Mission Manik Malhotra - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 13 - His Shining Star.

''It was a pretty clean cut Mr Malhotra.. Nothing to worry about. I've given her some medicines and dressed up the wound. The recovery won't take much time. We will have to keep her under observation for any signs of internal injury but you can take her home tomorrow evening. Just remember to purchase the medicines I've prescribed for her.''

It felt like the doctor's voice was somewhere close yet far from me. My head felt heavy and feelings of uneasiness grew in me. The images of the masked man and my fingers covered in blood, swam across my mind.

''Thank you Doctor. I will.''

Manik's voice immediately calmed me and I forced my eyelids open, trying to fight back the dizziness and groggy feeling.

''M--'' I tried speaking but a finger on my lips immediately shushed me.

''Sshh..Nandini!!.. Relax.. You're safe now..'' Manik said gently, coming close to me and brushing back my hair with his fingertips. He himself looked dishevelled and his swollen eyes were a clear indication of exhaustion though there was some kind of relief in them too, seeing me wake up. I gestured towards the water on my side-table and Manik nodded, pouring out some for me. He very carefully raised my bed to a sitting position and supporting my neck with one hand, made me drink the water. Feeling better, I was about to rest my head back on the bed when Manik immediately wrapped his arms around me, taking me by surprise.

''You got me so scared today. Jab tak main tumhe yahan le kar aaya, kaafi blood loss ho chuka tha. I told the doctors that you fell and hurt yourself. Par yeh sab actually huwa kaise?'' He asked, finally displaying what he actually felt beneath the mask of calmness he had put on infront of others. I lifted my arm with all the strength I could muster in this weak state and rubbed his back because this time I felt, it was he who required assurance.

''I'm okay now, Manik. Yes, I slipped and hit myself on the edge of the sharp bed post..'' I lied as he snuggled his face into my hair, his questions making my mind race now. Who was the man who attacked me and why did he do it? I need to find out.

Manik left me slowly and looked at my face as if trying to comfort himself, rubbing my cheek with his thumb gently.

I could forget all my pain if I was allowed to gaze into his profound eyes forever. I had been in two relationships before but never felt what I feel now, because it was never true love both those times. Now it is. True love is when you find someone that fits in your imperfect world perfectly.

It was then I recalled that I had hastily confessed my love for Manik as I lost consciousness in his arms. And I wanted a reply.

''So.. What's your reply? It's not good to keep a lady waiting.'' I asked, biting my lower lip and trying to look calm about it despite feeling the butterflies in my tummy.

''Reply.. to what?'' He asked stiffly, though I could see he knew exactly what I meant.

''Ermm..My confession..?'' I probed, assuming he was just teasing me. The look of care and concern on his face got immediately replaced by a sort of frigidness and he stood up with a jerk.

''I don't know what you're talking about. You're making no sense at all. You should take some rest now and get better as fast as possible. I'll come tomorrow evening - sharp at 5,  to take you back home.'' The coldness in his tone, and the way he spoke like I was a burden on him, stabbed me and tears made my vision hazy as he lowered my bed position again before walking out. He seemed so concerned and tender a few moments ago, and this withdrawn version pierced my heart. I burst out crying and there was no one to hear me or wipe away my tears.

What had my life become?  I was lying in a hospital bed, hopelessly in love with a probable criminal, who refused to acknowledge his feelings for me, if there were any in the first place. It felt like a painful curse. I was so alone in this world, having left my family too. I was only a burden to people around me. There was no one to love me here.