Chapter-63: Sugarplums
(A/N: Okay, hello hi hi! So the last chapter got really bad response, but its okay. :) Hopefully this will be better. Pretty late, I think but damn! This update was really satisfying. Now I get why people were insisting. 😂❤ I hope you like it and please drop your votes and comments. Spam me if you want to, because people who spam me make me happy and I tend to get motivated and ish! 😂 Okaythanksbye. Vote and comment and share too! 😍 Happy Reading!)
----------------
I was walking back home, completely irritated. Manik was acting really dumb. I silently muttered curses just when a car parked before me and I was almost abducted into the vehicle. Before I could realize, I found his stupid face lingering along with a creepy smile.
"8 pm, my place." He smirked, running his fingers along my face, and I tossed it away. Disgusting man.
"Main tumhare ghar nahi aane wali hu Manik, and that's final." I shrugged and pressed the A/C button and turned the radio on. Manik grunted and muted the radio.
"Then your plan is only going to flop. Mujhe kya. Karlo jo karna hai." He was focused on dropping me back home and actually by now, I was quite comfortable and happy with him dropping and picking me up. At least we don't fight for that. I increased the volume again, and let it play around 7.
"Main tumhare ghar nahi aa rahi hu, bas!" I groaned and hummed to the music, though I knew neither the lyrics, nor the song.
"Humare ghar chale?" He came up with a sudden idea that almost shook me. I wasn't ready to go to that house where all memories of Manik and I together existed. Beautiful memories. I was quiet for a long time, looking at my feet. My house had come and I got off the car, without saying anything. Surprisingly, Manik didn't stop me or anything. Probably he sensed that I was disturbed.
I ran into my house, up into my room and slammed the door shut. I slipped to the ground and placed my head against the door. I closed my eyes tight, trying to comprehend everything. Our place. Our place. Our place.
*Nandini: Our place.*
I tapped the 'Send' button and waited. As always. He was so excited. It was all part of his plan obviously, and I didn't even protest.
*Manik: Okay. See you at 7.*
I quickly dressed into modest clothes, so Manik and I won't end up doing something we shouldn't be. I wore a lacy white top and a long beautiful skirt, just to ease the rehearsal. I braided my hair, picked my heels and left. "Amma, main Navya ke ghar jaa rahi hu aaj. We'll rehearse for the competition and hangout together and..." I explained. Amma examined me up and down.
"Hmm..." I didn't know if it was a sign of approval or not but she didn't seem to give me a judgmental look. I just left anyways, since she didn't object as such and picked a cab to our old home.
We reached in 20 minutes and as I stepped out of the cab, the memories came flooding back. Eden Gardens. The signboard flashed. The security gave me a warm smile as I stepped back into the house.
"Madam, Sir ghar main hai." He said and I smiled back. The place was so welcoming, yet so foreign. I hopped into the elevator and pressed 5. The elevator strolled up slowly, beeping and opening at the 5th floor. I headed right and the first house I saw. 504. Manik and Nandini Malhotra—the nameplate read. I heard some music booming inside and I pressed the doorbell.
"Welcome!" I was welcomed by a hopping and groovy Manik. He gleamed and pulled me into his house. He grabbed my hands, wrapped his arms around me and began dancing hip-hop, spinning me and tossing me around. I resisted a bit but then totally lost my cool, seeing the house so messy.
"MANIK! Kya haal bana rakha hai ghar ka!" Literally his clothes were scattered everywhere, the couch was piled with clothes and Manik's books, apples were on the floor and not to mention, there was so so much food on the dining table and the kitchen countertops. He looked around and shrugged, still pulling and pushing me around like a toy.
"Manik... Manik, stop!" Manik frowned and let go of me, slamming the music system off. He was really happy and I'd just... pissed him off. "Okay, we're here for a purpose. Let's just focus on the rehearsal." I prompted as I began clearing the place a bit, so we could walk and do something about it. "So do you know how to ramp-walk?" I questioned and he gave me a look, I cannot explain in words how hilarious it was, but it was his signature bored look.
"No! I'm a man, not a Barbie." He was frustrated clearly but I found him really funny. I pressed my smile as his glare intensified.
"Ugh! Okay, stand here..." I pulled him to stand before me, facing the couch sideways, so we had place to walk.
"Now this is the audience. You follow as I walk." I walked with that skirt and heels, swaying my hips unintentionally, and I had all his attention. He gaped at me, and I turned around to see what he was doing, but he seemed lost. I cringed my eyebrows in confusion and snapped at him. He gawked awkwardly, avoided eye-contact and tried to act indifferent. He walked confidently like a man would, his head held high, and body sucked up with attitude.
"Hmm?" He leaned into me, smirking for approval. I gave him a cursory look.
"Tone down that attitude."
"Attitude makes me sexy." He said, clearing his throat and checking himself out against the mirror in our room.
"Whatever! So we have to do it... together I guess..." I waved for him to join and we stood together, with him awkwardly swaying his hand in the air to place it on me. I was standing at an uncomfortable distance too, making it a little difficult and weird for the two of us.
"Okay, think of poses, Manik. Think..." I was suddenly grabbed by him, by my waist, and he looked at me passionately, pressing his forehead to mine. My hand held his face in reflex as we gazed into each other's eyes.
"Is this good enough, Nandini?" Yes. Stay like this. Forever. My heart warmed up as I felt his unsteady heartbeat against mine. My breaths were hitched, but his sober, concealed behind his pressed lips. I felt the intense need to get closure.
"Manik... ek question puchu?" I interrupted our moment and he let go of me, trying to calm himself down and control himself from becoming too needy.
"About the rehearsal?" He spoke deeply, with pauses, not even turning to look at me.
"About us." I whispered as my eyes filled with tears. It was just so hard for me and I couldn't take more of this separation.
"Not now, Nandini."
"Manik..."
"Not now, it'll ruin the audition." He said, cupping his nose and mouth with both his hands as he discreetly made his way into the bathroom.
***
"Perfect. This is perfect. Oh my God, you guys!" Navya was squealing as she saw Manik and I in the green room, standing together, with Manik adjusting my bangs. I really felt I looked beautiful and for some reason, Manik's outfit complimenting mine felt so warm and perfect. Anyone would misunderstand, or rather realize we were a real couple just by the way we were carrying ourselves. Somebody tapped Manik's shoulder and Navya nudged me into conversation.
"Bola na, baat karne se sab teek ho jaayega. Dekho kitne cute lag rahe ho dono saath main..." She was all fangirling and shipping us both, since day one and it just felt like she was not getting enough feels, given we were dressed so elegantly and behaving rational.
"We're trying to be normal, Navya. We're in this together. That's it." I sighed. How I wish it wasn't that way. How I wish it was the way Manik and Nandini were. I turned towards Manik, who was smiling wide and patting the other guy. He seemed to have a wonderful time and his smile reflected one on mine.
He was looking so handsome in that tuxedo, with a tie matching my outfit and jet black shoes, looking smarter than ever.
"Ho jaayega yaar sab teek. The dress is beautiful!" She complimented and I smiled. Manik really could do anything to get things around his fingers.
"Sherri Hill ka hai! Tumhare beloved Jiju ne kharida kal, after a lot of searches!" The whole event and the rehearsals and all, made it so much simpler to define Manik's relationship with me. Complicated. We behaved like a couple sometimes, and sometimes were at each other's necks, picking on each other and mocking each other. Navya's eyes dropped.
"Whoa! It's so costly. See... Bahut pyaar karta hai tumse." She nudged with a giggle and I shushed her, glancing at Manik. Love. He was so beautiful, laughing like that. I didn't know why he was laughing, but he looked so beautiful. It's a feminine word, but nothing could describe his perfection. He was one of a kind.
"Pyaar... Then he'd answer my questions. He wouldn't leave me hanging like that. I'd be his priority. I'm not." I smiled again, a fake smile and Navya sighed. We were literally kids, just not as innocent and forgiving. We fought for days about some stupid ego issues which don't really make sense anymore, for the amount of pain we've caused to each other.
"Just because they don't love the way we do, doesn't mean they don't love with what they have." I didn't know Navya was so knowledgeable about love. She knew a lot more than I did, for a relationship less stronger than Manik's and mine.
On the other hand, Cabir had just popped through the doors to get Manik some tissues and juice. Literally everyone was behaving like his PA and it was really cute to see Cabir, for a change, taking care of Manik. Cabir held a dozen tissues under Manik's chin as Manik sipped the juice irritably. He wasn't liking the attention one bit.
"Bro, I can take care of myself. I'm not gonna spill anything." Manik passed some glares and scowls and Cabir conveniently ignored him. Those two literally made the best brothers. They knew how to deal with each other, when to ignore and escape, when to pick on each other and somehow, everyone admired their bond.
"Vaise bhabhi solid-solid lag rahi hai! Iss halat main tu yeh liquid nahi sambhal paayega!" Cabir cracked up saying those lines and Manik made a ridiculous face. Cabir tried to control but burst out laughing.
"WHAT?" Manik kicked Cabir, who was now laying flat on the floor, facing the ceiling and dying out of laughter. "Line maar raha hai, saale?" I didn't even get the point, I didn't know why it was funny and Manik was awkwardly trying to ease the tension in the atmosphere.
"Dance bhi karna hai dono ko." Navya snapped, smirking while playing with her locket. Manik raised his eyebrows in a challenge and my eyes widened in shock.
"BILKUL NAHI!" Manik and I said in unison and gaped.
"Hum karwayenge Bhabhi, aap tension kyun le rahi hai?" Cabir nudged Manik. Manik stealthily passed a look at me and stood up with a jerk, walking away silently.
"Aap log nahi kar rahe ho dance?" I snapped and they looked over me, at Manik who hadn't quite left the room yet.
"WHAT?"
"Arre, I'm asking if you guys will dance separate separate with other people!" I shouted loud enough for Manik to also hear the justification before the secret couple accused me of anything.
"Oh haan."
"Nandini, can I see you for a second?" I nodded and followed Navya. "Kya bol rahi hai! Kuch pata chal jaata toh?"
"Manik hai, buddhu hai voh!" I growled in irritation. He clearly didn't hear anything, standing so far away in a crowded room with 20 contestants chattering.
"But still Nandini..."
"Fine! God!" I huffed and stomped my white studded heels to the floor, walking away. Everyone in my life is weird.
"Contestants, please assemble in the auditorium immediately." An announcement was passed and Manik grabbed his shades from his backpack and headed towards me. My makeup was all perfect, my lips were tinted peach, my eyeliner was winged and lined with glitter and my eyelids were smokey and silvery with glitter. I'd contoured my face well, I actually looked prettier and less chubbier than usual. Manik smiled subtly, as I sensed him admire me.
"Final call for the contestants to assemble in the auditorium." Manik took my hand in his and smiled as he led me out of the room, quickly. I was made to run with those heels, given Manik's height and his restlessness. It was almost impossible for me and BAM!
"Ahh!" I screeched and Manik pulled me into him.
"Kya hua? Dikhao." He crouched and placed his fingers around my ankle strap, trying to find any signs of injury. All thanks to Manik, now I had sprained my ankle and had landed myself into big trouble.
"Main teek hu. Oww!" I yelped as he pressed the sprain. "Manik!" I hit his shoulder and I was swept off my feet. I wrapped my arms around his neck in reflex. He gave me a hopeless look.
"Heels pehni ho, but chalne ki tameez hi nahi hai!" He spat angrily and I frowned a pout.
"Tumne mujhe pull kiya, I'm not a fool to just fall and hurt myself." But I have; fallen in love and hurt myself. I reminded myself. I kept quiet, trying to not create a scene, at least that day. Manik carried me all the way to the auditorium; and how could it not be that Cabir and Navya wouldn't take pictures of that moment. Manik put me down slowly, and I clung onto him for support, as I adjusted my weight onto one leg.
"Nandini... you're unable to stand. Just remove your heels." He seemed really concerned but without those heels, I would look really short and ugly in the elegant outfit I was wearing.
"No."
"Fine! Phir stage par mera haath pakadte rehna. We're not doing any solo shit. Haath pakadke jaayenge, aur vaise hi vapas aayenge!" I shook my head in disapproval.
"Manik, stop being unreasonable!"
"Nandini, why don't you get it? If you limp like that, they'll disqualify us!" He growled, threatening to blame me if anything went wrong.
The fashion show began and I was still clinging to Manik. Manik was just watching me throw tantrums, without paying any heed to my needs. We were the third couple, out of the total 10 which meant I didn't have much time. I sprayed some sprain reliever on and rubbed it onto my ankle. Manik didn't look happy.
"Manik, hold me." I begged and he held me by the waist protectively.
"I will." We walked on the ramp, with his hand on my waist and mine behind his arm, on his shoulder. I plastered a smile and we walked slower than we practiced and Manik adjusted to my speed. We stood in the front for a moment, and then posed with my back towards the audience and me looking at them over my shoulder.
(I don't know how to explain this, a pose like this, okay?)
We walked back quickly, with Manik passing a soft comment, you were awesome, and I smiled. We left the stage and went back into the green room.
"You looked so damn gorgeous!" He pulled me and I could now, with my heels of course, reach somewhere around his nose. My hand was in his, fitting beautifully. I felt his breath on me as his lips urged closer to mine. I closed my eyes in sync with him, all in anticipation of the moment I was waiting for. Just then, Navya barged in with the camera, still recording!
"This is the couple that's slayed tonight. Say hello!" She squealed and Manik and I parted awkwardly.
"Navya..." I groaned in irritation. I really was pissed. We were just about to end things and Navya had to ruin the moment. She stopped the recording and began engaging herself with something else and I held onto Manik's hand softly.
"Manik, we need to talk tonight." I whispered and he didn't seem to say anything. I let go of him and went to check on my leg, that needed some help. I picked my heels and went to the sick bay across the hallway, accompanied by Navya. I got my ankle plastered and treated, and got some medicines just in case all failed. I struggled to fit that leg into my heels and Navya was irritated with my stubbornness.
"Heels zaruri nahi hai. Don't you have another pair of shoes?"
"Nahi yaar! Rehne do, main teek hu." I slipped them on and held onto her as we walked back to the auditorium for the results. Manik was seated on the second row and next to him were two vacant seats, which I supposed were for me and Navya. It was just the audition and there were just a few people apart from the contestants, but it felt massive. It was literally like the actual competition. I took a seat next to him and Cabir was on the other side of him, munching corn kernels.
"Hey! How's your leg?" Manik whispered. I smiled, ensuring it was okay. We had no more contact or anything after that. We both focused just on the audition results. As expected, we were selected with 2 other couples. Manik was happy and Navya was over the moon. She went on and on about the event and how massive it was, but I just couldn't help stare at my man. Goddamned perfection.
***
I found him having some snacks outside the college building, near the cafeteria, in the garden. He hadn't changed his clothes and I didn't either, because he didn't. I was one hopeless woman. I spotted him on the third table with Cabir and hopped over.
"Manik, can I see you for a moment?" I tapped his shoulder for attention and he turned, with those beautiful eyes gleaming into mine. They were so precious. In my life, I don't think I've thought so high of him, the way I did that night.
"Nandini, yaar... don't spoil my mood please..." He cringed, sipping his coffee and fiddling with a empty biscuit wrapper.
"Manik, it's serious... please?" I demanded but then pleaded in vain. Either it's now, or never. It's either love or none. Manik turned hopelessly at Cabir.
"Abhi aaya main." Manik clenched my hand in his and stood up, as I led the way.
"Haan jao, romance karo aur dheere se aana! Koi jaldi nahi hai!" Cabir screamed from behind and both Manik and I ignored it. I pulled Manik to one dark side of the college.
"Manik..." I was on the verge of breaking down, just by thinking about the consequences. It was either reunion, or separation forever. There was no in-between anymore. I couldn't tolerate an in-between, but separation was beyond that and I feared that.
"I cannot choose between you and my friends, Nandini. You're just as important to me as they are." He breathed finally, heaving a deep sigh. "In fact, I never made that decision. I never can, Nandini!" He cupped my cheek and I gazed into his beautiful eyes.
"Manik, Alya ke baare main..."
"Listen Nandini, mujhe bas ek cheez janna hai. Just one thing. Be honest and to the point, please." I sighed and nodded in approval. His thumb brushed against my cheek as his focus shifted between my cheek and eyes. "Do you still love me or do you hate me now?" He seemed a little pained as his hand involuntarily held mine. He didn't want me to leave either. "You wanted us to talk. Toh kuch bolo?" His voice cracked at my silence. I was shaken.
"I hate you, Manik; I hate you. I hate you so much!" I didn't even realize that I was screaming. I was literally so damn loud because it hurt that much, maybe even more. I dug my nails into his hand, shutting my eyes tight and imprinting crescent shaped marks onto his palm. "But I love you Manik! Tum doubt bhi kaise kar sakte ho? You, even you, don't think our relationship was real?" Tears escaped my eyes and Manik panicked. He vigorously began wiping my cheeks and cupping them.
"Shhh... Stop crying, Nandini. Do you trust me?" He tried to compose himself and not raise his voice at me and I was making it very difficult for him to remain calm.
"You said one question!" I whined, sniffing and his hand slipped from my cheek to my waist, embracing it. He grabbed me with a jerk.
"Fine." He gave an annoyed look and pressed his lips against mine, holding me against him tightly. He gave me the physical contact I yearned for and I conceded willingly. My tears blended with his against our cheeks. I locked lips with him as I savored what I'd missed these dreadful days. I felt him slip something onto my right hand and I broke apart slowly to have a look.
"Yeh kya hai?" I sniffed and rubbed my nose, fortunately not ruining my makeup as I flapped my right hand for answers.
"This is a promise ring. Ideally it's supposed to be worn before marriage but.... whatever!" He giggled with tears in his eyes. "Till now whatever we were, we'll forget. Our stupid decisions, our impulsiveness, everything. We'll start off a new, serious, relationship now. Are you ready for this, Nandini?" I never thought Manik would be so cute and thoughtful. Somehow, the pain that'd been killing me all these days seemed like nothing. We were together again. That was what mattered, only that.
"Manik, I love you." I kissed his cheek and wrapped my arms around his neck. He lifted me off the ground and dug his face into my neck.
"I am sorry, Nandini. I love you. Rona band karo, bahut ro liya tumne." He sniffed and I smiled as more tears streamed down my cheeks and onto his shoulders.
"Tum bhi, buddhu!" He chuckled and held my tighter. His lips imprinted some quick moist prints onto my cheek. He'd really missed me so much. "Ab kya?" I gasped and he put me down, still maintaining the proximity between us.
"Dekho... thodi der ke liye hum kisiko kuch nahi batayenge, okay? Kisiko janna zaruri nahi hai. I'll speak to your parents and sort everything then we'll take care of the rest, but I need your help and a little time and courage, baby." He pat my cheek softly and I knew the Manik I loved was back.
"Manik, I missed you." I was so emotional and hurt and so was he. I clung onto him and he embraced me warmly. Men don't generally cry as much, and Manik was exceptionally rough and tough.
"Nandini... you don't know how much I've struggled these few days."
"I know. I've been through the same."
"Are you angry or upset or anything with me? You have all the rights to be. I've been a very stupid man with you but you know na... when it's you, I just can't behave sensible. I'm really sorry, I don't know what more to say, Nandini. You don't have to forgive me just like that." I pecked his cheek and held him close.
"Hehe... kuch mat bolo. Tum yeh ring lekar ghum rahe the itne dino se?" I giggled, swabbing the tears off and he smiled.
"Nahi. Aaj maine apna mann bana liya tha, tumhe patwake hi aaunga ghar! Bas, I didn't know how to say sorry to you. I had another backup; just in case you..." He held my hands tightly and pressed his lips together, in a dejected manner. More like he didn't deserve an apology so soon.
"Acchha? Kya hai voh?" I chuckled and he looked around, then closing into me dangerously.
"Ahem... yahan nahi na?" His smile slowly turned into a smirk and I gasped, hitting him.
"Gadha!"
"Arre nahi nahi, mera voh matlab nahi tha... voh toh reward hai na yeh saare efforts daalne ka!" He gave me a victorious look and I pursed my lips, hitting him again.
"Dirty boy!" I ruffled his hair playfully. He turned me around, hit my back against his chest and wrapped his arms around my body. We swayed like that, from side to side, with our eyes closed, my ear pressed to his heart and his chin placed on my head. "Agar Navya ne pucha toh..."
"Agar bolna hai toh bol do, yeh bhi bol dena kisi aur ko na bole." He said in a nursery rhyme tune. I held his arms with my hands, lovingly.
"Nahi batayegi."
"Main Cabir ko handle kar sakta hu. It'll be fine, yeah love?" He leaned over my shoulder and blinked at me. I hit him playfully.
"Yeh sab karne ke liye itna time laga diya, hai na!" I grabbed his arm, that clasped me tightly, close to him and he swayed me in his arms.
"Bas, mujhe tumhara pyaar chahiye tha, Nandini." He pecked my cheek twice and I turned around, yielding to touch his forehead with mine. Our eyes were closed, but our hands couldn't get off each other.
"I'm sorry, I..." A finger was placed on my lips clamorously, struggling in the dark.
"Shhh... ab sab teek hai, hai na? So let's stop this emotional drama. We've shed enough tears. Now, it's time for damage control. Abhi tumhara surprise baaki hai, biwi." He said, cupping my face and I smiled. He took my hand in his. He brushed the back of my hand with his thumb gently. "Come with me." I stopped on my trail.
"Manik..." He stopped too and I quickly approached him, without giving any time to adjust to the scenario, I grabbed his face and pressed my lips on his. In reflex, he latched onto me, gripping me close. In that one kiss, laid promises that his gestures expressed while my words couldn't.
***
Part-2:
I walked back slowly into the campus. I was overwhelmed with Manik and I getting back together. I found Navya at the cafeteria tables and I joined her. "Kahan gayi thi? Ro rahi thi? Manik ne kuch kiya? Let me just go deal with..." She was such an impulsive woman. I pulled her to seat herself and took a seat next to her.
"Navya, relax. I'm okay." I sniffed.
"You're crying, Nandini! Does that seem okay to you? Where's Manik?" I held her hand, and smiled faintly.
"Manik and I... we have patched up."
"WHAT? When? How? Oh my God!" She was so so excited, she almost screamed and I had to shut that woman up.
"Shh shh... nobody knows and we're not telling anyone either." I was happy myself, to actually not protest against his idea.
"Oh. But why? What about that bitch Alya?"
"Let's see what happens." She gave me a hopeless look.
"Are you not irritated with this, Nandini?" She hit her fist on the table. She was clearly irritated. I discerned that much but strangely, I didn't feel anything.
"I don't know. I'm not, for now. I just need Manik with me. That's it. I can deal with the rest." I let out a huge sigh, fiddling with the zipper of my white leathered purse. It was true. I didn't bother about Alya anymore. The wait was too long to think about those consequences anymore. She smiled faintly.
"Look how silly you two were being! Risking your relationship for a bimbo! Idiots! I'm so happy for you!" She chuckled and I reciprocated a genuine smile. Manik was all I ever needed.
"Hehe. Where's Cabir?"
"He's gone off somewhere... where's Manik?"
"I don't know. He'll come around." I tapped my phone screen impatiently, being the fiddly person I was, and suddenly my phone buzzed, flashing.
*Manik: Oi, listen. Have you changed your outfit?*
I felt myself give away the fact that it was Manik, just with my expressions. I quickly slid the phone under the table, but Navya caught me doing it.
"Manik, huh? Dikhao!" She scooted over to me and I uncomfortably tried to avoid her.
*Nandini: Umm... Not yet. You?*
Navya was literally into my phone screen and I felt some of my privacy being invaded. It wasn't even half an hour since we patched up and Navya already wanted to know everything that happened between the two of us. Also, not to forget, Navya 'hid' her relationship from me for almost 2 weeks.
*Manik: Okay good; don't until tonight. 😉😘 Tonight's our night, Nandini.
Manik: Kahan ho abhi?*
My jaw dropped as I read the text in front of Navya. I was embarrassed. Navya was teasing me, asking embarrassing questions; to which I had no answers, or rather didn't want to give any. I was, in fact, chagrined and so I tried to nudge her away.
"Navya, why are you peeping? Go talk to Cabir, go!" A smile creeped on my lips even when I said that. She smirked and sat back on her original seat.
*Nandini: Manik, tum pagal ho? Yeh sab message karte ho?*
*Manik: Biwi se baat karne ke liye permission nahi chahiye hota hai kisiki. 😒 Now tell me jaldi, where are you?*
*Nandini: Backstage main. Tum aa jao?*
*Manik: Aaya abhi 😍😘 Navya hai?*
*Nandini: She knows.*
*Manik: Okay! I'll see you there, biwi.*
I smiled and locked the screen, waiting eagerly for my Manik to come.
***
I was heading towards the washroom to check my makeup, after all the crying and everything, along with Navya. Just as I was going to enter the room, I felt a possessive hold on my waist, as I was being hugged from the back.
"Hey!" I felt a cold whisper against my shoulder and that sent tingles down my body. His chin rested there, his stubble tickling me but his body restricting my movements. I cupped his face, as I looked at him over my shoulder.
"Hello baby." I pinched his cheeks adorably, as gently as humanly possible and he pouted, pressing his lips on the bone between my cheek and my ear. "You can't keep your hands off me, huh? How did you survive without me?" I meekly murmured and he breathed happily.
"You weren't really gone, Nandini. You were always there, you never can just go, really." I smiled, leaning behind, resting my head on his shoulder. We stood just like that, appreciating and feeling contented with each other's presence. I didn't realize how long Manik and I were hanging out until Navya exited those doors and watched us irritably.
"Manik, tum jaante ho serious relationship kya hota hai?" She growled to get our attention and I quickly retreated to my normal self. Manik gave me a disgruntled look.
"Tumne bata diya sab kuch? Yaar tum ladkiyan koi bhi cheez personal nahi rakhti ho kya?" He ran his fingers through his hair. I felt a little guilty but Navya looked in despair.
"Excuse me? You've hurt my friend a lot. I deserve some answers."
"Look Navya..." He grabbed me and held me as defense between the two of them. "I also love your friend, okay? I have done a lot of stupid things to her, to us, I know that. Now, I'm trying to rectify it. Give me one chance."
"Rectify? How? By ignoring the fact that Nandini is stuck with problems in her family because of you? Or by ignoring Alya's threats?" In a way, she was right but it really didn't matter to me. I couldn't lose Manik once again. The fact that he was already not holding me anymore freaked me out. My hands locked behind my body and clasped his arm securely. I couldn't let him leave now.
"Navya..." I warned, holding onto Manik tighter. There was a great possibility that I was probably even hurting him but I needed him to stay. It was not the first time we were hurting each other for us to stay together.
"Anyways... Well, since you guys are happy now, I'm not objecting but one tear, one tear because of you and trust me..." She was infuriated and I don't think I've ever seen her so pissed off. Manik quickly escaped my hold.
"Yaaaay! Okaythanks!" He almost pounced onto her, hugging her briefly but tightly. "Everything's under control." He whispered into her ears and withdrew quickly. I was irritated with his gesture. Let me deal with you later, Mr. Malhotra.
"Now, I have to steal your friend away. I have a surprise for her." He winked at me and jerked my hand into his quickly, after learning I wasn't going to give in. He led us to the car. I smiled at him sarcastically and then turned back. I mouthed a 'Cabir-ko-kuch-mat-bolna' and she signaled with a thumbs up.
"Have a wonderful night." She cheered and Manik pulled me possessively. I sat into the car and Manik kissed me on the lip softly and handed me his blazer. He hopped in too. We drove off the college campus and onto the busy streets of Mumbai.
"So..." It was awkward silence until Manik came up with something to say. I was really pissed off though about the whole hug thing with Navya, given they flirted from the start!
"Tumne Navya ko hug kyun kiya? Usse like karte ho? Is she that 'love' on your phone?" I swiftly turned to face him, chucking his blazer onto the dashboard, slamming one of my hands on his, that rested on the gearbox. I cringed at the possible thoughts that were running through my head back then. Manik gave me an impossible look and rolled his eyes.
"Seriously? Nandini, I can't believe this. Itna sab kuch hone ke baad bhi tum aise soch rahi ho? God!" He was really surprised with my accusations. It irritated him.
"Mujhe kya pata? Tum toh pehle se hi usko bahut pasand karte the!"
"For God's sake Nandini, flirting and liking someone are two different things. It was a friendly gesture. As if Cabir and you don't do such things." He shrugged and flapped his hands in the air ridiculously. I grabbed his arm for attention.
"Cabir and I, it's different, okay?"
"Really?" He peered suspiciously. I couldn't talk about their secret; not until Manik got to know through them.
"Okay, I don't care. Forget it."
"Okay, fight with me, na? Tabhi toh mana paaunga yaar! Or else there's going to be no point of my surprise only." He was acting really cute and it was becoming hard for me to control my creeping smile.
"But mujhe nahi karni hai ab fight!"
"Teek hai, main kuch karta hu." Manik spiked the volume on the radio high, and the beats caused my heart to thud out of my chest.
"Manik! Idiot!" I slapped him irritably and shut the system down, while his laughter followed.
"Now continue. Gaali do." He tapped the steering wheel for a reaction. I huffed.
"Manik, but seriously, mere phone calls kyun ignore kar rahe the? You know how upset I was? Maine kitni baar koshish ki tumko call karne. Agar main pick nahi karti toh kitna drama karte ho! Ab tumhe kya ho gaya hai?" The car came to a halt at the signal.
"Main bhi tumhe hi call karne ki koshish kar raha tha. Meri zindagi main ek hi ladki hai, Nandini, jisse main pyaar karta hu." He was making intense but brief eye contact, grabbing my arm aggressively. His focus shifted to and fro between my eyes. I felt my cheeks heat up and I lowered my head, smiling.
"Acchha? Aur Mom?" I giggled, flushing.
"Vahi, sirf ek!" He chuckled and I punched him playfully in his stomach. "Ow!"
"Really? Toh phir Nandini kyun bola? Hmm? Nandini kyun bol rahe the, Manik?" I went on tickling him and he shifted with jerks, from side to side, escaping from me.
"Haha... Eh... Main bas samjha raha tha yaar, tumhara naam leke!" I was constantly trying to distract him but given the signal, there wasn't much for him to focus on, apart from me.
"Ahan, mujhse pyaar nahi karte ho, hai na? Gadha! Ghatiya ho tum!" I began hitting him, not painfully though. He giggled cutely and I was sorta pissed at him and his lame sense of humor. "Seriously! Okay, main chali jaaungi!" I huffed and my arm was again grabbed, while I was shoved onto his chest.
"Nahi. No." He smirked, as his arm wrapped around my waist carefully, gripping me at my spine. My breaths were uneven and my eyes seemed all the more big and innocent; tempting enough to turn him on.
The signal turned green and Manik withdrew himself to drive us safely to our destination. I was however set to seduce him, and which place could be sexier than a car, with him driving. Let's see, Mr. Malhotra, how you can focus on the road now.
I slipped my hand onto his thigh and slowly grazed it upwards. I felt him shoot deep quick breaths as he tried to not react to my advances.
"Nandini..." I leaned closer, pushing my breasts onto his chest and looked at him eagerly, biting the side of my lip as he almost moaned my name. "Kya kar... rahi... ho?" He breathed as he braked our car, fully smitten by me.
"Pyaar nahi karte ho na merese? Toh phir kya hua ab, Manik Malhotra? Drive?" I smirked victoriously, as I knew I'd succeeded and eyed his lips in temptation. I was literally all over him and he was helplessly writhing, under me. He had to divert his attention before he lost it.
"Tell me, how is your friendship with Cabir any different from mine with Navya?" He broke eye-contact and filled his thoughts with something random. I couldn't let my chance go. I tugged his shirt button and twirled it around my finger, acting cute.
"Hot lag rahe ho tum." I bit my lip again and his muscles tensed.
"Humesha se tha na 'hawt'!" He shrugged with a chuckle and I fluttered my lashes.
"Nahi nahi, humesha se nahi! Bas aaj." I smiled faintly, still lost in his charm. I just watched him, unable to believe that he was real. How could someone be so perfect? He stopped laughing and cupped my cheek.
"But tum humesha se beautiful thi, Nandini. Always." His fingers traced down my neck, my shoulder, fell into my hands and began brushing my finger with his thumb, the one that held his wedding ring.
"Acchha? Acchha?" I laughed and pushed him playfully and he played along. I touched my forehead to his, still giggling and laughing. Our laughter was the only sound that filled our car and somehow, it was the only thing I wanted to hear, forever. I wrapped my arms around his waist tightly, placing my head on his chest, dreamily looking out of the window. Manik's arm went around me to reach the gearbox and before we knew it, we reached.
Manik opened the door. "Yeh peheno." He poked me to wear his jacket and then eyed some men around us. I nodded and without any protests, I wore his coat. He scooped me into his arms. I cringed and nudged him to let go, trying to remind him we were in public but how could Manik ever get enough of his PDA?
"Put me down, Manik! What are you doing?"
"Your ankle, it's sprained. So I'm helping you out."
"No, put me down, sab dekh rahe hai!" I pat his shoulder desperately and he gave me a horrendous look.
"Dekhne do na? Jab hum saath nahi hote toh chillati ho sabke saamne, ab kya hua?" He sneered and I gawked, speechlessly. "Hmm?"
"Teek hai. Dekhne do." I arched to kiss his cheek and he smiled, gripping me tighter. He put me down as soon as we reached the main counter, but took not even a moment to clasp my hand tight. I just adjusted my hair, feeling a little embarrassed all of a sudden.
"Umm... a table for Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra?"
"This way please..." The man led us to a table. "Would you like any drinks?"
"Champagne." I tugged Manik's hand and tilted my head in confusion.
"Manik, main nahi peeti."
"Haan haan, but mere liye piyogi aaj! Piyogi na?" He smiled. I took a seat hesitantly and he scooted beside me, our thighs brushing against each other. He slipped his phone out and I snatched it from him.
"Kya kar rahe ho?"
"Adding a moment to the zillions of ones we already had." I gaped guiltily. He put his elbows on the table, with his hands entwined with each other. "Phone toh mera tumhare paas hi hai. Check karlo, agar chahti ho toh." He winked at me and I was glad he wasn't taking my insecurities in the wrong sense. Maybe he was serious about our 'serious' relationship.
"Phone pe, 'love' main hi hu na?" I asked, pulling his arm. Whether we were together or apart, we never dealt with each other without physical power. He beamed at me intently.
"Here you go, sir. Hope you enjoy your night." Two glasses were placed on the table and they caught my attention actually. There was something etched onto it. I looked carefully to read what was written.
A smile molded my lips into a beautiful curve. His eyes were fixed onto mine, reading my expression. The glass was so damn beautiful.
"This is beautiful, Manik. Tumne banaya?" My eyes gleamed with happiness and he just smiled.
"Obviously not!" I frowned instantly. How could it be that Manik Malhotra could tolerate that? He nudged me. "Arre, but idea mera tha." I felt so apologetic at that moment, no amount of guilt or pain could suffice what we'd gone through.
"I'm sorry. Maine..." He clicked his lips with a smile and held both my hands with his, subtly and romantically.
"Shh na? It's okay. It's my turn in fact." He leaned closer. Our hands brushed against his lips as he fluttered a small kiss onto one of my hands. I smiled involuntarily, leaning onto his shoulder. "Khaogi kuch?" When it came to food, everyone knew what kind of a man Manik was.
"North Indian." I stated blankly. Manik placed his head sideways over mine for a moment and then called the waiter.
"3 rotis, and the best side dish you have! Fast!" He snapped and the waiter rushed away. I giggled softly.
"Mujhe pehle hi bolna chahiye tha, Manik; but I was sad, gusse main thi. Meri wajah se after so..."
"Nandini..." My cheek was cupped and I sniffed. I met eyes with him. Infallibly, I knew I would fall weak at my knees but somehow, those charming eyes spoke volumes his lips never would. Or so I thought. "You look so beautiful today. So damn beautiful. I don't want you to cry. You're my princess tonight, yeah? You're special."
My respect for him incredibly raised. I leaned closer and gave him a little peck on the cheek, maybe more than a peck, because my lips lingered around there for longer than just a moment. I turned towards his lips then, trying to persuade him into it, just when he held me back.
"Ma..."
"Na-ah. Nandini, you have to behave here." He flashed a tiny understanding smile. I felt rejected. Even before I could think of anything else, the food was brought in. "Please. There first." Food was served to me first but I wasn't liking the attention one bit. Okay, mark my words when I say this, if a guy who loves food, puts you over it, marry him; but at the same time, food wasn't really what I wanted. Nevertheless, a happy Manik could cheer me up. I began picking at the food as Manik enjoyed the somewhat-feast for him. "Hey! Do you like it?"
"Manik..."
"Hmm?"
"Can this night end?" I said, looking deep into his eyes. I wanted him to understand how much I loved the attention, but it wasn't what I needed. His face dropped suddenly, I was already dreading this.
"Are you not enjoying it, Nandini? Is there anything wrong? I to..."
"Manik... I... I wanna be with you." I had twined my fingers with his and placed it on my lap, gently caressing his hand.
"Nandini, but..."
"I love this surprise, Manik. It's beautiful; but it's not what I need. Tumhe itna kuch karne ki zarurat hi nahi hai. All these are materialistic things. All I need is you, to do things to you, to believe all this is not a dream. It has been really hard for me, Manik, without you." I confessed from the bottom of my heart. Manik blinked a couple of times, pulled my body by my side into his with an arm; just momentarily.
"Nandini, you want to go, I understand; we'll leave. Chalo." He tugged my arm. His expressions didn't really give out anything decipherable. "Bhaiyya, yeh parcel kardena pura and bring it to my car."
"Manik..." I was very hesitant now. I'd ruined our night.
"No no, come on, na? Chalo. Come, baby!" He put some money on the table and led the way. I held the glasses that had our names etched. As soon as we were out of the restaurant, Manik held my back rather protectively. His jacket was in his other hand, over his shoulder though. He whispered cute things to me and I hugged him as we walked back to the car.
----------------
(Biggest, rather longest chapter ever! 😩❤ Some love back at me now, please? I'm sorry for the late update again ☹️ schedules though. Okay, stay tuned for surprises! Who's happy now? 😂
Question of the chapter: What can be a good nickname for Nandini, that Manik calls?
Also, can Manik and Nandini do a serious relationship? 🙈
Vote, comment and share. Love x.)
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro