Essence Of Love - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 6 - Hope ❤️

Manik's POV

A peaceful smile played upon her pretty lips, as she slept and I felt a certain warmth and peace in my heart looking at the sight in front of me.
I myself couldn't help smiling, as I thought back upon how she told me about her love for fireflies - 'They are so beautiful - they spread light everywhere, eliminating all the darkness. They inspire me , give me hope..' . There was so much sincerity in her little confession, and I couldn't help feeling a strong pull towards her beautiful personality. She was indeed beautiful - inside and out.

I quickly pulled out of my reverie as I noticed the time on my watch - 3:30 a.m . 'I have to leave now'  My brain reasoned even though my heart wanted to watch her sleep all night. I decided to listen to my brain, for once and slowly withdrew my hand, which was under her little hand. She seemed to twitch at the withdrawal, so I ran my hand over her hair until she looked at peace again. I then walked out, stealing a last look at her tranquil form. I'll check on you tomorrow, Nandini.

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Nandini's POV

''Nandini... Utho Nandini.. Its 11:00 in the morning.. '' A voice woke me up gently. It was the most peaceful sleep I had in a very long time,and I felt extremely relaxed. I smiled recognising the mesmerizing voice.

''Manik...'' I drawled and opened my eyes only to see his gorgeous face close to mine, his hands gently rubbing my arm. For a moment, I felt lost in his deep eyes before realisation hit me, and I sat up with a jerk.

''Manik.. Tum yahan? Tum kal raat ghar nahi gaye? Aiyoo Ayappa.. Ab kya karen?!! Ab tak toh sab uth bhi gaye hongey, main itni late toh kabhi nahi uth ti..'' I went on rambling anxiously. He just looked at me, amused.

This irritated me - ''Manik, I don't think this is funny, okay?'' I told him crossly.

It was then I noticed - he wasn't in last night's clothes. He was sporting a fresh pair of clothes and his hair was well-set. I became all the more confused, and asked ''Ek minute, Manik.. How did you change?''

''Nandini.. Chill. Pehle tum batao, how are you feeling now, hmm?'' He asked , cupping my face in the warm palms of his hand. I looked down into my lap, and a small blush crept on my face, recalling how last night Manik had so caringly comforted me and put me to sleep.

''I take it from your reaction, you're feeling better?!'' Manik said, smirking and taking his hands off my face. I quickly suppressed my smile, and tried giving him a tough look, at which he chuckled.

All of a sudden Chachi entered the room and I gasped in fright.

''Chachi, woh main.. Woh yeh ladka .. Main nahi jaanti issey..'' I tried hard to come up with an excuse.

''Haan pata hai tu nahi jaanti isey, maine hi toh Manik ko upar bheja tha taaki tum dono mil sako. I thought Manik , Mumbai mein tumhara pehla friend ban sakta hai!'' She responded, excitedly.

''What?!'' was all I could come up with.

''Nandu, yeh hai Manik Malhotra, humaare bagal wale ghar me rehta hai, humse milne aaya hai. Bada hi sona munda hai, warna aaj kal ke bachon ko padosiyon ke haal-chaal ki kya fikar?!'' Chachi went on and Manik simpered under all the praise while I just rolled my eyes at him.

Chachi then looked at me, surprised to see me still in my night - clothes, and asked  ''Nandu, aaj itni late kyun uthi tu? Raat ko neend nahi aayi thi?''

Manik teasingly wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I blushed again. However, he saved me from any further embarrasment by speaking up -
''Umm..Ms Murthy. Actually, I've to go, kuch kaam hai, toh ..''