Chapter 15

Nandini lied down on her bed but her sleep had gone for a vacation. She tossed around her bed trying to understand the events of the day. On the other hand, Manik was facing the same situation. He could not sleep and tried deciphering everything that was going on.

Manik was could not accept that someone can be so broken. He thought to himself 'What a broken soul this girl is. She has suffered so much and still stands up and walks ahead. Where does she get the strength from? She needs love in her life. How can someone hurt such a sweet girl? Is it true that Good people always have to suffer? I am glad she shared this with me but what can I do for her? Isn't she just my employee? But what happened today felt like we have some connection. Are we friends? Can I be her friend? I don't know man!'
Manik struggled with his thoughts trying to figure out what is it between him and Nandini.

Meanwhile, Nandini was stuck in her head too. 'Why couldn't I control myself? This feels weird. I share my darkest secrets with a stranger? He is just my boss. I don't even like him. It was still easier to talk to him than anyone who has been close to me.  There's some different kind of peace. Can we be friends? No, what even am I thinking. One more friend, one more loss. It's going to be unbearable. Shut up Nandini. Get hold of yourself. Please God, don't send anyone in my life just to take that away. I am done with this'
Nandini struggles with her thoughts and cried herself to sleep.

The next morning as soon as Manik woke up, the first thought he had was 'I hope Nandini is doing okay now.' He rushed to her room to check up on her but to his dismay, she wasn't there. He called her name out, but no response. He went downstairs and kept calling her name but there was no trace of Nandini.
Everyone else came down too hearing Manik's voice. They kept asking what is wrong but he didn't listen. He went around the house to look for her. Suddenly, cabir stopped Manik and read a message
'Hey, Cabir. I am sorry I have to leave, I have some important work at home and I don't want any more mess in my life. I'll report to the office when you are back. Thank you'.

Manik was relieving after hearing the message but at the same time, he was angry at Nandini for not informing and vanishing just like that. He decided to keep his feelings at bay and diverted the topic.
Okay guys, now that Miss Drama Queen is gone. I have some good news and some bad news, Manik announced.

And everyone stared at him to speak further.
Okay, so D3 music company called me up and they told meee that they would like to keep a Concert as the launch party for our new Album.

Before Manik could complete, Cabir interrupted and said 'But Manik, we are already having a concert after the launch so why before it. I don't see it making sense'

Let me finish Cabir. They want to launch the album and it will be followed by a concert on the same day but that is going to be next week.

What the fuck? I thought we have a month, Manik, Mukti shouted

Common Mukti, chill. It is us, we can pull it off. Don't panic. Also, it's our last day here we have some important work at the office. So let's kill it today, Manik explained.

Everyone was pumped and they headed straight to practice. They finished up 2 songs and they were really great. Manik wanted to go Mumbai asap, so they drove back in the evening. They reached Mumbai and called it a day.

Writer's Pov

Sometimes life shows you the worst possible things, that you never imagine can happen to you.  But they happen and it scars you for life. The fear exists even in your dreams. It's going to give you happiness, but there are times when all you can see is sadness around. They say it's a roller coaster and it's true. You always have to believe that there is going to be some ray of hope out there. Something angelic, something amazing that the universe is going to send your away. Life will be better.
It is the same happening with Nandini, she carries a broken heart, but life is playing its cards. It is going to change its course and maybe Manik can be her hope? You never know right?
She fears to accept what is coming her way. But maybe she will, only time will tell.

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Thank you for such a great response to the story. I decided to include a little narrator's point of view again. I'd love to know if you like that. Are you excited to see what is going to happen next?
Keep reading, commenting, voting, and sharing.
Lots of love to everyone who takes out time to reach out, it means a lot.