".chachi I am leaving.."Nandini was about to walk out the door when Shanno stopped her. "..Nandu..just wait for a second..I have something important to discuss..come here for a moment.."

Nandini's heart was racing as she couldn't say anything..in fact she can't even do anything than to node her head as she walked towards Shanno near the dining space.

Though nothing seemed to be wrong but still Nandini couldn't relax because this could be the silence before the storm as well. So doing her best and keeping a poker face she spoke "..what happened Chachi..is everything okay.."

"It will be perfect if you answer my question.."Shanno's words only made Nandini restless. "..which question chachi.."she did her best to keep the tremor off her voice as she tried to sound normal but unfortunately Shanno's reply only made her more frantic. "..It's related Manik..Nandu.."

"Manik.."she gulped silently.

Nandini knew this was it..

..she was caught by Shanno.

Her and Manik's relationship was out in the open.

Gazillion thoughts passed her mind in that one second as she spoke "..what about him.."

"..do you think he would like "choley" or should I pack something else like "dahi" with these parathas.."

WAIT...

..WHAT!!!!!

That's when Nandini's eyes fell on the table on top of which Shanno's world famous handmade paratha's were kept.

"You were talking about food.."Nandini frowned as it took her several seconds to realise that indeed her secret was still safe.

Breathing a sigh of relief internally she smiled genuinely for the very first time in last 5 minutes as she completed her sentence. "..that you made for Manik.."

"Of course I was talking about food that I made for Manik..."Shanno looked up at Nandini and frowned "..what did you thought I was referring to.."

Since Nandini got her wits back and her brains began to work all over again so she replied too calmly "..I was getting late na chachi..so I thought you were asking me to deliver this to his place or something.."

"Arey why would I do that.."Shanno shook her head. "..you don't even know where he lives..and most importantly you are not food delivery girl that I will ask you to do something like this. You already have too many things to take care off..there is no way I would let any unnecessary things bother you.."

"That's why you are the best chachi.."Nandini hugged her and kissed Shanno's temple. "..as long as you are there for me..I don't need to worry about anything.."

Shanno smiled as she caressed Nandini's hair "..that's what mother's are for my child." to which Nandini replied "..that's so true chachi.."

"Waise tell me quickly what should I pack along.."Shanno was tensed again which made Nandini smile as she remembered Manik's words of Chachi being the flagbearer of True Motherly Love. "Chachi..sent him anything that you want accompanying it with loads of love. I am sure he will end up loving it no matter what.."

"Are you sure.."Nandini knew that Shanno  was still apprehensive so she replied to Shanno's question "..absolutely positive.."

"..then choley it is.."Shanno was finally smiling wholeheartedly as if she had won World War 3..which in her eyes was actually the very same thing.

Nandini was about to leave when she remembered something "..how are you going to sent him this.."

"He said he will pick it up himself.."Shanno's answer once again made Nandini's heart skipped a beat...however this time it was with sheer happiness. "So is he coming now.." Nandini enquired to which Shanno replied. "..yes..he said he was on his way.."

And right on cue the bell rang.

Both Nandini and Shanno looked toward the door with smile etched faces.

Shanno began to pack the items on the table as she spoke. "..Nandu..open the door and let him in.."

Nandini simply nodded as she left to unlock the door to let Manik in.

However when she opened the door no one was there..much to her disappointment.

"Is Manik here Nandu.."Nandini heard Shanno. "No chachi..he is not here..yet.." she replied. "..in fact no one is here.."

"I think the neighbours kids are playing a prank once again.."Shanno shook her head. "..anyways..you are getting late so you go ahead..meanwhile I will pack this up and will give it to Manik when he comes over.."

"Okay Chachi.."saying this Nandini closed the door behind her. But before she could take another step her eyes fell on something..

..an envelope..

..that was kept on the doormat right in front of their house.

Bending down she picked it up. "What's this.." she looked on both sides but nothing was written over it. "..should I open it.." she looked around to see if anyone was there..but she couldn't find anyone.

Though she knew that it might be for her chacha-chachi..and it would be bad manners if she ended up opening their letter without their knowledge or permission. However she still chose to open the sealed envelope as she wanted to take advantage of benefit of doubt because no one's name was written over it.

So torning it from the sides she took out the piece of paper that was inside it and unfolded it to read it as she was curious to see what was it..for whom it was sent and who sent it.

However as soon as her eyes fell on the paper it shook her to the core. Her eyes widened in horror as she read the words scribbled on the piece of paper...

"When stepping forward she was warned..

..she didn't listen..

..thus she was burnt.."

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