MaNan FF: ESCAPISM

chapter 30

The next day at noon, Navni were in the kitchen preparing lunch  as everyone was hell scared and tired of Chachi's experimental food. Navni came to them as a rescue. Nandini was preparing palak paneer while Navya was preparing her all time famous jalebi.

Nandini- Bhondu kahin ka

Navya- what are you blabbering Nanduuu

Nandini(pouting)- Dekho na it's been so many hours, Manik did not call me. His phone is switched off. I know he is with dad but I want to make sure that he is okay.

Navya- Bass itni si baat? Wait I will call Cabir and tell him to pass the phone to Manik...ok?

Nandini nodded happily and sat on the kitchen counter lookin at Navya.

(phone conversation):

Cabir- Hello Madhubala jii abb yaad aayi merii

Navya- bol to aise rahe ho jaise tumne toh bada hi miss kiya mujhe

Cabir- of course I did.

Navya was now smiling like a fool when Nandini shook her and asked her to come to the point.

Navya- achha how is uncle ji?

Cabir- He is in a stable condition now but, he is still in the hospital.

Navya- how is Manik taking it? Is he nearby?

Cabir- I really don't know...he's been silent ever since he reached here. He just went to his dad's room why?

Navya- Actually Nandini wanted to talk to him but his phone is unavailable....Can you please give him the phone

Cabir- wait let me go to the room.

 When Cabir entered the room, he saw Manik sitting on a chair with his head laying on the hospital bed, near his father's leg with his eyes closed. He knew that Manik was in a turmoil but, only Nandini can help him to get a  grip of himself.  He went near him and tapped his shoulder. Manik woke up and looked at him hoping it to say anything. Cabir said nothing and put the phone near his ear.

Manik- what is this Cabir

Nandini- Mani?

Manik- Nandini...

Nandini- how are you? did you eat? why is your phone switched off? Can I come to you?

Manik- Dad is fine Nandini, I really don't feel like talking....I will talk to you later.

Nandini- You're okay naa?

Manik(irritated)- NANDINI PLEASE i WANT TO BE ALONE.

Saying that he ended the call and returned the phone back to Cabir. Nandini knew Manik was having a difficulty in coping with  his emotions, she thought that maybe it was not right to call him when he was there. After that, Navya cheered up Nandini's mood by forcing her to try the different types of sweets that she made. Nandni soon forgot about her unsettling feelings and engaged herself in cooking the veg food since the two non veg lovers were not at home.

***********

It was now evening, Rishabh and I were watching television, Navya and chachi were in deep discussion about some famous dishes and Chacha was still not home.

Rishabh- Dii....

Nandini- Rishabh what happened are you okay?

Rishabh- yes dii I'm fine...I need to tell you something

Nandini- yeah sure go ahead

Rishabh- my exams are starting as from next week. I left by biology book and copybook at home...we need to fetch them as I have notes to prepare.