When Leonardo left, I sauntered towards my room and collapsed on the bed. I wished to get a good sleep but my mind was occupied with other things which prevented me to sleep. After a long time, I poured my emotions into a person whom I met a few days back.
Even though Leonardo was acting strangely towards me, I felt relieved when I said about my issues with my family. And he listened to me fully and didn't question my decision. He didn't say that I was wrong to go against them. Rather he consoled me. He said he will be there for me.
I don't know why but what made me feel comfortable with him. I haven't known him much but he took out the burden inside me. For the first time, I felt comfortable in his presence.
I recalled the conversations we had a few minutes before. His assuring words kept playing in my head till I dozed off.
*****
The next day morning Daksh called me and said about my parents' departure. I felt like jumping out of excitement. Finally a piece of good news. I thanked God that instant and started to get ready since my duty time is gonna end. Leonardo will be arriving any moment to pick me up. I got changed into another dress and waited for him. A couple of minutes later, I received his call and went down.
"Good morning Nandita." He wished me with a smile on his face. "Good morning." I wished him back.
I got inside the back seat with him. Today his driver and one more person were present. I took a glance at him before getting inside. He was sitting like a statue not looking at me.
"Nandita meet my personal bodyguard Alfredo." I was shocked to know that.
"You do have a personal bodyguard?" I whispered to him.
"Yeah. Why? I can't have one?"
"No I mean are you scared?" I mocked him. He raised his eyebrows and chuckled.
"No Nandita. But he is my right hand from my childhood days itself. Moreover, I am a businessman who has rivals around the world."
"Okay, I understand your point," I said.
"Are you okay now?" He asked to which I nodded.
"Thank you for hearing me out."
"No need for thank you. I don't want you to feel alone like nobody is there to listen to you." I smiled and gazed outside. Leonardo was doing something on his laptop and he was silent till we reached his home.
Alessandra came and embraced me in a tight hug. I realized that she missed me. I pecked her cheeks and we sauntered towards her room for checkup. She said that her pain decreased and she is feeling better than yesterday. I was happy to hear it.
Later I joined them for breakfast. Mr Roberto wasn't present. He went to attend a business matter. So only me, Alessandra and Leonardo were around the dining table.
"Nandita I have a good news for you," said Alessandra glancing at her brother and then at me.
"Tell me..."
"Leo said I can continue my internship here. He knows I am happy to work under you. So I am not going back to Italy any time soon. Also, both Leo and Roberto are staying with me."
"Wow! That's great news. I am glad that you are going to stay back!" I looked at Leonardo. "Don't worry I will look after her."
"I trust you Nandita." He said and this formed a smile on my face.
"And one more thing. I am going to stay at my apartment. And like before, we can go and come back together. Happy?"
"Of course Alessa! I am so excited that my crazy intern is coming back to action." Hearing me both Alessandra and Leonardo laughed.
"I need to contact Chief regarding my leave and all. So most probably next week, I will rejoin."
"So nobody is gonna stay here?" I enquired looking at Leonardo.
"No Nandita. We can't let Alessa stay alone. She said it will be easy for her to travel coz the hospital is not much far from her apartment. So we two are moving with her. I talked with Mom and Dad. They are happy with our decision."
"Good. So on Thursday when you come for the scanning we both can go and meet the Chief. Okay?"
"Okay, Nandita." We resumed having food and I got ready to leave. I followed Leonardo and he was quick to open the door for me.
"Hey don't act like a gentleman. I can open the door."
"But I think girls love this kind of gesture. Right?"
"Maybe but next time don't do this. You can go to your side. I don't want to depend on you for a simple thing like this."
"Okay but now get in beautiful lady!" I chuckled and got inside the car. He started the engine and we left his mansion.
I stepped inside my room after dropping off Nandita. I am glad that she is trying to create a friendship between us. Even though I can't wait to propose to her, Alessandra advised me to calm down and wait patiently. I have to behave like a gentleman in front of her. I need to impress her so that she will start loving me.
I glanced at her photo on my phone. She looked absolutely gorgeous like a doll. I don't know how many times I have admired it.
"My Amore. I can't wait to see you as my bride. I will be the happiest one at that moment. I love you." I whispered gazing at the photo.
I recalled Alessandra's words when I told her about Nandita revealing her issues with her family the other day.
"Leo, sono contento che tu e Nandita vi stiate avvicinando. Ora vuole che tu sia un buon amico per lei. Ma gradualmente ti amerà, ma non dovresti avere fretta. Agisci in modo normale con lei. Non essere come un fidanzato possessivo. Trattala come desidera. E non disturbarla come prima. Devi aspettare molto per farla innamorare di te. Inteso?"
("Leo I am glad that you and Nandita are getting close. Now she wants you to be a good friend to her. But gradually she will love you but you shouldn't rush. Just act in a normal way around her. Don't be like a possessive boyfriend. Treat her the way she wishes to. And don't trouble her like before. You have to wait a lot to make her fall in love with you. Understood?")
"I will wait for the day, Amore. For you, I can wait for more. I just want you to be mine. Mine only." I whispered.
*****
Hey guys
☞How was the chapter?
☞ Is Nandita starting to see a good friend in Leonardo?
☞Do you think Leonardo's wish gets fulfilled?
☞Will she accept him after knowing his truth?