Mission Manik Malhotra - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 20 - Love will heal.

Nandini's POV

I shut the drawer, and moved out, after making sure I left no evidence behind and no one was around to see me sneaking out. The precious CD went into my sling bag.

I got myself into the living room and was about to approach the front door, when I froze in my tracks and gulped, my chest pounding like crazy. There, on the couch sat Nyonika, who looked just as shocked to see me as I was to see her. Hadn't she left the house?

''What the hell were you doing in my house? Who let you in?'' She asked in a sinister tone, dropping her files as she slowly stood up, all the while shooting daggers at me through her eyes.

I began slowly and silently backing away, a gut feeling asking me to just break into a run as she took slow steps towards me, her wily mind already seeming to be cooking up ideas.

''You came down the stairs, didn't you?'' She asked for confirmation, while I remained silent, knowing that anything I say now would only land me in greater trouble and its best not to utter a word.

''Detective Nandini Murthy, you've gone too far today. I think I have a fair idea of what you came to get.. And if I am right about it, nobody will be able to save you this time.'' She continued threateningly, when I failed to respond. This was the green signal for me to run. I had the upper hand because the CD was now in my clutches, and I couldn't afford to lose it. Manik's entire life depended on it - I definitely didn't want him to live his whole life scared of his past and blackmailed by his mother.

I bolted towards the door, turned the handle and got out. I heard her instantly scream at the top of her voice ''CATCH THAT BLOODY GIRL RIGHT AWAY!..''

A few servants got to my heels. I ran like the wind, pushing whatever came in my way. Her house was situated in a pretty deserted area, and there seemed to be no one around to help me at the moment. I kept running on and on, blocking out the dull pain that arose in my tummy and legs. Instead, I willed myself to imagine Manik's laughter and instantly the image of him childishly laughing in the kitchen when I failed at properly slicing a tomato few weeks ago, flashed infront of my eyes. I wanted him to keep laughing that way, always and I could do anything for his happiness.

I had covered quite a lot of distance when I found a house. I banged at the door, but the men behind me had spotted me, so I had to get away from there and find some other place to get help. Tears threatened to fill up my eyes, but I didn't allow them to escape. I had to be smart and fast now. For Manik. Tears wouldn't help. And with new-found resolve, I ran even faster.

After passing three more villas, I spotted a small out-house like place which I approached. I pushed at the door and surprisingly, it rustily squeaked open. Without wasting any more time, I slipped in and shut the door behind me, latching it carefully and dropping to the floor in exhaustion. I panted for a few seconds, sweat trickling down my forehead and neck and then finally looked up to examine my surroundings.

The place wasn't well-lit and guessing by the dust settled everywhere, it looked like it had been left unused for quite some time now.

I needed to escape this area right NOW.

I took out my mobile phone from my sling bag and dialled the first person to come to mind, impatiently beginning to pace the room. Please pick up.. Please pick up. Aaj ignore mat karna..

'Hello?'

'Manik!!' I exclaimed in relief, listening to the voice I loved reach my ears.