Please pardon me few more days for "Beast and the wild cat". Still having problems in typing . Till then you can continue with "Strings Attached" and "You are all I need", as one is already completed and for other I have a backup. I hope you all understand.

************* 

NEXT DAY...

Nandini was taken care very well by other doctors and nurses. She didn't allowed Manik and Cabir to come to hospital in morning and asked them meet her in the evening though she wanted to be with him.

Mukti in her free time , gave company to her and also spend some time with Abhi.

IN EVENING.....

Manik came to the hospital after his office. He entered Nandini's ward and found her struggling with her hair as her attending nurse had to leave due to some emergency.

She was trying hard to tie up her messy hair but the wound and burn on her hand was making it hard for her. Every time she would raise her hand to reach her hair, a wincing pain would stop her from doing so.

Her eyes were closed due to the pain and frustration caused for not being able to fix her hair when she felt a pair of hands on her head , adjusting her messy hair.

It did not take her much time to realize who it is and she smiled at her silently thanking her stars for giving a guardian angel to her who is ready to take away all her pains even before it reaches her.

Manik carefully combed at her to tie them in a loose pony and came in front not before planting a kiss on her hair.

"Why are you doing all this? Why so much pain for me ? Why do you care so much ?" She asked as soon as he sat in front of her not been able to control the battle of thoughts that were going on in her mind regarding his feelings for hers.

"You don't know why I am doing all this?" He replied softly looking straight in her eyes and tugging a flick behind her ear.

“I know, but I don't know if it's true or not. I want to hear it from you.” she too replied in the same soft tone looking straight in his eyes.

He took his time to find a suitable answer that should calm her arousing questions and then spoke up , “First you recover soon. Once you all fine, I'll tell you everything.”

She somewhat found an honesty in his answer as she just smiled and nodded in her answer to say okay.

They talked for sometime and after making her eat her medicine and food , Manik made her sleep just the way she liked by keeping her head in his lap.

Few days more passed in the same manner. Manik , Cabir , Mukti and Abhi were time to time taking care of Nandini but mostly it would have been Manik beside her which was an unsaid wish of both to stay together.

It was one week since the accident happened. This one week brought Manik and Nandini more close to each other but in an entirely different equation. Both did not said anything to each other and neither forced the other to say anything.  Their bond was getting stronger day by day.

Abhi and Mukti too became friends amidst this recovery time of Nandini . Duo often used to talk randomly and enjoyed being in each other's company.

PAST ONE WEEK , NANDINI'S DISCHARGE DAY .

"Manik , where's Cabir ?" She asked him as since morning he was missing despite knowing that she was getting discharged today and was also not answering her calls.

"I don't know. He's not even answering my calls." Manik replied shrugging his shoulders.

She found it weird and continued calling him while Manik packed her medicines and other stuff.

After few minutes the door opened and both turned towards it to find Cabir standing there.

"Where were you ?" Both said in unison

"Relax guys. Chill. Woh I just went to pick up a courier ." Cabir replied in his all time famous attitude .

"Courier ?" Manik asked in confusion.

He smiled looking at strange expressions on their faces and opened the ward room door.

Both smiled to their fullest looking towards the door and Nandini shouted in happiness.

"Navyaaa !!! " Navya came forward and hugged her lightly not to stress her wounds.

"Wow, superb surprise. I am so happy." Nandini exclaimed in happiness after breaking the hug.

"That's why I came early. To cheer you up." Navya replied smiling at her fullest and further continued , "How are you now ?"

"Perfect" Nandini to replied smiling.

"Okay guys. Let's get going. Baaki baatein ghar par." Manik said and Navya came towards him. They greeted each other and Manik took her in a side hug.

Soon they all left for Nandini's home.

.....

NANDINI'S HOME....

Nandini entered her home and was stunned to see it. Whole place was decorated with balloons , ribbons and lights with a small banner saying , WELCOME HOME.

Nandini was mesmerized seeing the arrangements. Abhi and Mukti were already at home , who welcomed Nandini with the other three.

Mukti and Navya helped Nandini to sit on the couch and all started to enjoy the welcome back party.

All were happy and celebrating when they heard a voice.

"PARTY WITHOUT ME?" and all turned to find the owner of the voice.
Their faces instantly glowed up seeing the person standing there.

"Rishu!" shouted Nandini in surprise followed by Abhi and Navya.

RISHAB MOORTHY .... little brother of Nandini and Abhimanyu. Their young little brat but the apple of eyes for both.
Rishab ran towards Nandini only to be stopped by Abhi in between.

"Easy champ.. Easy..!" He said and hugged his little brother to which he responded equally but soon Rishab's forehead cringed seeing Nandini covered with few bandages.

"Dida , what happened ?" He almost shouted and kneeled in front of her.
All smiled seeing the caring bro-sis duo.

Nandini smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Kuch nahi... just an accident, but I am all fine." She replied smiling to him and he hugged her carefully not letting the wound hurt.

 ......

All started to celebrate again. Their fun was on full swing. Rishab also got involved amongst the elders and the boys group took care that he shouldn’t feel left out.

After an hour, Nandini started to feel uncomfortable as her burn near her waist started pricking her and she felt uneasy which did not get unnoticed by Manik.

“Guys, I think Nandini should rest now. It’s been long she is sitting. Right Abhi?” Manik said loud and turned towards Abhi.

“Yes, Manik is right. Nanhi I think you should rest now.” Abhi agreed to him and moved forward to help her when his phone started ringing.

“Ahh.. Abhi it’s ok. You continue. I’ll take her.” Manik said and Abhi left for balcony with passing a smile at Manik to attend the call.

Manik moved near the couch and before she could register anything , he picked up her in his arms and she looked at him with wide eyes. 

“What? Why you staring?” he asked her raising his eyebrows.

“If I can carry you down like this from 2 floors, then this is just till your room. So, chill.” He winked at her and exclaimed softly in her ears, adjusting her properly in his arms. 

He moved towards her room and carefully made her lie on bed.

“You carried me down from 2 floors?” she asked in amusement while he adjusted the duvet over her. He just smiled at her and sat down on the edge of the bed in front of her and held her hand.

“I could have carried you from 20 floors if it would have been required. What matters to me the most is you and it will always be you.” He said looking straight into her eyes and traced her knuckles with his thumb.

He lowered his gaze and continued, “At that time, all I could see was you, who was not answering me and smiling back at me. I couldn’t have afford to lose you Nandini. I just couldn’t.” he confessed and looked up to see her gaze fixed on their hands.

He lifted her chin with other hand and witnessed her teary eyes. 

“Nandini” he panicked seeing her shedding tears and she quickly got up though felt a stabbing pain in her wounds but neglecting it she circling her hands around his neck.

“Careful it will hurt, what’s wrong with you?” he said in loud tone and kept his hand on the wound over her top. 

But she said nothing and just tightened her grip around his neck. Within seconds he realized she is sobbing.

“Nandini” he called her as he encircled his one arm around her back and with other he caressed her wound. 

“Kya hua?” he asked her softly caressing her hair and she pulled apart with smile.

“Thank you.” She said smiling in tears and he smilingly wiped her tears and replied ; "any thing for you."

He made her lie down again and held her hand as he wanted to ask her something.

"Aacha tell me honestly, will you be able to come out ? Will you be able to manage without effecting your health ?"

"Haan I can , but jana kahan hain ?" She asked in confusion.

"Surprise ! For you. Special one for the special person." He replied looking at her having his famous smile on his face.

She smiled back at him and nodded her head in approval.

Party continued for some time while Nandini slept knowing the fact Manik won't leave her side if she stays awake and she wanted him to enjoy with others.

................

Days passed and Navya took full care of Nandini. Manik asked Abhi regarding taking Nandini out and he agreed to it.
 
Manik arranged everything and decided to take her out on weekend night.

......

One evening....

Nandini was resting in her room while Navya was checking on dinner when Nandini's phone rang. She smiled seeing the caller's name and picked up the call.

"Wassup ?" Manik said in an excited tone as soon as she answered the call.

"Where were you Manik ? You didn't call once in the entire evening and neither you came." She complained as it was now habitual for her talking to him over phone when he was free and he made sure to check on her personally every day to ensure she is fine.

Manik smiled listening to her and started with his teasing.

"Hmmmm.... Some one was missing me it seems." He said dramatically and she blushed hearing this from me.

Not to fall in his trap of tease , she controlled her smile and blush and replied in a stern tone , "don't change the topic , where were you ?"

Knowing her well , he smiled that how control her emotions, she is faking her anger to him.

Keeping his teasing aside , he replied , "I went to do the arrangements for tomorrow. Remember ? Surprise , special surprise , for special one ?" He asked smiling .

She blushed remembering about tomorrow as it was going to be their special day.

"Yes , I remember." She replied in a soft tone , blushing hard and smiling to her fullest.

"Aacha , to tell me , what will you do tomorrow ?" He asked her in naughty tone and she widened her eyes listening to him.

She was getting too shy with his talk and imagining what will happen tomorrow. She couldn't speak anything so decided to end up the call.

"Manik , I am sleepy , good night , bye." And disconnected the call without waiting for his answer .

He chuckled on her behaviour and smiled that tomorrow finally he will confess all his feelings to her.

Drowned in each other thoughts and imagining about their special day both drifted into sleep.

.............

NEXT DAY , EVENING -

Manik reached the venue 1 hour before cross check all the arrangements. He was finally heading towards the moment which he thought would now never come in his life.

Smiling widely, he looked up and said to himself; "thanks Veebha , thanks a lot. If today I am able to witness this happiness, this peace, it's all cause of you. Hadn't you been there to show me the light, I would still remained in that darkness. Thanks Vee… Thanks ..!" With this tears welled up in his eyes but he smiled to his fullest amidst them.

Here Nandini was all excited to meet him, dressed up in his favourite red colour dress and was checking herself out in the mirror for the final time.

Manik arranged a chauffeur for her to get her to the venue.

Before leaving for the venue, she went to Abhi's home for some work.

******

AT 11 IN NIGHT

Nandini was sitting in the balcony blankly gazing the sky when the continuous ringing of the doorbell diverted her attention.

She lazily went to open the door to find Manik there whose eyes were spitting fire and jaws were getting tightened in anger.

He came inside and banged the door to close behind him. The sudden and loud bang, shrieked Nandini and she mentally prepared herself to face the outrage coming towards her.

“Where were you Nandini?” he asked in a loud voice. 

“I was here only, why what’s wrong?” she replied avoiding his eyes.

“What’s wrong? Seriously? You are asking me what’s wrong ?” he roared in anger.

“We were supposed to meet up for the dinner dammit. I was waiting for you. I came here, you were not at home. Called you don’t know how many times , left so many messages, but no sign of you. And you are saying you were here only, and what’s wrong? What’s wrong with you Nandini?”

“I am.. I am sorry Manik. It just skipped out of my mind that we had a dinner program.”

“Skipped out of your mind? Nandini ? Are you kidding me? You forgot this dinner. This was supposed to be our day, our time. You forgot about us?”  

“Manik.. why are you reacting like this? It was just a dinner. And I said I forgot. It skipped out of my mind. Why are you being worked up on it?” 

“Just a dinner? It was just another ordinary dinner for you? Really? What we talked about? What we decided, they don’t matter to you at all.”

“Manik I don’t understand what you are talking about. What we talked about? What we decided? What are you saying?”  
 
 
Manik drove out from Nandini's building in full speed like a maniac, not paying any heed to the passing vehicles.

***********

After 30 minutes of driving, he halted his car at an isolated place and banged his head on the wheel. Trying hard not to shed any tear and that urge to stop them was making him more frustrated.

Minutes passed but he was still in the same position when his cell started ringing. He titled his head to look at the cell phone kept on the dashboard and found it to be Mukti. It kept on ringing but he did not had the courage to talk to anyone at that time.

He knew he will break but he didn't wanted to.
After few calls, he messaged her, "WILL BE LATE. DON'T WAIT FOR ME." and switched off his cell.

He finally stepped out his car and sat down leaning on the car's door. Tears which were curbed by him, finally made their way out.

"I HATE YOU". He murmured in between his tears.

*******