|Word Count: 3721|
Hello people
So here's the new chapter
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Happy reading
Nandini:
"Is it Miss. Murthy speaking?" The caller said. I rolled my eyes and my nose flared in anger.
"Yes it is and I'm going to kill the caller right away!" I spatted angrily.
"Arey baba." The caller was astonished. "Itna gussa."
"Aap saamne aao, phir batati hu mein aapko Manik." I gritted.
"Okay, you come then." He chuckled as I pouted angrily. "Check that out." And...then there was a knock. I frowned but permitted the person to enter. There was a man standing out there with a packet in his hand. I walked towards the person and took the packet before thanking him.
"What is it?" I asked over the phone, surfing through the packet.
"Check it. And please just don't run your brains. I'll be there with in half an hour, just be ready." He said and hanged up the call. I stared at the cell in confusion and sighed before again digging myself into the packet.
There were nothing but a top, capri, sneakers and other items. Confusion suddenly engulfed me and I stared the packet for a few moments as if expecting an answer from it.
I nevertheless shook my head and got ready without thinking twice, as he said, I shouldn't run my brains.
Ones I was ready, I again checked the packet and then what I found was a box which had a letter on it saying,
His handwriting has always fascinated me. I sighed dreamily. I was about to take it off but my phone rang. It showed the same unknown number. I think I should save this number
"Boliye sir." I was still mad at him.
"Don't open the box, just come down." He said and I frowned.
"Hein. Why?" I questioned.
"Just listen to me na." I could feel him stomping his foot out of stubbornness. I was now more curious to see what this box had.
"Umm..." I hesitated.
"Please." And I sighed. I muttered an okay and we ended the call. I took the box and walked out of my cabin.
"Miss. Sofia!" I called out the sister.
"Yes ma'am." She came towards me.
"I actually have to go out for an important work, so please manage." I said and she nodded affectionately. I came out and found him already there, standing there leaning towards his rolls Royce.
His look...
My eyes traveled to his chest which was peeking out as his buttons were open.
Damn, he hasn't aged at all!
The sight was drool worthy until I saw a few girls behind drooling over him, the same way I was. How dare...My eyebrows creased and hands turned into a fist. I saw him gesturing me to come. I marched towards him and held his collars, pulling him. I could see the shock written on his face.
"How many death wishes do you have?" I gritted and removed my hands from his collars to shut the buttons he had kept open. I could feel him frowning. When I looked up, I saw the sudden realization rushing through his face as he turned his face and found a few girls there, who were now frowning. He smirked, much to my annoyance and held my waist to pull me closer. I dropped my hands as my work was done.
"We should thank those girls na!" He winked saying so. I controlled myself not to punch the same eye using which he winked. I said nothing but stomped my foot on his. He yelped out of pain and I gave a damn.
This man has guts na.
One, no calls, second, the audacity.
He laughed at my irritated face. I removed his hands from my waist and moved away before turning my face away. He chuckled and pulled my hands. He then opened the door of the car, gesturing me to sit. I twitched my lips and sat in. He took the driver's seat and drove away.
"Where are we going?" I couldn't control myself from asking the same.
"Patience." He said and took the box from my hands, and kept it on the backseat. I sighed in defeat and looked out. There were tunes of retro playing in the car
And us.
Aapki manzil hoon mein
Meri manzil aap hai...
The radio said, and I couldn't control, "kyu mein toofan se daru, mera sahil aap hai."
"Koi toofan se kehde, mil gaya sahil mujhe." And a smiled made it's way on my lips as I heard his voice. His hands came over mine and entwined it. He took it and kept it on his lap, and other hand continued handling the steering wheel.
Bliss
It's always said ki jinse nafrat karne ka bahana nahi hota hai, unse pyar na karne ka karan dhoondna mushkil hota hai.
I felt that.
Manik and I never mostly talked on drives, or even looked at each other. But it didn't matter. Because we were looking at the same sky together, which I feel is more intimate than eye contacts.
Anybody can look at you, but it is quiet rare to find someone who sees the same world you do. It is all about small things. Small efforts to be noticed. When you'll push them away, right one will stay.
"Here we are." He passed the car. I looked out and found it to be...an airport? "Yep!" He popped on 'p'. Did I say it aloud?
I guess I did.
"But why...kyu..where...what?" Every question came out in form of single words.
"You come out." He pulled me out holding my hand.
"Kindly explain!" I tried, again.
"Let's relive." He said to me before wrapping his hands around my shoulders, leading us in.
I felt his hands slipping off mine and I had no control over it.
And he was gone..
Sudden flashback jerked me back and I gasped. He sensed my jerk and also probably the reason behind it. He gripped my hand, I looked at him.
"This hand won't slip off now!" He assured. I blinked a couple of times and we walked towards the place where he was taking us to.
Soon enough we were sitting on our seats. Basically I was in the middle and he was by window.
"I must be the first one who is sitting in a flight with no knowledge of where she's going to. Just great!" I muttered, gritting my teeth. I saw him, beside me, suppressing his laughter at my annoyance.
Aiyappa, I hate this man so much!!!!
"Really?" My own subconscious voice mocked me. I rolled my eyes and leaned back to the seat before slipping into a slumber. I was unknowningly tired and I seriously needed a nap.
All I knew was his hands slipping over my shoulder and pulling my head on his shoulder, for my support.
I dozed off with no noises echoing around me and flashbacks running I front of my eyes.
Realization dawned upon me that,
His presence is more than enough for all my sorrows...
And may be vice-versa?
***
"Nandini..." I could hear very feeble voices around me. My eyes flickered open and found Manik almost on me, waking me up. I rubbed my eyes using my fist and lips formed a pout. "Chale?" He asked and I nodded before looking around. Everyone has left it seemed and it was only us on the flight. I gulped down my saliva and stood up. Manik was already ready with our bags and thus we moved out.
As we move don't and came into an open place, air struck our faces and my breath was snatched. My eyes automatically got shut under the feeling.
Feeling of familiarity.
Air felt familiar.
And so did the gust.
My heartbeats raised and I found ourselves standing on the same place where my journey to Dr. Nandini Murthy began. Where I found friends for life. Where I found my breath.
Him.
I chose not to let my eyes tear up again.
Yes, the only place which has witnessed us.
New York
He has brought me back to the place where we began.
"Welcome home." I heard him whispering as he embraced me from back and pulled me closer. I did nothing but to let in everything. Whatever was happening. In these few years, I was so used to my routine and this place was completely out of my mind. I felt guilty for the same.
"Home." I whispered back. We came out of each other's embrace and he stood in front of me.
"Let's go." He held my hand and pulled me along with him. Like always, I did nothing but to let him take me. He took me towards another car. He held the door open for me and I took my seat. He jogged towards the other end and sat on the driver's seat.
The sudden remembrance of our unnamed relationship phase that this city has witnessed, rush through my veins.
When he used to sing his favourite songs looking deep into my eyes. How he used to take my hand in his when I was angry at him. The way he pulls me closer and embraces when no one is around. The hugs, how it used to start slow. And then when it's time to break it, we hold eachother tighter.
How we denied it when people kept questioning us if we're in love. But still, those kisses, how we couldn't resist. The warmth and safety we felt in eachother's presence. How my heart still beats faster everytime my eyes see him. The way my soul hums "Mere mehboob qayamat hogi". Maybe we were not sure ourselves of what we used to have during that phase. Or maybe we were too scared to lose it once we accept it's existence. Maybe it was just a crazy desire or mere attraction that was driving us. Or maybe it was just a nothing.
Whatever it was, it hurted as much as it's making us feel alive.
Love that we have in our heart for our special one stays for a long long time. Even when gone, our heart beats constantly remind us of our existence. We do not want to, but have to imagine a life without them. Their love, their solicitude, their affection goes with them but what stays is their presence. Even in this chaotic world, busy streets and noisy roads, it's their silence that soothes our ears the most.
When feelings are real, stuffs gets sorted automatically. It was as if entire universe conspired to make me meet him.
The unnamed relation we're in, god..!!
Feels beautiful yet scary at the same time.
End:
"God..this feels..." Nandini trailed of, staring out of the window on the car in awe. Manik was feeling no less. Not that there was no change in the place. A lot has been changed. But it will still remain that old NY which marked them.
"Bliss." He completed and what prevailed was silence. Nandini slipped her hand over his and entwined them together. He tightened his hold on her. They continued looking on their either sides. They chose to enjoy this silence between them before their destination arrived.
It was not more than twenty minutes that took for them to reach the place. As the car halted, they got out of the car and Manik payed the driver.
Nandini's eyes were stuck on the sky above them.
"Sky feels so familiar." She whispered.
"Now you'll know why." He said before turning her towards the opposite side. She looked at the building in front of. She again looked at Manik, amused who was just staring at her lovingly. "Chale?" He said and pulled her along with him. It was taking time for her to accept whatever he was doing. Not because he doesn't, but because habit is long gone.
Now all she knew was that, they were standing in front of the same door.
Goodness...that feelings. It was inexpressible. They were feeling nostalgic, happy, sad, emotional and a lot more things at the same time.
"Wow!" Nandini uttered looking at the building
"Thanks!" Manik said gratefully
"Not you, the building!" Manik glared her for her statement. She just shrugged off making her way inside.
Duo simultaneously chuckled on the memory that made its way through their veins. Being in Mumbai or Bangalore, staying in hotels or mansions, they got their peace here.
In this small flat. Flat, full of them. Damn this flat has been something so close to them. Five years before, they entered as two strangers. And today they are entering again.
But it's not the same.
He forwarded the key towards Nandini who just took it along with his hands, duo opening it together.
It felt as if house achieved its shine back, the moment Manik and Nandini kept their foot in it.
The scene of five years ago, when they entered together flashed right across their eyes.
The sofa, the television case, the balcony...everything screamed them.
Every single thing...single soul.
They stated at the flat in front of them. They could see themselves in everything.
Be it watching Jab we met late night, or janina a pillow fight, or doing nothing but sitting in the balcony with a cup of hot chocolate.
They did not live in house, but lived the house.
It did not strike them when Nandini entered and converted his flat to their flat.
It made them feel nostalgic.
Something struck Nandini's mind and she turned towards Manik, frowning.
"We're trespassing?" She asked, frowning even harder. Manik chuckled at her tone and nodded in a no.
"We don't trespass at our own house, do we?" He said before holding her hand and dragging her towards the kitchen. His words froze her.
"Wait." She halted his actions and made him look her. "What did you say?"
"What?" He chuckled seeing her reaction.
"This flat is still ours?" She asked, astonished.
"Well, it wasn't. But I just brought it a few days ago." He swiftly shrugged saying so.
"And they gave?" She dumbly asked. Well her question wasn't wrong. The flat in which they were living was not less than a house anyone could dream of. And the area in which they lived was also desirable.
"No, I mean obviously they weren't ready. But eventually they agreed." And he promptly hid his efforts behind getting this flat back.
He instantly had to travel to New York and run into this place. He found the residents of this flat. The fact was obvious that residents were not ready to give away the flat. They'd been settled here for four years, and suddenly selling the house was not an option only. Manik at ones when he saw the flat after five years, his heart couldn't stop imagining him and her again.
All over.
Thus, he contacted the owner and told him about his condition. Owner had known Manik since the time Manik had joined the college. Owner had first tried to convince him that it isn't possible. But seeing Manik Malhotra pleading someone was something that caused him to talk to the residents.
Manik had also offered double the actual amount and he'd search for a good house for them. And he did fulfill his promise. Next day he found a good house for the residents and also payed double the actual amount.
Ones all the formalities were done, he immediately traveled back to India, this time to take her along.
And rest we all know.
"But..." She again had no words.
"Shh. Come." Her words lingered at his words. She knew it would've been very difficult for him to get this flat back. And when it comes to them, his efforts are on a different level. His efforts made her realize that she has been taking no steps towards them. This made her feel filthy.
"You're lost." His words snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Huh?"
"Thinking about what?" He asked. She realized that they are in the area out of their balcony.
Balcony...
Same balcony which has witnessed their late night hot chocolate, retros, talks and them.
"Nothing, just stuffs." She brushed off.
"But my name isn't stuff." He blinked his eyes innocently saying so. Red color dropped on her cheeks and she chose to turn away and walk into the balcony to hid the rose. They always wondered about their apartment.
She entering this house for the first time.
Their pillow fight.
Their fights.
Their nags.
The phase the went through.
Manik's breakdown.
Nandini's consolation.
Their survival.
Their efforts.
Their separation....
Them being each other's roommate before anything else is inexpressible. No one had any idea when their relationship was not just of a roommate. Manik stood beside her, before the balcony railing.
"You remember whenever we used to clean this house." Nandini spoke. He simply hummed.
"Yeah, you made me clean." He scoffed.
"Damn, you used to clean? That's called hiding." She rolled her eyes saying so.
"You messed with my hair." He made a bad face remembering so.
"You mixed colour in my toothpaste." She pouted. She suddenly started laughing out loud. Manik frowned.
"Hello?" He called her out.
"Damn..." She couldn't control her laughter. "You remember, man hitting on you?" She said between her laughter. Manik's eyes widened as the memory rushed through his brain. Initially he made a bad face, but eventually smiled, looking ahead distantly. Tears gazed her eyes, as she controlled her laughter.
"This place. God I love it." Manik said. They felt so different here.
They felt something that was absent in Mumbai all this while.
"I know right. I mean, can you imagine? This flat, this place. It has seen our 'God you are so irritating' phase, 'Okay, you're not that bad' phase, 'Wear something warm' phase, 'We're friends' phase, 'Jab koi baat bigad jaye' phase, 'I love you' phase. It's been more than five years, and I feel the same attachment." Nandini ended, sighing in content. Manik couldn't agree less.
"This apartment was from us. It became difficult for me to stay here after you. So we shifted to Mumbai." He smiled slowly. "This is just an apartment, a home." He ended.
"I'm sorry." She couldn't stop apologizing.
"Shut up." He snapped. She turned back to only find him standing close to her, caging her, with his hands on the either side.
"I love you Manik." Nandini said, flickering her eyes from his to his lips.
"Say that again?" He instantly responded.
"Huh?" She almost laughed at his response.
"Please." He requested.
"I love you Manik Malhotra." She repeated, whispering.
"Copy paste Murthy." He whispered back, wrapping his hands around her waist, pulling her closer.
"What?" She laughed at his response.
However he did not respond to her laughter. Instead he broke away, taking a step back. His hands took the box which was in hers.
"No." She gasped, connecting the dots. "No!" She covered her mouth with her hand.
He chuckled and opened the box to reveal a platinum stud ring shining there. There was nervous smile on his lips, he bent to his knees.
"Marry me Nandini Murthy."
"No." She almost stumbled as she stepped backwards. He muffled his chuckle.
"You sure? You don't want to marry me?" He asked.
"Yes." She immediately responded, horrified. "Grr no..." He face palmed mentally.
"Yes or no Murthy?" He rolled his eyes.
"Yes.." She finally responded.
"So you don't want to marry me." He announced, getting up. Her eyebrows creased as she stomped her foot on his, making him yelp out of pain.
"Manik!" She whined.
"What?" He continued playing dumb. Her nose flared as as caught hold of his collar and pulled him closer to her face.
"I'll marry you." She whispered in his ears and pressed her lips on his cheeks.
"I know." He replied, breaking away.
Catching hold of her shivering hands, he slipped the ring into her fingers. "I love you."
"Copy paste Malhotra." She giggled, replying so. His eyes fell on her lips. She leaned forward as she found him leaning forward.
Post a quick mutual eye contact, they covered the negligible distance. Her heartbeats fastened as he placed his lips on hers, and his hands traveled towards her waist to pull her even more closer. She parted her lips and he kept savoring those. She got herself pressed to the railing of the balcony, and Manik leaned even more on her, giving his full to the moment they are sharing. Her hands traveled in his hairs, messing it up completely and pulling him closer. She took his petals in hers, giving it a suck. Manik imitated her and bit it. She gasped which caused their moment to deepen.
It was no longer just a kiss, but more than it. More passionate, more deep and more intense. Something they've never had. Something they craved for. Something they longer for.
This longing was visible when Manik jerked her towards himself and turned around with a jerk. This caused Nandini to come over him and him over the railing. He further chose to slow the kiss down. He pulled back his tongue from hers and chose to cherish her pearls. Simultaneously, she gave his lips a good smooch driving Manik crazy. He bit her lips again and pecked it along its length. Nandini moaned at his soft touches.
They had to break apart for the purpose of intake of oxygen. Panting heavily, they joined their foreheads with each other's. Their breathes were falling on each other's faces. Their eyes shut, breath heavy, his hairs messy, her lips swollen, his hands on her waist and her hands clutching the hem of his T.
It was just them.
After a while...
***
Indeed healing is a process.
But at a times, and here it's them who are the process...
Precap: After Ever Happy?
Don't miss the '?' 😝
Oh my, after too long write.
I tried to give some happy moments which you all were craving for .
I know I'm late and for the compensation...grr... I'll add 'SCENE' in next chapter 🙊
Anyways, proposal done 🌚
But marriage?
Two more to go...
Stay tuned
Lots of love
InfinityAndHumesha