Journey Of Emotions | MaNan (under Editing)

47. Kidnapped

The next day when Manik and Nandini walked downstairs, the dining room was already bustling with laughter and chit chatters of their friends. Everyone except for Cabir and Navya were already there.

As soon as their eyes fell on the couple, they knew they were not going to be spared today. And as on cue, Aryaman was the first one to speak.

Aryaman: look who has decided to grace us with their presence!

Nandini blushed red, not being used to all the teasing while Manik just looked smug walking beside her. He had his fingers entwined with hers and when she tried to pull her hand away, he only tightened his hold with a glare that was more for show and dramatics.

Nandini: I told you they are going to tease us!

Nandini whispered to him.

Manik: Let them, Are you going to leave my hand at little teasing?

Manik pouted, in the middle of the stairs making her stare at him in surprise, all previous shyness flying away.

Nandini: And you are what? Five years old?

Manik shrugged and pulled her even closer.

Mukti: Is he trying to dissolve her inside himself?

Aryaman: Ew, they are gross. I never thought I would see Nandu being romantic like this.

He faked gaged to display his surprise.

Madhayam: Awe, aren't they so cute?

Three voices took their attention. Manik smiled at Madhayam and glared at the other too even as everyone else laughed and agreed with them.

Just as they sat down, Cabir and Navya came rushing in from the opposite ends. They were near the table when they both bumped into each other. Everyone else looked all ready to tease them when suddenly Navya pushed Cabir away, standing straight and leaving the dining room without another word.

Cabir said nothing even as hurt flashed across his face at Navya's behaviour. He simply sat down, as if pretending that they just didn't witness Navya pushing him away rudely. For a few moments, he avoided all of their gazes and concentrated on eating.

Manik: What was that?

Cabir: Nothing? Isn't the food too delicious today?

Manik: Cabir -

Nandini held his hand in mid and shook her head. Manik sighed but understood. Cabir didn't need to hear him advice on love. He knew already, and he was trying. Sighing, he tried to cheer Cabir up along with everyone but in vain.

°°°

Manik: I really thought things were getting better between these two.

Manik exclaimed, surprised and a little upset that he had failed to see how upset Cabir had been over the past few days. Cabir had always managed to read him like an open book but Manik couldn't do the same.

Nandini didn't agree with him.

Nandini: No. Navya doesn't want to accept her feelings, Manik. She told me. She thinks it is just infatuation, it is too soon to be loved.

Manik shook his head in dismay. If Cabir and Navya falling for each other was infatuation then what would one say about him and Nandini? About Mukti and Abhimanyu? Was it all infatuation?

Manik: Why don't you try and talk to her?

Nandini let out a sigh. Of course, she had done it already and countless times. She had tried her best but her friend was way too firm on her assumptions to even consider Nandini's words.