For Infinity

Part 40: His Nandini

Hello guys! How have you been? I know its been ages since I updated but, life has been so busy. Sorry about that. I am sure you guys might have forgotten what's this book even about but, I felt like you deserved a closure. So, here I am to complete this love story, written amongst the stars.
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It was a new day and a new day brought new chances. A chance of mending broken threads. After letting her defences down, something had changed within Nandini. She now knew that no matter how strong of an adult she was to the world, she could always let herself be vulnerable to Manik. She understood that he was her safe haven where she could relive her lost childhood.

"Good morning, my love." Manik brought back Nandini from her thoughts as he placed a soothing kiss on her forehead. She always loved that about him, his touch did wonders to her aching heart. "Good morning, Manik," Nandini replied back with her ever shining smile. But, the pain behind it wasn't hidden from him. He knew she was trying to be strong for him. The truth was that their conversation had opened a Pandora's Box of emotions.

Manik placed himself on her bed where she was sitting. He took her delicate hands and wrapped them tightly within his. "Did you sleep well? I know it was tough for you and I want to let you know that I am so proud of you. It isn't easy Nandini, to let your walls down that's been up for so long." She knew that it was heartfelt from the way his eyes shined at her. Oh, how did she end up with this amazing man? "I did baby. Because in the back of my mind I have the assurance that you will always be there to hold me." Nandini assured him, narrowing his worries down, a little bit.

After a quiet breakfast at the Murthy's, Manik and Nandini decided to go out for a long drive. They needed an escape from the suffocation of their lives. Both of them were suffering in their own ways but, their undying love for each other was keeping them afloat. Leaving back the hustle of the city, they were now moving on a road to somewhere unknown. The destination wasn't fixed, they just needed each other. Nandini drowned in her thoughts, as she stared outside the window that was rolled down. The fresh air and his warmth by her side, was giving her some calm. A part of Manik's mind concentrated on the road, while the other was swarming with emotions unresolved. He was angry with his father for even trying to take his life away. For tainting something as pure as his love. But, he also knew how much he loved Manik. After coming to know of Nandini's pain of losing her parents, he had this fear of losing his only parent. Because, once you lose someone, they hardly come back. If it were in his hands, he would do anything and everything to bring back her happiness. And if her happiness was with him mending things with his father, then he would definitely give it a chance, no matter the cost.

"You remember the first day we met? God, it was such a clash. Who would have imagined that you would end up being my everything?" Manik said trying to lighten the mood. It brought a soft smile on her face, as she remembered their old days. "I know. Who would have thought that Monster Manik will become my protector, my heart, my life." Her eyes glistened with tears of happiness. He just held her hand in response. She was his and he was hers and that was all.

The sun was about to set, the sky was a hue of orange. Everything looked like a picture fit to be placed in a museum. Manik had stopped the car by a cliff that had the most beautiful view of the vast openings. They were sitting on the bonnet, with a cup of chai in their hands. Peace engulfed them as they took in the beauty of nature. They both loved it, to be away from the sorrows of their lives that awaited them. "Manik, this is so beautiful, so peaceful. Why can't it always be like this?" There was an ache in her voice, in her eyes. His heart clenched in his chest, for he knew what she was going through. He was feeling the same. He too wanted to be this way, always."One day our lives will become as beautiful as this sunset, baby. We just need to hold onto each other." He reassured her, holding her closer to him.

It was almost dinner time when Manik and Nandini entered the Malhotra Mansion. He was hoping that they wouldn't bump into his father but to his disappointment, they did. He was sitting on the dining table all alone, no one by his side. His old eyes were filled with sorrow which made Manik falter for a bit but, the image of an unconscious Nandini flashed in front of him, which immediately turned him cold again. "Manik, come have dinner with me. You too Nandini." There was a request in his voice. Like, he was asking for forgiveness. But obviously, the Malhotra ego didn't let him be that straight about it. Nandini stopped her steps but he didn't. He would have kept on walking if it weren't for her holding him back. Manik looked at him with questioning eyes. Why was he doing this? Didn't he hate his relationship? His Nandini?

Seeing Manik's hesitation Nandini held his hands and they slowly made their way towards the table. She didn't want him to ruin his relationship with his father, not for anything, not for her. The tension between them was so visible it could be cut with a knife. The awkwardness throughout the dinner was so obvious. Manik's Dad was not only embarrassed in front of his son but, Nandini also. By now, he had clearly understood how wrong he was about her, about their relationship. She was the best thing that could have happened to his son. Who would even forgive him after what he had done? But, she did.

Manik was about to get up and dash towards his room when Raj called him out. "Son, please wait for a bit. I need to talk to you both. It's a request." He didn't want to spend a single more second with him in the same room but, the urgency in his voice and a nod from Nandini made him stop. "Okay, make it quick." He replied in a cold tone. The three of them made their way towards the huge living room. "Please sit, you both." Raj said which only made Manik more irritated. "We are not here to exchange pleasantries Dad. Just say it, whatever it is. But, this time think before you do." Manik demanded, wriggling his fingers into Nandini's as if he wanted to protect her from his harsh words. He was her shield, always ready to defend her from the darkness.

Raj definitely noticed how Manik had become stiff. It was like, he was expecting his father to lash out on them again. This hurt him where it hurts the most. He made his own son wary of him which, only made him more aware of the seriousness of his mistakes. "Don't worry Manik. I have learned of my foolishness. I'm here to ask for forgiveness. From you and from Nandini." Manik's eyes widened in surprise, Nandini's too. They looked at each other to confirm what they were hearing was right. "I know how bad I have been to you Nandini. Right from the start. I didn't even give you a chance to prove worthy of my son. How egoistic of me to think that. The truth is that you deserve Manik more than he deserves you. I was too blind to see the beautiful human in you. I won't beg for you both to forgive me because, what I did was unforgettable. I just don't want you both to be afraid of me. I now know that you are absolutely made for each other. I'm so happy for my son that he found you. I don't want him to ever end up in my place and you have given me guarantee about that. My blessings are with you both. Always stay happy, together." A tear rolled down Raj's eyes for he now felt at peace. He did what he had to do and now it was upto them.

Manik was in a turmoil, whether to trust his words or not. What if he goes back on his words? He couldn't take that risk. On the other hand, Nandini was sure he meant every word. A father would understand a son's heart. Raj was about to walk away when Nandini said, "I forgive you, Uncle. I forgave you a long time ago. As a Dad, you have every right to be concerned for your child. What you did was in the heat of the moment. And who's better than me to get that? Your son's anger issues aren't hidden to me." A chuckle left her mouth, which made Manik smile a bit." But there's one thing you are wrong about. Manik and I deserve each other equally. If I have been good to him, he has saved me too. I'm genuinely happy that we have your support now. Thank you." Manik's heart swelled with pride. How damn lucky was he to find this angel. Raj gave her his silent blessings and went away with a light heart. If she forgave him then Manik would come around too. And he would wait.

  You are summer to my winter heart.
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- Ashkins.