Perpetual Infatuation

33- Back to Palace

Sorry for the mistakes.

Nandini's pov

I frowned upon seeing Mom's call at this hour as it must be late night there, glaring at Manik once, I stood up after picking the call

" Hi Mom, how are you? " I chirped trying to sound as active as I could

" Hi beta, I'm young and glowing while your mumma is just one old hag who doesn't want to do bungee jumping " she answered chuckling

I laughed knowing my mother always chicken out whenever we try to do something adventurous

" Anyways, I called because I need a favour. Obviously its upto you whether to help or not"she stated, her voice serious now making me wonder what kind of favour she needs

" I'm listening " I replied sensing the worry in her voice

" Raj, my husband and Manik's father death anniversary is after three days. Every year, I organise puja and visit orphanage but as I'm not there this time and Manik doesn't participate in any of the activity cutting himself off from the world on the day, infact he don't even come to palace often because it reminds him of Raj. So- uhh, if possible can you please go to the palace and do the arrangements. " She asked with a lot of hesitation

" Mom, I-"

" Its not necessary, you can say no, its just that Ca-" she replied hurriedly cutting me off, when I interrupted her

" Mom, Mom relax its okay, why are you being so formal? Obviously I'll do the arrangements and even if I have work I'll take leave, simple. Also, If I'm saying you Mom then Raj uncle is my Dad right? Then why do you need to request me for this. Just order me like Mumma does " I stated truthfully

" I know beta. Raj would have been very happy to see you " she replied sadly, I could feel she's on the verge of crying

" Oh Mom, stop now. I'm not good with emotional talks and you need to loosen up a little. Just relax, don't worry I'll do the arrangements " I replied in an attempt to make the environment lighter

" And uhh- "

" Yes Yes, I'll try to make him participate. Now go enjoy " I spoke knowing what she's gonna say

With this I cut the call and looked outside.

It was already evening, people were coming back to their homes, children were playing making noise, but in all these noise the one with the loudest one was in my head reminding me that I need to make a decision real quick.

Sighing heavily, I went inside to meet Cabir and Manik talking to each other or more like Manik glaring at Cabir.

Clearing my throat for their attention, I started " You guys need to leave. I've to go somewhere."

" Nandini, as much as you don't like me here, I'm not leaving you infact I'm going to follow you like a shadow " Manik argued like a 4 year kid

I rolled my eyes on his action when suddenly a plan came remembering Mom's word " Fine then, I'm going to Malhotra's Palace. Be my guest "

" What? But Why? " He stood up immediately looking shock

" Because I want to " I replied taking my bags which fortunately I haven't unpacked yet

" But Nandini, Why you need to go there? Mom is also not there. Come to our house please. I know I did wrong but please let me make it up. I'm sorry " he said with a pleading tone, following me around the whole flat to convince me

" Your, your house " I corrected him while dialling the landlord number

" Hello, Sir I need to vacate this apartment. " I said as soon as he picked up