Mananff-Forever Mine

Chapter 39

Without actually meaning to, Nandini had overheard Manik on the phone.  She was just heading for the shower when she heard his voice. He was talking to Jia. Well, more like yelling at her. In the whole time she'd seen both of them together, she had never, ever heard Manik talking to her like that. Yes, they did play around while shouting loudly, but never so angry.

He loved Jia.  Anyone could see that and Nandini knew he respected her a lot. But him talking to her like that was surprising.

Nandini sat crossed leg on her bed after shower and stared at the phone in front of her. Taking a deep breath, she picked up the phone and called the number.

She heard three rings before a familiar voice greeted her.

'Nandini! Kya baat hai aaj mujh jaise nacheez ki yaad kaise aagai tumhe?' Cabir answered.

'Hey Cabir. Woh mujhe tumse kuch kaam tha. It's about Manik.'

Cabir sighed dramatically.

'I know tum mujhse kya puchne wali ho and the answer is no.'

Before Nandini could ask what he was talking about, cabir continued,

'- we can't Nandini. I know you think I am amazing, and you want us to run away together but I am sorry, mai Manik ko dhoka nahi de sakta. And I love Navya.' He said seriously.

'Cabirrrr, shut up!!!' she rolled her eyes.

'This is serious.' She continued.

'Okay okay. What's up?'

'Wo... Manik's mom is in town.'

'Hmm.. I know.'

'And Manik. He is acting so strange.'

'I know.'

'So... what's the problem between them?'

'I don't know.'

'Ughhh Cabirr.' She groaned.

She heard him sigh and knew he must be running his hand through his hair.

'Dekho, mujhe bhi utna hi pata hai jitna tumhe pata hai. His mom was always a restricted subject between us. Mrs Malhotra was a pretty good mom when we were kids. I don't think Manik saw it coming. We were very young when she left and he didn't mention her, nor did I ask.'

'So you don't know why he hates her so much?'

'Isn't leaving him enough for a reason?' Cabir was protective towards his friend.

Nandini frowned.

'i don't know what to do Cabir.'

'I know kabhi kabhi Manik se baat karna matlab patthar ke sath baat karne jaisa hai. But just be patient with him. He needs to let it out.' Cabir softly told her.

'I know. Its just, I am worried.' She sighed.

Cabir chuckled.

       

'I know you are. That's why you are good for him.'

***

Nandini stepped out onto the balcony later that week; cool wind blowing against her skin. Manik sat on the swing, looking over the railings with a can of coke in his hand. He looked up at her as she walked in and gave her a small smile.

She walked over and silently sat down beside him and his free hand immediately wrapped around her shoulders, bringing her closer. Locking her arms around his waist, she kept her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat. They didn't say anything for a long time, simply looked into the sky.