Essence Of Love - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 22 - Its not over..

''Yes, Manik. I LOVE YOU. More than words can express and thoughts can imagine'' Nandini confessed.

A glint of passion shone in Manik's eyes once again. Nandini lifted herself on her tip-toes and tried pecking his lips but he wasn't giving in so soon. He needed his answers first. He pushed her back gently.

''Toh phir aisa kyun kiya Nandini? Why did you leave me alone? Why did you reject my proposal and walk off with Harshad?'' Manik asked, his expression softening as he cupped her face between his bandaged palms.

''I.. Manik...''

''Sir, college gates band karna hai. Kaafi late ho gaya hai.'' The security guard had opened the door and walked in on them. Manik pulled an irritated face and was about to tell him off but after glancing once at Nandini's miserable expression, he nodded. She needed to relax and calm down before speaking and this place wasn't giving off any positive vibes.

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''Ab batao mujhe. Baat kya hai?'' Manik asked gently. They had left college and he had taken Nandini back home. They now sat on her terrace, looking at the calm sundown and relishing Chachi's snacks, once Nandini had changed his hand's dressing. He wrapped an arm protectively around her and nudged her to speak.

''Pehle promise karo tum gusse mein nahi aaogey'' Nandini said. She knew it was of no use, his anger was inevitable at what she had to say. But, it was important for him not to do anything impulsively or else she would be in a deeper mess.

He sighed and replied in a low voice ''I don't know ki tum aisa kya bolne waali ho, but I'll try.''

Nandini drew in a sharp breath and tried mustering courage to speak up. He sensed her discomfort and placed his forehead on hers in assurance, pressing her deeper into his chest. That was all she needed.

As Nandini recounted the hospital exchanges that took place between her and Harshad, where he showed her the disgusting clips, Manik's brows furrowed, his hold around her became painfully tight and he was breathing in short, angry pants.

By the time she finished, she was in tears and so was he, sharing her pain.

He immediately stood up and balled his fists, muttering in a sinister tone ''I am so going to KILL that jerk today. And nobody can stop me.'' He had just taken 3 steps when Nandini clung on to his arm, her eyes imploring as she sobbed ''This is why.. This is why I wasn't telling you about it. You will ruin everything with your anger, Manik. Do you have ANY idea what can happen if those clips get released and go viral?? All it will take is one click to destroy my life.''.

Manik looked back at her and shouted ''Toh kya hum haath pe haath rakh ke baithey..? That bloody Harshad has videos of you undressing, for god's sake, Nandini.''

''Manik..'' Nandini sniffed in humiliation of the situation . Manik wrapped his arms around her looking at her state, and calmed a bit.

''Nandini... Why didn't you tell me all this earlier? Maine tumse kaha tha uss kaminey ke saath band mat banao.. Par tum..'' He said in a gentler tone but stopped midway and sighed. She had already gone through so much, it was of no use reproaching her for what she did.

He made her sit back on the chair and wiping her tears, took her hands in his and made a promise ''I am going to destroy those videos..I'll never allow them to go viral.'' Nandini nodded, her gaze cast down.

''Alya!'' He said, his eyes widening as an idea struck him and he whipped out his phone. ''Manik.. why Alya?'' Nandini asked in confusion.
''Alya is Harshad's sister and they stay in the same house. She can help us'' Manik replied as Nandini jolted, registering this fact. He dialled her number and kept the phone to his ear.