What Heart Wants

Chapter 28

Tbh, I don't really recognise my own writing anymore. I mean is it only me? Like I had this chapter written from before and when I sat down to edit it, I ended up almost rewriting it, and adding in almost 800/900 words more. Like does that make sense?

Anyways, I hope this chapter clears up a little more about Manik and Nandini's sides.

Enjoy Reading!

"It is okay, Manik. Nandini is exhausted and the fever is quite normal for her condition. The medicine will help lower her temperature and if there’s any emergency, call me again." Dr.Vardhan was a gentleman. He was in his late forties and he had probably known Murty’s for long, Manik understood from the way he talked of Nandini.

"Doctor," Manik called out when the doctor was about to hang up. The man stopped and smiled, as if he was waiting for this moment, "Is - What do you mean by her condition? Is this normal?"

Does Nandini have these panic attacks often? Was what Manik wanted to know.

"Yes. You can say that."

"Can- Can you tell me more?"

"I can, but you need rest for now. Take care of her, Manik." Dr.Vardhan smiled, "You have my number, call me tomorrow and I will tell you everything you want to know."

Manik replied with a nod and the line was cut from the other end. He sat down on the bed and then there was silence all around.

Manik could hear his own breaths, each heavier than the previous one. It took him a few moments to gain the strength to look up from his hands alone. Nandini looked so pale despite all the makeup she was wearing. She had lost some weight, not that she weighed any more than a feather before. She still looked beautiful in blue like she did the night they first met.

Manik didn't know how he even thought Nandini must be doing fine all these months? What was he even expecting? Her living her live happily? To say, Manik did expect that and he would have been happy if that was the case.

Manik would rather see her happy without him than see her suffer this way.

He had thought of this for six months - the moment they will finally come face to face. He had so much anger, so many complaints and so much bottled up feelings but now, seeing Nandini lay on the bed like that - it stripped him of his every emotion. Manik felt empty as he gazed at her closed eyes.

Manik came out of his thoughts as Mr.Murty walked in the room. This time, he was alone and in his sleeping clothes. He must have made Ruhi sleep in his own room. Manik stood up when the old man reached near him.

"Manik," Mr.Murty sounded worried, "Come let's sit down." Manik followed the man and sat on the opposite couch in the corner of the room.

"I am sorry I couldn't talk to you properly before." Mr.Murty said, "Tell me, how have you been, son?" The affection in his tone made Manik's eyes teary. It had been so long since someone had talked to him that way. He missed the elder Murty too.

"I am fine, Appa." A lie. Manik knew Mr.Murty was aware of it too. Manik was too messed up. His father wouldn't talk to him, his mother did but every conversation, every call ended with the same 'move on'. His siblings were another story all together, while Cabir was there for him, Manik didn't want to burden him with his personal problems.

"How’s everyone else at home?"

Manik shook his head, looking down and embarrassment crossed his face the next moment. His parents hadn't even wondered for a minute about Nandini and her family's well being.