"Are you okay...."his voice was laced with concern. "

Since she wasn't in a state to talk she simply nodded her head in positive.

"You are Nandini..right.."he said.

That question broke her trance and made her realise that he was still holding her.So getting back on her feet she took few steps away from him so that there was a proper distance between them. "How ...How do you know my name " she questioned looking straight at him.

He smiled making her heart skipped a beat which she conveniently choose to ignore for the moment and asked "What's there to smile...I asked you something..didn't I..so tell me how do you know my name.."she asked sternly making him smile all over again.

"I apologise..I didn't mean to offend you..it's just it's kind of strange that you are asking me how I know your name.."his words made her confused. "Strange ..why is it strange..what are you taking about.."

"Of course it is strange.."he took one step in her direction but as an reflex action she room two steps behind increasing the distance between them.

Raising both his hand as an sign of defeat and said "Fine."he shook his head and continued "The reason why I know your name is because I am kind of living in your house from past two days..and still you don't know anything about my existence.."

"What.."Nandini's voice resonated in the jungle. "You are staying in my place.."she questioned as her eyes widened in shock.

He simply nodded.

That's when she remembered something.

"Bhabhi..why are you putting up an extra plate..is someone's going to join us..."

"No..actually..this is for that Ranger whom Aryaman and the others found near the jungle.."

"That very same one who was attacked by that..."thing".."

"Yes..the very same.."

"He is still here.."

"Yes..in fact he is staying at the outhouse.."

"For how long Bhabhi.."

"Just couple of more days.."

"Is he injured or something..."

"No..fortunately he wasn't.."

"Then why is he staying here..why didn't he leave.."

"Oh ho Nandini...not you too.."

"What did I do.."

"Nothing...except that right now you are behaving exactly like your brother..being so sceptical about everything..and doubting everyone in the process. Is it some hereditary thing..oh man..hopefully not...I don't want my child to become like you two..I don't think I could handle three lunatics together at the same time.."

"Bhabhi.."

"What Bhabhi..aren't you doubting him.."

"I am not doubting anyone..I am just curious..why is he still here..why didn't he leave..isn't that strange.."

"No it isn't..because the bridge that joined this town with other city is somehow severely damaged so even if he wants he cannot go back to his home...and because of the incident that happened with him..that poor soul doesn't even have a single penny with him..so that's why we are helping him."

"If Aryaman brought him here shouldn't he be the one offering him his place to live in.."

"Of course he did that..Miss Nancy Drew..Aryaman did offered him his place at first but knowing the fact that within couple of days his house will be filled with relatives we asked him to stay at our place."

"Why is he living at outhouse. Don't we have a guest room inside the house.."

"You think we didn't asked him. Of course we did. We wanted him to use the guest room inside the house but he straightaway denied. We didn't force him because we could see that he wasn't comfortable as he didn't wanted to be a burden on us..so we all finally agreed that he will be staying at the outhouse.So that's why he is staying here. Any other question Madam.."

"Can I meet him.."

"Of course you can..but not now.."

"But why.."

"Because right now you need rest. Do I need to remind you that you just got a little better and you need more rest because you need to get better because in case you are forgetting it's your wedding in 9 days..so all you got to do is to take rest and get well soon.."

"But what if I didn't get an opportunity before he leaves.."

"Why won't you.."

"But what if I didn't then.."

"You will.."

"How can you be so sure.."

"Because he had been invited to the wedding and on insistence of Madhyam and Aryaman he will leave only when this wedding gets over..hopefully that will answer your question.."

"But Bhabhi.."

"Nandini..enough questions for now..drink this..and go to sleep..I will answer all your questions once you get well okay..now drink this.."

"Fine.."

"Good Girl"

Her trance got broken when he clicked his fingers in front of her."Are you okay.."

"Huh..What.."she said while trying her best to form a coherent response.

"I said are you okay.."he questioned once again.

"I am now.."she nodded. "So you are the guy who is staying at our outhouse."

"Indeed I am.."he smiled.

"What are you doing here.."she questioned.

"Patrolling.."she wasn't convinced with his reply. "Aren't you kind of on a medical leave..then why are you working.."

"That's because a Ranger is never on leave..no matter what his condition is..though I am staying here on medical leave but that doesn't mean I will put my responsibilities on hold..I don't like running away from my duties that I have towards the people of this town."though she was impressed by his answer but still she wasn't fully convinced as still there was one answer that needed answer.

"How did you find me..did you follow me.."she asked sternly.

"Like I said I was patrolling when I saw you walking into the jungle. Since I knew you weren't well so I followed you. But I lost you because all of a sudden you simply disappeared. So I started looking for you. I was about to inform your family and ask for help but then I saw you running...so without wasting time I followed you."

"I tried to keep my distance from you because I didn't wanted to startled you. But when I saw you were about to fall that's why I came out and held you so that you don't get hurt."he answered sincerely. "But that brings us to you.."now it was his turn to question her "What are you doing here. Shouldn't be you at home..resting."

She nodded "Yes."then looking at him she said "I was taking a walk as I wanted to get out of the house..but I got so lost into my own thoughts that I didn't realise where I was going..by the time I did..I founded myself in middle of the dark forest. I kind of got lost which really scared me so that's why I started running and honestly if it wasn't for you I would have got severely injured..so thank you for saving me."

"Your welcome."he smiled. "But are you sure that there wasn't any other reason which made you run in the forest."

"No...not that I remember off."she shrugged him off.

"Fine."he nodded. "Do you want a lift..I can drop you home if you want to.."

"That would really mean world to me..thank you..I could really use your help now.."she agreed without any doubt or hesitation.

"Great.."Manik gestured her to lead the way. "Shall we.."

"Of course we shall.."saying this Nandini took few steps when Manik joined her and soon they both got out of the jungle.

Getting in the car they both drove away.

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