Tales of the Heart

Chapter 11

MALHOTRA  HOUSE

When Neelima came back to kitchen, she found the coffee was ready but Nandini was not there. She didn't find her as it's not the first time Nandini had come here and she must be around.

When she went back to Manik's room to serve the coffee, Manik asked, "Mom, where is Nandini? She went with you and didn't come here after that even for once."

"She was with me only. But when I go back to kitchen again, she was not there."

"Where did she go?" Siddharth frowned.

"Where will she go? She must be around." Manik replied.

Neelima supported him. "Yes, she would be here only. You all have the coffee, I'll check on her."

"Aunty, let's go. I'll help you." Avneet got up. 

"Mom, Avneet, stop." Manik stopped them as he got from his place. "You don't need to go anywhere. Maybe I know where's Nandini. I'll check there."

"Where is Nandini?" Sid teased him with a smirk.

Manik looked at him with the corner of his eyes and glared at him. "Shut up. I'll just be back."

Then Manik went out of his room. He directly walked out of their house and went to backside to their garden. There were plants of various flowers apart from some tress. Nandini loved this place a lot. She had helped Neelima to make this garden and since then she is really attached to this garden.

Manik was well aware of her liking towards this garden. At the middle of the garden, there is a swing which Manik had to get as per Nandini's choice. He could see the swing moving slowly even in the darkness. Manik let out a sigh knowing it's Nandini. He walked closer to her and stood just at her back.

Nandini has always been very fond of nights. Also this place, she enjoyed the stars shining over them and their lights peeking through the leaves of the trees. She was staring at the night sky gazing the stars which is her favorite job.

Suddenly Nandini felt a touch on her shoulder. She turned back with a jerk but relaxed seeing Manik standing there. "Mani, you're here?" She got a smile seeing Manik there.

Now Manik came in front of her and settled beside her. "Why? Were you expecting someone else?"

Nandini nodded in no. "No. Who else will I expect?"

"What are you doing here?" Manik placed his one arm around Nandini's shoulder.

"Nothing. You know how much I like this place, so I was just..."

"I know."

"Was mumma calling me?"

"No, she didn't find you in the kitchen, so she was a little worried about you. But I knew where you might be. That's why I thought let's go where you are." Manik smiled.

Nandini smiled as well. In this dark moonlight, even that little smile on Nandini's face made her look exceptionally beautiful. Manik noticed the smile on her face and he forgot to even blink. He couldn't take his eyes off her. 

Nandini could feel his gaze on her. "What are you seeing like this?" She raised her one eyebrow.

"My favorite sight." He whispered.

"Really!" Nandini pretended to be wondered. "Since when you started seeing people's face instead of brain?"

Manik smiled biting his lowed lip. "Maybe from now only."