Mission Manik Malhotra - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 9 - Soul Search

''Baby-girl. Relax. Nandini..''

I awoke, sweating and my heart beating like crazy. The haunting nightmare of my parents dying in the car crash had returned after so long. Manik was beside me, gently patting my head. I wasn't embarrassed like I would be usually, because I knew he understood. Afterall, he too gets them. I only wanted solace.

''Manik.. My parents.. Accident.. Death'' I sobbed, sitting up.

''Shush. I'm here. I heard you mumbling and panting badly while I was going back to my bedroom. Don't worry, I won't leave you now'' he said, engulfing me in an embrace. I sobbed like a child in his arms.

This nightmare. My parent's death. My uncle throwing me out and calling me a burden. My tolerance was over. I couldn't keep up the image of 'strong girl' anymore. Manik rubbed my back and placed small kisses on my forehead now and then. I felt like a protective shield was around me, where no pain, no agony could touch me.

''Sorry.''

I looked up at him, blinking back my tears, unsure of what I heard.

''Sorry for losing it at you this morning. You had already gone through so much with your Uncle, and I shouldn't have been so harsh with you and removed you from my room'' he said, his eyes not meeting mine. I was taken aback because this was least expected from him. Not knowing how to respond, I placed my head back on his chest and sighed, feeling much better now.

''Baby-girl, you love too much. Don't. Atleast try not to. Its a destructive feeling. I've told you this before - love brings nothing but pain.'' He said, patting my head, sounding lost in his own world.

''Manik, love is worth all pain.'' I simply responded, and fell asleep cocooned in his arms.

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Waking up in his arms felt blissful. I could get used to a life-time of this and spend my whole life watching him peacefully sleep. I traced his flawless features idly with my fingertips, smiling each time he twitched his nose, because of my touch. I was feeling like a burden was off my heart after last night, all thanks to him. I bought myself closer to him, and pressed my lips onto his smooth forehead.

''Nandini..'' He uttered in pleasure. My name sounded heavenly and I looked into his striking open eyes now. Suddenly, his eyes widened in realisation and he pushed me away.

Both of us sat up, and he looked at me, saying ''Listen, Nandini. I want you to know - I feel nothing beyond physical attraction to you. Definitely nothing even close to love. So, Stay in your limits.''

''I know. You didn't need to say this again.'' I replied in a low voice, looking down at my lap.

I got carried away sometime back, and I know I shouldn't have. But him actually saying it aloud stung me hard.

He left the room and I got ready, trying to avoid thinking so much about him. I was going to skip college and go to the Oceanic Resort for my case today. I went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple that I would eat on the way.

''Good Morning Nandini. Going to college?'' Abhimanyu asked as I crossed the living room. He and Manik seemed to be ready for a trip, with backpacks in hand and dressed in comfortable casuals and walking shoes.

''Y-yes, I'm going to college'' I answered, hoping they wouldn't offer to drop me.

''Why don't you skip college and join us for a trip? We're touring around Mumbai, since I'm leaving tomorrow. Manik isn't going today either.. So..?'' He proposed. Manik shook his head and before I could respond replied to Abhi himself ''No, let her go to college. She'll get bored with us buddies.''
I glared at Manik.