MANAN- Strings of love

24. Moving In

   I was preparing the report of the last meeting. When Manik came with his phone in his ear. He gestured me to follow him to his cabin. I put my pc in sleep followed Manik. "yes sir I will definitely inform her. Okay..... yeah bye." he said and hung up the call.

  "My grandfather's friend is no more so his son is going to visit us from Britain." Manik said. "You need to move in with me. He will visit after a month." His statement got my attention. I smiled and nodded. 

  "When should I start packing?" I asked and started making the list of the things I should pack. "You take off today and start your packing. I will come at eight in night to pick you up." I nodded and headed towards my table. Completing my report I switched off the pc. Collecting my things I took my two wheeler to reach Aliya's home.

   "I......I am moving in with Manik." As soon as I said this in lunch table three heads turned towards me. Gunjan, Mrs. Saxena and Aliya. "It's not appropriate to live with your fiancé before wedding." Gunjan's statement was even supported by Mrs. Saxena who nodded furiously.

  "Ma, It is even not her choice but the British person will visit them so they need to do this. I will help you in packing." Aliya said and I could say she was not happy with the turn of events. "I will be meeting you in weekends, don't worry." I said to Aliya and she just nodded.

    Shikha was sulking really bad when I said we were going to Manik's house. She stuck to Gunjan and Harshad telling them to stop me. Harshad even fought with Manik over this. As soon as Harshad Got to know that I am moving in with Manik, he made a list of rules.

1. Staying away from each other for at least one meter.

2. Sleeping in separate rooms.

3. No romantic scenes any where.

4. No PDA.

5. No touching at all.

   "Shikha be a good girl and bring your shoes." I said and she is still mad at me. "I am sorry Shikha but it should be done. After my wedding we need to live there." I could see she was melting but was not giving up. "Why don't you want to go to Manik's house?" I asked she looked at me through her eyes lashed then lowered her eyes.

    "I feel lonely. I know we don't have anyone but here we have everyone. Gunjan aunty plays with me. Aliya teaches me drawing and other designing things. Harshad uncle teaches me maths and social studies. I will miss them." Now I didn't want to leave this house for Shikha.

   "I can't promise you the same thing there Shikha but you can find Manik's parents. We will go there, then live there, see how you feel then decide. Okay?" with a reluctant feeling she nodded. I packed her toys in one box and she carried her school things to living room. 

   I hugged everyone except Mrs. Saxena and Mr. Saxena. Mr. Saxena just shook his hand with me saying all the best. Gunjan was in tears and I could see the sad expression on Mrs. Saxena. I smiled at her and entered Manik. Manik arrived at ten as he had some work. Shikha was asleep when he came.

   "Are your parents home?" I asked to which he looked at me. "My father accompanies me to company but mom stays at home." his words made a raise a doubt. "Your mom used to be a business woman right?" I asked .

   "I was 16 when I met an accident at that time mom realised what all she missed so from then she started staying in home. I told her I was completely fine but she does not approve. She teaches in an orphanage now." 

    "Manik, you will protect Shikha right?" I asked to which he stopped his car. "I told you, I will protect both of you." he said cupping my face and my heart started beating with it's high speed. "You have to promise me that you will take care of Shikha even if something happens to me." he kept his palm covering my mouth. 

    "Never talk something like it. I couldn't save your Anna and still the guilt does not leave me. I cannot loose you too now. Don't ever say that shit again." he said and drove to his car. 

     "Shikha! get uppppp. I am tired of waking you up we have an hour to get you ready." even when I shouted in her ear she just slept turning to other side. "Please get up. I will cry now." I said. The merciless creature was sleeping still hearing me. Mrs. Malhotra told me to get ready and she will take Shikha to school. I am definitely sure she is an angel who came to earth.

    Taking 5 minutes shower I got ready and went ahead. Manik was running around the house along with his father. "What happened?" I asked and came across a tensed face as if they are facing the loose motion problem. "We can't find the Chowdary's  file. So we are searching." 

  "Didn't you leave it in office saying you have read that file?" Then realization dawned in him and he gave his father an innocent smile. His father was fuming, glaring draggers at Manik.

   "Nandini meet me in my office once you reach home." Mr. Malhotra said and went away. "Don't worry, dad wants to talk about your Anna." Manik's words put me at ease.

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So what may happen in Malhotras house?

Character's opinion

Lotus_dream: So do you miss Nandini?

Mrs. Saxena: Yes, I miss her but even she has a dream and home so I can't blame her.

Lotus_dream: Do you not hate Nandini?

Mrs. Saxena: Yes, I hated her as she was the daughter of my husband of another wife but what was her mistake in it? What was her mother's mistake in it?  So there is no hate.

Lotus_dream: Do you hate your husband?

Mrs. Saxena: I don't know. I am confused.