kitchen door and CREAKS it open!

Nandini pauses. Her heart has literally stopped thumping at the sight of the open door. A sign of a possible intrusion. Who left this open...? I thought I locked it... or did I?

A voice at the back of her head keeps screaming to lock the door and rush back to the safety of her bedroom and her husband. But a powerful force urges her to step out through the door... right into uncertain territory...

The darkness of the night is pacified by the magnificence of the moon shining down on the cluster of neighbouring houses and greenery. Her eyes move around cautiously, scanning the area for the forceful entity that drew her out of the house. Though she could see no one around, the strong feeling of being watched is undeniable.

The crunch of stones from the other side of the house sends her heart clenching in shock. It now races like the fluttering heart of a tiny sparrow.

She is blind with fear as she retreats back into the kitchen, step by step. Her eyes dart back and forth in her sockets. I'm not alone... These words will never comfort her again.

And then she feels it. A quick caress brush past the strands of hair fluttering around her right ear.

... TO BE CONTINUED

GO TO PART 3