MaNan: Trust?

23

"What's going on?", She asked him as they were sitting at the edge of the cliff after a long drive.

"What?", He asked confused.

"Your behaviour... It's changed. I mean you are almost behaving the way you used to before... I mean before...", She trailed off not having the courage to open up the topic.

He shifted a little closer & took her hand into his. Looking into her eyes he started speaking with a soft smile over his lips.

"You can call it my weakness or strength... But I don't easily give up on people. I hold on to them until I don't see any hope ahead. I certainly know that you love me... But you love your friends too... may be a bit more than me. But in these days I didn't see you blaming me because of Alya. I'm guessing you don't hold me guilty anymore but you are also scared of confronting her. So.... I'm giving us a chance. I'm giving you time, time to sort out your head. Time to come back to me. But you should know this is not at all forceful. Any day if you feel that you... you don't... you don't want me in your life, you can tell me upfront. I will never bother you again. Don't ever feel that I'm binding you into this. You are free to take any decision you want.", His voice shook by the end of his speech.

She held onto his elbow & shifted her head over his shoulder.

"I... I don't know what to say.", She confessed truthfully. How could she let go of this man sitting beside her? How could she break his heart? She felt the guilt creeping inside her stronger than ever before. She held onto him tightly trying to seek his comfort.

"It's okay... take your time. We will do this together.", He told her squeezing her into his arms.

A few tears left her eyes soaking into his shirt. He let her be for some time.

"I think we should leave. Your parents must be waiting for dinner.", He said as it was already past 8.

"Hmm... 5 more minutes please.", She said snuggling closer to him.

********************************

Nandini's Mom opened the door for them with a huge smile. She welcomed Manik inside & offered him a seat.

"I'll get water for you.", She said & left towards the kitchen.

Manik was surprised to see her Dad giving him a warm smile. He was prepared for 'the talk' with her Dad. But it isn't necessary anymore it seems.

"I'll be back after freshening up.", Nandini said getting up from the couch.

"Take Manik with you. Let him freshen up too. In the meantime I'll help Nandita in arranging the dinner table.", Her Dad said surprising them both.

Manik got up awkwardly & left behind Nandini not before giving a nervous smile to her Dad. How can they be so cool after whatever happened that day was all he thought.

"What's happening?", He asked as soon as they were inside her room.

"I have no idea. I had clearly told them not to interfere in this matter.", She told him with a frown over her face.

"They have the right to know what's going on in your life love. Don't you think they deserve a chance to explain themselves?", He asked her slowly.

"I don't know what are you talking about. You go & freshen up first.", She said avoiding the topic.

He nodded knowing the stubborn head doesn't believe in forgiving.

They were done with freshening up. Nandini was walking ahead of him. He stopped her by holding her elbow.