Vote, Comment, Follow & Keep Motivates Me !!!

**Flashback Continues**

At long last, Nandini relented, agreeing to stay in the opulent halls of Shish Mahal, its grandeur a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within her heart.

In Manik’s Bedroom

Manik sat alone, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts, his mind a storm of guilt and longing.

“Manik, it’s time to get serious,” he chastised himself silently.

“Nandini’s pain is a mirror to your actions—your karma. She’s right to feel this way. How much suffering have I caused her? How much more can she endure? She’s the only one who’s borne it all—no one else could. I’ve exploited her, used her innocence, even wielded her Granny’s memory like a weapon against her. And why? Because she trembles at the thought of Dadisahab—Rajmata. I’m a wretched soul. Yet she, in her purity, insists I might still be good. How can she see that in me? She’s so innocent, and I… I’m a mess. Manik, if you keep this up, she’ll leave you for good. Then what? You can’t survive without her. But what about my own desires, my feelings? How do I silence them? How do I rein myself in? I see others in class—boys and girls—chasing their urges, fulfilling their wants. I crave that too. If they can, why can’t I? I’m human, not some alien. I’m eighteen now—it’s natural to feel this way. But it’s only Nandini I want. No other girl has ever caught my eye. I know she’s too young for this, too fragile. So what do I do? Wait until she’s eighteen? And until then, what becomes of us—of me?” His inner voice roared in frustration, a tangled dance of yearning and restraint.

■♤■♡■♤■

The Next Day – At School

Manik roamed the school corridors, his eyes searching for a glimpse of Nandini. He reached the door of Class 5th B, peering inside. The room lay empty, desks abandoned in silence.

“Must be their sports period,” he mused to himself, turning to leave. But then, a figure caught his eye—Nandini, her head resting on the desk, lost in a quiet slumber. Confusion flickered across his face.

He stepped closer, his footsteps soft against the tiled floor, and gently placed a hand on her head. “Nandini,” he whispered, his voice tender as a breeze.

She stirred after a moment, blinking awake. Rubbing her eyes, she looked up, startled. “Yuvaraj? You?”

“Why are you sleeping here? Where are your classmates?” Manik asked, concern threading his words.

Nandini’s gaze dropped, her fingers fidgeting nervously.

“Nandini, I asked you something. Are you alright?” His tone softened, laced with care.

“Yuvaraj, it’s sports period now. Everyone’s on the ground,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“And you? Why are you here alone?” he pressed, his eyes fixed on her.

She glanced around, avoiding his stare. “Nandini,” he said again, firmer this time.

“W-Well… I just… I felt bored, that’s all,” she stammered, her words faltering.

“Really?” Manik raised an eyebrow. “Sports period is your favorite, isn’t it?”

She tried to brush him off, but he wasn’t one to be easily swayed. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she insisted weakly.

“I don’t believe you. You can’t lie to me—I know you too well,” he countered, his voice steady.

“No, really, I’m not lying,” she protested, but her pale face betrayed her.

“You’re not well today. Your face—it’s drained. Tell me what’s wrong. Are you sick? Is something bothering you?” His worry deepened, his eyes searching hers.

“I’m fine, Yuvaraj,” she repeated, but the words rang hollow.

Manik wasn’t convinced. “Nandini, why do you always push me away?” His tone sharpened with frustration.

“Yuvaraj…” she began, her voice small.

“Just say it clearly if you don’t want me near you,” he snapped, anger flaring.

She looked down, silent. With a huff, Manik stormed off, leaving her staring after him, a quiet ache in her chest.

■♤■♡■♤■

Shish Mahal – Later That Day

Manik returned from school, his mood as stormy as the clouds gathering outside. He flung his bag onto the sofa, sank onto his bed, and propped his head against the headboard, scrolling aimlessly on his phone. Nandini entered, carrying a tray of snacks. She glanced at him, but he remained engrossed in his screen.

Setting the tray on the side table, she noticed his bag sprawled on the floor—a habit of his she’d grown accustomed to fixing. Silently, she picked it up, placing it neatly where it belonged, then began tidying his chaotic room. Manik watched her from the corner of his eye, though he pretended not to care.

As she turned to leave, she paused, seeing the untouched snacks. “Yuvaraj, please freshen up and eat something,” she said softly.

He glanced at her, his expression cold. “I’m not hungry.” His attention returned to his phone.

“But you didn’t eat anything at the canteen today. You must be hungry,” she urged, her voice gentle.

“Go. Just get out,” he snapped, his patience fraying.

Nandini’s head dipped, and she started to leave. But then—

“Nandini, wait,” he called, his tone shifting.

She turned, her eyes meeting his.

“From today, you don’t need to do my work anymore. Dadisahab made you my servant as punishment, but now you’re free,” he said brusquely, the words cutting like a blade.

Nandini froze, shock rippling through her. “Out,” he added, his voice final.

“But why?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Why? What do you mean why? You’re free now—your punishment’s over. For four years, you’ve served me because of Dadisahab’s orders. Now it’s done. You should be happy,” he retorted, his tone laced with bitterness.

She stared at him, her mind reeling.

“What are you waiting for? Go. Do whatever you want. I won’t stop you, punish you, or get angry anymore. No one will trouble you now,” he continued, his words a strange mix of liberation and dismissal.

“Yuvaraj, did I do something wrong? Please tell me. But don’t tell Rajmata—I’ll do whatever you say. She’ll be furious with me,” she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. Her fear of Rajmata loomed large, a shadow over her every move.

Manik’s expression softened for a fleeting moment. “Nandini, you’re still worried about what she’ll think, but not about me, right?”

She blinked, confused by his words, her thoughts spiraling. All she could think of was how she’d disappointed him—and how Rajmata’s wrath would fall on her, making her Amms suffer too.

“Sorry, Yuvaraj. If I made a mistake, please—” she began, but he cut her off.

“No, Nandini. The mistake is mine. You’re too innocent, and I’ve been a monster to you, haven’t I? You should celebrate this freedom. If she says anything, I’ll handle her. But don’t test me now—just go. And don’t come back.” His voice cracked with frustration and something deeper—regret, perhaps.

Nandini left, her footsteps heavy with unspoken words.

“Nandini, you’ll drive me mad one day,” Manik thought bitterly. “If you don’t care for me, why should I care for you?”

■♤■♡■♤■

The Next Day

“Nandini, jaldi kar!” Amms called, her voice bustling with morning urgency.

Nandini fumbled with her school bag, her movements sluggish.

“Why are you so slow today? You still have to go to Yuvaraj, and I’ve got a mountain of work at the palace. Hurry up, or he’ll get angry again—and I hate seeing that,” Amms chided.

“Amms, Yuvaraj said I don’t need to do his work anymore. He said my punishment is over,” Nandini replied quietly.

“What? He really said that?” Amms’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Nandini nodded, a small, cute bob of her head. Amms pulled her into a warm embrace.

“I’m so happy today! But why this sudden change?” Amms wondered aloud.

“I don’t know. He just said it,” Nandini murmured.

“No matter. My little girl is free now! You won’t have to face Yuvaraj’s temper anymore. He troubled you so much, but now everything’s alright,” Amms said, hugging her again.

They parted, but Amms noticed the shadow in Nandini’s eyes. “Nandu, why aren’t you smiling? You don’t look happy. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Nandini whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Then why the long face? You always said you didn’t like him or his tasks. So what’s changed?” Amms asked, puzzled.

“I don’t know, Amms. I should be happy he set me free, but… when he said I’m not his servant anymore, that I don’t need to do his work, it didn’t feel good. I asked if I’d done something wrong, and he said the mistake was his, not mine. I never understand him—he speaks in riddles. If I ask what he means, he gets angry. Sometimes he’s so kind, and then, in a flash, he’s a monster. He’s so strange,” Nandini confessed, her innocence shining through her words.

Amms listened, stunned. “N-Nandini, what are you saying?”

“What?” Nandini tilted her head, confused.

“All this about Yuvaraj—you’ve never spoken of him like this before,” Amms said, still processing.

“Exactly! I don’t know why I said it. You know, Amms, Yuvaraj can’t do anything without me. If something’s out of place, he loses his mind. Now that I won’t be there, how will he manage? Packing his bag, cleaning his cupboard, serving his meals—his room’s always a mess, and I’m the one who fixes it. I know every little thing about him—where he keeps what, everything. What will he do without me?” Nandini’s voice was soft, her concern genuine.

Amms stared, speechless, then gathered herself. “That’s because you’re so good, Nandu. Your heart is pure, innocent. You think everyone’s like you—that’s why you can’t imagine anything bad about anyone. That’s why you said all this,” she said lovingly.

Nandini smiled faintly.

“My sweet Nandu, stay this way forever. No matter what happens, keep your heart clean. Never let anyone change that innocence. In this crowded world, don’t lose yourself,” Amms said, kissing her forehead.

“But Amms, what will he do now?” Nandini asked, her brow furrowing.

“Oh, Nandu, they’re big people—royalty. They’ll never run out of servants. If one leaves, twenty more will take their place. Don’t worry. He’ll forget you soon enough. Focus on your studies,” Amms reassured her.

*“Will he really forget me?”* Nandini wondered silently.

“Stop overthinking. We’re getting late,” Amms said, and they left.

“Mark my words, this story will be rewritten,” a voice murmured from the shadows, a faint smile curling its lips. Amms heard it but paid it no mind as they walked away.

■♤■♡■♤■

One Week Later

Manik felt the void keenly—Nandini had become his rhythm, his constant. From dawn to dusk, she’d been there, managing his world. Now, her absence left him adrift.

“What the hell? Where are my guitar strings?” he growled, rummaging through his room in frustration. The chaos he’d once thrived in now mocked him.

“Ramsingh!” he bellowed.

“Yes, Yuvaraj?” The servant appeared, trembling.

“Did you clean my room?” Manik demanded, his voice sharp.

“Y-Yes, Yuvaraj,” Ramsingh stammered.

“Then where are my guitar strings?” he snapped.

“I-I don’t know,” the servant replied, shrinking under Manik’s glare.

“I’ve told you a hundred times—keep my things where they belong!” Manik roared.

“I cleaned, but I don’t know where they are,” Ramsingh pleaded.

“Then who does?” Manik’s temper flared.

“Maybe… N-Nandini? She used to handle everything. This is my first time cleaning your room,” the servant ventured.

At her name, Manik’s anger softened, replaced by a quiet ache. “There’s no need for you to do my work. Get out,” he said, his voice low.

Nandini, passing by, overheard his outburst. She lingered near his door, catching his frustrated mutter: “Nandini, what have you done to me? I can’t function without you. You’ve become my habit.”

Her heart stirred as she watched him, unseen.

■♤■♡■♤■

That Night

Manik returned to his room, stopping short at the sight before him. The morning’s mess had vanished—everything was pristine, exactly as he liked it. His missing guitar strings sat neatly on the table. A slow smile crept across his face.

“Who did this?” he wondered aloud, then chuckled. “Of course, Nandini. Who else could it be?”

“Nandini, I love you so much. You still care,” he whispered, picking up his guitar and attaching the strings. “You always know how to strike the right chords in my heart.”

■♤■♡■♤■

Days Later

Manik watched her from afar, a silent shadow trailing her every move. “I miss you, Nandini,” he thought, torn between longing and resolve. “Manik, stop this. No more confusion. You have to stay away from her.”

■♤■♡■♤■

At School – The Grounds

Nandini laughed with her friends on the field, her joy a melody Manik couldn’t resist. He watched, captivated, until her eyes met his. For a moment, they held each other’s gaze. Then Amms’s words echoed in her mind: “He’ll forget you soon enough.” She turned away, breaking the spell.

Manik’s chest tightened—hurt and anger warring within him.

Suddenly, “Aaa!” Nandini’s cry pierced the air. Manik’s head snapped toward her.

“Nandini, what happened?” her friends asked, crowding around.

She shook her head and hurried off, tears brimming. Manik followed, his worry outweighing his pride.

“Wait, Nandini!” he called. She stopped, her back to him.

“What happened? Why did you scream? Are you okay?” His voice trembled with concern.

She shook her head, silent.

“Answer me, damn it! I’ve seen you like this all week—screaming, hurting. Tell me what’s wrong. I know you’re not okay. What is it?” His hands gripped her shoulders, nails digging in unintentionally as his frustration spilled over.

Nandini squirmed, trying to break free. “Yuvaraj, you said I’m free now. My punishment’s over. I’m not your servant anymore—so why should I tell you? Let me go!” Her voice cracked, defiant yet pained.

“Nandini, enough! Don’t test me. What are you hiding? Tell me the truth!” he growled, his grip tightening.

“I’m not hiding anything! I’m happy you freed me—thank you. Now let me go!” she shot back, her words a shield.

Manik released her, and she fled, leaving him standing there, his heart a battlefield of regret and unresolved longing.

■♤■♡■♤■

Vote, Comment, Follow & Keep motivates me!!!

🍁Thank You🍁

◇---●■¤■¤■●---◇