MaNan ff- I've always loved you!

Part 17 - I'm Giving You The Opportunity!

"a table for two." Manik said to the manager of restaurant where Manik and Ryan had come to dine.

Immediately after, the two were settled on a table, face to face.

"ok, lets come directly to the point Manik." Ryan said which made Manik gulp his saliva because his tone was so authoritive that Manik actually felt scared.

"don'worry dude!! I'm not gonna kill you or something! Don't be scared. Relax!" this made Manik breathe out a sigh but still the worry didn't leave his mind.

"you know Manik, I've known Nandini for 10 years. We were best friends and for the past 2 years we are in a relationship." and Manik again clenched his fist hard to suppress the rising anguish in him while tried to act calm on the outside.

"but I cannot deny the fact that you've known her before me and much better than me." Manik looked up to Ryan, quite surprised to where their conversation was leading to.

"what do think Manik? I'm a fool that I can't recognise the distress in you whenever I talk about me and Nandini being in a relationship, I don't see that you stiffen everytime I say that Nandini is my girlfriend.... And if you think so then you're wrong, my friend. I can clearly decipher that there is pure jealousy behind these eyes if yours." Ryan said all with a smirk and Manik just gaped at him as if he's talking to an alien.

"no buddy. You're taking it wrong...."

"ahaan!! This time you're wrong Mr. Manik Malhotra!!"

"I don't understand what you're saying!" Manik said defeatedly.

"just answer me a simple question.. This is jealousy right?" Ryan asked amusingly because he already knew the answer. And as expected Manik "hmm"ed in response to which Ryan smiled.

"now answer another question..... You love her?" and Manik widened his eyes the largest he could.

"no......" Manik attempted to refuse but didn't spoke further looking at Ryan's stern expression.

"I do." Manik finally confessed, looking down and Ryan was extremely happy.

"then what is the problem dude??!!" Ryan said excitedly.

"huh?! WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?? You seriously asking me that. You are her fiancé. You two are engaged dammit. How can you expect me to go and propose her. She'll never accept me atleast not after what I did to her on the last day of school. Leave this topic Ryan, you won't understand." Manik blurted out in irritation.

"but I understand Manik. I know everything about what happened. I know what you did, what has she suffered through, everything." and Manik again looked at him, surprised.

"and we both aren't engaged!" Ryan said this with amusement because he was really enjoying Manik's expressions as this time he was literally shocked.

Manik had enough of surprises and shocks since morning, he was not willing to receive anymore.

"Nandini was baffled seeing you standing right before her that day. She said she was going through a battle in herself and all the confusion, memories, hurt and anger forced her to blurt that out. She didn't do that intentionally. She just said without comprehending. Now, what do you think why she did this?" Ryan explained.

"does she...? Does she still...?" Manik asked nervously and Ryan nodded smilingly.

"oh god! You know, I heard during my schooldays, somebody told me that Nandini used to like me then but I never took it seriously. I never considered it to be real. But after she left, I realised how important person she was in my life. And I started loving her in my memories. I truly love her." Manik spoke lost in his thoughts and Ryan just raised his brows in affirmation.

"now Manik, the important thing!! I'm going back to the States. I'm needed there. It might take a month or two for me to return. Till then I'm giving you this right. In this span, try and convince her with your love. Make her love you back. I know you can do this and you better. I'm giving you this opportunity so grab it." Ryan said but then Manik shockingly questioned back.
"but Ryan why are you doing this? You love her too."

Ryan chuckled.."the most important thing for me is Nandini's happiness and her happiness lies with you. So you can see it as my selfish reason to bring you guys together."

"I'm sorry Ryan, but I can't do this. I can't intrude between you guys. I'll live the way I've been living till now but I can't ruin your happiness." Manik clearly refused because he was feeling too guilty.

"but Nandini doesn't love me Manik. She never did. The only reason she accepted my proposal was because she didn't wanted to think about her depressed life and till now we share only a friendly relation. For the world, we might be in a relationship but I know the truth that there is nothing between us. You can actually keep her happy and give all the love she deserves. Now no more arguments Manik. You're doing this."
And as soon as Ryan finished, Manik hugged him tight.

"I would never be able to thank you enough, buddy."

"oh stop these formalities Manik!"

Manik got a little sentimental receiving so much happiness! He was genuinely happy that he would finally be able to be with Nandini and also that he had got such an amazing friend in his life but at the same time he felt guilty and sad for his new friend. He knew how disheartening it felt to see the person you love with someone else. He understood his pain.

After having an enjoyable lunch, they moved out.

"ok Manik, your first step begins with friendship." Ryan said while they were moving to the parking lot and Manik turned to him.

"I am ready to initiate but will she reciprocate?" he expressed his confusion.

"of course she will! Ok, let's do one thing..... I have my flight tonight. So I'll be reaching the airport by 10 and obviously Nandini would tag along. I know that. So, you too come there. You know, you can give the excuse that you came to bid me bye!! And then you can drive her back home!! And have a little chit chat! What say?"
Ryan shared his plan and Manik happily agreed.

"ok done....but will she come with me? I mean you guys would obviously come in your car, right??" Manik questioned.

"that... You leave to me. I'll handle. You focus on the friendship step!!"

Then they hugged and Ryan patted Manik's back as if giving him confidence. After bidding bye, both returned to their respective houses.

~~~***~~~

Ryan and Nandini descended the car and moved towards the entry of the airport.

"Nandini I'll miss you sweety!!" Ryan said hugging her and Nandini did the same. She hugged him tighter than ever and shed a drop.

They broke the hug and Ryan wiped her tear shaking his head in negative. But they both heard someone.

"I'm sorry, if I disturbed!" Ryan turned around and Nandini looked in that direction too.

They both saw Manik standing there in his casuals while carrying a bouquet 💐 of beautiful and fresh flowers in his hand!!

Ryan and Manik came forward and hugged each other smilingly whereas Nandini stood there equally shocked and confused.

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So guys, I'm leaving it here!! So the story has taken a completely new turn. Tell me what you feel about this change?? How will Manik's journey of convincing Nandini lead??
And also, I noticed that I had posted a video in the previous chapter but it wasn't visible so I've updated it again. Do check that out!
Waiting for your precious likes and comments. Byee lovelies!💜💜💜