MaNan OS

Nandini

The moon's bright light had illuminated the dark night sky. The stars were shining like diamonds in the sky. There was a cool breeze. The rustling sound of the leaves could be heard.

We were in Manik's backyard, strolling there and talking about my bucket list; crossing out the one's which were done, adding new one's to the list and so on. After about 10 minutes, we were tired and settled ourselves on a bench nearby. There was silence between us. There were some thoughts going on in my mind and feelings in my heart that scared me. I felt insecure. I was restless. There were some things left unsaid. A lone tear escaped from my eye. I quickly wiped it off.

Meanwhile, Manik noticed me. "Nandini, say something. Why are you so quiet? Your silence is killing me," he said. I was too lost in my thoughts to pay attention to him. He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes bringing me out of my thoughts. "Nandini. What happened? Where are you lost?" he said. "No, nothing happened," I said. He knew me well enough to understand what was going on and said, "Come on Nandini, you know you can share anything with me. Tell me, what's the matter?"

I knew I wouldn't be able to keep it to myself for long. So without hesitating any further I said, "Manik, you know what? These four months...That night when you never came back...and people told that you were no more.... I thought everything was over, you were gone forever. My whole world came crashing down. That same night with you was the most beautiful night of my life. I felt complete. I had my everything with you. And when you never returned, I was shattered. I couldn't imagine my life without you. I thought I lost you forever. You had promised me that you will always be there with me. 'Tum Humesha mere saath rahoge.' But then, you just left me Manik." Tears welled up in my eyes. "My world had come to an end." He was listening to me very attentively.

He knew what storm was going on inside me. "Hey! Nandini. Come on! Stop crying. I'm here with you now. I will never leave you. No one can separate us ever again. Do you trust me? Please don't cry. These tears are very precious. Please don't waste them like this," he said. He wiped my tears. "But then, you know what Manik? There was this little hope inside my heart. This hope kept me going. My heart was telling me that one day you'll definitely come back. I didn't know how or when but I knew you would come back. You would come back to complete our 'Humesha.' The promise which you made. You know Manik, if you wouldn't come back, I'd never be able to love anyone else ever again. You are my first and will be my last. These four months I just survived. I didn't live. I used to hallucinate you everywhere. I could feel you around me. People thought that I was mad. Everyone told me that you won't come back and I should just move on. But I just couldn't. I had a strong hope in me. I prayed to God day and night to see you again, to bring you back. And yes! All my prayers were heard. You came back Manik!" I smiled broadly. "My happiness knew no bounds. I knew that my hope would win! Promise me Manik that you'll never leave me ever again? You'll always be there with me. Forever. Humesha." He too had become teary eyed.

He immediately took me in a tight hug. We both needed each other. I found solace in his arms. We stayed in the same position and I continued, "Life had already taken from me the two most precious people; my mom and dad. I couldn't afford to lose you. I was ready to do anything to get you back."

We broke the hug and he said looking deep into my eyes, "I did come back. You know why? Because we are fated Nandini. Even destiny won't separate us from each other because it wants us to be together. In the hospital, there was not a single moment I didn't think about you. Every minute I was worried for you. I knew what you were going through because I was going through the same. I missed you so much Nandini. You know what? The doctors had given up on me. I had slipped into coma. There were very less chances for me to come back. But why wouldn't I? I had to come back for you. After all, I had a promise to fulfill. To always be there with you. Forever. Humesha. I fought death just to come back to you. To complete our 'Humesha.' I loved you, I love you and I will love you 'ALWAYS AND FOREVER TILL INFINITY RUNS OUT.'" I smiled at his pure confession.

"I love you so much Manik. Never leave me ever again," I said. "I promise you Nandini, I will always be by your side and i'll never leave you alone to fight the darkness. We will always be together. Thank you for giving me the best night of my life. I promise we will have many such nights ahead. Thank you for everything Nandini. You've given me a lot more than what I deserve. I'm very lucky to have you in my life," he said. "I'm lucky too Manik," I whispered in a soft voice. He gave me a sweet smile. There was silence between us.

The next thing I knew, he slammed his lips against mine. He kissed me and the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. His hand rested below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek as our breaths mingled. I ran my fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between us and I could feel the beating of his heart against my chest. We slowly broke the kiss in need of oxygen. It was a pure kiss, pouring out all the love we had for each other. I knew that if I lost him I would loose myself. He was the half that made me whole.

....

"I'll be back in a minute," he said. "Fine. Come soon," I said. I felt really happy and complete now. Finally I let out everything that was going on inside me. I felt peace after so long. I got the assurance that I needed. The chain of thoughts, doubts and insecurities finally came to an end. He was back in no time with a guitar in his hand. "Okay so, I'd like to sing a few lines for you. May I?" he said. "Yes sure! I'd love to hear," I said excitedly. He smiled and started...

"Teri dhadkano se hai zindagi meri,
Khwahishein teri ab duaaein meri...

Kitna anokha bandhan hai yeh,
Teri meri jaan jo ek hui...
(He came near me and entwined his hands with mine. I smiled at him.)

Lautunga yahaan tere paas main haan,
Waada hai mera mar bhi jaaun kahin...
(He sang every line of the song with his whole heart. He sang as if he meant every word of it.)

Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai..."
(I got up and gave him a quick peck on his cheek. He smirked.)

With this he ended the song. "I loved it Manik. Thank you." I said. He smiled and said "My pleasure. I'm glad you liked it."

...

I was lying down on the grass and gazing at the stars. He too came and laid down beside me. I was in his arms. It was cold since it was winter. He put his black blazer around me and I felt better and warm, snuggling deep into his protective embrace. I was busy looking at the stars. I sensed that his gaze was fixed on me. I snapped my fingers in front of his eyes. "Hey? Where are you lost? Look at the stars! They are so beautiful. They look like diamonds in the sky, don't they?" I said. "Why should I look at them when I already have the most beautiful and brightest star right beside me," he said in a husky voice. My heart was fluttering in my chest as my face crimsoned.
....

I was doodling on the palm of his hand. My head was on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and his hands on my shoulder, cuddling me. I felt safe in his protective embrace. He held me tightly and securely. I was slowly falling asleep when I heard him whisper in a soft voice,"I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly and then all at once." "I love you so much," I said with a warm smile. He kissed my hair and said, "I know.. And I love you too." He too confessed his love and slowly we both drifted to deep sleep.
...