You and I

CHAPTER 58

NANDINI

I was busy watching all the efforts he took, when I felt him holding my hand.

"Nandini?"

I turned around and saw him kneeling down.

"The first time I saw you, you were hanging around in these areas, occasionally coming up to see Abhi and then going back in the darkness. You looked so pretty, so pure in that white sundress. Just like an Angel. Abhi had warned us off you, but I just couldn't stay away from you. I saw a pain in your eyes that was like a mirror to mine.

"When we first talked, I was being extra rude to you, pushing you away so that you stay away from me. Even on that first day, I saw that you were all goodness, and I didn't deserve that kind of goodness in my life. So I was rude to push you away.

"But did it work? Nope. That kiss, it was my salvation as well as punishment. I couldn't stop thinking about you and that kiss. I just couldn't. Something in me always pulled me towards you. I couldn't get you out of my head.

"When you started talking to me because of Dad, it gave me peace. You gave me peace. Those days when just getting out of bed was a task for me, you were my salvation. Just the promise of meeting you would calm me. Slowly and gradually, you crept up inside my heart, making your own hold on it, without me even realizing it.

"Knowing that you talked just to me, gave me a sort of right, as if only I was there in your world. I wouldn't lie that when you said you'll start talking again, I wasn't insecure. I was. I was insecure that I wouldn't be the only one you talk to, someone can come at my place, someone better, someone you deserve. But you, you always put my insecurities to curb down.

"I may not be the guy you deserve, but today I promise you Nandini Murthy, I'll give my all to be that guy, the one you'll be proud of. There might be days when I'll be jam packed with work, but I promise that even on those days, you'll be my first good morning and last good night. I promise that the safety you feel in my arms, you'll always find them there. I promise to be your shield against all harms, and the air beneath your wings, to make you fly high.

"I promise to scold you when you need it, and I also promise to pamper you like no one ever did. I promise to bring a smile on your face everyday. I was yours before, when I didn't even realize it why you were so important for me, I am yours now and I'll always be yours. It's no more you and I now, it's us now.

"Nandini Murthy, I love you. I love you very very much. Humesha forever."

I couldn't say anything to him then, words were not coming out of my mouth. I bent down and kissed him. Kissed him to pour all my love to him. Hoping and praying that he'll feel my love through it. My hands were in his hairs and his on my waist. We kissed like there was no tomorrow. We broke apart to breathe, but then he kissed me again. This time it was like as if he was claiming me.

We were lying on the blankets gazing the stars. Well I was lying on Manik's lap, while he had his legs spread and he was sitting. I held his hand with both of mine. I looked over to see the fireflies glowing. I smiled. I guess Mom's happy with Manik and me. After Mom went away, I always thought that if I'm doing something and they are glowing that means Mom's happy with what I'm doing.

"You love fireflies na?"

"Haa Manik. Mom and me, we both used to collect them, she loved fireflies and I grew to love them because of her. You know, after Mom, I always see fireflies glowing as her approval. And see na, today also they are glowing. Means Mom approves you."

I was doodling I love you on Manik's palm. I hadn't said it to him yet, I have things planned for next week on his birthday. One week he can manage without my confession.