MaNan FF: ESCAPISM

chapter 19

Nandini was taking the stairs to reach to Navya's flat as she knows Cabir will be using the lift to go to his place. Nandini has to be extra careful for Navya. She finally reached the floor and she was panting heavily. She was about to reach Navya's flat when the elevator dinged opened and Manik and Cabir made their appearance. Nandini quickly moved backward to go away from Navya's door...she was afraid.

Nandini(to herself)-  People are sometime right...the more careful you be, the more you are prone to the danger.

Manbir approched her.

Cabir- How are you? who was following you/?what are you doing here?

Nandini was signalling Cabir to keep quiet since Manik was also there but him, being Cabir, he paid no heed.

Manik unable to control himself hugged Nandini tightly as if she will vanish into thin air the moment he will let her go. Nandini initially, struggled for a while trying to remove his arms but soon gave up because she knew she was missing his warmth.

Cabir- Let's go to my flat...it's not safe here.

Manan came out of their lala land and broke the hug. Nandini frowned and pushed Manik only to  go to Cabir's place. Manik sighed and smiled at the cute antics of his queen and followed her.

Cabir- Tell me who was following you? Did he hurt you? You were supposed to go at your friend's house then why are you here?

Nandini was  scared as she did not know what answer to give to both men sitting infront of her with questioning eyes.

So, she decided to turn the game.

Nandini- oh cut the crap Cabir...you tell me why is he here? As far as I remember you were angry with Manik naa then, what is he doing here with you?

Cabir- I agree I was angry but, when I listened to his side of the story I found that he was not guilty. He was obliged to do so. You always tell us naa that we should always a topic from both sides. So, I did the same here.

Nandini- Now you are going to defend him? Can't you see how hurt I am with his choice and actions?

Nandini was waiting for Cabir's answer when Navya started calling her. She panicked and looked at Manbir then, she looked back at her phone cutting the call.

She immediately started typing a message to Navya saying that she is at Cabir's place as she was seen by Cabir. In an attempt to avoid being caught, she came with him. Also, she apologised for rejecting the call but told her not to worry about her.

Cabir- why did you cut the call? You could have taken it re ...by the way  who was it?

Nandini was panic-stricken of what to tell him..she decides to lie...sorry Aiyappa for constant lying.

Nandini- Ummm it was Aryaman who was calling. I don't think it will be the right time to talk to me, that's why I rejected the call and texted him that I will call him at night.

Manik was super duper vexed and he said while gritting his teeth- Why the bloody hell are you getting so cosy with him huh? were you going to his place? tell me !!

Nandini- Mr Manik Malhotra, I am NOT answerable to you anymore. He is my friend...I can call him, text him and meet him. That should not be your concern!

Manik facepalmed himself and out of pure jealousy, he snatched Nandini's phone from her hand, switched it off and slid it down the pocket of his jean.

Nandini- Manik what is wrong with you? Have you gone mad? Give me my phone back!!

She was abou to grab the phone but Manik held her hands.

Manik- Nandini...we seriously need to talk.. I need a break...please?

Nandini glared at him but eventually she nodded in approval.

Cabir- Great guys I will go and make coffee for us.

Nandini- Go on Manik I am listening to you!!

Manik looked at her with teary eyes and hugged her. Nandini sensed that her back was gettting wet indicating that he was crying. She forcefully broke the hug and wiped his tears.

Nandini- Mani why are you crying? are you okay? please do not cry please shshshhh...

Manik- after so long you are calling me Mani... I missed this  Nandu...

Nandini- yes you are my Mani naa so please stop crying please

Manik- If I am your Manik then why Nandini? Why you didn't call me when that person was following you ? Why you did not call me when you were at the park? Why you chose to live in fear?

Nandini- How do you know about this? Cabir told you everything?

Manik- I was with Cabir when you messaged him...now tell me why you did not call me?

Nandini- How can I call you Mani when you were the one who created so much distance between us? You chose Fab5 so, I realised that I should deal with everything on my own...I cannot be dependent on you naa with the hope that you will always save me. Also. I know someone is after me and I cannot risk your life by putting you in this game Mani...

Manik cried more and Nandini consoled him by kissing his forehead. He pulled her back in his arms.

Manik- No Nandini, I knew about this before the fiasco in the jam room. Someone was sending me the pictures of  your everyday activity even in your room. I was forced to stay away from you. When Dhrulya came up with this nonsense of choice..I was going to choose you, my life my shining star...but...

Nandini- But what?

Manik- I saw a masked person pointing a gun at you. He was outside the jam room, near the window. It was that moment when I realised  that the blackmail thing was real and so serious. I immediately left you and chose  fab5. All this drama was to protect you Nandini. We have so many enemies. I feel helpless, I was not there with you when the person was following you but I am also being tracked down.

Nandini shocked, Manik tensed and Cabir was enjoying Manan moment while sipping his filtered coffee and realising that they will be reconciling without the need of famous matchmaker, Cabir!!!