MaNan FF: ESCAPISM

chapter 29

After the release of the album, Manbir left Fab5. Mukti was confused on what to choose and end up being with Dhrulya for the sake of old good time and Alya had supported her instead of his brother.

On the other hand, Manik was getting offers from well-known music producers but, he had his final year examination. Life was becoming hectic. Nandini had been very supportive and they were back together again officially, no morre hiding and all. Everything was getting back to normal...they were not receiving any threats and attacks. Murthy Family was still living in the farmhouse. The bonding that Manik created with them became more strong.

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When Nandini entered  the room, Manik was in the balcony, engaged in a phone conversation. Nandini waited for him to end the call and after 10 minutes, it did happen. She stood up and and walked to him.

Nandini- Busy man

Manik- Indeed but never for you Manik ki jaan

Nandini- always cheesy to the cube hai na Mr Malhotra

Manik- Anything for my Nandu baby

Nandini- achha Mani...I was thinking about shifting back to my home. I don't think there will be any problem now.

Manik- NO! It might be the silence before the storm. Just because we cannot see it does not mean we should be careless!

Nandini- yeah you are right...waise you know that girl Tara naa...after the revelation of our secret at the party, she disappeared from college. Did...umm...did you throw her out of the college?

Manik- haww I wish I could, sorry for not meeting your expectation this time, I did not do anything.

Nandini- she left college like this?

Manik- I'm glad that she left, she's been a pain in my a....

Nandini- MANIKKKKKKK shshhh!!!

Manik- whatever

Manik and Nandini were sitting in the swing romancing with each other when Manik's phone started ringing. He groaned in annoyance as he was about to kiss Nandini's plump lips. Nandini giggled and looked away. Manik answered the call.

Manik-Hello who is this?

person- Hello baba main ramu bol raha hoon...aapke pitaji ko heart attack aaya hai aap jaldi se yahan aa jaye

Manik- aap ramu kaka ho? then why are you calling me in this new number instead of the landline?

Ramu- wohh...uhh.. we are on the way to the hospital.

Manik(panicked)- ok ok I am coming  right now.

The call ended and Manik rushed back in the room to get ready, leaving a confused Nandini behind.

Manik- what happened Manik? where are you going at this time? who called you?

Manik(without looking at her)- It was Ramu kaka...dad ...he suffered from a heart attack. I have to go there

Nandini- you're going by plane or by car?

Manik- by car

Nandini- ok I will come with you

Manik- No you stay here with chacha-chachi

Nandini- No Manik...I know you will drive recklessly so I am coming with you.

Manik(angry)- WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT I DON'T WANT YOU TO COME WITH ME? IT CAN BE RISKY GOD DAMN IT! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO ARGUE?????

Nandini was taken aback when Manik shouted at her but, she knew he was not okay. He was not meeting her eyes and he was trying to hide his emotions by depicting anger. She went to him, forced him to sit on the bed and she cupped his face. What she saw, broke her heart into million pieces....Manik eyes were red and he was restraining himself from letting the tears flow out. Nandini kissed his forehead.

Nandini- You are allowed to show your vulnerable side to me Mani...I know you are worried about dad and you are broken by this news but, hiding your emotions will bring you more pain baby.  You should not suppress those tears. You know naa that I am always with you humesha

Manik hugged Nandini tightly and  cried like a baby. On seeing this, Nandini cried too...but she did not show him as she cannot fall weak in front of him when he needs her the most. She was patting his back and occasionally placing soft kisses on his ears after saying sweet words to calm him.

Manik- I am afraid...I don't want to lose him Nandini....even if we do not stay together, he never failed to shower me with his love. In fact, he was the one who helped me to acknowledge my feelings with you. He showed me how to protect my loved ones. I cannot afford to lose him Nandini.

Nandini- No Mani... don't think like that, you won't lose him. Uncle is a strong headed person, he will fight back and come to us fit and fine. You too are my strong Mani naa please stop worrying...all will be okay.

Manik broke the hug and looked at her with hope filled in his eyes. She smiled and wiped his face and nose. She kissed both of his eyes and asked him to get ready.

Manik was hurriedly wearing a shirt while Nandini was looking at him through the mirror and texting someone.

Nandini- Manii you really don't want me to come?

Manik-No baby let's not take any risk plzzzz

Nandini- okay but still you are not going alone.

Manik(with a stern voice)- NANDINIII

Nandini- main nahi cabir

Manik- what?

Nandini- Cabir will be going with you, he is not here...he is at his mother's place but I have texted him so, please  pick him up.

Manik glared at her through the mirror but Nandini sent a flying kiss to him making his fake anger to vanish.

Manik smiled and he was going out of the room.

Nandini- Mani?

Manik turned around and gestured her to speak.

Nandini- Hope always wins!

Manik had a genuine smile and returned back to squeeze Nandini in a hug. He did not know why he was feeling restless as  if something bad will happen if he goes away from Nandini. He looked back at her and saw her busy in talking to her Aiyapa.

Manik(to himself)- I am so confused. I know it will be harmful to bring her there with me but why do I feel that even staying here might be dangerous for her. what is my instinct trying to tell me. Am I confusing my fears for my dad with Nandini? God whatever it is I will tighten the security in the farmhouse and college. I will be back soon my jaan.