The Mystery Of Love (Editing In Progress)

Bewildered Feelings

Chapter 13

Manik!!!

Manik had walked back towards his room but after hearing Nandini screaming he got really scared and ran back towards her room. It was all dark and started calling her out.
Nandini saw him while his back was facing her and at that moment she just ran towards him and held him.
They both had a sigh of relief!

For some reason, Manik really got scared of her screaming, but he got hold of himself and turned around.

What happened to you? It's just a power cut. Did you see a Ghost? The whole neighborhood heard your screams. He tried to mock her and lighten up the mood.

Nandini stayed silent.
Okay, wait here. I'll get some candles and the power will be fixed in some time don't worry.
Nandini stopped him by shaking her head. Okay, you also come with me, Manik held her hand.
They came back with some candles and put them in Nandini's room.
Okay all ready now Madam! Can you go to sleep now?

Nandini went and lied down. Manik walked to get out of the room but she stopped him and gestured him to not go.
Manik understood that she is scared of darkness or maybe it's because she is drunk so he obliged and stayed there.
He was feeling guilty of the fact that because of his friends Nandini got stuck in this situation.
He sat beside her while she tried to sleep. Soon, Nandini drifted to sleep and Manik kept adoring her angelic face.

Manik thought to himself 'Why am I acting so soft around her? Why did I get scared? I hardly know this girl? Why do I not want to leave now? Shut up, Manik. It's just the guilt of getting her drunk. Stop thinking!
He got lost and drifted to sleep himself.

The sun came up with a bright and beautiful day and disturbed our sleeping beauty's slumber. She reluctantly got up from the bed and instantly held her head which throbbed with pain.
She looked around and could not recall where is she.
In other words, Nandini was having her classic first hangover!

She saw Manik sleeping beside her and remembered the incidents of last night. The game night and her fear of darkness.

She immediately stood up and called out Manik to wake him up from his deep sleep.

Manik woke up with a shock! What happened Nandini? Are you okay?
He moved towards her and Nandini immediately said 'Don't come near me, what are you doing here?'

"First of all your friends do any prank on me and just get away with it. I don't understand why is my head hurting so much and then that power cut. I am your employee Manik Malhotra, not your servant. You can't do anything and just get away with it.  Don't you dare come after me like this ever again? I am doing this job because my family needs it."

Nandini left the room crying. Everyone else woke up because of her loud noise. Mukti came to the room and asked 'Manik, why is this girl shouting so much in the morning?'

Nandini didn't give a chance to Manik to explain. She ran to the garden and sat in a corner crying.
While Manik was boiling with anger. He explained everything to Fab 5 about the night. Of course, skipping the fun they had running around.

Mukti got really angry and started marching out of the room to teach Nandini a lesson. Cabir stopped her saying that they have really crossed limits this time and asked them to let him handle this.
Cabir tried searching for Nandini and finally found her sitting alone and crying.

Hey, Nandini. Cabir called her out.
Listen Cabir, I don't wish to speak please leave me alone. Nandini responded in a fierce voice.

Look Nandini. I am sorry that you are hurt it was just a prank and we did not mean any harm. Can you stop crying and come inside, please?
Nandini didn't respond.

Uff! See, I am very hungry. If your plan is to sit here all day let me know soon. I can arrange a buffet right here and we can finish this crying session while I eat.

Nandini laughed and cabir joined jer. They both went inside.
Everyone was waiting in the living room. Manik saw Nandini is smiling and felt better. Cabir gestured everyone that it's all okay now.
Nandini was feeling awkward.
Mukti broke the silence and said 'Okay, sorry Nandini.'
Nandini forgave them and asked Cabir 'Can I leave now?'
Manik immediately responded with a no. Everyone got shocked.
I mean you can go, but around the afternoon I have some office work, he explained.
Nandini nodded.
Cabir understood that Manik is just making up some reason to make her stay but avoided it.

Okay if all the drama is done, can we please go to eat? Cabir announced and everyone laughed and teased the hungry head in the house.
Yes, let's freshen up and eat. Then straight to practice.
Nandini, you meet me before breakfast. Manik ordered. She nodded and everyone dispersed.

After a while, Nandini got ready and walked towards Manik's room. She knocked on the door and Manik shouted 'Come in!'
He just came out of the shower and was getting ready in front of the dresser. Nandini entered and saw him and got surprised.
Oh shit! Sir, I'll come back later. She closed her eyes.
Manik had a smirk on his face seeing her reaction.
What Nandini? Common don't be shy. Manik teased her further.
Besides, I have something really important to discuss with you. Stay here.

No sir, it's okay. We can do it later. Nandini spoke shyly without opening her eyes.
Okay fine, wait a minute. Manik got dressed quickly.
Nandini Madam, now you can open your eyes.
She cutely opened one of her eyes and saw him dressed and then open her eyes completely.
Manik found the entire thing very funny but controlled his laughter.

Manik informed her about the concert and how he is gonna have a tight schedule and how to handle projects and meetings while he is away. Nandini was patiently noting down everything.
After finishing up they left for breakfast downstairs.
Fab 5 left for practice. Nandini wished to listen to them but decided against it and informed Cabir that she is leaving. Manik didn't protest this time and left for practice.

Nandini packed her stuff and came downstairs. She saw Fab5 singing and she was awestruck. 

She heard Manik's perfect voice and how adorably Dhruv looked at Alya as if he dedicates his words to her. The song was in a perfect symphony that Nandini could not help but join in herself. She sang the end chorus and Fab5 was stunned. It was beautiful. Although, Nandini could not finish it and left the place crying.
Manik ran behind her. He held her hand. Leave me, said Nandini.

What happened? He asked very softly.
I don't want to tell you anything. I said leave me, Nandini replied.

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What do you think made Nandini cry this time? Isn't it too mysterious? Nandini can sing? Who knew? What's the story behind this?
Keep reading to know more about this. Thank you for the love you have given to this story. If you are new here, please do drop in a comment and vote? ❤