Tales of the Heart

Chapter 20

"I'm fine, Avneet. You go and freshen up. I'll get hot chocolate for you."

Nandini was about to get up but Avneet stopped her. "I don't need it now." 

Nandini was about to say something but before that only Nandini's phone started ringing. 

Avneet walked inside before Nandini and saw the caller id. It was Manik. She smiled thinking at least there was someone who loves her sister truely and she surely deserved all of it. She hid the smile on her face and passed a teasing smile to her sister who looked at her in confusion.

"I'll take your leave now. You talk to my jiju. I'll go and freshen now."

Then Avneet left from there running.

"Hello, Manik."

Manik sighed in relief hearing Nandini's voice from the other side. The whole day his ears were craving to hear her voice. "Nandini, where have you been the whole day? Are you okay?" He asked impatiently and his voice was a clear indication of how worried he was for her.

"I'm okay. Actually I didn't get the time to check my phone that's why I didn't realize that the battery was dead and my phone was off. But why are you asking like this?"

"That time Mr. Kapoor took you away like this and he also slapped you in front of us. I don't know what he had done to you in the house. I was so worried for you. I can't come to your place. I've been trying to call you that how're you or what did he say to you. But I couldn't reach you. Avneet wasn't home as well."

"Don't worry. I'm okay now." Nandini smiled seeing his concern.

Manik sighed which was inaudible to her. "That time I shouldn't have replied like that to him. I should have been more cautious and thought properly before saying anything."

Nandini was astonished seeing him thinking that way which was not even needed. "Why? What happened? Why are you thinking like this?"

"What if Mr. Kapoor tries to hurt you more because of me? Then I won't be able to forgive myself ever."

Nandini chuckled hearing him. He was still the same. Even if he was not at fault he was still apologizing. He did the same at their first meeting too. Maybe that's why she had fallen for him. The innocence, kindness and goodness in him. She was thankful to God for sending an angel in him for her.

"I see! That's why Dr. Manik Malhotra was having trouble the whole day. There is a commotion in your head about this matter." Nandini chuckled playfully.

"I have a problem in my head because of one person only and that's none other than you."

"Then hear one thing carefully this problem of your head can give her life too for you and it's just a small matter."

"I can't wait to get you out of that house and take you here, in my world where you'll be with me, where I can keep you covered with all the happiness you deserve, where I can keep you away from all those people who want to hurt you. You don't deserve this life, Nandini. You deserve all the happiness in this world. What should I do to erase all the pains in your life, Nandini?"

"Manik, relax. You don't need to be worked up so much for me. You're here by my side and that's enough for me. I can ask for anything else. Just a few days more. Once I finish my graduation, you can take me away with you."

"I'm waiting eagerly for that day. Anyways, it's enough. Tell me did you have your dinner?" Manik asked.

"Avneet just returned. I'll have it now. What about you?"