MaNan: It all started with a lie

Matters Of The Heart

Nandini: so tell me what you wanted to say

Manik: what? What do I have to say?

Nandini: Manik I know you well. This place and all these arrangements...tum yeh sab aise hi nahi karoge, I am sure you want to do or say something so chalo....start, I am waiting

Manik passed her a nervous smile and exhaled a deep breath.

She knew him too well.

He sighed and stood behind Nandini, taking her in a tight backhug which confused Nandini.

Nandini: Manik whats wrong?

She asked feeling his tight hold on her as if he feared losing her.

Manik: sshh...just listen to me. I know it might be too early for you but I hope you try to understand my feelings

Nandini: Mani you are scaring me now...aisa kya bolna hai tumhe?

Manik took a deep breath and tightened his hold on Nandini as he began talking, his voice a mere whisper.

Manik: Bachpan se I was a monster who was always rude with others but you turned me into a human Nandini. People used to be afraid of me but you, you were different....you fought back and managed to fill my dark life with brightness and that's why I call you my shining star

Nandini smiled brightly when he addressed her as his shining star while Manik continued.

Manik: then suddenly I was too much attracted to you and I knew it was something more than friendship but I was scared what if you don't reciprocate? I couldn't afford to lose you Nandini but mera voh dar bhi chala gaya when I came to know that you feel the same for me. Trust me, I was the happiest then

Saying so he kissed the side of her head from behind with a peaceful smile on his lips.

Manik: We started dating and everything was just perfect but then Soha happened

His voice turned sour just at the mention of Soha.

Manik: Soha Khurana, the daughter of Ashish Khurana who was so crazy after me that she...she tried to kill you

Nandini shivered at Manik's vulnerable tone. She had no clue why was Manik saying all this out of the blue but she could not wait anymore. She wanted to turn around and hug Manik tight to assure him she was all safe now in his arms and throw away all his fears and vulnerabilities but Manik did not let her do so, rather he dived his head in the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent to assure him of her presence and continued further.

Manik: th-that day I was devastated, I didn't know what to do. I was so guilty that I failed to protect you, I was literally cursing myself in the hospital. Seeing you so lifeless on that hospital bed was the last thing I wanted Nandini but yet you had to suffer because of me...because she was obsessed with me. When that doctor said na that you....your life was in danger, I thought that I lo-lost you for forever and trust me agar aisa kuch hua hota na toh I would have died Nandini

Nandini could feel her nape getting wet with his tears but she let him talk so as to get him rid of all that he has kept bottled up for a while now.

Manik*wiping his tears*: But then you fought like the fighter that you are and you were back to shine for me. From that day to today Nandini there has been a change in me. I finally know what I feel for you Nandu

His spoke in a husky baritone making Nandini's heart flutter with anticipation. She had a rough idea of what was coming next, but she wanted to listen it from Manik.

Manik: I know that maybe its note the right time or maybe you don't feel for me the way I do for you but its fine till the time you don't push me away because I can bare anything but your ignorance. Jab tum mujhe ignore karti ho na toh every second of my life becomes difficult so its a request from my side, please don't push me away after whatever I confess. I promise I won't force my feelings on you, you can take your own sweet time

Nandini could just nod her head as an answer.

Manik: Ms. Nandini Murthy I know ki main bohot silly hu and shayad I am not the perfect boyfriend that you deserve but this time I want to be selfish. Tum janti ho ki when it comes to expressing my feelings main kabhi kar hi nahi pata hu....I am never able to express them but aaj its really important for me to let you know how I feel varna kya pata main late ho jau and I really don't want to regret by losing this chance

He spoke caressing her palm with his thumb and stood in front of her to continue his confession.

Manik: Nandini.....I love you

He spoke looking deep into her eyes. His eyes reflecting his sincerity while hers reflecting a whirlpool of emotions.

Manik waited for her to speak, something....anything but seeing her all blank he started blabbering.

Manik: Nandini look its okay if you don't feel the same, I will wait. Tum meri vajah se apna decision affect mat hone dena ok? No one's forcing you, its your choice. If you don't love me yet, its fine.....take your time. Shit I am so stupid! Tum toh iske liye prepared bhi nahi hogi na and look tumhe first date pe bulake propose kar diya. I am such a fool. I am so s-

But he couldn't complete his sentence since Nandini interrupted his ranting, leaving him completely shocked by her reaction which wasn't really expected by him.

Happy reading.

Do vote and comment!