Notes of Love

threads of trust

The next day, Manik drove to college, the sun streaming through the car windows as he jammed to his favorite playlist. The upbeat music filled him with energy, and he couldn't help but smile wider with each passing moment. As he pulled into the parking lot, his eyes lit up at the sight of Nandini animatedly chatting with Mukti. 

"Manik!" Nandini exclaimed, her face breaking into a bright smile the moment she spotted him. He parked quickly and jumped out of the car, making his way over to her. Without hesitation, he wrapped her in a warm embrace, the closeness causing her cheeks to flush a deeper shade of pink. The scent of her hair mixed with the morning air was intoxicating, and for a moment, the world around them faded.

"Where's Cabir?" Manik asked Mukti as he pulled back from Nandini, still holding her gaze for a moment longer than necessary. His curiosity was genuine, and he was eager to dive into the day's adventures.

"Oh, he's probably still in the cafeteria, trying to convince the staff to give him free coffee again," Mukti replied with a teasing smirk. Nandini giggled, shaking her head in mock disbelief. 

"That guy never learns, does he?" Manik chuckled, the warmth of their laughter brightening his mood even further. 

"Guess we should go rescue the coffee shop from his charm then." Nandini nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. 

"Absolutely! Let's go save the day!" With that, the three of them set off, their easy camaraderie making the walk across campus feel light and joyful. As they moved together, Manik felt a sense of contentment wash over him, knowing that these moments, filled with laughter and friendship were what made college life truly special.

But Manik's happiness was short-lived as he caught sight of Harshad loitering on campus. Memories of the previous day flooded back, Nandini's tear-streaked face, the shock of Harshad's actions. Rage bubbled within him, and without thinking, he marched straight toward Harshad.

"Manik! No!" Nandini shouted, her voice filled with urgency as she realized what was about to happen. Ignoring her plea, Manik confronted Harshad, his anger boiling over.

"Stop it! Manik!" Nandini cried, rushing to pull him away. She managed to get between them, her eyes pleading with him to reconsider. 

Once they were a few steps away, she turned to Manik, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. "What were you thinking?" she asked, glancing at his bruised knuckles, the skin already beginning to redden. 

"Aiyappa," she whispered, disbelief written all over her face. 

Manik stood there, still seething with anger. "He deserves it, Nandini," he replied, his voice tight. "No one gets to treat you like that."

Her gaze softened as she saw the turmoil in his eyes. "I know, but this isn't the way to handle it," she urged gently, placing a hand on his arm. "You can't let him get to you like this." 

The intensity in Manik's expression began to waver, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "I just can't stand the thought of him hurting you again," he admitted, frustration and concern mingling in his voice.

Nandini stepped closer, her concern palpable. "I appreciate you standing up for me, but we need to address this together, in a better way," she suggested, her tone soothing. Manik nodded slowly, the anger still simmering, but her words began to resonate with him. "Okay," he murmured, taking a moment to breathe as Nandini's presence anchored him. They stood together for a moment, the chaos around them fading as they focused on each other, ready to face whatever came next.

--

Though Nandini tried to calm Manik down, a deeper fear gnawed at her. She was scared—not just for him, but for everything that seemed to spiral out of control lately. As she guided him to the medical room for first aid, her thoughts raced, consumed by worry.