The Nerd and The Brat ✔️

36. The Murthy Stress

Hello Fam :)

Please forgive me for the chapter name. I couldn't come up with a better one. :P

NOTE - Make sure you haven't missed the chapter numbers. I have posted Chapters 34,35,36 today. If it's not visible, please inform me.

Happy Reading... 

"Manik, no", protested Nandini. It was Tuesday and Nandini was working since the morning. Manik was with her too but she didn't know how he had the energy to attend the classes. He was sneaking back in and out of the classrooms, managing both the academics and his head duties perfectly. Personally, she couldn't wait for the weekend. At least, the next week would be fun even if a bit hectic.

She was at the canteen after the head boy had abandoned her to attend the last class of the day. Her friends were already in class. Getting herself a coffee, she scanned the area and found Navya sitting alone in a corner with her laptop in front of her. Nandini frowned and made her way to the girl.

"I don't think we met properly yesterday", she said as a greeting. She didn't know if she was welcome but then the girl smiled at her pushing a chair towards Nandini. "What are you doing here alone?"

"I was getting bored at the hotel so Cabir asked me to come to college. I even attended a few classes", she told.

"I am sorry I didn't ask yesterday but are you comfortable here? Is your accommodation sorted? If not I can get you into the college one week earlier", she told. It was irresponsible of her to not ask her before and as a head girl, she felt very guilty. She realized it after going home but when she called Cabir, he assured her she was living in a safe and comfortable area.

"I am fine, Nandini. I can shift back when my friends arrive here", said Navya.

"That makes me a stupid head girl."

"Cabir said you were drowned with work. It isn't your fault and I am early on a personal visit. I don't really think it's your fault", she said.

She was sweet. Nandini understood why she got along so well with Manik. Once they went past their initial awkwardness, the conversations flowed. They exchanged stories about their respective places and classes. They only realized it was the end of college time when Manik came back with a plate of sandwiches.

"They are out of cheeseburgers", he told Nandini.

"It's fine, Manik."

Manik pushed a plate towards Navya. "Why haven't you ordered something?"

"I was waiting for Cabir", she told.

"Doesn't mean you have to starve yourself."

Navya chuckled. "I am not hungry, bhai", she said but then took a sandwich when Manik gave her a look.

Nandini looked at the whole conversation amused. The boy was sweet, polite, and caring and it's natural to him. She was interrupted from her thoughts when Manik called her. "Yeah?"

Instead of answering her, he gave her a chocolate. When Nandini raised an eyebrow in question, he shrugged. "You were tired", he told as if that were the answer.

If she didn't know better, she would have guessed that he had a chocolate factory under his name somewhere. She took it out of his hand because it made her happy and looking at the way Manik's face light up, he was happy too. They were joined by Cabir who grabbed a sandwich from his girlfriend and rested his head on her shoulder. The girl didn't even twitch as if it were some regular occurrence.

Nandini wondered how long were they in a relationship because looking at Manik it didn't feel like Nyonika Malhotra really approved of having her sons dating. But then he was Cabir and he would exactly do that one thing which everyone would tell him not to so, Nandini wasn't too surprised.