The last few days after the hospital incident had been strangely quiet. Nandini was recovering, her face still pale but her spirit as stubborn as ever.
She kept herself busy helping Ayesha aunty and Faiza baji with post-wedding guests, arranging trays, setting tables, pretending everything was fine. But Manik knew better. She was ignoring him. On purpose.
And nothing in the world burned him more.
“Khan sahab, aap ki beti mashAllah bohot hi shareef aur tameez-dar hai,” one aunty said loudly, sipping her tea while eyeing Nandini with open admiration. “Aisi larkiyan ab kahan milti hain. Agar hamare bete ka rishta pehle na tay hua hota toh main yahin baat karti.”
Everyone laughed politely, but Manik froze. His jaw tightened, eyes glued to Nandini who was politely serving mithai. She didn’t even react — just smiled softly, lowered her gaze, and moved on.
Manik’s hand clenched around his cup. *Bas, ab aur bardasht nahi hota.*
As soon as the guests left, he caught her wrist in the corridor.
“Nandini.”
She startled, looking up. “Ji?”
“Kya zarurat thi itna muskaraane ki? Tumhe pata bhi hai woh kya keh rahi thi?” his voice was low, dangerous.
Her brows knitted. “Manik, woh aunty thi. Respectfully baat kar rahi thi, main bas…”
“Bas kya? Tumhe samajh nahi aata mujhe pasand nahi jab koi aur tumhari taraf dekhe? Tum meri ho, sirf meri.” His grip tightened.
“Chhodain mujhe, koi dekh lega,” she whispered, struggling.
“Dekhne do,” he hissed. “Shayad tab sabko samajh aa jaye ke tum par haq sirf mera hai.”
Later that evening, Nandini escaped to the terrace for some fresh air. She hugged her dupatta around her, staring at the city lights. *Why is he always so angry? Why can’t he just trust me?*
She didn’t hear the footsteps until he spoke.
“Kitna bhaag lo gi mujhse, Nandini. End of the day, tumhe wapas mere paas hi aana hai.”
She whirled around. “Manik, please. Mujhe akela chhod dein. I need some space.”
“Space?” He moved closer, eyes burning into hers. “Main tumhari zindagi hoon, aur tum mujhse ‘space’ maang rahi ho? Do you even hear yourself?”
Her frustration spilled over. “Why can’t you leave me alone?!”
“Why should I leave you?” he growled, backing her against the railing. “You are my life, Nandini. Tum samajhti kyun nahi?”
She blinked rapidly, heart racing. His words stabbed through her anger, leaving her trembling. “Aapko samajhna itna mushkil hai, Manik. Har waqt gussa, har waqt possessive… main bhi insaan hoon. Mujhe bhi apni space chahiye.”
Manik slammed his palm against the railing beside her head. “jab main tumse kuch kehta hoon toh tumhara chehra kyon utar jata hai? Main pagal ho jaata hoon jab tum mujhe ignore karti ho.”
Her chest heaved. “Phir aapko gussa kyun aata hai? Main thak gayi hoon aapke gusse se, Manik.”
Something snapped in him then. His anger twisted into desperation. Without another word, he cupped her face and moved towards her lips.
' Manik' Nandini stammered while moving back.
' hmmm'
' manik.... nikkah' she could only utter that.
YOU ARE READING
Meri Jaan
Romance'Why can't you leave me alone' Nandani yelled helplessly. 'Why should I leave you? You are my life, Zindagi ban gayi ho meri' I whispered yelled each word so it stays in her mind forever. She ignored my confession as usual and pushed me away. 'Mer...
