Hold On My Heart (Complete)

11. A Heartbeat Away

Nandini's POV

I got ready in a simple red frock, as I didn’t have any fancy dresses to wear. Glancing at myself in the mirror one last time, I left the house.

I reached behind the college and saw everything beautifully decorated. As I moved forward, I noticed a banner that read “Happy Birthday”, with a cake in the center and some gifts arranged around it.

“Happy birthday, Nandini,” he whispered huskily in my ear from behind. I turned to look at him.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“I found out somehow. That’s not a big deal,” he said. I turned back toward the decorations.

No doubt, everything looked so beautiful.

“You liked it?” he asked.

“Hmm, it’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“Let’s cut the cake,” he said, and we walked forward.

He handed me the knife, and I cut a piece of cake, feeding him a bite. He was singing a song, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

“Here, this is for you,” he said, handing me a gift.

“What’s in there?”

“See for yourself.”

I unwrapped the gift and found a necklace with a heart pendant. It looked like gold.

“Is this real gold?” I asked.

“No.”

“Then why does it look like it?”

“Because it’s new. I know you’d never accept an expensive gift, so…”

“Should I put it on you?” he asked, and I nodded.

I turned around, pushing my hair to the front. He helped me wear the necklace and gently moved my hair back into place. I could feel his breath on my ear.

Then he turned me around, holding my waist. He placed one of my hands on his shoulder and entwined the other with his.

“You know, you’re looking beautiful in this dress,” he said, and I smiled. We started moving in rhythm.

“Thank you,” I said as he twirled me around and pulled me back.

“Nandini,” his voice was husky.

“Listening?” I replied. He leaned close, kissing my hair.

“I love you.” I looked at him, surprised, as he smiled. I moved away from him.

“What?”

“Look, I know this might be sudden for you, but... I don’t want to hide it anymore. Nandini, I really love you.” He tried to come closer, but I raised my hand.

“Please, stay away!”

“Nandini!”

“Manik, I told you—I have no feelings for you.”

“When? When did you say that you don’t have any feelings for me?”

“That day at my house, I clearly said I don’t like you. There’s nothing between us, and there never can be.”

“Why, Nandini? Why can’t you give me a chance?”

“Because you’re a gangster! And I hate gangsters. Which technically means, I hate you,” I said loudly.

“You can’t hate me just because I’m a gangster. I accept I’m one of them, but I never hurt anyone without a reason,” he said.

“So what? I don’t want any explanations, Manik. My decision will never change.”

“Nandini, this is unfair,” he said, pulling me close.

“What’s unfair, Manik? I didn’t ask you to fall in love with me. And I don’t love you. That’s where it ends.”

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“What if I wasn’t a gangster?” he asked.

“Then maybe... I would have thought about you,” I said, slipping out of his grip.

“Thank you for the gift, Manik.” Saying that, I walked away.

I returned home to see Navya with a small cake in front of her. I smiled.

“Happy birthday!” she shouted, hugging me tightly.

“Thank you, baby,” I replied, hugging her back.

We chatted for a while, and I told her everything about Manik. She echoed what Manik had said—about giving him a chance.

“Please, Navya, don’t start. I’m already tired.”

“Nandini, what? You’re losing a diamond. Don’t lie and say it’s because he’s a gangster. I know the reality. Just because your first relationship didn’t work out, you’re letting this one go? Nandini, give him a chance. He’ll take care of you. You’ll forget everything. I’ve seen the way you smile whenever you talk about him. How can you say you don’t feel anything for him?”

“I don’t, Navya. I really don’t feel anything for him. And that’s the truth.”

“Oh, please. Just shut up already, Nandini. You can’t lie to me.”

“Navya, please, let’s not argue. I want to sleep. I’m tired,” I said, lying down.

“Fine. Good night. I’m leaving,” she said and walked out, closing the door.

I closed my eyes, and his face appeared before me. The way he expressed his feelings... I smiled. I wish I could give him a chance. But I’m scared—scared that he’ll leave me after knowing the truth about me.

The next morning, I woke up and got ready for work. Looking in the mirror, my eyes fell on the necklace. I held it gently, caressing it. A soft smile appeared on my face. I shook my head and left the house.

Outside, a truck was unloading things.

“Meera, is someone shifting here?” I asked.

“Yeah, Uncle Ram sold the house. A guy is moving in.”

I left for work. No doubt, everyone is busy with their own lives.

At night, I returned from work and saw Meera and Saleem dancing. I smiled. They were celebrating their wedding anniversary—on the street! That’s how we do it, celebrating with almost everyone.

I entered the house and changed into my night clothes. After dinner, I used my phone for a while. I’m still learning how to use it. I clicked some photos at the office today with my colleagues. Turning off the phone, I was about to lie down when someone knocked at the door.

I got up and opened it.

“Hi, can I have some sugar?” he asked.

“Manik! Why are you here?” I asked, shocked.

“See, I’m just asking for some sugar, Nandini.”

“Manik, it’s not funny. You came here to get sugar? From my house? Are you even serious?” I asked, folding my arms.

“Yeah! My house is next to yours.”

“What?”

“Oh, sorry! I forgot to introduce myself. I’m such a jerk! Hi, I’m Manik—your new neighbor,” he said.

“What?!”

Alina❤