MANAN--In a different world

Chapter 30

Manik waited for Nandini to answer.

Nandini stared at Manik for long and she could find no reason as to say no to him. She knew he loves her more than even what she deserves. And he will be there for her in every circumstances.

Nandini needs him too and she made up her mind to say yes.

But as she parted her lips to say yes, a memory flashed through her eyes. Six months ago, her brother lying on the white hospital bed.... Bandages wrapped around his whole body. His drunken state, his lonely hollow eyes.

And along with that the picture of his now charming self. Laughing smiling, joy in those eyes.

Nandini was confused. Family or love.

Rishab or Manik.

Both equally important, and both in need of her. Choosing one means hurting the other and she don't want to just hurt anyone.

"Manik, ........ I ", Nandini stammered but was cut off by Manik.

He withdrew back his hands and closed his eyes. Nandini looked at him, he was hurt but the next moment when he opened his eyes. He was composed.

"Nandini, let me drop you home. Come......", and he stood up putting an end to it.

"Bhai would come at 5", Nandini spoke quietly.

"Its already 6 and its going to be dark soon, maybe he is busy. Drop him a text and come," Manik replied curtly.

"Okay", and Nandini left a message and followed Manik to the car.

As Manik pulled up in front of Nandini's home, both looked up at each other but said nothing. Mannat was already asleep at the back seat, with her head tilted to one side and mouth slightly open.

Nandini stepped out of the car and spoke in a low voice," I am sorry, Mani.....k..."

"Nandini, I get it. I understand. You are already troubled and I won't make you face more. Rather I would like to be with you while you face them. So its okay......... I am always there and you know where to find me.", Manik replied calmly and smiled at her.

Nandini too smiled back ," Thank you."

"Always", Manik replied.

Manik waited for Nandini to get inside and once the door closed he drove back to the apartment.

Nandini came inside and saw that the lights were off. This means Rishab was still not home. He usually arrived by now, but may be Manik was right. He may be busy in the work. She checked her phone for any calls and texts but there was none.

Nandini freshened up and after having light snacks she shifted to her bed. She put on her headphones and started to finish up her work.

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Nandini's eyes opened as she heard a cracking sound. She felt a pain in her neck and as she sat up, she saw that the lights were on and she still had her headphones plugged into her ears. She had fallen asleep with them.

She checked her phone and it was 1 am. She jumped almost out of her bed when she heard another sound.

Nandini got out of her head and opened the door. She saw the hall way lights on and the sounds were probably coming from there.

Nandini silently came down the stairs and as she peeked in the hall the sight reminded her of nothing except hell.

There were glass pieces everywhere. Bottles broken, things thrown everywhere........ And in between all the mess, Rishab sat his hands on his head and his body bent towards the earth.

"Bhai.......", Nandini called fighting back her tears.

Rishab shot a glance towards her. His blood shot eyes looking straight towards her.

"Bhai what are you like this.....", Nandini asked quietly moving slowly towards him escaping the things on the floor.

Nandini placed her hand on his shoulders and asked in a soft voice,"Bhai please tell me ..."

Rishab stared at the floor and replied in a hoarse tone," I lost the job. The company is shutting down and the loan that we had taken for your medical courses.....need to be paid by the end of this months. Otherwise this house will be seized by them."

Nandini at once understood what Rishab was going through. She quickly rubbed his back and said," Bhai, Don't worry..... Manik may help us".

And it turned out worse. Rishab got up from his seat and shouted at Nandini," I don't need any help from anyone." And shooted daggers at her.

"But bhai I met him today and he was willing to help. And I think we need it.", Nandini tried to prove her point.

"I can take care of my family,", Rishab spoke as he stumbled his way to get another bottle.

"And how are you going to do that. By drinking and wasting the little savings that you have.", Nandini could no longer hold herself.

"It don't matter to you. But I can't risk my baby's future and well being. And I am going to take Manik's help. You like or not. I fought for you, chose you over him, but enough."Nandini replied coldly.

"Don't you dare say those words to me. You walked away from him, I didn't ask you to", Rishab's voice echoed through the hall.

"Yes, I did. Because you ended up jumping from a building." Nandini shouted back.

Rishab came towards Nandini and replied," Yes cause I wanted to die."

"Guess I should have let you die", Nandini replied under her breath.

"What did you say?", Rishab had fire in his eyes and Nandini stared into them and replied firmly," I said I should have let you die".

And next moment Nandini felt a sharp pain across her face as Rishab's palm made contact with her cheek, his tough fingers cutting through her soft skin, leaving a burning pain not only on her face but also deep in her heart.

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