Dedicated to manan9diwani
Nandini's POV
I was pointing towards my mom who was busy searching for someone "ma". It was rarely audible.
"Abhey yar, now is not the right time to remember your ma because if we don't leave then both our mom won't see us again. That is Chandini's mom by the way. "Manik said clearly not getting the situation. I didn't argue with him. I froze in my position. Manik finally gave up in frustration and picked me up in bridal style and we sat in the car. I remain silent. I remember all those memories in my childhood. I swear they weren't pleasent. I can see manik glancing at me every few minutes.
He finally stopped the car and Ranbir and chandini are asleep.
"Are you okay?" Manik asks.
I quickly nod and fake a smile.

"Nandini, its quite obvious that its fake smile." He said reading me through my fake smile.
"I am fine", I say wiping a tiny drop of tear.
"Nandini, I won't let that tears fall" he said.
"Niether will I Manik. Niether will I " soothing my voice at each word".

I slowly get out the car for some fresh air followed by Manik. I see a small bridge nearby and went there. Manik stands next to me and says "you can talk to me".

I have faced a lot of problems in my life. All those experiences with Manik would have been just like a problem to me, if he wasn't there. I faced a lot with him. I think he deserves to know.
"Actually, I just figured out Chandini is my sister."I say waiting for his further interrogation.
"What" he asks with shock clearly written on his face.
"My mom and dad weren't the best couple. Soon after their marriage, they started having many issues. My mom even doubted dad of having an affair.
Then, I was born. Mom and dad's fight became a usual thing. One day, due to anger dad doubted if I was his child. He didn't mean it. It was just the anger in him that brought out those words.
Mom started blaming me for their fights. Then Chandini was born. Mom and dad decided to separate. I chose to go with dad.
When I was eleven, amms came to visit me. She stayed for some time. All of a sudden, dad disappeared. I never saw him again. When I was twelve, amms decided to take me to America. I don't know where dad is.
"Nandu di" I heard an unknown voice. Manik and I turned to see chandini with eye's watering. Manik walks away to giving us privacy.
"Di, dad went away ?you were all alone. I am so sorry, I never came for you."
I hug her.

Manik's POV
Its been a while since Nandini and Chandini. I never even thought behind that ever smiling face there is a delicate girl. I don't know why she never shows any emotions.. My thoughts break when Nandini comes stands next to me.
After a fair amount of awkward silence I ask"Nandini, why do you always hide your emotions. Even during dad's funeral, you couldn't stay for more than five minutes."

"Manik, I like happy people. I hate crying not because I dont want to be judged as a weak person but I don't want anyone to lose a smile because of my tears. I like to see everyone happy, and for that I can stop myself from crying. She said with a genuine smile. I didn't know how to react.
"Manik, don't you think we should get some rest. "Nandini says trying to lighten the mood.
"Nandini, you know how different you are?" I ask looking at her straight in the eyes.
"Obviously, I am different. She said smirking.
"Seriously, why make others happy, by hurting yourself." I ask her.
"Wait, close your eyes"she says.
I was hesitant, but Nandini comes and keeps her hand, covering my eyes.

"Okay, manik. Think about me and say what comes on your mind"she says.
I recall all those times she made me smile. She gifted me many fun experiences. Her smiles brought me happiness. Her craziness started healing my wounds. Unknowingly, a smile appears on my face. She removes her hands and says and points to my smile"see, thats what I want"
"You know, when a person thinks about me and if a smile appears on their face, then that is enough to heal all my wounds."

"That's all I need Manik". She says looking at me with a bright smile.
I couldn't help but huf her tightly. I whisper to her.

"Your very different and special. Very special to me."