Mananff-Forever Mine

Chapter 36

Hey people! I know I left you guys hanging! I have no excuse for it and am absolutely sorry.

But I am also a reader and just couldn't stop reading one book after the other.

I will try my best to update as soon as possible.

And thank you all for you support and lovely comments. It makes my day:)

So happy reading...

Manik was browsing through the channels, deciding what to watch when he heard the main don open and footsteps walking towards him.

'Hey!' He smiled at Nandini.

'Hi.' She said as she kept her bag on the table before sitting down next to him.

'Kya dekh rahe ho?'

'Kuch nahi. Tum batao, how was work?' He asked as he kept his arm around the backrest.

'Thik tha.'

Manik frowned hearing that. She was giving a lot of one worded answers lately.

'Bhook lagi hai? I made dinner.' He whispered as she kept her head on his chest.

That caught her attention. She sat back and stared at him unbelievingly.

'Tumne khana banaya?'

Manik bit back his smile and nodded.

'Haan. Thoda sa jala hua hai lekin khane layak hai.' He said innocently.

Nandini turned around to look at the kitchen, probably looking if it was burned down or messed up while Manik was cooking. But surprisingly, it was as usual neat and tidy.

'That's great.' She said forcing a smile.

She looked like she was trying so hard to seem excited, while he could practically see the worry in her eyes, Manik began to laugh at her state.

'Mazak kar raha tha. I have ordered Chinese. You should have seen your face.' He said, still laughing loudly.

'Ha ha. Manik Malhotra is soo funny.' She said showing her tongue.

'Do you want something to drink?' Manik asked as he took a can of coke for himself and took out plates for setting the table.

'No, thank you.' She replied.

Just then she heard the doorbell. Chinese.

Spending the day being nervous, a night with food and the company Manik Malhotra was all she needed. Shahid had offered to drop her home, and she didn't deny. Is she had asked Manik to pick her up, he wouldn't let the matter go this time. Nandini was still on high alert, travelling with people as much as she could. Not wanting to be alone anywhere. Maddy had been in Mumbai. She wasn't sure if he was still there or not, but she still had to be careful.

Still, she hoped and wished he had left, finally left her in peace. And that was the only reason she didn't say a word to anyone. She hoped she was wrong, that he wasn't here for her. Her mind was always on alert, even during sleep. Hence, the only way she could sleep peacefully was with Manik. He didn't question her. They had often slept together after they were officially together, but after Maddy's return, it had become permanent.

Nandini opened the door expecting delicious Chinese food waiting for her. But it wasn't the delivery guy at the door. In fact, there stood a woman stood in her classy navy blue dress reaching below her knees. High cheekbones and a confident look on her face with a bit of makeup. Nandini saw the woman checking her out with her brown eyes.... A very familiar pair of brown eyes she had seen...

'I thought my son Manik is staying here... Is he here right now?' The woman asked.

Bhoot. She thought.

How is it possible?

'Does he have the change of 2000-' she heard Manik walk towards the door and suddenly he stopped talking.

Nandini turned to see Manik standing a few feet away from the door with a note of ₹2000 in his hand. His eyes were focused above her head.

Not sure what to do, she slowly moved back into the house and the lady followed her steps into the living room. Nandini awkwardly stood at the side watching Manik and the lady- who she presumed to be his mother- staring at each other.

She still didn't believe the presence of the lady in front of her. Manik said that his mother was dead, didn't he? Maybe she misunderstood him...

'She's dead.' Was his reply. There could not be any misunderstanding Nandu. She thought.

Maybe she is an aunt or something?

She was aware that both of them hadn't said a word in a long time. She took a look at Manik from the corner of her eyes. His face looked as if it was made of marble. No expression on his face except the clench of his jaw and the stern look in his eye.

Unable to take the silence anymore, she turned towards the stranger and cleared her throat.

'Uh- I am Nandini. You must be Mrs. Malhotra?' She asked confused.

She gave Nandini a warm smile and let her hand out for a handshake.

'Nice to meet you Nandini.'

Finally she turned back to Manik, who haven't moved from his place yet.

'It's good to see you too Manik.' Mrs Malhotra said with a smile.

'Tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?' Manik said in a cold voice, bringing her attention back to him. His hand were in a tight fist at his sides crushing the money.

Taking that as a cue to leave, she slowing walked towards the dining table.

'Mai- I'm just going to my room...' She said quietly and was Hopi g to sneak out.

'Nahi. Ruko. She is leaving.' Manik spoke, his eyes not leaving the lady infront of him.

'Tum mere calls, messages, kuch answer nahi kar rahe the. You left me no choice.' Mrs Malhotra replied to his previous question.

'Aur tumhe aisa nahi laga ke shayad mai tumse baat hi nahi karna chahta hu.' Manik said sarcastically. Nandini was getting uncomfortable, both with maniks sudden change in attitude and interfering in his family matter.

As if thinking the same, Mrs Malhotra turned towards Nandini.

'Nandini Dear, is it okay if you give us a moment?' She asked politely.

Nodding her head, she tried to reply but Manik cut her off in the same cold tone,

'You have no right-'

Nandini walked towards him before he could finish and held his hand in hers, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

'Manik, mai apne room mai hu if you need me.' She smiled. He looked at her for a moment, nodded his head in hesitation and she turned towards her room.

***

Jaane kya zamana humse chahta hai,

Har koi hamein azmana chahta hai,

Jaane kya baat jhalakti hai hamare chehre se,

Har koi hamein hasakar rulana chahta hai...

***

And another twist!!!! Nyonika is back. How do you guys feel about it?
Is she the evil Nyonika or is Manik misunderstanding her??

What can be the reason of maniks cold behaviour?
Will this addition create problems between Manan with Maddy already in the picture??

Comment you opinions and let me know what you think about it.

And yeah, don't forget to vote!

And people, if you are interested in shayaris and quotes, please do check it out on my profile!!!

#affy....