ANAM CARA || A MaNan Fanfiction

chapter 23: The Bachelor's

"She's back ," as Manik heard this, the colour from his face vanished. All the haunting memories came rushing to him.

Flashes from past

"you have to accept me Manik. "
"I can bring your family on roads"
"He's your brother Manik. How can you do this to him? "
"You are not able to meet my eyes Manik. "
Manik's pov

Oh god! This can't happen. She...she can't be back. No. What should I do? Everyone is so happy around me. She'll come like storm and destroy our happiness. Last time also because of me she took away everyone's happiness.

He quietly stood up and moved towards the balcony so that Nandini and Mukti can't hear him. He couldn't risk it. He started talking very softly in whispers.

M: Are you sure?
Ma: Yes Manik. She was seen at the Mumbai airport.
M: Maddy you're not going to tell this to anyone. It's just between you and me.
Ma : but Manik...
M: No maddy no one is going to know.
Ma: Okay as you say Manik.
M: Track her and make sure she doesn't come near any of our family member and my friends. And yes this includes Nandini and Aryaman also. If she comes to know about Nandini she can harm both of them. I can't bear my loved ones being hurt anymore.
Ma: sure Manik.

Manik cuts the phone call and then looks at the sky which was covered with dark clouds. A strom was on its way. Was this an indication of just a thunderstorm or a storm in Manik's life? He wasn't sure. He was now looking weaker than he was. His face had become pale, and his mind was running at horse's speed to figure out a solution. He heaved a sigh of desperation and started to walk towards the room. Abhi was also back from his work and he as well as Mukti were excitedly telling Nandini about how they want their wedding dress to be. Manik's eyes which a few minutes before were filled with desperation now had a determined shine in them. He clenched his fists and jaw and the veins around his forehead were visible with the pressure exerted.

Manik's pov

I am not going to let anybody snatch their happiness. No one can touch my family till I'm here.

Nandini who was watching Manik's expressions was confused as just a moment back he look pale and now his eyes had fire in them. She thought of observing him more.

Manik came and sat beside Nandini. Nandini was listening to MukBhi's demands and was also observing Manik's behaviour. Till the time their talks ended Nandini was sure that something has happened. When they were over with their talks Mukti and Abhi walked back to their room, busy in their cute mushy romantic world.

Nandini smiled at the cute couple in front of her but then shifted her attention back to Manik, who was staring at the wall, but with determined eyes. Nandini came to Manik's side and softly place her hands on his arms. Startled by her touch Manik looked at her, His eyes showing his amazement.
"What happened Manik? "
M: Nothing Nandini.
He smiled hiding his feeling.
N: Manik I'm not getting fooled by this fake smile. I know it's not you. Something is wrong after that call with Maddy.

To say Manik was surprised would be an understatement. He never thought that Nandini will start reading him like this. Even Abhi and Cabir fail to read him sometimes. He is an actor and smiling when his world is falling apart is an everyday thing for him. He aced it like a maestro.

M: It's nothing to worry about Nandini. I'm alright. Baas kuch back to back shootings hai. Maddy called to inform that only.
It pained Manik to lie to Nandini, but he couldn't make up his heart to tell Nandini about the lurking danger. Nandini was not at all convinced but thought it's better not to talk if Manik doesn't feel comfortable in telling.
N: okay then! I should go now I have a business dinner, Aryaman must be waiting...Manik I'm available if you want to share the real reason with me.
Manik who was again surprised choose not show.
M: Okay. Come I'll drop you to the door.