The last rays of sun on the western horizon is also disappeared. Heavens have begun to spread darkness all around. Taking a sharp breath Nandini put an end to her two hour waiting. Bestowing a last glance at the entrance of Malhotra Mansion, She returned to their room.

"Is he deliberately late?" She murmured herself.

Staring at her own reflection in mirror, Nandini sat down on the well designed wooden chair.She harshly pull off the bangles leaving a dark red mark on her well toned skin. Changing in to a simple light yellow saree,she walked towards the garden to get fresh air.

Gazing at her favorite white lillies, Nandini slipped in to the memories of last few month's incidents.

Its been five months to their marriage, her and Manik's marriage. He never spoke to her nicely. Its far to talk, he didn't even look at her properly.

Their parents arranged the alliance. Nandini instantly said yes as she was in love with him. Hell... Yes!!! She fell in love with him since the day Mukti, her Sister-in-law cum best friend showed a picture of Manik which took three years ago, during their family trip. Nandini was clean bowled by a mere picture of Manik. His smile simply took away her sanity. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted a mole just above his upper lip. And Mukti, however did not help but to tease the hell out of her when she found out her best friend's feelings towards her brother. Day by day her love increased as much as Mukti's teases.

That was Nandini's side story. But Manik's??

Well, he was never fond of their Marriage. He married his sister's best friend at the insistence of his family. How would he be interested? After all he got betrayal only ,from his first relationship.

Nandini was in deep thoughts when Mukti offered a cup of her favorite filter coffee. She didn't know when Mukti took a seat beside her.

"Bhai abhi tak nahi aaya?" Mukti asked.

Nandini took a sip from her cup. "Koyi emergency aaya hoga" She said without looking at Mukti. Mukti stared at Nandini few seconds and moves a little close to her.

"What made you this much innocent? Mein jaanti hu bhai ne aaj tak tumhe ache tara dekha bhi nahi. Phir bhi? Kya ho tum Nandini? kis mitti se bani ho ?

taking a pause, Mukti continued

"I have told you before the marriage also, about my brother's behaviour and the things  that may happen after marriage. But you said you will change him with your love. I'm not accusing you yaar, but I can't see you like this, I can't see my best friend all gloomy and shattered. "

Nandini tucked a bunch of hairs behind her ear which blocked her view.

"Me, mom, dad we all are praying and waiting for that day when bhai will accept you whole heartedly. Kab tak? Aakhir kab tak chalega ye sab? Its enough ! You have to think about yourself now." Mukti said calmly.

Nandini licked her lips nervously. She was at the verge of crying.

"When you rejoiced to say that he told you go home together, we had hope. But now, Tumhne galath nahi suna, hai na?" Mukti asked.

Nandini lowered her head to hide her tears.

"Nahi Mukti Main sach keh rahi hu, Manik ne kaha tha tayyar rehne ko aur vo mujhe leke maa baba ko milne jaavunga. Aur tumhe pata hai ,he smiled at me, for the first time , Pehli baar Manik ne mujhe ek Muskurahat di hai." She said staring at nothing and smiled amidst her tears. Mukti helplessly looked at her best friend who is hopelessly and madly in love with her brother.

After two minutes silence they took their last sip from their cup and went inside the house.

Nyonika and Srikant Malhotra along with Mukti tried their best to cheer up their daughter-in-law in every possible way. As seeing their efforts, Nandini smiled a little. But when the clock ticked at 8'o clock Nandini excused herself and stood up for dinner preparation. At the same time they heard a car's horn indicating Manik's arrival. Nandini quickly went to bring Tea, As it is his habbit.

"Where were you Manik? You said you will come early today, then what happened? When you can't keep your words then why even make it? Vo bichaari shaam se tumhara wait kar rahi thi " Nyonika started her scolding section as soon as Manik made his entry. But he didn't listen a word which spoken by his Mom. He straight away climbed the stairs skipping first two steps.

"Bhai ,you could have..." Mukti's words hurdled when Nandini immediately squeezes her palm lightly.

Mukti looked at Nandini who was stopping through her eyes.Nodding a little Mukti made her way to her room..

"Nandini beta, jaao Manik ko Tea dedo" Srikant said patting her head affectionately.

"Ji Papa" Nandini said softly and followed Manik who had reached their room long ago.

When Nandini reached outside of their room, she took a deep breath before pushing the door.At the same time Manik came out from washroom closing the door behind. Drying his wet hair with fresh towel Manik noticed Nandini standing near the door holding a cup.

Tightening her hold on the cup Nandini stared into his eyes.He too did the same. 2 Minutes passed. None of them gave up. He finds peace in her eyes.While she saw something different today. Its not that everyday they share lovey-dovey eyelocks, but she can read his eyes. Today she couldn't analyze anything. Definently there is something.., something very deep.What is it?  Fear...? Helplessness...? One thing she is damn sure that there is a fire in his eyes instead of coldness. Whenever he look at her he found coldness only. Putting a full stop to her thoughts Nandini lowered her eyelashes.

"Tea" Nandini forwarded the cup of tea once she reached in front of him.Without looking at her Manik bought it.

While drinking his usual elaichi tea Manik saw that his clothes were neatly placed on the bed.He didn't noticed it before. He glanced at Nandini who sighed disappointingly looking at clothes.

Manik closed his eyes with guilt " I had said something to her today. After all these days, I began to love her as much as she wanted to… but the fear of not being able to keep her close to me haunts. I'm sorry Nandini... I'm really sorry " thought Manik while looking at her painful face.

"Manik, Aaj aap late kyu aaya?" Asked Nandini lowly hopping an answer in return. Much to her disappointment Manik said nothing. He pretended as he didn't heard. He didn't know what to answer. Suddenly the phone rang. The name which displayed on the screen was enough to burn the remaining peace.

He angrily disconnected the call. huffing, he sat down on couch that was present in their room.

"Manik, main ne bahut der tak aapka wait kiya," Nandini said.

"Manik, aap teek ho? Pareshan lag rahe hai?" Not getting any reply Nandini tried once again.

Hearing the voice of Nandini, he became angry and threw the cup on floor. The cup shattered in to pieces.

"Get Out " yelled Manik.

Nandini looked at him with a shudder.Her eyes widened seeing his rage. He was shivering in anger .

"I said get out , suna nahi tumhne? Dafa hojao yaha se!" Again screamed manik.

She was on the verge of crying and ran out of the room…

His mind was burning… he too was burning in it. His phone rang again. seeing the name which was on display , his whole  body  shivered. 

                              "Prerna"

                                    ~~~
                               28/01/2020

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