Nandini's POV
I was being summoned by Manik Sir. I couldn't control my adrenaline rushes, they were getting uneven. My legs were quivering with each step I took towards his cabin.
"Aiyappa, yeh sab kya ho raha hai. Aur Manik Sir unka kya haal hoga", I prayed all the while.
After a while, I reached near his cabin. With my baited breaths, I knocked and mustered every ounce of courage inside my body.
"Come in", his voice reverberated authoritatively and I gulped nervously.
With my legs trembling, I entered shagging down my brows, not able to look into his eyes. I knew once I would look into his hazel brown orbs, my brain would stop functioning and I'd get drowned in its intensity.
"Goo... Good Mor.. Morning Sir", I stuttered, and mentally reprimanded my head to do so.
"Ahhh.. Ms Murthy is here", he said and even without looking straight at him, I could apprehend his smirks. But the only change which was evident from his voice, was my addressal. From Nandini to Ms Murthy, I knew there were walls, in between.
"Yes Sir"
"So, since Shriya already inform you about the change in your schedule, I expect you to deliver there, as much as you can", he commanded and I could easily gauge the uncanny anger from it. I knew whatever he was saying, was just because of last night's incident.
"Yes Sir", I replied, feigning in confidence.
"Good. So your first work is to go in the storeroom, collect all those files and you've to file each and every document in alphabetical order. Mind it, I need them completed by today", he ordered and I was beyond shocked.
How could he? Firstly, the storeroom was dark and compact. How could he order me, with something, I was afraid of. He was there, there dealing with my claustrophobia, still he did. And secondly, there were thousands of documents and it'd probably take me Two days to completely arrange them and still he anticipated them to be completed today.
Why?
"But Sir.. You know it's not possible", I tried explaining me, but he shrugged.
"I don't care. It's your work, and mind if you deny it. Don't forget I'm your boss. Besides, if you can Gossip around with Shriya, you can do this too", his crestfallen voice in a gruff manner, was very amusing to me. Manik was changed. Changed in a night. He was so understanding before. He consoled me. He had saved me. But now?
"You may leave now", he ordered.
I glanced at him, for the very first time, since I entered. His eyes locked against mine, suddenly. When he turned at last to face me there was no trace of tears, not in his eyes or in track marks on his reddening face. His eyes were narrowed, rigid, cold, hard. In that moment I knew he was already far away. His eyes had pain, the pain of losing someone really close. I cannot blame him for his robust and cold behaviour. His wide open eyes reflected everything and saw nothing. Behind them was something more intense than normal thought and his clenched two-day-stubble jaw wasn't a good sign.
I love you Manik. Stay strong
In that moment, I had decided that I'll break his cold walls. If he wanted to torture me, I'll bear and get away through them. He needed someone and I would be that someone.
With that, I gave him a last look and went away.
Manik's POV
She left. She left the room, settling a void in my heart. I knew, what I was doing. She would consider me as heartless arrogant boss. That's what I wanted. I knew she was claustrophobic. And I'm no bad to take advantage of that. I'd already opened all the ventilation of the storeroom, making the air to pass. And there was my man, standing outside inspecting her every move. I couldn't risk her life, but I knew after this she would hate me. That's what I wanted.
I didn't deserve anyone. Neither Shanaya, nor her. Shanaya was the most beautiful person, by heart. She used to care for me, as if I was the only one in her life. While I never did the same. I treated her as someone, who'd be there, no matter how I felt like. She was no more now. And I blame no one for it. But the pain was unbearable. I didn't know how to deal with it, except the anger unleashing outside from my body.
I'm sorry Nandini.
But you've to hate me.
All these thoughts were swarming inside, if only I knew, what was the escape.
I closed my eyes. But then, opened it the next moment, I fluttered open them, hearing a knock on my door. And then, that person came in. Without looking, I knew it was Cabir, considering only he's permitted to enter like that.
"Cabir", he came and immediately, I hugged him.
I couldn't control more. My walls tumbled down. I couldn't feign more, or I didn't need to do it. Because I knew, no matter what he won't judge me. I started sobbing in his sleeves. When I cried, it was never a trickle and it never started in my eyes. It began as a feeling in my chest and a sadness in my brain. The leaking water was only a blessed release, it was one way my body chose to cope and I guess it was way to communicate too, whether I want to or not.
I didn't know, for how long I was whimpering. I couldn't do it now.
"Manik", his hand caressed my back and said, "I know, it's hard. I know what Shanaya meant to you. She was your one of the best friends, before. And it's never easy to lose someone, as precious as her. She was like my sister, too. The torment is unbearable; the coping is difficult. But we have to accept it. She left. She left you, but I'm sure she wouldn't want you to remember as in a guilt. She always wanted you to be happy. I knew it. She might have told you, but all she ever wished was you to grow up. She wanted nothing, but your happiness. And by letting it go, you're hurting her soul. Trust me, Manik. Shanaya was a gem of a person. But it was too late, when you realized. Perhaps, nothing can be undone, except the fact that you can remember her as a beautiful memory. Bring a smile instead, than to cry"
I sobbed in his shoulders more. My sobs subsided, bit by bit, as he said so. I realized, what was I doing. I was being wrong. I was hurting others to get over the pain.
Was it right?
~~~~~~~~~~
Hello,
I need to clear some doubts.
Did Manik Love Shanaya?
May be, or may be not. It's up-to y'all to decide. For I can say, he was definitely attached to her. Just for an instance, if a person loses someone who was a best friend to him, or even a close friend, he does feel bad. He cries, ain't it? That's what with Manik. He lived with her, for six months. He was used to see her face. And one day, he realizes she's no more. How can he expect? He's confused. He's in pain and he needs time. So please stop concluding that he loved her. It's not always the love, it's sometimes the unknown connection too.
Why he's Blaming Nandini?
He isn't. He blames himself. But he doesn't know, how to cope up with things. He lost someone. And he's broken. He'll make mistakes, but then realize it. I've my story planned, so all I can say is trust me.
Thank you. Feel free to ask more questions.
