UNINTENDED LOVE - (MaNan)

Chapter- 13

Manik and Nandini were having their pasta. Manik was making grumpy faces while Nandini was enjoying his grumpy side. "You know this is not fair", Manik finally said putting his fork down.

"We already decided the rules. You should've been more careful. And now it is my turn. You show your grumpy side later", Nandini just shrugged. "Okay fine" , Manik gave up.

"Okay so my first question for you will be... How many days or months will you stay here?", Nandini asked.

"Are you already irritated with me or what", Manik chuckled. "We are in the game", Nandini reminding him the rules. "Honestly I didn't think much. I have permission for 6 months so let's see", Manik said.

"You didn't think much as in? Don't you think about your future?," Nandini asked as she couldn't understand his point of view.

"As I said, I just needed a break. My friend called me here so I came. That's it," Manik explained. "That's not what i meant", Nandini said. "Let's just say I plan very far", Manik said in a deep voice. Nandini couldn't understand him but she thought to let it be.

"In New York, whom do you know apart from your friend which you've mentioned?," she asked. "Other than my friend, I know you I guess. And I have a new friend now, Joey. He told me that he wants me to be there. Not you. He don't need you", he proudly said with a smirk.

"What do you mean by he don't need me? Are you planning to take away my job?," she was shocked. "Kind a yes and no. I was thinking since I don't have any work here just for the timepass I spend time with him. He is cute. And don't worry I will pay my rent like we have decided earlier", he smiled.

"But how do you managed to do that? Joey doesn't like new people that easily. He really takes a lot of time to be friendly," Nandini was still not able to believe what he just said.

"I don't wanna brag myself but my charm worked," Manik shrugged his shoulders with a smirk. Nandini just rolled her eyes looking at his antics.

"Okay fine. Don't show off now," Nandini was getting irritated.

Manik started laughing looking at her. Seeing him laughing whole heartedly, her lips curved into a small smile. He was looking cute just like a small kid.

She didn't noticed that she was lost when Manik snapped his fingers and raised his eyebrows. "You look cute when you laugh like this," she said. He just smiled. It's been a long since he laughed like this.

"Tell me about your family. Where do the stay?," she asked her next question. A smile which was on Manik's face slowly faded away. He adjusted his jacket and ran his fingers through his hair.

"They stay in India. My dad stays in Pune. Nyonika,... I mean the lady who gave birth to me stays in Mumbai", he said with no emotions. Nandini noticed the change in his behavior.

"You don't call her MOM?.... Okay, If you're not comfortable then you don't need to talk about this," Nandini placed his hand on his.

Manik looked at her and sighed. His placed his other hand on their grip and squeezed them lightly. "She was never a mom. Moms are the symbol of selfless love. But Nyonika, she is just a selfish woman who always thinks about money. She never loved me. Never," Manik choked the last word.

"But there is a possibility that she might loves you but you didn't understand her feelings. See everyone has different ways to express their love," Nandini was trying to explain but she noticed that his eyes are turning red.

"Different ways? Seriously? So killing her own son is a way of showing love? Killing my own brother is love?", he shouted. His body was shaking because of his anger.

Shock is an understatement. Infact nothing can explain Nandini's feelings right now. She never expected this.

"I can't continue this. Sorry for breaking the rules. I just need some time. I've already ordered ice-cream for you. I'll back in few minutes", he said in a low voice while keeping the money inside the bill folder with a thud.

With that sound and intensity Nandini startled. She just looked at him walking away with teary eyes.