A Part, Yet Apart

Chapter 25- Sorry

Manik did not speak to anyone after party. ''Nandini ko aisa nahi karna chahiye tha'' Mukti said. ''Ha but we don't know what happened too'' Aryaman took Nandini's side. ''She would have politely rejected anyway Manik came there on her mom's invitation'' Mukti said. ''Yeah totally, I second Mukti. Nandini was really weird'' Abhimanyu said. ''Guys, this is enough. Ab Nandini ke baare mein koi discuss nahi karega'' Manik finally spoke and he went to his room. ''Bye Mukti, main bhi ghar jaunga'' Abhimanyu said and he left. ''Aryaman'' Mukti called him before he left. ''I know isme dono ki galti nahi hai but we can clearly see Manik is hurt'' she said. ''Yeah'' Aryaman nodded. ''I guess Nandini ko sorry bolna chahiye tha Manik ko'' Mukti said. ''You know how it is between bhai and Nandini. Unme se koi bhi kisi ko sorry nahi bolega. I don't know why they are always at loggerheads!'' Aryaman said.

''Ok jo hoga hum kal dekhenge, lets just go to sleep now'' Mukti dismissed the topic. Next day Aryaman woke up early to talk to Manik about last night but Manik went out for a jog without sparing a glance at him. It was unusual for Aryaman to wake up early in the morning. Nandini came there by 9 o clock sharp. ''Breakfast Nandini?'' Nyonika offered as they all sat on dining table. ''No aunty, I just had my breakfast before coming here'' she said chirping. After they all ate, she asked Aryaman. ''Tumhare outfits ready hai, try karne chaloge?''. Manik and Mukti were also there. ''Nandini, I guess tumhe Manik ko sorry bolna chahiye for last night'' Aryaman said. Manik is surprised that Aryaman actually took his side. Nandini's facial expression changed in a moment. ''If you don't want to say, that's okay. I won't force you but I can't go against my own brother for you'' he made it clear. ''That's ok Aryaman. I will send your outfits here with Navya. You can try them and tell me if you need any alterations'' Nandini said. She looked at Mukti who is stealing glances at her. 

Nandini understood that Mukti and Aryaman are not going to talk to her. She went to Manik to Mukti and Aryaman's surprise. Nandini stood in front of Manik to his surprise. He tilted his neck to see her standing right before him. ''Aaj Mukti aur Aryaman busy hai. Will you go out with me for your outfits selection'' she asked him. Mukti and Aryaman looked at each other in confusion. ''Yes! No, I mean I have some work'' Manik stumbled on his words. ''Koi nahi, I won't take much of your time. You can work from there too'' she smiled at him. Like a spell cast on him, he followed Nandini out. There was high tension in the air between them. ''Where are we going?'' he asked. She typed a location on his car's GPS without a word. Manik followed the Google maps to reach the boutique. She called Navya to meet her at the boutique.

''Hi, can you show some more fabrics? We've planned on co ordinated family outfits. And make sure he doesn't get repeated style as of Aryaman. Dono ka alag alag outfits, fabrics and styles but still they need to be color co ordinated too'' Nandini said her preferences and Manik like an obedient student waited there until they took his measurements and finalized the fabric with Nandini. Navya reached there in some time. ''Navya, please deliver these to Aryaman and ask him to try all of them and if any alterations are needed, come back only with them'' Nandini said. ''He won't need any alterations Nandini, they would be perfect'' the stylist said and she smiled crossing her fingers. Manik opened his laptop to work but he learns lately that Nandini's presence has affected him so much. He feels guilty to provoke Aryaman and Mukti against Nandini. After an ample amount of time, Nandini finally bid bye to the stylist and makes an exit from there. Manik couldn't take her ignorance. ''It's done, you can leave now'' she said. ''And what about you?'' he asked her.

''Office jaana hai mujhe'' she said. ''Agar Aryaman ka kuch alterations ho tho!'' Manik made an excuse. ''Anyway he is not talking to me, don't worry Navya would take them back here'' Nandini said. ''I didn't ask Aryaman to not talk to you'' Manik said stopping Nandini as she walked away from him. He walked towards her for her to talk. ''I know you will not say anything but you can make them what you want'' Nandini accused him. ''I'm sorry'' Manik mouthed it. Nandini turned away from him. Manik is afraid to see her reaction. ''Kuch na kehke bhi sab kuch haasil kaise kar lete hai aap?'' tears made their down her cheeks and Manik's heart was set on fire seeing her. ''I'm sorry Nandini. I didn't mean to'' he said hugging her involuntarily to console her. ''Sorry, sorry'' he said many times but Nandini couldn't control her tears. She rested her head on his chest. He felt the wetness of her tears on his chest and hugged Nandini taking her into his arms. 

''Humesha apna mann maani karte ho. I'm tired of dealing with your ways'' she confessed. ''Ok, I'll take whatever you accuse me of. Mujhe bas ye jaan na tha ki, Anitha ma'am is not even 50, then why is she taking VRS. What is the reason? Kal raat tum usse mujhse kyu nahi milwayi? Is there something that is bothering you?'' Manik asked. Nandini broke the hug suddenly and wiped off her tears after realizing their awkward position. 

''Mr. Malhotra, it would be much better if you stop thinking about me and my family'' Nandini said.