As promised, the next part for you...I hope the next part will be up to your expectation as many were waiting for this update. Btw thank you for all the lovely comments. I will catch up with all them and reply soon.
Nandini could gauge his temper from the way he was driving; it was pin drop silence in the car except for occasional sounds of screeching tires and horns. Despite his reckless driving, there was no fear in her because she knows that no evil can touch her when he is around. Being around him gave her the security and warmth that she was yearning all this years. He stomped on the brakes; the tires screeched, bringing the full speed car to abruptly stop. Without uttering a word, he got out and slammed the door hard. She saw him pacing back and forth, impatiently waiting for her to get out as well. Nandini's hand trembled as she slowly stepped out from the car. "Pagal hai kya??? I mean like SERIOUSLY! Are you out of your mind?" he lashed out the moment she got out. "What was the bloody need to pull that heroic stunt just now? Do you know that you could have gotten yourself killed just now??? For heaven sake, say something dammit" he demanded for an answer. "Virat..." she stammered. "Virat what???" he barked. "I mean when I saw Virat running across the road, I panicked. The only thing that struck my mind was to save him, I couldn't think of anything else" she explained. "But you could have moved away when you saw the truck approaching right??? You knew Cabir got Virat safely across, then what was the need to stand in the middle of the road? What was the need for the superwomen stunt" he grilled her."I was just so so ..." she stuttered again. "So what?" he raised his voice again. "Scared...I was scared when I saw the truck approaching, my whole body froze and I couldn't move" she finally explained her state. "So you stood there, praying and hoping the truck will pass through you is it?" he asked. "Manik, when Virat's life was at danger, I couldn't just stand there watching him. If anything happens to him, I would never be able to forgive myself. I had no time to worry about my safety because he was my responsibility" she snapped. She was irked although she knew his outburst was nothing but his pure concern for her because Virat's safety preceded her priority. "Impressive... I'm totally impressed with how much you could neglect your safety for Virat." he applauded. "Manik, what are you trying to say" she asked him riled by his sarcasm. "Well you tell me, why this double standard?" he asked her. "What do you mean by double standard? I don't get you Manik" Nandini was baffled.
"You don't understand??? Let me help refresh your memory because I know 6 years is indeed a long time! You walked away from me because I was acting impulsively by running to your safety. I was accused of being impetuous with my life. My actions were labeled rash and my love was regarded weak because I didn't care about anything in the world when it came to you. I was told that I should think, analyze and act rationally in all situations to ensure I don't endanger myself. So now you tell me, is your love for Virat equally weak as you deemed mine to be? Why didn't you take you time to think, analyze and plan your move to save Virat? Please enlighten me on the logics behind your act today" Manik probed her. His accusations were nothing but a virtual slap on her leaving her wordless. "I'm still waiting for an answer? Couldn't find any supporting evidence to support your brilliant logics, Ms Einstein?" he mocked her. "You can't answer right? That was exactly my state 6 years back. I couldn't stand back and watch you in trouble. I couldn't afford to take my time to think, analyze and plan my move. I had no time to worry about my safety because nothing was more precious in my life besides you. I was not only saving you but myself too. I promised you that I will protect you; you were my responsibility, my utmost priority. It wasn't because my love was weak or I was impulsive but it was because I loved you so much that I couldn't jeopardize you for anything in the world, even if it was risking my life. If anything happened to you, I would have died the next moment. All that was because I LOVED YOU DAMMIT !!!" he slammed the car in anger.
Nandini ran to his side and held his hand before he could hurt it further but he pulled it away from her grip."Manik... Don't... Manik...I'm sorry... I' m really sorry" she cried. "SORRY!!! You think a SORRY would undo the pain? A SORRY would reverse the 6 years back?" he quizzed her and she couldn't answer. She knew nothing in the world could undo the pain that she inflicted on him. "That was exactly what I tried to explain to you, I pleaded you to understand but you refuse to listen to me. Love is not only about being selfish but being selfless too... Love is not your science theory. Love is not about balancing accounts. Love is not about keeping a tab of how much happiness you have gain, how much tears you have shed and how much misery have you caused. Love is not about returning favors. Love is not give and take. Love is life, love is trust, love is pain, love is laughter, and love is living life to the fullest with the one you love. If our relationship was a bed of roses, it will not guarantee that we will live happily ever after like your fairy tale. There is no assurance what will happen tomorrow, so why fear for something that is unknown and spoil our present moment. I'm not going to die the next moment, just because someone threaten to harm me or neither am I going to live eternally just because everyone blesses me with longevity." he explained to her. Nandini just dropped on her knees and tears were flowing from her eyes. "Mujhe galti hogi Manik" she repeatedly apologized and her voice faded as tears choked her and guilt stabbed her. Manik kneeled in front of her; he cupped her face and wiped off her tears. "Nandini, look at me" he commanded her. She slowly lifted her head and meets his gaze. His eyes were glazed as well; she finally saw the warmth and the love she was yearning for in his eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt you or make you feel guilty. I just want you to change your perception, change how you see love, how you see US. We are not perfect, I'm not perfect Nandini, I do make mistakes, my anger does overrule my logics at times but that doesn't mean my love for you has blinded me or weaken me. You are my weakness but at the same time you are strength too. Whenever I slip in life; I need to pull me up, whenever I soar up in excitement; I need you to bring me back to reality and whenever my volcanic temper rises; I need you to calm me. I need you to complete me, complement me not stay away from me. " Manik explained to her.
"Manik, I was so scared that day. I almost lost you. Then Nyonika's accusation, Harshad's threat and everything else just haunted me. I knew it was part of Nyonika's manipulation to get me out of your life yet there was truth in her accusation. She wanted to know how much more I would make you stoop down just for me. It made me think of all the things that you endured for me, Manik I didn't have to change or sacrifice anything for you but you did everything for me. What have I done for your happiness? It has always been you who have stood up for me against everyone let it be Harshad, Khurana, Nyonika or Pandit. It was you who took all the efforts to impress my family, you even convinced Amms on your own while I did nothing. It made me wonder how different am I compared to Nyonika and that made me despise myself. My fear of losing you just made me crazy. I couldn't think straight. I thought I was making a sacrifice but I didn't realize then that I slayed your happiness too. I wanted you to pursue your happiness but instead I dragged you down along with me in my misery. I was angry with you for deciding to walk out from me for Dhruv, I was angry that you didn't think about my feelings but I did the very same thing to you. I perceived that your happiness lies without me. I walked away from you because I was more concern of my guilt rather than your happiness. I was selfish Manik...I was..." Manik placed his finger on her mouth and hushed her. "Sshhhsss... Enough is enough... You have suffered as much as I did. So stop holding yourself responsible" Manik told her.
"Nandini, you don't have the slightest idea about the significance you hold in my life. I may not be able to list it as what you have done to me because it's intangible, indescribable. You showed me what is life, what is love and you thought me how to live my life without even realizing it. You achieved the impossible; you turned Monster Manik into Manik, into your Manik. You showed me the other side of the coin, the positive side of life that I would never be able to see on my own. You not only showed me the purity of love, but also the beauty of the relationship that is bounded by love. You helped me overcome my fears, my vulnerabilities and my emotional turmoil. I was looking up for the stars in the sky to shine on me, to free me from my darkness till the day you promised to shine for me instead. You brought light into the darkness that I was living in, you lighted up my life. You made me understand my friends better; I was so busy protecting them that I failed to see anything beyond it including their delicate emotions. If not for you, I wouldn't have been able to understand Cabir's feelings for Raghav, his needs for to be independent and his decision to support Navya. If not for you, I would have done everything in my might to keep Mukti away from Abhimanyu in order to protect her but you stopped me. I'm glad you did because it was Abhimanyu who showered Mukti with true love, helped her get over her past and finally get a grip of her life. It even got me wondering why didn't you came into my life much earlier, maybe I would have handled Mukti and Harshad differently. We could have prevented her from her self-destructive depression that she suffered. I was so busy shielding Dhruv that I couldn't see his need for his space and the consequence it had on his self esteem. I mistook my need to protect Alya and her need for security as affection and love till you came into my life. I slowly learned to let my friends to live their life giving them assurance that I will always be there for them. Nandini, you shielded me from making mistakes, you stood up against my anger, you stood up against the monster in me, you held me when I broke and you never gave up on me when I was in the verge of giving up. You are the reason I could stand up against the whole world for you." Manik explained. "Nandini, maybe it was my fault that I never made you truly understand your importance in my life. So never ever doubt or undermine your importance in my life" he enlightened her. "And don't you dare put yourself at the same pedestal as Nyonika" he warned her. "Manik will you forgive me for walking away for me" she asked him. "I will on one condition" he smirked. "What condition?"she asked. "Only if you agree to forgive me for letting you walk away from me" he asked. "Oh Manik" she hailed in disbelief. "Madam, is that a Yes or No? That's all I need, no boring lectures" he joked. "YES MANIK, YES I FORGIVE YOU ... "she exclaimed as she cupped his face in her hands slowly.
She was scared that he would flinch but he didn't. He suppressed his urge and let her devour him as much as she wanted because the yearning was evident in her eyes. Her fingers slowly trailed his jaw line, caressed and kissed every nook of his face."I don't know how I managed all this years without you" her eyes became misty, as she confessed. "Initially it killed me to wake up every morning not being able to see you, hear you, touch you, and feel you. Those were the moments I truly realized that I needed you as much as you need me. I thought I could live with your memories but I was wrong. I tried to get you off my mind so badly that I did everything that I could think off to keep myself occupied so that I won't have any strength or time left in me to think about you. I was the only crazy girl who registered for the maximum subjects offered for every semester, volunteered myself to assist Dr Bakshi to revive Appa's project. I exhausted myself so much that my college counselor was at the verge of sending me for therapy. Then it was Mrs Baksi who drilled some senses into my head while Dr Baksi threatened to move me away from the project. Dr Bakshi was Appa's favorite student cum assistant; he was equally passionate about the research just like Appa. He used to spend most of this time at our place and Amma adored him. He was like family for me when we were in the States till the accident happened. We left everything behind and moved back to India only with Appa and Amma's memories,. Amms tried her best to keep us away from everything that reminded us of Appa and Amma and that dreadful night so that we could move on. After many years, Dr Bakshi managed to locate Amms. He was shocked when he found out that I was pursing Music instead of Science. He encouraged me to pursue my passion and Appa's dream but Amms was reluctant and I was happy with my music and you. After walking out from you that night, I called Dr Bakshi and I told him that I was ready to pursue Appa's dreams. He knew something was amiss but yet he got my papers and admission immediately. Both of them saved me from drowning myself into depression.
Then I realize that I couldn't run away from you or your memories so I started living with them. I felt your presence when I play the guitar, when I gaze at the stars, when I swim" she told him. "You swim?" Manik was surprised."Not only swim, I also drive. I never start my day without a cup of Earl Gray. I play Holi like there is no tomorrow. Red has became my new favorite color. I majored in astronomy not because stars fascinate me but they bring me closer to you. I smile not because I'm happy but that's how you like to see me. I found my happiness in everything that reminded me of you" Manik tried hard to control his tears as she shared the glimpse of her life with him. He pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her. It felt so good to hold her, to stroke her hair, to feel her heartbeat against his as she rested on him and entwined her fingers with his. "Do you know that you never fail to surprise me even after all this years" he told her. "I know, my track record of surprises have always been good Mr. Malhotra" she snuggled closer him. "Looks like I have rubbed quite a bit of myself to you, you are all wild and adventurous Nandini" she playfully punched him as he teased her. "See I told you nah... All this violence... Even your punch is stronger now" he pretended to be hurt. "I was not like you; I obediently followed your instruction. I kept myself off from all troubles and only concentrated on music just the way you wanted" he joked and he suddenly felt Nandini's body stiffen.
"Nandini, kya hua?" he panicked. "I stole 6 years of your precious life" she cried. "Nandini, look at me" he tilted her face towards him. "Don't be silly. Look at the bright side of it, I took this 6 years to establish myself to be worthy for you. Now I can enjoy the rest of my life with you without having to listen to your boring lectures. So stop pretending to be sad for me. I know you just being sad that now you can't lecture me. You can't boss me around... You can't say...Manik you need to focus on your music! Manik you need to focus on your business" Manik this... Manik that... Hain nah" he tried to cheer her up. "You always know how to get your way around me" she slowly smiled. "As always my dear... Why sulk over sour grape when the sweet ones are within your reach" he replied as he kissed her tears away. "I recall that my girlfriend used to tell me that there is always something positive in every negative things." he whispered to her and her lips curved into a small smile. "Acha wait, I don't have that many surprises for you but there is one. I think this may bring out the smile that is playing hide and seek with me" he told her. "Surprise!!! What is it Manik?" her face lit up in excitement."Patience Nandini...Patience" he told her as he browsed to the picture gallery of his phone. "There you go... your surprise is here..." he announced as he passed her his phone. Nandini saw an album titled "HOPE". There were hundreds of photos of a plant, it suddenly struck her that it wasn't any ordinary plant but it was their "Hope Tree". Manik has captured every single progress of the tree; he nurtured what she left behind till it grew up into such a beautiful and strong tree. "So Nandini... How is my surprise?" he asked her. There were no words to describe the array of emotions that was engulfing her at the moment; there wasn't a word in her vocabulary to express what she truly felt that at that moment so she let her actions convey it. Her lips found his, she kissed him passionately, and she kissed like her whole life was depended on him. She poured herself into him to fill the void in him, to breathe in the life back to him, to sooth all the pain that she caused him. Manik recuperated her. He pulled her closer, so the warmth of her closeness could rejuvenate him. He kissed her back; his kiss conveyed his longing for her, his kiss emptied her guilt, inhaled her pain and filled it with his love. The kiss conveyed their emotions, their longings, their loneliness, their pain, quenched their thirst for each other and ignited their desires that were buried deep inside. It wasn't just mere kiss; it was kiss of life, a kiss that liberated two deeply hurt souls. They finally broke away from their kiss unwillingly as they were both gasping for air. It wasn't sufficient to compensate their 6 years of longing yet both of them were contented. Their lips parted but Manik never let Nandini part from him. He entwined his fingers with hers, weaving the invisible mesh that will bind them together eternally. "Nandini, I have to add more to the list... You are not only wild, adventurous, violent but also bold and hot" he teased her. Nandini's face turned crimson red; she buried her face in his chest to avoid his teasing. "What else is in store for me Nandini? " he teased her again.
Manik's phone buzzed and it was Cabir's name was flashing on the screen. "Perfect timing!" he cursed as he showed it to Nandini. "Yes Cabir" he answered. "Look dude I hate to interrupt your lovey dovey moment. I would have left you both uninterrupted for the whole day or better still for the whole week but I can't. You can strangle me later, but I need to talk to Nandini. Virat is worried something happened to her and I can't handle him much longer." he explained. "Just a moment Cabir, I will pass the line to her" Manik informed. "Cabir on the line, I think Virat is getting restless without you. Why don't you talk to him first, we should be able to reach in 30 mins max" he informed Nandini as he passed the line over. Nandini was moved by Manik's gesture, he knew the importance of Virat in her life without her telling him anything. Neither did he question her ties with Virat nor did he doubted her. Nandini manage to calm Virat down, assured him that nothing happened to her and she promised to be back soon."It seemed like we really lost track of time. Let's get going" Manik suggested and she nodded in agreement. As Manik was walking towards the car, she held his hand back. The next moment, she was back in his arms again. "Manik, I love you" she confessed as she hugged him tight. "I love you too Nandini" Manik hugged her back and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Nandini, I hate to do this but I promised that you will be back in half hour. If you continue surprising me like this, I may change my mind soon. Then you can forget about going back for couple of days" he warned her. "Manik..." she freaked. "Arey baba relax... I was just joking" he told her.
Virat came running to Nandini the moment she stepped into Cabir's room."Mama, what happened to you? Where did you go? Did the truck hurt you?" he asked her. "Relax Virat...Nothing is wrong with me baba. I'm back now" she comforted him. "Mama just had some sort out something very very important " she explained. "Sorry Nandini, I didn't want to break into your house, so I brought him back to the hotel. Looks like the little dude got bored here" Cabir apologized. The glow on Nandini's face was enough to tell Cabir that all is well now. "Oh Cabir, I should be the one apologizing. Thank you for saving him earlier today and now keeping an eye on him for so long" Nandini thanked Cabir. Manik cleared his throat to make his presence felt among them as he leaned against the door frame. Virat got excited seeing Manik, he left Nandini and ran over to Manik. Cabir was beaming in joy because he knew his favorite MaNan is back. "Maybe I should christen myself to Cupid instead of Cabir" he gave himself a pat. "Manik, can you please drop us home" she requested. Before Manik could answer, Cabir interrupted. "Nandini, I can drop you guys back. Manik must be tired, Haan nah Manik". Manik shot Cabir a deadly glance that immediately made him retract his statement. "On a second thought Nandini, I think Manik would send you back. I just remembered I have an important work to do" he replied. All three burst out laughing and Virat was puzzled with the sudden outburst but he ignored them as adults have always been weird. "Cabir, since our lunch got cancelled. Dinner at my place tonight?" Nandini suggested. "Are you sure Nandini? Is the invitation exclusive for Manik or do you really want me to join for dinner?" Cabir smirked and Nandini blushed. "Cabir..." Manik growled. "Dinner sounds great, we will be there." Manik agreed. "Manik, are you sure you want me to tag along for dinner?" he ragged again making Manik blush this time. "Of course, silly me!!! Both of you definitely need me, because you definitely need a nanny." he announced. Nandini started looking at all direction to cover up her embarrassment while Manik tried to subtly remind Cabir of Virat's presence in the room. "Just kidding Nandini... Relax dude.." he calmed them. Virat left with Manik first while Nandini stayed back. She hugged Cabir and said "Thank you Cabir, thank you for everything". "My pleasure Nandini... after all its Cabir the Cupid at your service maam. Tum dono ki liye main kya kya nahi kiya. From messenger, to driver, to deliveryman, to watchman and to peacemaker. Now I'm being promoted to glorified babysitter" he lightens the mood. "What I did was not only for both of you but also for myself. I wanted my friend back, I wanted my Manik back. So thank you for bringing back our Manik. I had plans to bring both of you closer but what happened today was definitely not part of my plan. So Nandini, even the destiny wants both of you to be together" he hugged her back.
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