Hello Fam :)

Please forgive me for the chapter name. I couldn't come up with a better one. :P

NOTE - Make sure you haven't missed the chapter numbers. I have posted Chapters 34,35,36 today. If it's not visible, please inform me.

Happy Reading... 

"Manik, no", protested Nandini. It was Tuesday and Nandini was working since the morning. Manik was with her too but she didn't know how he had the energy to attend the classes. He was sneaking back in and out of the classrooms, managing both the academics and his head duties perfectly. Personally, she couldn't wait for the weekend. At least, the next week would be fun even if a bit hectic.

She was at the canteen after the head boy had abandoned her to attend the last class of the day. Her friends were already in class. Getting herself a coffee, she scanned the area and found Navya sitting alone in a corner with her laptop in front of her. Nandini frowned and made her way to the girl.

"I don't think we met properly yesterday", she said as a greeting. She didn't know if she was welcome but then the girl smiled at her pushing a chair towards Nandini. "What are you doing here alone?"

"I was getting bored at the hotel so Cabir asked me to come to college. I even attended a few classes", she told.

"I am sorry I didn't ask yesterday but are you comfortable here? Is your accommodation sorted? If not I can get you into the college one week earlier", she told. It was irresponsible of her to not ask her before and as a head girl, she felt very guilty. She realized it after going home but when she called Cabir, he assured her she was living in a safe and comfortable area.

"I am fine, Nandini. I can shift back when my friends arrive here", said Navya.

"That makes me a stupid head girl."

"Cabir said you were drowned with work. It isn't your fault and I am early on a personal visit. I don't really think it's your fault", she said.

She was sweet. Nandini understood why she got along so well with Manik. Once they went past their initial awkwardness, the conversations flowed. They exchanged stories about their respective places and classes. They only realized it was the end of college time when Manik came back with a plate of sandwiches.

"They are out of cheeseburgers", he told Nandini.

"It's fine, Manik."

Manik pushed a plate towards Navya. "Why haven't you ordered something?"

"I was waiting for Cabir", she told.

"Doesn't mean you have to starve yourself."

Navya chuckled. "I am not hungry, bhai", she said but then took a sandwich when Manik gave her a look.

Nandini looked at the whole conversation amused. The boy was sweet, polite, and caring and it's natural to him. She was interrupted from her thoughts when Manik called her. "Yeah?"

Instead of answering her, he gave her a chocolate. When Nandini raised an eyebrow in question, he shrugged. "You were tired", he told as if that were the answer.

If she didn't know better, she would have guessed that he had a chocolate factory under his name somewhere. She took it out of his hand because it made her happy and looking at the way Manik's face light up, he was happy too. They were joined by Cabir who grabbed a sandwich from his girlfriend and rested his head on her shoulder. The girl didn't even twitch as if it were some regular occurrence.

Nandini wondered how long were they in a relationship because looking at Manik it didn't feel like Nyonika Malhotra really approved of having her sons dating. But then he was Cabir and he would exactly do that one thing which everyone would tell him not to so, Nandini wasn't too surprised.

She let her leg kick Cabir's lightly and made an innocent face. "Sorry", she muttered making it look like an accident but then she unwrapped the chocolate and bit a piece and counted until the chocolate melted in her mouth.

Cabir glanced between the piece of chocolate and his brother. "Bhai, what the hell? Is that my vacation stash?", he asked Manik.

"No, kid, I..."

"Bhai, why am I not getting chocolate and she gets one", he asked pouting.

Nandini didn't know the reason but since the time his girlfriend has arrived Cabir was going overboard with his PDA. Not that she minded, it wasn't her business to care about it but every time he said something cheesy to her, his eyes somehow found Nandini as if he had some secret mission cooking inside his stupid brain. As he kept on his drama without giving Manik a chance, Nandini felt somewhat satisfied. Vengeance was sweet especially when it's least expected.

Finally, Navya kicked Cabir under the table and gave Manik a chance to speak. Manik pulled out another chocolate from his pocket and handed it over to his brother.

"You did that on purpose", told Manik once Cabir shifted his attention back to Navya.

She felt bad for not thinking about the drama he had to undergo. "He was teasing me since yesterday", she muttered. Manik shook his head and chuckled softly making her feel much better.

XXX

When they were done with their college, Cabir left to drop Navya at her hotel after Nandini assured him to drop Manik safely at their home. They had to check up on the apartment.

Nandini was driving because Manik was still rubbish at directions. Who knew the guy who could store tons of knowledge inside his brain would have difficulties in memorizing street lanes and roads without a GPS handy? He was sitting beside her in the passenger seat, flipping the papers related to their events. He was leaving some notes, marking a few lines with his pencil and she didn't bother to question him.

There was something relaxing at having him beside her. It assured her that he was safe away from the world's harm. She caught a few hushed conversations between her parents recently which stopped abruptly when she entered the room. Nandini knew they were planning something. She also knew they would finally come to her with their stupid plan with the hope that she would approve it. It never bothered her before and when they finally gathered enough arguments, however illogical they might be, she would reject them.

It was different now. They have dragged Manik and if there was one person she desperately wanted to keep safe, it was him because he didn't deserve it. He was supposed to be surrounded by beautiful sunrises and peaceful sunsets. Maybe a few breezy showers of rain and mesmerizing rainbows. He wasn't supposed to be between a crazy business couple and evil plans and illegal money.

"You are stressing yourself", Manik said, interrupting her thoughts.

"What?"

"There is a sudden increase in your speed", he asked.

"I might be in a mood to race", she asked cautiously.

He shook his head. "Not advisable", he told and looked out of the window before turning to Nandini. "There is a speed limit and you have gone rigid. That's not your usual stance of racing."

Nandini blinked a few times and nodded before bringing the speed down. "How do you know my usual stance of racing?", she teased. Of course, she knew. It was Cabir. If there was one thing which was common between Cabir and her, it was using their car racings as a stressbuster. But as he struggled for his words, Nandini let out a laugh, draining the last stale thought about her parents.

When they reached the apartment, Manik held her hand to stop her. "Are you okay?", he asked, scared, and hesitant.

They were friends but there were times when Manik was still hesitant and unsure if he could ask a question or not. A few months back, if someone had told her that she would let anyone close to her other than Mukti or Abhimanyu, she would have punched them. She would have even punched Manik back then for the question he had asked now but she was used to Manik's concern. He can't help himself but make sure everyone was okay around him. Be it to ask whether Abhimanyu had his notes or to ask if Mukti needed an extra coffee or like now when he pulled back Nandini out of her thoughts because he felt she was stressing herself. It was one of the many reasons why she wanted to keep him safe if only to have someone care about her without expecting anything in return.

"Manik, I am fine", she told. She smiled and hoped it would convince him. She wasn't fine, not until she figured out what her parents were planning, not until she could see to herself that he would be safe.

He either believed her or accepted that he wouldn't get any other answer from her but there was still a doubt lingering and Nandini pulled him by his hand inside the apartment building. They had talked to the gatekeeper and after talking, he let them in and gave a tour of the first floor. The rest of the floors were just a replica. Nandini would be getting the final number of students by the next day and even if everyone who had signed up would turn up, the building would be more than sufficient. It was equipped which had a huge advantage. One thing less to worry about. She had talked to a catering company and food would be sorted. Once she had assured herself that the students would be comfortable, she asked Manik about his opinion. He was fine with it. She didn't expect anything else. For all the hype about the Malhotras and their wealth, he was easily content with minimum comforts if he had his internet and a good book.

On their way back, Nandini forced him to try some vada pavs. She thought he would be an alien to not eat the vada pavs but when he actually confessed he never had any, she wasn't surprised. When Nandini offered him one, he frowned and she glared him into accepting it.

"It's good. Just a bit spicy", he muttered.

"I will take care of that next time", she promised.

"Next time?"

Nandini grinned at him smugly. They didn't talk after that but the silence was forcing the thoughts of her parents again inside her brain. This time though, she kept a check on her speed. By the time they reached the Malhotra house, Manik was almost dead on his feet but he managed a smile while wishing her goodnight. She had turned back and was a few meters away from his house when she noticed Manik's mobile on the seat.

She was brought back to the day when she had to face Nyonika Malhotra at Malhotra Mansion. She was done with dealing with parents for the day. Nandini closed her eyes for sometime weighing her options. It's not like Manik to badly miss his mobile if she would give him the next day. Knowing the boy, he would probably not notice it even but she wasn't too eager to go to her house. Which left her with options to wait at the corner of the street planning to keep Manik safe. She took another glance at his mobile. She might not have a solid plan until she knew what her parents' plan was but she definitely can have a solid back up.

Nandini mentally apologized Manik before swiping at the mobile. He never keeps a password to his mobile. She copied the contact of Nyonika Malhotra, her personal number, and saved it into her device. If things went south, she could always talk to her. If there is one person who would go against her father to keep Manik safe, it would be Nyonika Malhotra. After all, she did keep him safe all these years.

Feeling somewhat satisfied, she called Cabir and asked him to meet outside his house to tone down some of the guilt at sneaking into Manik's mobile without his permission. She turned once again towards Malhotra house. Cabir was gossiping with the gatekeeper in front of his house when she reached the place. He waved a hand at her when he noticed and Nandini handed him Manik's mobile.

"He forgot it in the car", she told.

"You could have asked me to call him", he pointed out.

"Stop looking through a lens at every action of mine. I don't know what's cooking inside that stupid brain of yours. I have seen all the looks you have been giving me sitting beside your girlfriend. I would really get a licensed gun and shoot you in the head if you do that again", she informed.

"Wow, Manik really was right when he told you were stressed", he muttered.

Nandini didn't know what to say. She sagged back against the car. Why did Manik have to tell him out of all people? Was he overthinking about her? Worried about her? Why would he be even worried about her?

"Nandini", called Cabir softly, "you zoned out. I am sorry. I was just messing with you. Can I help you in any way?"

Nandini shook her head. "I don't know what I am stressed about", she confessed. "Give me some time to figure it out." Keep Manik safe, she wanted to say but she knew he was the safest with his family and she didn't need to particularly mention it to Cabir out of all people about Manik. He would do anyway. She took a breath before leaving for her house.  

What do you think about the protective side of Nandini? 

I am skipping the event where the head students work tiring themselves. We are directly going to the bonfire night. Something interesting going on there. Stay Tuned. :P

Next three chapters later during the night or tomorrow.