A Part, Yet Apart

Chapter 107- Pyaar mein Paagal

Manik's POV: 

"Even then I wouldn't have taken money from you Manik" Nandini said. She didn't budge. She was not the Nandini I knew. She has become stronger now but at what cost! There was a tenderness in that Nandini who I knew a few years back. An innocence that made her alive, different from others. "Why do you have to be stubborn all thetime?" I was clearly frustrated seeing her resistance for everything I said, everything I offered. Why isn't she ready to take help even. She cried! Again! I never wanted to see her tears! Ever. Like always, she sets my heart on fire with her tears. I wish I could wipe them off, forever! What happened next was clearly out of my league, she hugged me. She held me as tight as she could, even air cannot pass between us. My brain cells almost stopped working when she did that. It felt like she hugged me for the first time. I clearly remember when I first hugged her, she was in tears even then. 

It was when she took me out to try my outfits for Mukti's wedding. Nandini cried over simple things many times and everytime she had tears in her eyes, I would hug her. I want to comfort her, console her. Maybe in a way, I liked her tears and in another way, I always made her cry. I pushed away my thoughts to live in the moments. Without any delay, I hugged her back. Trust me, it wasn't just a hug. I felt like her bones might dislocate if I press any further. I could still feel the wetness from her tears on my chest. I rested my chin on her shoulder as I exhaled deeply. It feels intoxicating to have her in my arms. And like all good things come to end, she freed from my clutches once for all. She was quick to compose herself as she wiped off her tears. "Nandini" I called out for her but she was already gone, into the darkness where there's not even a flicker of light. Nandini, do we still have any light left while we are going to darkness willingly? 

I sat back in the car but couldn't shake off the warmth of her hug. How would she win her home back! Why is she being stubborn? Is she moving on or just holding herself back! I don't know when did I sleep after retreiving to my bed. It's been a long time since Nandini had properly talked to me. After her parents' death, Nandini never allowed me to even see her. I thought she is grieving the loss of her parents but no, she calculated every move. She settled her father's debts, made incomplete payments on behalf of her parents, death certificates, legal procedures and the divorce too. She planned it all and did it alone, without any help. There wasn't a single day where I didn't go to convince not to get separated. I believed that she needed me, not financially but emotionally. She always had that regret that she didn't leave me when her parents asked her to come with them. She feels guilty that if she had gone with them, they would be alive today. She dismissed me even after trying multiple times. I've failed in every attempt and I've failed her too. 

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Nandini didn't come to the office the next day. God knows what she must be doing. She ignored all my calls as usual. Why did she hugged me last night. I strolled outside waiting for her but of no use as she didn't come. I've then called Navya to see if she knew something about Nandini but she said Nandini hadn't found anyone who can help her. Navya said Nandini tried to take loan or borrow money from few acquaintances but failed. Cabir is unusually absent from office these days. Work keep piling up due to Nandini and Cabir's absence from the resort. After almost 4 pm Nandini came back to the resort. "Nandini" I think I've almost scared her. She couldn't meet my eyes and she cleverly escaped my gaze. Cabir swiftly came there and I then understood Nandini is in office as Cabir had called her. 

"Guys, there's a good news" Cabir made an annoucement. "We're taking over Navami Kitchen, our first step, Vindhu". This is such a great news. "But Cabir, how can we afford to take over a restaurant" I've asked him to recheck the funds. "We've almost 40 lakhs left with us now" he said. "Congratulations Cabir" Nandini and Isha congratulated him. "We're going to take it over tomorrow. Nandini and Isha, humare lawyers aayenge, we'll have to get the papers ready. Please stay over till late tonight" Cabir said it as an order. I have my share of money in this 40 lakhs yet I couldn't be of any help to Nandini. She looked calm as if nothing happened. Cabir and I met a few people from Navami's kitchen who'd wanted to set their new restaurant in our resort. It was a good deal for a restaurant. As always Cabir and me were busy showing around the resort.