Hustle For Love |COMPLETE| MaNan Fiction

22. The One Where I Was Set Free

A/N : Dear Readers, I have to tell you this, I think amongst all the books I am writing currently on MaNan & other fandoms, the quality of inputs I get from this one is the best, they are so heart felt (both the love for Nandu and dislike for Manik), it shows me your emotional commitment to my story, and that drives me to write more, write better!

This is hands down my personal favourite chapter as a writer - I haven't written something so complicated in quite a while - absolutely enjoyed it - it was cathartic in many ways! Also, you guys will finally have a FULL perspective of both Manik & Nandini's PoV here ! So bear in mind, I am going to ask a lot of questions at the end, and I really want to hear you all this time <3

Happy Reading!

PS : Don't forget to read the After Note : I have an important announcement to make! :D

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S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2012

(Nandini's accommodation, S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

Nandini Murthy

I was sitting in my room with fat tears leaking down my eyes. I was feeling so damn frustrated! Arghh. I did the right thing, I reiterated to my jumbled heart; and yet again it disagreed with me. I have truly loved Manik, but I am not stupid. I am not one of those damsels who have their head and heart all muddled in love and then end up making masochistic decisions. I rubbed off the tear gruffly from my face and sniffed.

That day when I told Manik that I was here to deliver his penance, he kept staring at me. It felt like time had slowed down and while looking into my eyes it seemed like Manik was scanning through my soul, my very essence - he was looking for something, and most likely he didn't find what he was looking for. He was hurt and broken, much the way I was, all those months back when he abandoned me.

Manik didn't utter a word after that, and much to my surprise, Manik accepted my punishment just the way I handed it out to him - with head bent low; then slowly he got up and turned to leave. I saw him walk out of my door with a finality in his gait. Something broke inside me, but I sealed my lips and told myself he was not good for me, he'd hurt me again. I expected him to turn back and see me one last time, but Manik didn't turn back as he walked out of my door. As the door clunked shut after his departure, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Goodbye, Manik." I whispered to myself, and tears started pouring out of my eyes.

Shut up, Nandu. He isn't worth it.

I had almost believed him that night when he had beaten Arya and taken me to his place. I had freaked out to say the least - he had scared the daylight out of me with his psychotic behavior - I was shocked indeed; but right at the end of the night when he broke down before me, despite all the sh*t he did with me & Arya, I found myself trying to give him a chance.

No, don't get me wrong - I was too stoked to think 'love' at that point, I was too scared to love him again; Manik had scarred my heart for good - but I was ready to give him a chance and look at him in a new light. I was ready to let go of the past and start afresh - maybe as his friend? Maybe a confidant? I don't know - but in those brief moments, Manik had been able to reach through to my cold heart, that I had safely tucked away in a small broken corner of my soul.

Hell, the next couple of days, when Manik hadn't turned up for college, like an idiot I even looked for him. I had seen him in his vulnerable state that night, I was worried he'd harm himself or something. When he didn't show up for two days, I started panicking. I contemplated texting him, but I wasn't sure where we stood after that conversation of that night. If he respected my wish of maintaining a distance, I didn't feel like being the first one to break that rule either.