The Mystery Of Love (Editing In Progress)

Something's Burning🔥

Chapter 19

After the long eventful day, Nandini and Manik bid adieu to each other.
The next morning,  Nandini woke up from her long slumber. She looked at the clock and her eyes came out of the sockets. She was extremely late for office and thought this would be the end of her career!

She rushed to get ready and as soon as she was set to leave her phone started buzzing.
She was scared to check who is it. If it was the office, she was screwed!!!

She picked her phone and saw it was her Grandmother. She was relieved. She answered the call.

How are you Nandini?
I am good Amms, how is everyone else at home?
Everyone is good. I have called to tell you that I need you to come home for 2 days. I have some important work.

But Amms, my job just started I cannot take a leave right now, Nandini tried to explain her situation.

Nandini, I am not asking you. I am telling you. Be here soon. I have to go now bye!

The call ended.

Nandini was worried. How would she deal with Manik and ask for a holiday after all that has happened? Worried Nandini left for office to face what lies ahead.

Nandini reached the office and started working as nothing had happened. Manik called her in his cabin.
She knocked on the door and Manik let her in.

Manik kept a straight face and talked about work.

For a minute Nandini was taken aback and her expression changed.
Manik noticed that and thought 'Two can play this game, Ms. Murthy. Just wait and watch'

Nandini also replied in a very professional manner. She turned to leave but looked back again.
Sir, ... She stuttered.
Yes, Manik looked at her and replied.

I want to take a leave for 2 days, Nandini blurted it out.

What? Why? Manik exclaimed.
I have personal work, Nandini retorted.

Manik wondered what kind of personal work she has but the thought of not seeing her for 2 days suddenly pleased him. Less nuisance and think. Let her go.

Okay, you can go. Just 2 days. I have the concert and I'll be busy so you can't take any more leaves.
Okay, thank you, sir. Nandini happily responded.

She went back to her desk and started finishing up the urgent work. Navya came from behind her and tapped her shoulder.

Hello Ji, Navya exclaimed
Nandini replied.
You have forgotten me only, Navya complained.
No there is nothing like that, Nandini justified and went on to tell her that she is going to go home for the next 2 days. She requested her to cover up any urgent work that comes up while she is away.
Navya being the sweet girl, agreed.

They both went back to their work.  Manik and Nandini behaved professionally for the rest of the day.

The day passed and it was time to leave. Nandini picked her bag and she was rushing out and once again she collided with someone.

Can't you look straight and walk? Nandini screamed

I am sorry Miss... the person stopped

Nandini Murthy. She finished the sentence.

Oh hey, beautiful, the person looked at her and smiled.

Excuse me? Nandini was surprised.

Manik was on his way out and he saw what's going on

Harshad, Harshad, Harshad! Manik came towards them pronouncing the guy's name.
He pulled Nandini aside.

Hey Manik! Harshad greeted him.

Mr. Saxena, I was coming down to see you. Why did you make the effort to come upstairs huh? Manik tried to keep his tone sugary although his annoyance was visible.

Oh Manik, this is the first time I have come to your office. I thought I'll check out how it looks.

Oh. Are you done, Mr.Saxena? Shall we leave now?
Manik was trying to keep his cool.
Harshad felt a little awkward

What's the rush Manik? He asked.
Let me meet Ms. Nandini properly.

Manik was annoyed at this point.

No, Harshad. Today's meeting is really important. Let's not waste any more time.

Okay, I have a flight at midnight too. So let's just get done with this. Harshad agreed unwillingly.

Harshad moved ahead. Manik eyed Nandini asking what was exactly going on. Nandini ignored him and just tried to leave. Manik pulled her back and said 'Stay away from that jerk, okay?' Nandini told him to leave her hand and said 'Why do you care? I'll speak whoever I want to.' She left.

Nandini reached home and finished her packing. She also had a midnight flight. She set an alarm and slept for a while.

Manik and Harshad finished their meeting and called it a day.

Writer's Pov

Life is very confusing. Sometimes all we need is someone to love us and someone to hold on to but it's very difficult to accept that love.  We are scared. What if that love is just an illusion? What if it fades away? What is true love anyway? There are so many questions that pop up in our heads.
There is no fault in love. The fault is in the heartbreaks we experience. We are afraid to face those feelings all over again.

Well, heartbreaks do not always happen because of love. They happen in friendships, in families, and anything else that we hold dearly. One heartbreak changes our lives and turns them around 360 degrees. It changes our perspectives. It restricts us to accept the love we are receiving in present.

Nandini's trust was broken by her own family. They left her. That's why she could not accept Manik's love. Manik still had Fab5 by his side but Nandini was all alone and the only way she could be happy was to accept her connection with Manik.

Will Nandini ever accept Manik's love?
Will Manik put more effort? They are both confused.
But we did see Manik getting jealous of Harshad. What does that say? Hmm. Let's wait and watch.

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I hope you are enjoying the story so far. What do you think? Why did Amms call Nandini home? Do Manik and Nandini have a shot to be together?
Every question will be answered in the coming chapters. I am thankful for everyone who takes the time to read, vote, and comment.
If you are new to this story. Do hit the star button and drop a comment. Let me know if you enjoy this story.
Thank you. Lots of love!