You and I

CHAPTER 22

MANIK

I pulled into my driveway and looked over at Nandini. She had agreed to come so easily. I wasn't sure I would have been brave enough to do that. We had walked out to my car, and she had texted her Mami to let her know that she was leaving from school and going to meet my parents.

I couldn't imagine bringing anyone else here right now. Not even Abhi. This wasn't easy to see. But Nandini was sitting over there looking calm and strong. Always so strong.

"When I say Dad looks bad... he really does. He's so thin, his bones break easily now. And he's pale white. His skin almost seems translucent. It's tough to see. If you don't think you can handle it, I'll understand that." Nandini turned to look at me, and her big doe eyes full of understanding. "I want to meet the man you adore. He's got to be special."

A jolt shot through my chest as I sat there and stared at her. Was she even real? How did she say the exact things I always needed to hear? She was my shining star. The one who guides me, becomes my strength when I fall weak. The one who shines... just for me. I couldn't say anything so I just leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Let's go in then. I texted Mom we were coming." I hadn't told Mom about Nandini. We didn't talk much about anything except Dad. So when I texted her, I let her know that Nandini was Abhi's cousin and that we'd become good friends.

Mom had said to bring her and that they would love to meet her. I hoped Dad would be awake so that he could meet Nandini.

When we got to the front door, Nandini's fingers brushed my hand in that silent way of hers, reassuring me that she was there and not leaving me. I loved it when she did that. She always seemed to know when I needed it the most.

I opened the door and stepped back, motioning Nandini to get inside. The entryway was empty but I could smell cookies in the oven. Mom had gone and fixed us a snack. "Smells like Mom is in the kitchen," I told Nandini, then placed my hand on her lower back to lead her to meet my mother.

When we stepped inside the kitchen, Mom's back was turned, and she was getting down glasses for us. Her hair was brushed and she had left it open. She was a wearing pretty kurti with pants. She didn't spend much time getting ready anymore because she was afraid to leave Dad alone for too long. This was the most I'd seen her do to herself in a few weeks.

"Hey, Mom." I said quietly, not wanting to startle her.

She spun around and her gaze straight away went to Nandini. She was curious. I never brought girls here. Mom had only seen Soha a few times, that too when she came to watch my game.

"Hello, you must be Nandini," Mom said, walking over to greet us.

Nandini nodded. Shit! I forgot to tell Mom that she didn't talk. Mom didn't pay much attention to gossips, so she didn't know anything about Nandini's past. I opened my mouth to explain, when Nandini took a step towards her and held out her hand. "Yes ma'am. It's nice to meet you."

I closed my mouth and stared at Nandini. I'd never heard her talk to anyone else. Not even her family. Yet she'd not hesitated to speak to my Mom. One more thing about her that made her so incredibly special. After all she'd faced and all she'd been through, she still had compassion. She still sacrificed for others. I wasn't sure I could have done the same if I was in her situation.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, dear. And please call me Aunty. Ma'am sounds so old and formal. You're close to Manik and so you're close to me." Mom said with a light in her eyes I hadn't seen in a while.

Nandini blushed and looked up to me.

"Nandini's special," I told Mom as I brushed my fingers over Nandini's hand the way she so often did mine.