Chapter 24

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The next week passed quickly enough. Nandini was busy with her exams and Manik was completely buried in work. Though they were busy they always made time for each other.
It was a Saturday. Nandini was just wrapping up her work at the store when she heard a ping from the cash counter. She hurried up to there to find one of the most unexpected sights.

Manik was standing there in his white linen shirt and black trousers and the blazer wrapped lightly in his right arm. He was leaning against the counter and lazily stared at the almost empty store.

Nandini reached up to him and tapped on his shoulders. Manik turned and soon there was that ever charming boyish grin on his face as he said," Hey,".

"Hi, what brought you here?", Nandini asked though she knew the reason but she loved to hear it from him.

"Ah..... I wanted to look at some books you know so decided to visit", Manik added innocently not giving in that easily.

Nandini rolled her eyes at him and said in a mechanical tone," You are free to go through the shelves, sir. Suit yourself and you may call me when you need me." And with that Nandini turned to walk away but was stopped by a Manik's voice,

"What if I am here for you....", and Nandini could feel her lips curve into a smile and she turned to look at Manik," That was easy", she chirped happily and Manik felt his heart lift as he saw the angelic radiant smile on Nandini's face.

"Guess I am eager, now come quickly please...", Manik begged his impatience clear.

"Just let me get my things..", and within 10 min she was back holding her bag.

Manik forwarded his arm and Nandini happily took it and Manik led them out. Manik went towards the car and was going to open it when Nandini stopped him.

"What?", Manik asked unaware of his lady's intension.

"Manik, can we take a walk", Nandini pleaded hopefully looking into Manik's brown eyes.

Not a single cell in his body could deny such a request and he bent down and placed a long kiss on her forehead and murmured," What ever you say baby".

Manik stared into the golden hazel eyes that twinkled in enthusiasm and he knew that he can do anything, literally anything to see that same twinkle in her eyes everyday.

Nandini pulled his arm and dragged him to get him out if his trance. He matched his steps with Nandini as they walked aimlessly across the road.

They felt a beautiful silence accompanying them in their journey. They just held each other absorbing the peace the comfort they felt in each other's arms.

Both of them were so into themselves that they were unaware of the strong winds that had started to blow and the darkness that had began to mystify the surrounding.
And soon enough it started drizzling.

"Oh shit, it raining...we should head home Nandu", Manik spoke looking up at the sky. But instead of getting any reply from Nandini he felt her touch disappearing and in another moment he saw his love swirling around in the open ground.

Manik saw her giggling and laughing like a kid. It was an erethral piece of beauty to watch and if possible Manik would love to stop the time and freeze it forever. Manik stared at her and he could watch her makeup wash away and her true elegance making its way out.

Even in the dragging rain she looked heavenly. Manik was so into her that without even his knowledge his legs had taken him to her and without wasting any time he took her into his embrace.

Nandini was in love with this rain when she found his arms wrapping around her taking her into a deep and warm embrace. She buried herself into him and placed her head on his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart and that was music to her ears. She longed to hear. It was the sound that she wanted to hear when she closed her eyes after a day and when she opened her eyes welcoming another.

Nandini felt the cold drops of rain as they slid down her body and the warmth of Manik's body, both having a soothing effect on her. She knew she was safe in those arms and no power could harm her. She felt protected, loved, wanted, cared all in those two arms, arms that belonged only to her man...... Her Manik.

"Nandini, we should head back now, we are already drenched.", Manik's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Can't we stay here a little longer...", Nandini pleaded snuggling more into him.

"You may catch a cold, and I don't want you to get sick," Manik softly spoke as if he was explaining to Mannat.

Nandini reluctantly broke free but she knew Manik was right. "Okay", she replied in a low voice.
Manik lifted her face and kissed her lips slowly and passionately and whispered against her lips,"We will be back again".
And he was rewarded with one of her breath taking smile.

"Now let's take you home.", Manik pulled her towards their car.

---------------------------------------------------

Manik dropped Nandini at her home and had drove towards his loft. Nandini was completely wet when she got home. She walked down the hall and peeked into the dining to find Rishab on the couch asleep.

She headed upstairs and went into the washroom. She took a bath in warm water and changed into a loose tee and shorts. She then tied up her hair in a messy bun and went downstairs to get something to eat.

She had some bread and milk and then went to the dining. She placed a blanket over Rishab and took the remote from his hand. She switched on the dim lights and left wishing her Bhai a silent good night.

She reached her room and locked the door and went to her bed. She covered herself with the duvet and took her phone and texted Manik Good night.

She waited for an reply but there was none. Maybe he was busy with Mannat, she thought and lazily put away her phone and turned off the lamp. She was about to slip into slumber when she heard a tap on her window. She was shocked at first but with a second tap she switched on the lamp and went to her window.

There was Manik half hanging from the rods. She immediately opened it and Manik pulled himself into her room.
He without giving a glance to Nandini stripped off his shoes and settled straight on the bed.

After he had comfortably placed himself on bed he realised Nandini was still standing with a shocked expression.

"What?", Manik asked.

"Are n't you too big to pull off these tricks", Nandini asked.

"Actually I missed the phase honey," and he pulled her to the bed.

Manik wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her hairs and mumbled a good night and within no time they were under the spell of night.

Here goes another long update. Hope you like and enjoy it.

Please do vote and comment. Will wait for your responses.

Till then happy reading.

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