Essence Of Love - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 12- Awakening the Monster

A loud noise bought the two back to reality with a start. It was Nandini's phone ringing. Manik and Nandini broke their hug slowly, both their faces flushed after having experienced such a deep safisfaction and peace in each other's embrace, that Manik's breakdown had led to.

Nandini opened her bag, blushing and took out her phone to answer the call - ''Haan Navya. Main bas class ke liye aa hi rahi hoon.. See you in 5''.

She looked over unsurely at Manik.
Manik nodded at her, saying ''I'll be ok.. You go attend the class''.

This girl brings me peace like no one ever has. She has such a sensitive and beautiful soul, which understands me so well. It feels like she was sent here only for me.

Nandini nodded and quickly broke into a run, it being Proffessor Raghav's class and he was known for being very intolerant towards tardiness.

''Ayyapa, bacha lena uss khadoos Raghav se..'' Nandini mumbled as she ran downstairs. The stairs had been freshly swept, and in her hurry, she failed to notice. All of a sudden, her feet lost balance and she began falling, her eyes closing reflexively. But she didn't hit the floor. Instead, she landed into a pair of strong hands. 'Manik' was the first name that came into her mind, and a smile immediately started playing on her lips. She opened her eyes, and gasped. It wasn't Manik. A guy she hadn't seen before, was smiling down at her.
He pulled her up by her waist, and asked ''You okay?''. Something about the way he eyed her, made her uncomfortable. Nandini quickly moved back from his hold and nodded ''Yeah.. I'm fine.'' . She looked at the floor . All the contents of her bag had spilled, and were now strewn all over the place.

''Why am I so clumsy?!!'' She groaned and bent over to pick her stuff. The guy too joined her, and helped her gather her things. Once done, they stood up and Nandini said gratefully ''Thanks.. By the way, who are you?'' .

''I'm a saviour for beautiful freshers like you..'' He responded in his thick voice.

Nandini cringed inwardly. So tacky.
He shook his head and laughed - ''Its Harshad. Harshad Saxena.. And you?''

''Nandini Murthy..'' Nandini responded, and shook hands with him.

''Aah.. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.. How about lunch together ?'' Harshad asked. Nandini squirmed at his second tacky attempt.

She looked at the time and said ''I'm sorry Harshad, I've a class to attend.. See you around'' and rushed off, thinking 'Weird guy'.

''See you very soon pretty-face'' Harshad mumbled, smiling evilly at her retreating figure.

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Murthy Mansion - 11:45 PM

Nandini stood , staring out of her window forlornly. Though she was extremely exhausted, She couldn't sleep. Her eyes had dark circles underneath them yet she just kept feeling restless. Manik's distraught face kept playing on her mind. I wish I could take away all his pain. I can't see him in agony..I just feel like always being there around him, to protect him from all suffering..

Just at this moment, Manik appeared at his window, sending an instant rush of happiness through her. She quickly grabbed her sheet and marker and scribbled - 'How're you feeling now? . '

'Perfect, all thanks to you..' - came his reply.

Nandini sighed in relief.
He then, flashed another note - 'You must be so tired. Go to sleep.'

'I can't sleep. A little restless '- she scribbled and showed it to him, instantly regretting. Knowing this impulsive guy, he would rush here to help me get to sleep.