Hold On My Heart (Complete)

12. Moved In, Moved Closer

Nandini’s POV

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

"What?"

"Yes, I mean I’m your neighbor," he repeated.

"Manik, this is not a joke."

"So? You think I’m joking? The house beside yours is mine. You can check if you want," he said.

"Manik, what do you want?" I asked, irritated.

"Uhm, I didn’t know you talk to your neighbors so rudely?"

"Not with everyone."

"Ouch, that hurts," he acted dramatically. Was he even serious? Yesterday, I insulted him to his face, and today he’s acting like nothing happened.

"It’s not funny."

"I know. Actually, I need sugar," he said.

"Okay, wait here," I replied and walked inside.

A pure maniac he is!

"Here’s your sugar," I handed him a bowl.

"Well, thank you," he said and left.

I closed the door and took a deep breath. Did he really shift here?

Is he mad or what? How can he just move in like that? Is it for me? No... why would he leave his wealthy life for me? Nandini, stop overthinking.

I lay on my bed to sleep, but it was now irritating me—why is he here? Oh God, why did I even meet him? Yeah, I do feel something for him, but it's nothing compared to what I had with Arnav. With Arnav, I had different feelings, which I knew was love—pure love. But with Manik… he is something different. I don’t know what I feel for him, but when he confessed his feelings, I felt like I was in another world.

The next morning, I came back from work, freshened up, and was heading to the kitchen when a knock on the door stopped me. I knew who it was. I rolled my eyes, opened the door, and faked a smile.

"Hello again," he said.

"Hello."

"You already knew it was me?" he asked.

"Yes, because no one disturbs me at this hour," I said sarcastically.

"Oh, I’m sorry for disturbing you. I should leave," he said. I realized my words had hurt him.

"Hey, stop!" He turned. "What do you want?"

"Uhm... nothing, just... forget it. I was thinking stupidly," he said.

"What was it?" I asked.

"I wanted to invite you to my place for dinner and... a movie, but..."

"Why only me? I mean, there are so many neighbors around," I asked.

"But they’re all older than me—and even older than you—so..." he replied.

"What if I say no?"

"I won’t force you, obviously," he said.

"What’s for dinner?" I asked.

"Whatever you wish for. I mean, you know I don’t cook—I’ll order, so..." he said, and I smiled.

"Okay, I’m in," I said, and he smiled brightly.

"Come," he said, moving aside to give me way.

I closed the door and followed him. We entered his house. Everything was in place—clean and neat. How did he manage to settle in so fast?

"Feel at home," he said. I sat on the couch while he sat beside me.

"So, what would you like to eat? Pizza or something else?" he asked.

"Whatever you feel like ordering. I’ll eat anything," I replied.

"As you say." He tapped on his phone for a few minutes.

"You’ve maintained the house very well," I said, and he smiled.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Manik, now that we’re talking face to face, tell me the truth."

"What?"

"Why did you move in here? Don’t lie!" I demanded.

"Uhm... I wanted to. What other reason could there be?" he asked back.

"Oh really? Please, Manik. I know you’re lying. Look, if it's because of me, then go back. I—"

"No, it’s not because of you," he said, placing his hand on my lips. I felt a sudden sensation, but I chose to ignore it. He looked at my lips for a moment before returning his gaze to my eyes.

"I know I have no chance with you, so I won’t try again. I won’t disturb you again. I promise," he said and withdrew his hand.

"Okay... thank you," I said, and he smiled lightly.

"So, a movie?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Sure."

"Which one is your favorite?" he asked.

"I don’t watch movies."

"Oh, then I’ll pick one," he said, heading toward the TV. It felt so embarrassing to be in a place where everything was available. I didn’t even have a TV.

After a while, the pizza arrived, and we watched a movie. It was a mix of action, romance, and thrill.

"Some movies are impossible—so much action," I said, and he chuckled.

"But it looks good, right?" he asked, sipping Coca-Cola.

"Yeah, I’m not into action movies," I said. I lay comfortably on the sofa, looking at the TV, but I could feel his continuous gaze on me. "How long are you going to stare at me?" I asked, and he looked away.

"I... uhm... I wasn’t staring," he lied.

"Yeah, I know."

"Actually, there’s something on your face," he said, coming closer. He wiped the corner of my lips, and I looked at him.

His touch affects me!

"Uhm... I think I should leave now, it’s quite late," I said.

"Yeah, okay." A sudden tension built between us. He was looking at the TV, not me, and I was looking at him—I don’t know why.

"Okay then, see you," I said, getting up to leave, but he held my hand and pulled me onto him.

"Manik!"

"If I leave my mafia, will you give me a chance?" he asked, holding my face.

"Manik, please—"

"Tell me, Nandini, will you?"

"I don’t know, I—"

I was silenced—my lips sealed by his. It was shocking, but I responded without hesitation. His hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer. His tongue explored every inch of my mouth. When I came back to my senses, I pulled away. He looked me straight in the eyes, as if trying to say something through them.

"You were right. I left everything for you. I left my house, my family—because I can’t stay away from you." I hadn’t realized I was still sitting on his lap.

"Manik, you shouldn’t have," I said, trying to get up, but he stopped me.

"I did, and I don’t regret it," he said.

"I still can’t give you a chance. I mean, I would but..."

"But? Is there someone in your life? Tell me, damn it! I promise I won’t ever disturb you."

"Yes! I love someone," I lied, and he softly pecked my lips. Then he made me sit back on the sofa and got up.

"I promise you won’t be disturbed by me again," he said. I stood up.

"Can’t we just be friends, Manik?" I asked—the most foolish question—and he looked at me.

Alina❤