#4651Words

Ohkay! So as promised an update before the guests land up in my house and make me busy! I didn't sleep after Aftaar and it's almost Sehri time my eyes are aching but commitment tou commitment hai na so here enjoy the update and kindly do lemme know how was it? Response really matters and yeah read the chapter patiently cuz MaNan hai last me! Moreover few of the scenes in below chapter are inspired from 'Mulan- The Hero Of China' it's an animated movie though worth watching! 

#ChapterIsNotEdited

Happy Reading!

Chapter 7.1- I'll Make A Man Out Of You!

Manik's POV..

Tring tring tring...

It was 3:45 am! 

I got up with a jerk as if I was waiting for the alarm to buzz. I looked around to see all my fellows still sleeping. I immediately went to bathroom to wash my face and changed in the uniform which Miss Jasmine had given to me. I came back to the room and my little fellows still don't get up. I wore my shoes and jumped out of the room. It was 4 am already and I can't be late on my very first class. 

I run through the corridors and saw many boys gathered in the garden waiting for master Lee. I approached them and all stared at me with big eyes..

"What are you doing here?" Rishi asked in an amazed tone. I kept quiet and started tying my shoe laces. 

"Hey! You don't belong to here Malhotra!!!" It was Rohan the big guy..

God Save me!!

I kept my head low and when they all noticed me that I won't be replying then suddenly I felt a pull on my jersey. 

I made myself ready for another punch as Rohan pulled me up but..

"Rohan!!" I heard a boy shouting for him and before Rohan's punch could hit my face he held his hand..

"Get away Harshad! It's not your business!" Rohan roared as Harshad freed me from his grip and I hide behind Harshad immediately.

"Oh it is my business actually! Two weeks ago I saw you bullying Manik at that time I didn't said anything but not this time okay? So just stay away!" Harshad said coldly and I couldn't believe my ears that Harshad was protecting me. He was the most reserved guy of the orphanage after me..

We both were quiet similar..

"I will see you both!" Rohan shouted and walked away to stand with his friends. I peeked behind Harshad's back clutching his jersey and showed them my tongue..

Harshad turned to me and I stood straight with head low..

"You okay little one?" Harshad asked softly and I raised my head to look at his concerned face..

"Yes! Thank you!" I said bobbing my head up and down..

"Good! Stay safe! BTW what are you doing here? This class is not for you?" He asked setting the collar of my jersey and I felt so good..

After so long someone had showed me affection without any hint of mercy...

Miss Jasmine was loving but all I saw in her eyes was pity and mercy..

I was not a pitiful creature..

I was Manik! Manik Malhotra! 

I was strong...

"I got a special permission from Master Lee! He has granted me the to attend his class and I will learn kung fu! I will be strong like Master Lee! Hooo haaa!" I said excitedly punching in the air and jumped on my place..

I saw Harshad laughing..

"Don't laugh big brother! I will be strong!" I whined tapping my foot on the grass with a pout. Harshad's laugh turned to a smile and he knocked his two fingers on my head. He bent down and knelt in front of me. I gave him a pout and he racked his fingers through my messy hair to give them a defined look..

"I know you will be strong little one! I can bet on that! You are in this class but don't consider it as your success! You have a long way to go and you have to work very very hard! And Yes! Call me Harshad! Meray friends mjy Harshad he bulaty hain! Though I have no one except you! But when I was not in orphanage! Then yeah!" He explained me softly and held my hands. I smiled at him innocently..

"Okay Harshad!" I said once again bobbing my head and Harshad pinched my nose making me laugh..

"Come on gimme a hi-five!" Harshad exclaimed and raised his hand to me. I immediately responded back by slapping his hand hard. "Wohoo! You have guts little one!" Harshad laughed and I too joined him..

"Master Lee is here!" We heard boys shouting and immediately stood in the line..

I saw Master Lee coming with slow steps and all the conversation from last night roamed in my head..

"Morning Boys!" Master's voice resonated and it really send chills down my spine. I look at Harshad he was standing with spotless face. I took a deep breath and stood straight..

"We all know that you are here for the training! But the training is tough!!!!" Master's voice was raising to a different level and I really trembled. "Only the best will survive!!" Master spoke roaming in front of us and glared at me to which I immediately lowered my face..

"I won't take any mistake! Those who want to back out! You can do it now! Most welcome! Or else there will be a time when I myself kick you out of my class! And am not gonna give you any kind of favor! Follow the rules and you will be succeeded!!" Master shouted. "Am I clear!!!!" Master shouted..

"YES MASTER!!!!!!!" We all shouted back nodding our heads and Master shook his head..

"Good! I sing during the training! Any problems??" Master said in a serious tone and we all look at each other in shock before shaking our heads. "Hmmm! Better!" Master nodded. 

Master walked towards his tools and picked up a bow and arrow. 

"Watch closely kids!!!" Master spoke loudly as he put the bow in the arrow and stretched it to load. We all look at the direction to where he was aiming towards and then he left the arrow. It flew straight and hit the top most of a tree which was devoid of any branch or leave. 

"So! The first task of your training is go and get the arrow!" Master said placing the bow back and I look at Harshad he look back at me with 'I-can't-do-this' expressions...

"So? Who must go first???" Master asked with a hope and we all looked down..

"I will do sir! It's a piece of cake!" Rohan the big guy spoke cracking his fists and we look at him amazed..

"Very nice Rohan! Come come! After you everyone will try!" Master clapped his hands and Rohan reached the tree with an attitude. He was about to climb the tree when...

"Wait wait Rohan! One minute!" Master interrupted him and he look at Master with irritated expressions..

"Shefo???" Suddenly master shouted for his assistant and we all look at Master's assistant he came with a box. 

I wonder what's in the box and Master opened the box. We all saw him taking out two circle slides tied with black ribbon separately. He picked those slides up and we looked confused. Master held Rohan's one hand and tied one of the slide on his wrist with ribbon..

"This is for power!" He spoke releasing Rohan's hand and Rohan almost fell down..

Was the slide heavy??

"And this is for determination!" Master said tying the second slide in his other hand while he stood with great difficulty..

"You need both to reach the arrow!" Master announced and we all gulped the lump in nervousness..

Rohan reached the tree by dragging his hands with those heavy things in hand...

He tried to climb the tree but fell back. He tried again and again but fell back aimlessly..

"What we gonna do now?" I whispered to Harshad and he shrugged his shoulders...

Oh God...

I saw boy after boy falling...failing..

"Manik!!! Your turn!" Master shouted for me and I look at Harshad he assured me with his eyes..

I walked forward to grab the slides trust me I fell down on that very moment. I look at Master and he was staring at me with very curious expressions. 

I can do this...

I will do this...

With loads of difficulty I got up and reached the tree but the slides were very very heavy. Wearing those slides and climbing the tree was impossible. I tried climbing but I failed miserably and fell on my butt. I let out a shriek and heard Master taking a sigh. I look at Master he was looking at sky mumbling something under his breath.. 

Oh God I disappointed him...

I looked down hell embarrassed and walked back to my place rubbing my bum..

It was Harshad's turn but it didn't made any difference because we were W-E-A-K!!

"We have got a long way to go!" I heard master muttering and I felt really bad.

We waited for Master's next move and suddenly he  jumped over us to reach the bamboo rods placed a little far from us. In a flash of second he grabbed a rod and the next moment he hooked the either sides of rods in the handles of the pottery buckets made of mud and sand. He picked them up and threw them in the air. Before the could touch the ground back he hit them with the same rod and they shattered in the pieces while we all gasped..

Let's get down to business

To defeat the enemy

Did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?

Suddenly Master started singing and we all arranged in the lines immediately. Master threw the rods towards all of us and everyone caught theirs but I again failed to catch as it directly hit my head it made me feel dizzy for few seconds when suddenly I felt something in my jersey..

Insect!!!!!

I started jumping on my place and the rod which I was holding in my hands hit many of the boys causing them to fall down. 

You're the saddest bunch I ever met

But you can bet before we're through

Mister, I'll make a man out of you

Master jumped over the fallen boys and reached me. I again jumped as the insect pricked me and the rod hit Master's abdomen..

Sh!t! Oh God why am I so clumsy..

Master sang and snatched the rod from me towering over me almost eating me with his eyes..

I was embarrassed so I looked down once again...

Oh God what's happening...

Help me..

_______________________

Tranquil as a forest

But on fire within

Once you find your center

You are sure to win

Master sang pointing towards the long and high staircase of the temple..

We look at master in disbelief..

He was really asking us to climb those hundreds of stairs???

"Go boys! Climb the stairs!" Master announced...

"These are too much Master!" I almost shouted and Master looked at me with furious expressions..

"Shut up! If you don't want to be strong then out of my class!" He roared and I immediately looked down..

Hell guilty on opening my mouth..

It was fifteen days since we were training under Master Lee..

My each bone was paining because of the running and all the Haa hoo punching...

The training was so tough. I was the one who always remain last. Whether it's about running or fighting with fellows through skills. 

Master was very disappointed...

Even I was...

Harshad was my only motivation..

Today he had brought us here in the temple to climb the stairs...

"On the count of three! One! Two! Three!! Run Ninjas!!!" Master shouted and we all started climbing the stairs..

5 stairs...

I can do this...

10 stairs...

I can do this...

15 stairs...

Yes it's easy I can do this...

25 stairs...

Oh God am panting now but I can do this..

35 stairs...

Oh no! Water! Water! Am sweating..

45 stairs...

Oh God did I just stumble??

50 stairs...

I can't fall...i just can't..

51 stairs..

My energy level is zero..

52 stairs...

With loads of difficulty I reached there..

53 stairs...

And that's it...

I fell badly panting and breathing to my dear life..

You're a spineless, pale, pathetic lot

And you haven't got a clue

Somehow I'll make a man out of you

I was panting when master reached me. He sang those words and I felt so ashamed..

I felt tears stinging my cheeks but I refused to shed them..

Master bent down and grabbed my collars to make me get up..

But I fell back as my legs failed to support me..

Oh God it can't be worst...

(Be a man)

You must be swift as a coursing river

(Be a man)

With all the force of a great typhoon

(Be a man)

With all the strength of a raging fire

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon

I picked up a bamboo and there were stone bags hanging on it's either side. 

Oh God why on earth it has to be so heavy??? 

I saw Master running forward leading all the boys. 

"Manik? Are you okay?" Harshad said picking up his bamboo and I faked a smile at him...

"Come hurry up!" He said running forward and I too tried running but seriously the weight was too much for me to carry. I walked few steps and once again fell down..

Why am I so weak???

I tried getting up but Master came and picked my rod. He placed it on his shoulders and walked away giving a dejected look..

I failed once again...

Khurana was right...

I am a weakling...

Am weak...

Time is racing toward us till the enemy arrive

Heed my every order and you might survive

I tried to kick Master but he stopped me with his feet and sang those words nodding at me..

I nodded back and tried punching back but Master again caught my hand. I stumbled and this time Master got the opportunity to punch me back..

I fell on the grass on my face and I felt blood rushing out of my tooth..

Oh God it was hurting so much...

I turned to see master going away with head low..

I tried stopping him but the voice failed to support me..

I once again failed to fulfill his expectations..

How much he trusted me when I begged him for the class but I was really of no use..

___________________

"Master you called me?" I asked entering his room in night and he nodded..

I waited for his words and once again he sang..

He sang the words and I felt earth slipping under my feet. The words were..

You're unsuited for the rage of war

So pack up, go home you're through

How could I make a man out of you?

"Master? Wh-what does it mean??" I stuttered in disbelief and Master tugged at my uniform jersey. He pulled it over my head and I stared at him..

"You failed Malhotra!!!" He spoke dejectedly throwing the jersey away and I couldn't believe my ears..

The honor...the uniform was being snatched from me because I failed??

I was out of the class? 

My revenge dream?? Everything..?

Without arguing with Master I run out of his room because today I wanted to cry...

I wanted to cry my lungs out..

I felt that once again I lost my father and mother...

Because I lost my Master's trust...

Master's trust was the only thing keeping me alive but today I lost that too...

I run out and fell near the river bank..

"Mommy!!!!" I shouted as loud as I could and tears sprung out as if they were waiting for the trigger. 

It's been three months and I was trying to give my best still something was missing...

Oh God...

"Daddy!!" I shouted again and cried more..

"Please come back please!!!" I cried holding my head in hands and suddenly I felt a pat on my shoulder..

"Jo chalay jatay hain na Manik wo wapas nahi aatay!" It was Harshad and I look at him with teary eyes. He was also looking so sad. He quietly sat beside me and I hugged my knees close to my chest..

"I can understand the pain of losing parents!" Harshad's voice was low and shaky while I stared in the night water of the river..

"I lost them two years back in a car crash along with my little brother who was just like you!" He said lowly looking at my face and I too look back. "That's why I don't want you to cry! Am not at all liking your tears!" He said lovingly and wiped my tears but it didn't help because few more spilled out..

"I failed Harshad! Master has snatched the uniform from me! How am gonna complete my revenge now???" I cried feeling so helpless and Harshad looked confuse..

"Revenge?? What revenge?" He asked in a shocked tone and I narrated him the whole story ending up in tears..

"I thought I was the only one in this boat of revenge!" Harshad spoke in a cold tone and I look at him for explanation. "I want revenge from my Chacha!" He revealed and I sucked a sharp breath..

"Chacha?" I asked in a dazed tone and he nodded..

"Yeah! He was my father's brother not from blood but yes by choice!" He started explaining and I became interested. "They were best buddies! Years passed one day I heard Dad fighting to Chacha about some factory ownership issue. Chacha wanted that factory but Dad said that it was his and he won't sign the papers. Then days passed and Chacha's coldness towards Dad increased. One day we were going on a holiday and the brakes of our car failed. The car smashed away taking my parents and brother. I was so helpless. I didn't know what to do! I was lucky to be alive but I remained in hospital for months. I recovered and when loads of difficulty I tried reaching my home I got know that there was my no existence! Chacha had make people assume that all the Saxena's died including me and he easily got hold of my property! I became homeless! Then Miss Jasmine gave me shelter at that day I decided that I will take my revenge and will snatch back my property!" He narrated the whole story and I was feeling so sad for him...

"What is your Chacha's name?" I asked curiously and he smiled back at me..

"We have a same enemy Manik! Cuz It's Suresh Khurana!" He spoke and my eyes widened with shock..

How cheap and disgusting..

Khurana destroyed so many happy faces..

He will pay..

Not anymore!!! 

It's enough now...

"Tu tension ni lay! I will talk to Master! He will take you back! Now come and let's sleep!" Harshad said sweetly and made me get up..

I walked slowly hand in hand with Harshad and he was a step forward to me..

What should I do to prove myself what what?

I helplessly looked around and saw the arrow on the tree...

"You need both to reach the arrow!" 

Strength..

Determination..

I stopped in my tracks..

"What happen little one?" Harshad asked as I stopped causing him to stop too..

I was constantly staring at the arrow..

"Harshad I have task to do! Ap chalo main ata hoon!" I said hastily freeing my hands from his grip and he gave me an unsure look..

"Are you sure? Subha kar lena! You need rest!" He was concerned..

"Yes yes! Am sure! Ap jaoa!" I said pushing him towards the rooms and he sighed then walked away. As soon as he disappeared I run towards Shefo's room. I slowly peeked in and saw him snoring loudly. He was fast asleep..

I sneaked in his room and picked up those metal slides from the shelf. Without making any sound I came back and stood near the tree..

"I swear to my parents and my little sister! I will reach the arrow!" I promised to myself and an unknown energy filled me. 

This energy was so strong and powerful that I started shivering.

"Ohkay! Let's do this!" I murmured and way to go..

I tried...

I fell...

I again tried...

I again fell...

One time...

Two times..

Ten times..

Twentieth time and finally I got the trick to climb. 

I tied the ribbons of the metal slides in my wrists and threw them on side ways to the tree. They entwined with each making a strong loop. It gave me support and I started climbing inch by inch..

The whole night passed and I saw a light ray of sun rising from the east. I was half way done and now no power of the world could stop me from reaching the arrow..

Suddenly I saw my fellows coming out of their rooms and they stopped in their tracks when they saw me..

"Manik! Manik!" Harshad was the first to start cheering for me and then followed by others..

It boasted my confidence and I started climbing more fast..

A little more..

Yes just a little...

And then finally!! Finally I reached the tree top and the surface over it was plane. I comfortably sat over it and hung the metal slides over my shoulder. Then by applying a little force I pulled out the arrow and the orphanage garden was on fire. Everyone was shouting for me and I finally felt successful. I turned my head to see Master coming out of his room. I threw the arrow with full force and it pierced in the mud just near his feet causing me to take his attention and finally I saw the smile on his face..

Satisfied smile..

Yes he was happy with me finally...

________________________________

Nandini's POV..

"And that morning brought so much hopes and good luck for me. As well as for Harshad!" Manik narrated other half of the story and I once again stared at his face like an idiot. I raised my hand to touch his cheek and I myself winced thinking about that his master had punched him there. He look at me and I leaned forward to peck his cheek..

"Does it still hurt!?" I asked lowly in his ear and he smiled weakly taking my hand in his..

"Not anymore!" He said softly and I again hugged him he immediately hugged me back finding his solace..

"I think it's enough torture for this little girl! For this night!" It was Harshad and I broke the hug to look at him..

He was also a victim..

"Am sorry for your loss!" I said to him and he shook his head..

"It's fine it's not your fault!" He said softly smiling at me and then I look at other three. 

Their story was also left...

And how they decided to become rogues? 

So many things were left..

"I will tell you the remaining story next time! Abhi you go home!" Manik's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I look at him angrily..

"Dare not to push me away! Am not going anywhere until I get to know the whole story!" I said stubbornly and crossed my arms over my chest..

"Ya kya bachpana hai? Do you have slightest idea if somebody see you here tou kya ho ga?" Manik yelled at me and Abhimanyu got up from his seat..

"Manik! It's three am! Isy itne raat me bhejna is not safe! Let her stay for the night!" Thank God he took my side and I look at him with grateful eyes..

"Yup! I think Abhi is right! We can't afford to lose any other important person of our life!" It was Dhruv and I look at Manik with puppy eyes who was still reluctant. 

"Not this look student!" Manik warned me and I giggled throwing my hands around his neck.

"Please lemme stay please!" I pleaded with the most innocent face of the century and he sighed helplessly..

"Let her stay!" Harshad too supported me and I hugged Manik tightly..

"Fine! But Mr.Murthy ko kya btaoa ge?" He said lowly running his fingers through my tangled hair and hugged him more tightly..

His warmth was my heaven..

"Koi bhi jhoot bool doon ge!" I mumbled in his neck and felt his lips on my hair..

"Okay then good night! Have fun you two!" Cabir exclaimed making me blush and I didn't dare to look out of Manik's neck because of the shyness.. 

Soon all of them went to their respective rooms and I felt Manik picking me up in his arms. I immediately wrapped my arms his neck for the support. He walked us to his bedroom and pushed the door locked behind us..

He carefully placed me on his bed and smiled at me..

"Well Miss Murthy! I don't have any extra room to go so you have to share this bed with me!" He said playfully touching my nose and I slid aside..

"With pleasure Mr.Malhotra!" I said lovingly as he sat beside me on his side. I look at him and he smiled at me. Biting my lower lip I crawled a little closer to him and soon I straddled his lap. He stroked my cheek with his fingers and I leaned in his touch..

"You are so beautiful!" He finally admitted and I couldn't resist but to feel shy on his cute comment..

"Am I?" I asked innocently and his lips found mine in the answer. I closed my eyes to respond back with equal intensity. This time our kiss was not soft it was demanding and hell passionate. I fisted his hair and his fingers almost dug in my waist to hold us steady. We kissed crazily and soon I found myself pinned under him. 

He was kissing me senseless as his hands pushed mine in the mattress..

I went breathless and he broke the kiss. Suddenly I felt empty when his lips left mine. I want him back. I raised a little to kiss him once again but he placed his finger on my lips..

"Man--!" I tried protesting but..

"Shhhhh! Not a word!" He whispered lovingly and I felt embarrassed..

Because I was ready to submit..

"If you will start this! I won't be able to stop!" He said lowly staring in my eyes and I chocked..

"Yo-you don-don't wa-nt me?" I stammered embarrassed on my own words. Manik stared at me for a moment before smiling and shaking his head. He bent down a little to reach my ear and I felt his tongue tracing my ear..

"Oh Manik!" I moaned breathlessly and he tugged the earring in between his teeth..

Then he whispered something in my ear which literally took my breath and I felt that I will die on very that moment..

His words were...

"I don't have words to tell you that how much I want you Nandini! It's just  I don't want our first to be like this! I will make it so special for you that you will forget the world in me! It's your Manik's promise!"

My Manik??

_______________________________

Phew!! It was a long update with few of Manik's past and few of MaNan! Manik's last words? How many of you felt heartbeat literally stopping raise your hands! So finally Manik succeeded! It was cute isn't it? And guys itny choto comments krty ho in spite of knowing the fact that how much I love your long comments !

Plz do long comments! Plz pretty plz?

Love love! Mawara...