Whispers of Heart (Part 1 of the Hallway Love Series)

Chapter 26

Later at night, her entire family came together for a show-off party to celebrate her marks. They even pinpointed her mistakes and said how they want her to stay there and they will put a jack to get her into any college government or private. At that moment all she wanted to do was her mark sheet in their face and show that she really doesn't need anyone's help (or jack) to get in but then she controlled herself and let the topic go. As soon as the topic got over the next topic that started was about how she will be absent from her cousin's marriage after 3 months and how she should try and attend it.

Nandani had enough of that. She was trying to be nice to everyone because all this was done for her but once her eldest aunt started showing how much they have done for her when she was born and all the love they gave (basically the gifts), the least she could do was attend her cousin's wedding. She left the room after requesting her mother to give her some food after which she happily faked a yawn and left to sleep.

The week went by quickly. She was happy that there was no other discussion that she was a part of regarding her cousin's wedding and she knew her mother could easily handle that. Coming now, it was afternoon and she was getting ready as today was the day when she was going with Manik for shopping! She got ready and took some of the stuff she needed and left to see Manik sitting talking with her grandparents. She rolled her eyes when she heard her grandmother say,

Grandmother: I thought she will spend some time with us but she is going after 3 days and two days will go in packing.

Manik just smiled at her and was about to say something when Nandani butted in and said,

Nandani: I guess we should leave?

Manik looked at her and said,

Manik: Yeah!

They both bid bye to the older couple and left as her parents were at work. They sat in Manik's car and zoomed out the society when Manik asked,

Manik: Where are we going?

Nandani: well, we just take some clothes so you suggest!

Manik frowned and asked her,

Manik: what why? What about other stuff?

Nandani looked at him and frowned,

Nandani: What other stuff?

Manik: Shoes, rings, earrings, headbands.... (mumbled) Inners?

Nandani looked at him with wide eyes before shutting her mouth and saying,

Nandani: well, I am going with Sanket for that and about the last thing!! Mom has them!!

She cleared her throat as awkward silence prevailed. This was definitely, hands down the last thing she wanted to hear from Manik, and well he was just cursing himself for asking her SUCH A STUPID QUESTION!! Manik glanced at her the entire ride and soon stopped the car at a shopping mall soon enough and said,

Manik: Okay clothes it is then!

Nandani smiled at him as they stepped out. They bought a lot of stuff for Nandani from Dresses to jeans mostly selected by Manik. They almost had more than 20 bags when Nandani gave up. Manik smiled at her and they stepped into the food corner and had a pizza. Manik clicked a few pictures of them and then of Nandani and then they both head to the car to leave. It was evening now when they came out. The sky had turned dark and Nandani said,

Nandani: Well, you really don't have track of time when you are shopping!

Manik smiled at her as they went to the car and left the parking area. They were listening to songs while Nandani threw her head at the headrest. Manik was glancing at her every now and then when suddenly the car stopped making Nandani open her eyes. She looked around to see they were at the service lane that runs across a mile after which it has the cut to exit. Nandani looked around to see the place was dimly lit and then at Manik who was just observing her. He saw a confused Nandani and then got out of the car and came towards her side of the car and opened the door for her and said,