MaNan FF - Humesha : Book 2 [COMPLETED]

Chapter 3 : Endgame

Manik and Nandini reached Mangalore before noon and headed towards the bungalow.

Manik was nervous to meet Amms, for the first time in his life. Years ago, when he ruined Nandini's plans of staying away from the kidnapping drama, Amms's cold shoulder did not bother him. But now, he had to talk about something with her, which he didn't think would happen so soon.

Nandini ran looking for Amms like a little kid. Manik followed her, while Rama, the househelp, chatted with him.

"Kanna! Aa gaye tum dono!" Amms exclaimed. Nandini hugged her grandmother tightly.

Manik stood watching them, with a smile. Nandini always became a little kid whenever her grandmother was around.

"Manik, aao beta." Amms said, hugging him too.

"Hi Amms, after a long time!" Manik said.

"Yes, ab tum bache bade ho gaye, busy ban gaye ho." Amms said, caressing their cheeks.

"Never busy for you Amms." Nandini said.

"Achhi baat hai. Chalo, kapde badal lo aur dining room main aa jaao." Amms said.

Nandini went to her room, leaving Manik behind. He looked at Amms, who frowned.

"Kya hua Manik?" Amms asked.

"Vo...I want to talk to you about something." Manik said.

"Something? What?"

"Actually...kya hum yeh baat Nandini ke na hote huye baat kar sakte hai?" Manik asked. Amms was alarmed, this boy always created trouble.

"Aiyoo Manik! Tension de rahe ho tum!"

"No no! Tension wali baat nahi hai. Please chill. I just need to talk to you about this before anyone else." Manik said.

"Achha...thik hai. Nandini ko mai shaam ko uske friend ke ghar bhej dungi. Okay?" Amms asked.

"Perfect." Manik replied and went to the room allotted for him whenever he visited.

-----

Two hours later, both of them were chilling in the balcony overlooking the sea. It was breezy and pleasant. A swing set was arranged, making it better.

Nandini was eating the payasam made by her beloved Amms as she enjoyed the sight of the waves crashing against the shore. Manik looked at Nandini, who was unaware of his gaze.

She was dressed in a casual pista green saree. The weather was perfect, so she decided to wear it. Manik gave her company by wearing a Kurta, which Amms bought for him. He had his set of clothes in Mangalore, just in case. Murthy family had truly accepted Manik to be a part of the family.

"This is so peaceful, Manik." Nandini said.

"It is." Manik said, not taking his eyes off her.

Nandini looked at him when he spoke and saw him looking at her, as if studying every feature.

"Kya soch rahe ho?" Nandini asked.

"Us."

"What about us?"

"I mean...hum kitne change ho gaye hai‍, it feels surreal. 6-7 years ago, we were kids. Now we are adults, facing real life, real problems." Manik answered.

"Haan and I am proud we have made it till here." Nandini added.

"Same."

"Do you remember when you first saw me?" Nandini asked, out of the blue.