Healing Echoes

Chapter 18 - Nandini's past

They reach the place. Nandini was about to get out, but Manik holds her hand and stops her. Nandini gives him a confused look.

Nandini: What’s going on?

Manik: Just a second.

Manik takes a blindfold out of his pocket.

Nandini: What is this?

Manik: It’s a surprise. Now close your eyes.

Nandini: But why?

Manik: Do you trust me?

Nandini: More than anyone in this world.

Manik: Then please close your eyes.

Nandini: But—Okay, fine.

Nandini closes her eyes. Manik turns her gently and puts the blindfold on her.

Nandini holds his hand and asks, 'Manik, what are you doing?'

Manik: Just a second.

Manik gets out of the car, opens the door for Nandini, picks her up into his arms, and walks towards the unknown place.

Manik: Finally, we are here.

Manik removes the blindfold.

Nandini opens her eyes and sees a swimming pool, candles, and lights—the setup is very royal!

Nandini: Manik, this is so beautiful! Did you do this?

Manik: What do you think?

Nandini blushes.

Manik gets a call.

Manik: Wait here, I’ll be back in two minutes!

Nandini nods cutely.

As Nandini looks around, someone suddenly pushes her into the swimming pool.

Nandini screams.

Nandini: Help! Manik!

(Nandini doesn’t know how to swim.)

Nandini struggles to get out of the pool, but the water is very deep. After a few minutes, she starts drowning.

Manik arrives and looks for Nandini.

Manik: Nandini! Nandini! Where are you?

Manik pauses and says, 'Oh, I see, you want to play hide and seek with me!'

Suddenly, Manik’s eyes fall on the swimming pool, and he sees someone drowning. He goes closer and finds it is Nandini.

Manik: Nandini! Shit!

He dives into the pool and rescues her. He pulls Nandini out of the pool. Nandini is wet and shivering.

Manik grabs a towel and wraps it around her.

Manik: How did you fall into the pool? I just told you I’d be back in two minutes! What was the need to go near the pool? Couldn’t you have waited?

Nandini: Manik, I didn’t go near it…someone pushed me!

Manik: What?

Nandini: Yes.

Manik: That’s totally weird because no one else is here except you and me. Anyway, go inside; I’ll send a dress for you.

Nandini nods and leaves.

MANIK'S POV
Who could it be? Who is trying to harm Nandini? I have to find out as soon as possible—before they make their next move!

(Manik goes inside to change his clothes.)

Manik is in his room, trying to decide what to wear. Nandini knocks on the door.