MANAN--In a different world

Chapter 40

There were standing in front of the small two storey house. Manik could easily sense Nandini's nervousness. He wrapped his hands around her shoulder and patted her.

"If anything goes wrong, I will be there..... So relax.", Manik assured her.

"I am not sure if I will be able to face him or not.", Nandini replied.

"We will just talk. And I promise you if things turn out to be bad I won't be keeping you here any longer. I just don't want him or you to lose each other.", Manik told her rubbing her back to encourage her.

Nandini took a deep breathe and relaxed her stiff posture. She opened her eyes and Manik knew she was ready now. She had that gleam, or sparkle in her eyes that she gets every time she prepares herself to face anything.

Manik raised his hand and lightly presses the bell.

Nothing.

He tried again.

"He is probably drunk and sleeping over......", Nandini said in a low tone as Manik sensed her losing the tiny ray of hope again.

Manik pressed the bell again and knocked on the door.

He stared at the door and wished it flung open. But nothing happened.

But the next moment, an elderly lady poked her head out from the window of her house, which was adjacent to Nandini's home.

"Nandini?", the old woman called.

"Mrs Parker, could you tell me whether Bhai is home or not?", Nandini asked.

"Oh honey where have you been. The house was seized by the bank, as Rishab had debts I presume. He was made to leave the home, this month. He had not paid a visit here yet, again. Were you not aware of this?", Mrs Parker asked.

"Uh.... No I was staying away. So didn't know about it. Thanks for the news though. Can you do me another favour?", Nandini asked her.

"Of course dear....."

"Did he say where he will be heading before he left.", Nandini asked.

"No....... I am afraid he said nothing about it.", the old lady replied.

"Um Thanks..... Will see you later," Nandini smiled at her before moving back to their car.

Manik followed her not knowing what to expect.
He found Nandini in some thoughts as she made her way to the car and settled inside the car taking extra care as she seated for the bump on her belly.

Manik too followed her and settled on the driver's seat.

"So what now?", he asked placing his hands on the wheel.

"I know where he will be. Guess will go there.", Nandini said looking ahead at the road.

"Okay..... ", Manik averted his gaze back to the front and the vehicle roared to life, and soon they were heading downtown....towards John's house, a friend of Rishab.

As they pulled in front of the brick red house Nandini found Rishab's car parked at the garage signifying his presence there.

Parking the car by the road, Manik and Nandini headed to the door and Manik knocked on the door.

"Coming", a voice answered.

They heard the footsteps as it came closer and stopped near the door, and the next moment the door opened and a man in his fifties with grey hair and blue eyes greeted them.

"Nandu!! Where were you lost? I tried contacting you but Rishab told you won't answer and after the house problem ........ And all I was worried about where were you staying....... And are you pregnant?", the old man gushed everything out.

"I was staying with Manik, my fiancé and he is the father of my child.", Nandini replied.

"Manik this is John, Bhai's friend"

"John this is Manik.", Nandini introduced each other.

Manik forwarded his hand and John hesitantly shooked it.

"Nice to meet you, Is Rishab home?", Manik asked.

"Yeah.... Come in.", John moved to let them in.

Nandini walked to the study as she had been to the house before, and there she saw his brother writing something on the files on the table.

"Bhai.....", Nandini called slowly.

Rishab raised his head from the papers and through his glasses looked at Nandini.

"Nandu?", he got up from the place and went to Nandini and pulled her into a hug.

Nandini too hugged him back.

"I am so sorry..... Nandu, I don't know why I did it I am so sorry......", Rishab spoke as he felt tears threatening to spill out.

"I am sorry sissy.....", Nandini chuckled hearing 'sissy', he used to call her when they were little.

"I understand Bhai.....", Nandini replied calmly.

Rishab backed off and looked at her. "So you forgive me", he asked.

Nandini nodded her head in a yes and a smile flashed across the bearded face.

"But I think you have another person to say sorry to..." and Nandini directed towards Manik.

The two men stared at each other.

"Its okay..... You don't need to I get it.", Manik spoke.

"No no. I am surprised that you are still with her even after what I did to you. I thought you would be leaving her......", Rishab said glancing at Nandini.

"I can't leave her.....", Manik said and he entwined his hands with her and then he looked into Rishab's eyes and raised their hand to show him Nandini's ring.

"I love her.....", he smiled looking at Nandini and turned his attention to Rishab who had his gaze fixed on the ring.

"And guess I am stuck with her for life.....".

Here is another update.

Guys am sorry for not being able to reply you but you know exams. I promise will do so once I am free, and I will be by Friday.

And Manan marriage is on the way...... So you want drama in it or not..... Please tell me and I would try to keep your suggestion in mind.

And do vote and comment.

Till then happy reading.