For Infinity

Part 31: Laal Ishq

One week later..

One week had gone by since the accident. Everything was coming back to normal, slowly and steadily. The one thing that didn't change was Manik's care and protectiveness for Nandini. In fact, it had increased ten folds. Separating him from her was a herculean task. Murthy Mansion had become his second home. The only time he went back to his own house was to get freshened up or to get changed. Since, his injuries were not that serious, the doctor gave him a go flag within few days after discharge. But, Nandini had a long way to recovery. She had been suggested complete bed rest for another two weeks. And when you have a person like Manik by your side, there was no escape from following the Doctor's orders.

The guilt of putting her in that condition was consuming him to such an extent that he never left her alone, not even on the insistence of her family and their friends. Nandini was constantly worried for him. She on the other side was blaming herself for sending him on a guilt trip. That was the kind of love they shared. Selfless and Unconditional.
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It was late afternoon, Chachi was cleaning up the kitchen when Manik entered with an empty tray of food.

"Chachi the lunch was absolutely delicious. Nandini cribbed like always seeing the bland food. But, don't worry, I made sure that she didn't leave anything on the plate." Manik explained like an obedient child.

"Thank you beta. I am so glad that you take care of her. It would have been difficult to handle my adamant child, otherwise." She spoke lovingly, caressing his face.

"Please don't say this Chachi. Jo bhi hua mere vajah se hua. Main nahi karunga toh aur kon karega? Nandini is my responsibility more than anyone else. I would stay by her side any day, anytime." Chachi couldn't help but feel bad for him. He was blaming himself, for something which wasn't his mistake. She thought that it was high time to have a talk with him.

"Manik beta I need to talk to you. Come let's sit in the living room."
Manik agreed hesitantly.

"Kya hua Chachi? Sab thik hain na?"

"Haan. Sab thik hain. Sirf tum thik nahi ho." Chachi replied honestly. Manik scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion.

"Kya Chachi? Aisa kuch nahi hain. I'm absolutely fine."