PLAYBOY[Manan's Ff]

chapter 9

Nandu's POV

I followed her to her room. She stumbled a moment and sat on the bed. Seeing her like that, I went to her and checked, placing my hand on her. She was burning."Mom, you're burning; we should go to the hospital," I said worriedly.

"It's just a little fever", she said casually.
"No, Mom, it is not little; you're burning", I stated in fear.

"Don't make a fuss about it, go, get ready for school; you're getting late", she said, gaining more strength to act like usual but failing.

"Mom, I'm not going; you need me, Mom", I said, pleading.

"No, Nandu, I just need some rest. I will be OKAY you can't miss school for me", she was so persistent.

I can't leave her like this my heart says. So I asked Mom, picking up her Mobile, "ok! I will go after calling Samatha Aunty to come over here to check on you while I'm in school".

The last hope vanished when she said she was on her duty. I can't leave her in this lame house alone during this time, but she never listens to me. Even if I care for her I can't tense her with my doings. I got freshened and left eating with her reluctantly. On my way to school, all my thoughts drifted back. Back then, Whenever Mom got sick while we were together, we made sure to give her rest. Dad does all the chores with our help; I choose lame excuses, but Sid, a good brother, helps with every chore without burdening me.

After the divorce, everything changed. Even if she was sick, she didn't take a rest and pretended everything was fine. Tears dripped down, but I rubbed off, not wanting anyone to notice. I know I am late but didn't give any explanation,  went to my place. I sat silently, but Manik asked me what happened and made me break down immediately, which I am holding till now. But seeing someone caring for me I can't.

When he said that he would help me, I felt good and really wanted to go home to see her. I asked mam for permission, saying the most common reason every girl uses; she didn't pressure me much and let me go home.

He joined me at the school premises and we went home. When I reached home, she was still burning. I know she didn't want to go to the doctor. She declined even when Manik insisted. So I prepared veggie soup with a little bit of pepper and garlic to help her health.

I gave both of them and helped her rest calmly after having it. Mom insisted that she would call Madam to get permission, but I replied there was no need for that. We came out of her room when she was finally asleep. I asked whether he liked to have anything, but he nodded no. We talked for a while, like always, it was me talking and him listening. I asked if he wanted to return to school as there was still time for afternoon classes. But he said okay and that he was not very interested in classes. We started watching a movie when I heard some noise. I went to check on her but she was in deep slumber. I knew she was totally tired from work, so I closed the door slowly so as not to disturb her. I came back to movie watching, and then a sudden reminder of the match came to my mind. There was only a day left. So I asked about it; for that, he shrugged as it was not at all a big deal. I thought he wanted to go to practice after classes like always. I assured him he could go to practice if he wanted, and I could take care of Mom. he sighed and asked me whether I wanted him to leave on purpose, which I totally did not.

I wanted him to understand that I was thinking about him and not to worry about me. I assured him it's definitely not like that; I just don't want to pressure you with my problems. He smiled and said "Don't worry much about everything'. I smiled and nodded. Then he started rubbing his tummy, seeing that I asked him if he might want anything to eat. He nodded, so I prepared pasta for us. Poured him some and gave him. When I went to Mom, she was already awake; I checked her temperature. It was better than before. I gave her a plate if she might like to eat. She came out to watch TV. Seeing her coming, Manik asked," How is she now !?" She smiled and said Ok. Then, the three of us sat on the sofa and watched a movie. When Manik licked the spoon completing his pasta..he was really cute doing it. I asked him if he wanted some more, and he smiled expectantly at us.