Yahin Hoon Main...a Manan Short Story

CHAPTER 4

                  

"Mera Manik aayega...wo jarur aayega"Nandini murmured without batting an eyelid  as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

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"Uncle please mujhe aur soup nahi peena" Manan spoke gloomily.

Aryamann had managed to make Manan drink some soup somehow.Nandini stood in a corner looking at the duo as they talked.

"Last few spoons baby" Aryamann insisted " Remember naa , we have to go for a holiday to Goa together once you recover completely" He inserted another spoonful of soup in Manan's little mouth.

"Yes uncle and then you'll teach me volleyball also" Manan spoke excitedly.

"Sure I will , but for that you will have to become strong .So finish this soup first" He said while feeding Manan .

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"Nandini , Navya is right" Mukti said " You must think practically now. We are your well wishers darling.Please please accept Aryamann's proposal , for Manan's sake.Agar aaj Aryamann naa hota to na jaane kitne din aur manan ko hospital me rehna padta"

Nandini let out a deep breath and walked into her room without saying a word.

"This is what she does everytime I talk about Aryamann" Navya spoke giving up all hopes " Pata nahi kab tak intezaar karegi ye Manik ka. Kaash hum Manik ko vaapis laa sakte" She sighed and got up to follow Nandini.

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Nandini stood in the balcony of her room looking at the sea.Waves came forward and dampened the shore , quenching the thirst of the sand.Tears were flowing down her cheeks as she saw the sea engulfing the sun which slowly hid in Sea's huge torso.

She felt someone's hand on her shoulder and turned around to see Navya.She stepped forward and clinged to Navya while Navya consoled her by rubbing her back..

"Navya ...I am loosing all my strength , all my courage , all my hopes.Its been 6 years...6  long years that I have been facing the wrath of the world alone.Ab mujhse aur nahin hoga...bas ab main thakk chuki hu. I remember the day when Dad died due to cardiac arrest.Since that day life has been on a downhill." Nandini sobbed.

"Aisa nahin hai Nandu. I know life has been harsh on you.Pehle Murthy uncle...aur fir Manik bhi  but" She pulled apart and wiped Nandini's tears with her thumb "But my Nandu has boldly faced all the challenges life has thrown on her .Nandu please dont misunderstand me. Manik ne duty join karne se pehle tumhari responsibility mujhe di thi aur tumhare saath saath maine bhi uska wait kiya hai. I have been asking you to accept Aryamann's proposal just because I dont want you and Manan to suffer any more.Nandini , apne liye nahi Manan ke liye socho.Give it a thought but I promise you whatever decision you take now shall be the final one.Whether its a yes or a no , I will whole heartedly support you in that" she hugged her once again and left the room closing the door behind.

Nandini looked at her sleeping angel Manan, who had the most peaceful smile on his face and then turned around to look at the sea again

****FLASHBACK STARTS****

Manik was pacing through the room frantically worrying about Nandini.He was expecting Navya anytime now.He had been granted only 2 days leave to attend his father in law's funeral.Nandini was completely shattered after her father's death and was not in a condition to be left alone.Manik , on the other hand , was bound by his service for nation.