HEALING EACH OTHER

Chapter-42

While Manik made it pretty clear that girls won't be part of the plan but Nandini couldn't keep calm about how would Navya will deal with all of this mess all alone, she was worried about Navya who was not only her best friend but a sister to her. But she also knew that Manik was hiding something from her. And she decided to execute the plan all by herself. Nandini who already lost her parents didn't wanted to lose Navya, but no one could understand her fears. Nandini has lived with that guilt for a long time and she wasn't ready to go on another guilt trip knowing when she can save her best friend Navya. Knowing that she has that opportunity to help Navya.

A few minutes later Navya left Nandini's room. As soon as Navya left, Manik and Cabeer stormed into her room.

"What the hell do you think of yourself? Who do you think you are that you decided to face Harshad all alone?"
Asked Manik angrily. Clasping Nandini's arms tightly.

"Manik what the hell is wrong with you? Leave me, you are hurting me. Leave me."
Said, Nandini and jerked him off.

"Manik you need to calm down. Your anger won't solve anything. We need to deal with this very calmly. One mistake and everything will be finished."
Said Cabeer.

"Manikk. Navya is not only my best friend. But she is just like my sister. And I won't let her face all this alone. Especially after knowing that Hrashad is using her innocence. Whether you like it or not I will protect my friend at any cost."
Said Nandini and stormed out of the room.

"Did you see the way she is behaving today? Suddenly she is behaving very aggressively. I expected her to be calm and sorted. I don't know what's wrong with her. Why she can't see the way she wants to protect Navya I want to protect.. protect her."
Said Manik getting frustrated.

"Manik don't you think you answered yourself? I mean Nandini is behaving differently. Suddenly she has become aggressive. Never saw her behaving so irrationally. She was always this sweet, calm, and composed Nandini, but not this. To be honest she was everything but this. I think something is not right with her. We are missing out on something."
Said Cabeer.

"You are right. Damn how stupid of me. She needs me."
Murmured Manik

Before Cabeer could have said anything else. Manik stormed out of the room. But Cabeer wasn't shocked at all instead he was smiling widely because he very well knew where Manik must have gone.

On the other hand, Manik was just searching for Nandini and then finally he found her on the terrace standing alone and talking to herself looking at the stars.

"Amma Appa, I couldn't save you, but I promise you I won't let anything happen to Navya and Pri dii. I will always protect them, the way you protected us. You left us because of me and I can never forgive myself for that ever. "
Said, Nandini.

Manik silently came and stood beside Nandini, didn't utter a word. Just stood beside her and held her hand tightly as if he was saying that he won't let her suffer alone. She is not alone. And Nandini didn't resist him instead she was calm now she felt better.

"Manik you know when I lost Amma Appa, I felt so helpless. I felt lost. I...I couldn't do anything for them. Then Arjun and Aneesha my 2 closest friends and my love betrayed me. I was shattered by then but still, I handled myself for Navya and Pri Di. Now, the only family I have is Navya and Pri dii. I will always protect them no matter how much effort or risk it takes. I will risk it all even my life. Because I don't have any energy to bear another loss in this life. It's too much to handle now Manik."
Said Nandini and broke down.

Manik immediately hugged her in an attempt to calm her down. He just hugged her tightly and Nandini hugged him back as well. This was the much-needed hug that Nandini needed. Nandini has lost so many people in her life that now the fear of losing people is stuck in there way too deep that she gets anxious. And her aggression is nothing but her anxiety, her defence mechanism to cooe up. And after hearing Nandini's heartfelt confession Manik very well knew why she was being irrational, why she was being aggressive. Because she was scared of losing people, and no one could have understood her better than Manik, the fear of losing people and the pain of betrayal, especially when it comes from your loved ones whom you trust and love more than your life.