Humesha- An Accidental Love Story

13. Accidental Discoveries

Manik

"Mr. Malhotra is good to go home now but I still suggest that he rests at home for a day or two before he starts his routine again and I have already prescribed the medicines he needs to take so make sure he takes them on time after eating something. He shouldn't be taking any medicines empty stomach" the doctor almost warned me as I sat in his cabin, going through all the required formalities for Dad's discharge.

It had been two days since I was in Pune to look after Dad. I was hoping that maybe this time when I get back home, I'll have my Dad's love with me but I think I am not that lucky.

I was here for two whole days with Dad but all we ever talked about was either related to work, his medicines or something very formal. Never did we talk like a loving father and son should. I like always kept investing my hopes and Dad like always shattered them successfully, knowingly or unknowingly.

"Dad the doctor has signed your discharge papers so we are going home now. Just freshen up and change so that we can leave" I said entering inside his room, looking at the file that had his discharge papers in my hand.  Dad just mumbled a soft okay and proceeded towards the washroom while I busied myself in packing his stuff.

We were finally home from that boring hospital and now I had to make sure that he rests well and all his servants serve him healthy food followed by his medicines on time and hence I was busy sorting out all the medicines alongside going through his diet chart given by the doctor.

Dad hadn't talked to me at all during our journey back home. He had maintained this straight face which was too difficult to read and I didn't try hard even for by now I was kinda used to of him being like that when I was around.

Once I was done sorting the medicines, I called Kaka and explained him everything, making sure he grasped every word I spoke. I did the same with other servants too which took me another half an hour. I was almost done when my phone rang. Cabir calling.

"Hel-" I was cut off before I could even speak a word.

Typical Cabir.

"Manik mere bhai tu vapas kab aa raha hai? Tere bina din bohot boring se lag rahe hai" he rambled dramatically making me roll my eyes.

"So much love suddenly? I didn't know tu mujhe itna miss karega" I teased.

"Ofcourse dude, ek tu hi toh hai mera sacha dost varna Mukti toh Alia ke saath girl time spend karne me busy hai aur Dhruv as usual library ke chakkar kaant-te nahi thakta and hence main bechara akele akeke sad raha hu. Poor me" he sighed dramatically and I chuckled.

"Good for you! You know what, you actually deserve it. Tu jo humesha hum sab ko irritate karta hai na uska revenge hai yeh. You deserve it"

"Hawwww kaise dost hai tu!"

"Oye nautanki chup hoja. You know right, Dad ko kuch important kaam tha isliye I am here but yes I think it's almost done now toh maybe I'll be there in Mumbai by tomorrow.  I'll let you know though..." I trailed off as the thought of returning passed through my mind. I hadn't informed anyone about Dad being admitted in the hospital and I had no plans to do so and hence I made an excuse about office work.

"Nice varna mujhe toh laga tha ki uncle tujhe vohi rok lenge after all he loves you so much" Cabir said unknown to the bond I and Dad share and I didn't want my friends to know about it too. I didn't want them to get worried or give me looks of pity.

I am better off without it.

"Acha chal I gotta go now lekin meko raat tak inform kar diyo ki tu kal aa raha hai ya nahi" he reminded.

"Sure Cabir" I ended the call and went to check on Dad who was already sleeping peacefully. Not wanting to disturb him, I retreated to my room and lied down to get some sleep. Spending so much time in that godforsaken hospital had taken a toll on me and I desperately needed some rest.

Our dinner was almost done and it was time for Dad to have his medicines. I waited for him to gulp them down and began talking.

"Dad I am leaving tomorrow"

"Good. Main bhi tujhe vohi kehne wala tha that you should leave since I am fine now aur tera college ke lectures bunk karna isn't good" he replied like he didn't give a damn about me leaving. It hurt to be honest but I guess I was used to it by now.

I passed him a fake smile and got back to my room, packed my bags and went off to sleep. Next morning arrived soon and I was already on my way back. After a two hour drive, I finally reached college directly instead of going home since I was nowhere interested in facing Nyonika as soon as I returned. I had already called Cabir to inform him about my arrival and was now walking to the jam room when I saw Nandini talking to someone. Curious, I walked a little further to see who she was talking and found Harshad standing there.

Great.

Even after knowing what kind of a person Harshad is, she is still talking to him.

Rolling my eyes at them, I was about to walk to the jam room when I heard my name being mentioned.  Frowning, I hid myself behind a pillar so that I wasn't visible and began listening to what they were talking.

"That jerk Manik saved you that night Nandini but let me tell you, that won't happen everytime. I have that mother of yours completely in my control and not to forget she allowed you to continue your studies only because I said I'll get you admitted here varna you know she wouldn't even spend a penny on you after all you aren't her blood" Harshad smirked while I stood stunned at my spot.

"Out of all this that you just spoke, I completely agree only at one point that you have my not so dear step mother in your control but you know what Harshad I don't really care because I know how big of a coward you are. You just use people as your shield and attack. Tum na kabhi bhi samne se attack kar hi nahi sakte ho" Nandini mocked him and I was just amazed at that little girl's attitude.

"You-" Harshad's volume began to increase but before he could speak, Nandini intervened.

"Aha Harshad don't create a scene here at least. I mean this is the only place where you actually have some reputation so just think log kya sochenge when they will see you getting insulted my a girl or worst, what if I lost my calm and punched you in the face?...aww that would be embarrassing no?

Harshad didn't say anything after that because ofcourse his reputation was his top priority but just glared at her and left while Nandini sighed to herself and walked away a few moments later.

I was still a little shaken though as I tried processing the brand new information I had just received.

Nandini was in Space because of Harshad.

Nandini's mom isn't her real mom. She is her step mom and judging Nandini's expressions, it clearly reflects she isn't exactly fond of her.

Also, Harshad is kinda using Nandini's step mom for his own convenience and is also trying to threaten Nandini about the same.

But then again, why is Nandini tolerating her and following her orders if it's not what she wants?

Is she blackmailed or forced?

I need to find out.

But why?

Curiosity?

Or maybe you care for her Manik.

Bullshit.

I chided my subconscious and finally made my way to the jam room, prepping myself to handle my crazy bunch of friends who are going to be real mad at me for being late but who cares....I am Manik Malhotra and I don't follow time, I make time follow me.

Happy reading.

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