Healing Echoes

Chapter 14 - Manik to make Nandini Realise her love for him?

Next day, at college:

Manik is waiting for Nandini. Cabir pats Manik on the shoulder and asks, 'What happened, Manik?'

Manik: Nothing.

Cabir: Are you waiting for anyone? (teasing)

Manik:No.

Cabir: Are you sure?

Manik: Yes.

Suddenly, his eyes fall on Nandini. Cabir notices this and says,' I will go now! Bye, Manik.'

Manik doesn’t hear him, as he is too lost in Nandini. Cabir smiles and walks away.

Nandini is looking at her phone when she sees Manik. She gets nervous thinking about their moment from yesterday. Manik comes near her, and Nandini pretends to be busy on her phone.

Manik continues to stare at her. Nandini, growing increasingly nervous, almost falls, but Manik catches her and pulls her close. They lock eyes deeply.

Manik tucks a strand of Nandini's hair behind her ear. Nandini tries to pull away but Manik pulls her back by her stomach. He holds her there and begins to trace his fingers slowly from the right side of her stomach to the center, and then to the left side.

Nandini is breathing deeply.

Nandini: Ma...man...Manikkk.

Manik: Yes, Nandini? (He says this close to her ear.)

Nandini: Let me go!

Manik slowly releases her stomach, sliding his fingers away, making her heartbeat faster. Nandini tries to walk away, but Manik holds her hand and starts moving his fingers from her hand up her arm.