Mission Manik Malhotra - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 5- Getting attached?

I ran back to the bedroom and closed the door, my heart still racing. I need to talk to Nyonika ASAP.But I wanna do it face-to-face.I'm so clueless right now.Why didn't she tell me she was Manik's mother?!!

The door suddenly burst open and Manik entered. Fortunately for me, he seemed to be in too much of a shock to notice the door had been unlocked. He just stood at the foot of the bed, a distraught and hurt expression on his face. I neared his slouched frame and gently touched his forearm. Something about his sad state made my heart cringe. Why am I hating to see him in pain?
''Are you ok?'' I whispered gently. He sighed and replied ''I'm sorry Baby-doll, I can't stay here any longer. Let's leave.'' He then picked up his back-pack and left the room without further explanation while I silently followed.  

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We drove in silence. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts and I too was trying to wrap my head around the latest twist in this case. My mind was in a turmoil.
In an hour, he abruptly stopped at a mountain pass enroute to Mumbai.

''I don't want this trip of yours to go to waste. Come, I'll show you this beautiful spot to make it up'' he said, and before I had time to react to his toned-down attitude, he had hopped off the car. I too got down and he led the way. The place was breath-taking. The mesmerizing view of frothy waterfalls, towering mountains and refreshing greenery felt like heaven. For time-being, I forgot all about the case and enjoyed strolling around the scenic cliffs and lush valleys of the ghat. Tired of walking, I dropped onto a patch of grass and sighed in content while Manik joined my side.

''You liked it?''
I turned to Manik who was staring at my gleeful face in amusement and nodded, saying ''Thanks for bringing me here...I LOVE it''. I noticed a flash of pain cross his eyes as I uttered the word 'love'. I could make out he was still hurting. ''You seem to be upset.'' I said. He didn't reply and just turned his head away to mask his emotions.

''Manik... I don't know what's wrong but I just wanna say..hold on. One day, love will heal your agony. This suffering is only temporary.'' I continued, inching closer to him. Manik's expression softened and he gave a sarcastic laugh before responding ''Love is just an illusion, Nandini. It is the most terrible emotion which only brings despair and weakness. I'm tired of this never-ending pain.'' The amount of misery and hopelessness in his voice was heart-wrenching. He was so broken on the inside. I couldn't help but wrap my hands around his torso to comfort him, because words would fall short. He seemed to be taken aback by this sudden gesture of mine but slowly his arms too crossed my body and he sighed, finding solace in the embrace. I tightened my hold and pressed deeper into his body, as if trying to give him all the hope and assurance I could. He buried his face in my hair like a child wanting comfort. We sat like this for a few minutes until my mind rebuked me. Giving comfort to a criminal now, are we?

I immediately darted back, trying to put my emotions on hold.
''I think we should continue our journey back home'' Manik said, clearing his throat and walked away, without meeting my eyes. I turned beet red. When will I stop embarrasing myself?!!
Once we were back in the car, I simply stared into my lap, my cheeks still burning. Manik looked at me after some time and drawing in air, as if to muster courage,  uttered ''I'm not good at expressing myself but I-I needed that. Thanks''. My eyes widened and I looked at him in amazement. He bit his lip and fixed his gaze on the road.

I was seeing a different side of Manik Malhotra today, and somehow, after getting to know him better, I was feeling an even stronger attraction towards him. And it doesn't feel like just physical attraction anymore. I need to stop myself.

In another hour or so, we had reached his home. I had called up my uncle's driver and he was waiting there for me. I mouthed a bye to Manik and got into the other car before he could stop me or say anything to me.