You and I

CHAPTER 15

NANDINI

I watched Abhi's face as he stood there staring at me, then staring at Manik as if he hadn't heard him correctly. I had to admit, I was just as surprised. Manik wanted me to be his friend. Because I helped him. Like no one else could.

My chest felt warm, and there was a funny flutter in my stomach.

"You wouldn't understand. No one does. Except for Nandini. She's helped me a lot in the past few days. Having her to talk to is what I need right now."

The flutter turned into birds flapping in my stomach. I had to remember Manik had said, "Just friends." He hadn't said anything like I'd like to kiss her again.

No. Control Nandini. He just needs a friend right now who'll understand him. Don't get overboard. He was hurting and he liked talking to me. That was all this was.

"She... uh... She doesn't talk," Abhi glanced at me with an apologetic look on his face.

I waited. I didn't want Manik to tell Abhi that I talked to him. But then how else did he explain wanting to be my friend?

"She has her own way of communicating, and that's enough," Manik replied.

I wanted to sigh in relief. If Mami knew I was talking to Manik, she would be trying to get me to talk to her.

Abhi pressed his lips together and nodded. "Okay... If you want to be friends then I'm okay with it. But just friend. Don't-" He paused, and I felt Manik tense beside me.

"She's safe with me. I respect her, and I also won't let anyone else hurt her," Manik said with firm determination in his voice.

He wanted to be friends. I could do that. I wanted that. I needed that too.

Abhi appeared to believe him. "Good. You wanna come inside? Mom made chocolate cake."

"Yeah," Manik replied then looked at me. "You like chocolate cake?"

I hesitated then nodded. I didn't want to interfere in Abhi's life, but Manik wanted me there, and I wanted to be there for him. This side of Manik wasn't anything like I expected. He wasn't cruel or hard. He wasn't putting up a facade for anyone. This was the guy I wanted him to be when he kissed me that time at the field.

"Then let's go get a slice. Your Mami makes it delicious."

Abhi looked confused, but he turned and headed inside. Manik nodded for me to follow Abhi, and as I did, Manik fell into step beside me.

I could eat some cake with Manik then go up to my room and leave Abhi alone with his friends. This way I could make both of them happy, while still protecting myself. No matter how much I wanted to be there for Manik because I knew what it was like to suffer through this alone, I couldn't completely put my guards down.

Abhi walked inside and headed towards the den. Mami stepped into the hallway from the kitchen and smiled when she saw Manik. It was a sad smile, but also one that meant she was happy to see him. I knew she was worried about him.

"Manik, baccha, it's so good to see you. I missed you this summer. You're not around enough." She went straight to him and hugged him. Then pulled back and looked at me. "You're back from your walk," she said, sounding pleased. "Now since you have burned some calories, would you like to have a piece of cake with me in the kitchen?"

"She's actually going to have some with us Mom," Abhi informed her.

Mami's eyes widened and then she smiled brightly. "Of course, that's wonderful. I'll bring some juice and two more glasses in there," she said and hurried off to the kitchen.

"I think that just made her day," Abhi whispered, glancing back at me.

And this time I smiled. Because he was right. She was happy. And that made me happy.

Manik's hand slid behind my back as he led me into the den where the guys I was used to seeing around Abhi were lounging on sofas and beanbags, while a couple were shooting hoops at a basketball hoop on the wall.

"Nandini!" Aryaman said the moment he saw me entering the den. It was the first time he'd spoken to me since I'd sent him that text. I guess the shock of seeing me in here made him forget he was ignoring me.

Manik kept his hand on my back as he moved into the room towards the table.

It was obvious Abhi hadn't told the other guys about Manik's dad. None of them looked like they were worried about him or like they didn't know what to do. I was relieved for him. He had just faced Abhi and Mami. He needed a break before he faced the rest of them.

"So, Nandini's here... with Manik," Aryaman said because no one else said anything.

Abhi turned and looked at all of them. "Manik and Nandini are friends. Just friends. And I'm good with that." There was an awkward silence, and Manik pulled out a chair for me to sit. Once I was seated he looked at his friends and teammates who were still watching the three of us like they weren't sure what to think.

"She's my friend. Deal with it," he informed them, then sat down close to me. He leaned his head towards mine. "Sorry they are acting like idiots. I don't normally have girls who are my friends. And you were completely off-limits because of Abhi. So they're trying to figure out what's up." I nodded. I understood that. Although right now, what I really wanted was to run off to my room.

"Here's more juice and cake," Mami announced. The guys went back to watching TV and talking. I didn't turn around to see is Aryaman had joined them or was still staring at us.

"She doesn't eat enough. Make sure she completes the whole thing," she told Manik as if she knew we were friends now and that idea I don't know why made my cheeks warm.

"Yes ma'am," he replied, taking the plates from her hand and putting one in front of me.

When she left the room, Manik smiled down at me. "You need to relax. You look like I'm forcing you to sit here beside me. They'll get over it soon enough. I promise."

I tilted my head down to hide my mouth from everyone else. "I know," I replied quietly. "I just hate being stared at."

He chuckled and moved his fork to get a bite of the cake. "Then you shouldn't be so damn pretty."

And just like that the birds in my stomach were back. How am I supposed to eat now?

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