Hold On My Heart (Complete)

14. Mine to Protect

Manik’s POV

I closed the door behind me and smashed my lips onto hers. She tried to pull away, but I grabbed her hands and pinned her to the wall.

“You were right,” I said as I pulled back—only to be slapped hard across the face.

“How cheap are you? What do you think you’re doing?” she shouted.

I smiled. “I love you, damn it,” I said, pulling her into a hug.

“Manik, leave me,” she said, breaking away. “What do you think you’re doing, Manik?” she asked again. I made her sit on the bed while I knelt in front of her.

“I know everything, Nandini. Everything… about your past.” She jerked her hands away from mine.

“Wh… What past?” she stammered, fear written all over her face. I took her hands again, this time holding them tightly.

“Whatever you went through, Nandini, I know it all. And… I know I can’t change your past, but I want to make your present and future beautiful. Nandini, I don’t care about anything else. I just know that I love you, and that’s enough for me.”

“Manik, please… this can’t happen.”

“Why not? Nandini, you’re still beautiful, and I want you to forget the past. Please, let me help you.”

“I don’t want to, Manik. Please don’t do this. I’m dirty… I’m used—”

“Shut up! Don’t ever say that again, Nandini. You’re not dirty. You’re pure… like water. Marry me, Nandini Murti.” She looked straight into my eyes as I gently wiped her tears.

“You really want to marry me?” she whispered.

“Yes, of course I do. I want you, Nandini.”

She hugged me tightly, and I held her just as close.

“I’m sorry… for always pushing you away. But I was scared… scared of being left behind. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine. It’s completely fine. Don’t stress yourself. Don’t cry.”

Later, I called Cabir and asked him to come over.

“So, you really want to do this?” he asked.

“Yes, Cabir. I am doing this.”

“What about Abhi?”

“I don’t know. I know he’s angry with me, but I believe he’ll come around in time. I called you to inform him that I’m getting married. If he wants to come, he’s most welcome.”

“Think again, Manik. You’re leaving everything behind for that girl and—”

“I know, and I don’t care anymore. I just know she’s my first priority, and I can do anything for her.”

“Okay, as you say. I’ll let you know what he says,” he replied as he stood up to leave.

“Listen!”

“Yeah?”

“You’ll come, right?” I asked. He smiled.

“Of course, buddy. How can I miss your wedding?” I smiled back and hugged him.

“Thanks.”

“Oh please, Manik. Stop your drama,” he said, and I chuckled.

Later, I knocked on her door, hoping she was awake.

“Mr!” I looked around and saw an old man standing nearby.

“Yes?”

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked.