CHAPTER 28
KHAMOSHIYAN...
MUMBAI
Even though things were a bit better now yet I was shattered from inside. Manik and his thoughts gave me a sleepless night again. I almost had a panic attack and I tried my best to calm down, but nothing helped me. I stepped to the balcony of my hotel room and looked at the city. "Bappa please give me the strength please..."
MORNING
I got up with the sunrays beaming to its fullest and disturbed my sleep. It took me a few minutes to understand that I had slept in the balcony. I stood there for sometime and remembered how Manik had stood with me in London at my flat. A faint smile donned on my lips and then I went inside to check the time. It was almost 7:00 a.m. I swiftly went to take my shower, as I had to leave at 8:30 a.m. for Malhotra Industries.
I quickly prayed to Bappa and then sat in front of the dressing area to quickly put on my kohl and lip-gloss. Subconsciously I was trying to look a bit better from normal days; maybe I did it for Manik. I still reminisce how Manik once nagged to me about a lip-gloss colour.
(FLASHBACK)-
I was getting ready for office when I was in Mumbai and Manik was busy with his work in morning sipping his coffee. It was the time before I left for London. I was about to put a neutral shade lip-gloss when Manik came to me and took it form my hand...
Manik- Nandini, you already have such beautiful pink lips, why don't you put some colour instead of this neutral shade... Let me see... Hhmmm...
I was looking at him with an amused expression coz he had never done something like that before. However, I found it very cute and sweet of him when he did such small gestures. So, finally after a few minutes he handed me over a bright baby pink colour lip-gloss. He was extremely excited and stood there next to me while I applied the gloss. I knew his eyes traced the moment of my hands and then my lips. I was blushing like a fool and honestly, it was a bit odd coz I never thought Manik could be so adorable.
Manik- now that's perfect... Aahhhmmm... Would I get a reward for it??
I raised my eyebrows and his smile faded away. He was sulking like a kid and I was biting my lower lip to stop myself from laughing. He stood there attending a call while I brushed my hair and even now he was frowning. He was about to leave when I held his hand... "Manik, please look that side..." He just turned and I tiptoed towards him and put my hand on his shoulder and he turned to looked into my eyes.
I gently placed my lips on his cheeks and my other hand was on his other cheek. I stood there for a few seconds then parted away leaving my imprint of love for him. I whispered in ear... "Hope you liked your reward Manik..."
Manik- I loved my reward, but next time it has to be here... (He pointed towards his lips and winked at me.)
I hit his shoulders and was leaving, but he stopped me and nuzzled his face in my hair and I was laughing on his cuteness. He twirled me around and I was laughing...
(FLASHBACK ENDS...)
I smiled and then applied the same lip-gloss shade. Unknowingly the earrings; lip-gloss, my hair and my shirt were all that Manik loved on me. Maybe, one part of my heart wanted to show him that I still remembered everything. However, it didn't last long when I grasped that he had left me and had never spoken to me all these months.
I knew a second more and I'll break again, so I quickly left grabbing my laptop and my handbag and then glanced myself in the mirror last time. I met my colleagues in the hotel lobby and we were all set for the drive to Malhotra Industries. The drive just made me travel through the memories of this city and how everything had changed when I came here. I spotted a hoarding of FAB 5 on the way and it evoked our beautiful memories. But, nothing seemed to help me when it came to Manik and the agony and anger I had for him in my heart. I put on my shades so that no one could peep into my eyes to see what was going inside me.
MALHOTRA INDUSTRIES
We stepped inside and I took a deep breath to calm myself. I stopped for a few seconds and just said to myself... "Nandini you are here just for work, just focus on that..." I knew I was just pacifying myself by saying it coz deep inside I was shaking due to nervousness and fear, fear of breaking down at the first glance of Manik.
My colleagues confirmed our appointment for the meeting and we were given our visitor ID's to access the conference room. We made our way and were discussing the last minute details of the project. I was briefing Sujoy, my colleague to focus on a few points while he presented the clients our framework. Just then a lady came inside and greeted us while she placed coffee and teas for us. I quickly asked Sujoy to re-check if everything was in place and then Dad called me up.
Dad- Princi all the best and just relax ok... Take care. Love you beta.
WRITER'S POINT OF VIEW-
Mr. Malhotra was sitting in his office with Mr. Sharma, Vice President for Sales when his secretary informed him about the arrival of Nandini and her team. He had a smile on his face.
Secretary (Seher)- Sir, Miss Nandini and her team from L.E.K. Consultants have arrived. They are waiting for you in the conference room.
Mr. Malhotra had been waiting for this moment and then he asked Seher to escort Nandini to his office. He excused himself from Mr. Sharma and was now anxiously looking forward to meet the girl he really wished to be a part of his family soon. He had assured Mr. Raichand that he would take care of his daughter.
NANDINI'S POINT OF VIEW-
My Dad's words did help me. I was trying to focus on work, but couldn't. I was getting restless with every passing second and just then Miss Seher walked in. She was Malhotra uncle's secretary and informed me that uncle wanted to see me and I nodded. I took my steps towards the cabin and a strange fear started to sneak inside me. I stood in front of the cabin door as my hands were now trembling even to open the door.
Seher led me inside and I gave her a weak smile. I stepped inside in the cabin and was extremely nervous to face Manik's father. There was a bay of tears on the verge to break the barriers and meander on my cheeks. I toddled towards the chair and made no eye contact with uncle. My face was pale and my uneasiness didn't get unnoticed by Manik's father. He knew the emotional turmoil that was brewing inside me and he got up from his seat and stood in front of me...
He placed his hand lovingly on my head and I closed my eyes. He took me in a fatherly hug and it left me a bit startled. I was a bit hesitant and then he kissed my forehead. I finally gathered courage to meet uncle's eyes and then I let a few tears come out and gave a weak smile to him.
Manish- Nandini everything will be fine soon. I promised your father that I would take care of you. I am there with you...
He looked at me with a smile and I slightly nodded. I wiped my tears and I said, "Uncle I'll wait... I'll wait for you in the conference room..."
CONFERENCE ROOM
I quickly wiped my face with a tissue before entering the conference room. The team from Malhotra Industries had arrived. Soon uncle also came to preside the meeting. An introductory and warm welcome on boarding of both teams for the project was being conducted. Manik's father enquired from Natasha as when was Manik arriving for the meeting. She informed that he would be here any moment.
After a few minutes the door opened and my breath was stuck in my throat. I knew it was HIM, I could tell by the footsteps that he stopped at the door. I was fidgeting with my fingers under the table. He started to take a few steps inside and I clutched my chair and digged my nails into the seat. It had been a long time we knew each other and still he affected me so much that his mere presence could paralyze me completely. After a few minutes I could hear he was greeting people.
Manik was meeting my team as Natasha was introducing them to him. They were exchanging pleasantries and here I was shivering from inside. My lips became dry and my heart was giving away. Manik's every step towards me was making it tougher for me to hold back my tears. I knew in a couple of minutes it would be my turn to meet him.
I said to myself... "No... No... I have to go... I have to go away... I can't..." I hurriedly got up and excused myself from there. I knew everyone was shocked coz I just went away when Natasha was about to formally make Manik and me greet each other. I knew it was embarrassing but I left. I just couldn't take it anymore. My heart was aching and I didn't want anyone to see what I was going through. I made my way to the lounge reserved for us and went inside the washroom.
I locked the door and I cried my heart out. I simply sat there on the floor with the door behind me. I had no control over myself and I just didn't know how to handle the situation. I was having trouble in breathing now and somehow I managed to get up. My breathing was heavy and I hastily opened the water tap and splashed water on face. I kept doing it and was trying to stop crying. I failed miserably and was now shaking badly. After a few minutes I got my breath back and closed the water tap.
I looked into the mirror and said to myself... "Nandini get a grip of yourself..." I was getting frustrated now and gazed at the tears that were still rolling and I shouted..."Nandini what's wrong with you... get a grip on yourself... For heaven's sake... Stop crying for him...stop crying..." I finally dried myself and was fixing my hair so that I could get back to the conference room. I closed my eyes before stepping out and then made my way to the conference room.
MANIK'S POINT OF VIEW-
I didn't know who was coming from L.E.K. though I knew Nandini wasn't agreeing for the project. After hearing her voice on the phone a couple of days back I was praying to her Bappa to get her on this project and also a part of me was scared as I wouldn't be able to keep my promise I made to her father.
I was torn apart and my restless heart just wanted to see her once, feel her and take her into my embrace. I was on my way to the office for the meeting and quickly made my way to the conference room and when I opened the door she was sitting there in front of my eyes. My world had come to a halt.
I kept starring at her and didn't know how to react. I was unaware that she agreed for the project. I was numb for a few seconds and didn't believe my eyes till Natasha came over to me. She introduced me to her teammates but my eyes were fixed on Nandini. I knew she was nervous and petrified, I could see it on her face. My gaze was glued on her and realized how pale she became, the glow on her face was missing and I was guilty for it.
It pricked my heart when she just excused herself when I was about to meet her. I knew how hard it was for Nandini, infact even I wasn't able to control myself. I excused myself too and went to the lounge. I was sitting there with tears and then heard someone in the washroom sobbing.
I walked towards the washroom coz I knew it was her and it stabbed my heart. Even I was incapable to control my tears and I just cursed myself for giving her that pain. I was suffocating with the thought that she was crying. After a few minutes I left from their coz I didn't want to make her feel awkward.
I was sitting in the conference room and then she entered. She was completely exhausted, but then I saw her face that was hard and stoic, her body was in more control and her eyes that I loved the most were cold. I had seen those blank eyes earlier too. It seared my heart to see her so indifferent again.
She sat and then the meeting started, however my concentration was just on her. Not for a fraction of second she spared a glance at me. I was dying for our eyes to meet once but Nandini had built a wall around herself and I was trying to see through it. It's a different feeling to see the girl you loved so much after such a long time. As time passed I noticed the lip-gloss, her earrings and the shirt were my entire favourite.
A smile sneaked on my lips and the feeling that she remembered everything made my heart flutter with pleasure. After waiting for ages I got to see her and the only thing that I craved to do was to kiss her senselessly and tell her how much I loved her. I didn't realize when the meeting got over and everyone got up to call it a day.
Before I could go next to Nandini she left the conference room, though I followed her with a hope for us to atleast look at each other. She was returning her visitor ID when I went and stood behind her. I knew she could feel me as she stood there abruptly and I took a step towards her and she left. I could only watch her leave in front of my eyes. I was starring at her leaving in the car. My Dad came and placed his hand on my shoulder and I gave him a weak smile.
Manish- Manik, son she'll come back to you, have patience son.
She was the girl I loved more than my life and I knew the pain she had bearded. Dad and I left for home and I went to my room. I traced my fingers on her photograph and kissed her. I had mixed feelings coz one side of my heart was beaming with pleasure as I saw Nandini after ages and on the other hand, was feeling low coz I had broken the promise I had made to her father. I was sitting on my bed when Mom and Dad came in and sat next to me...
Mom- Your Dad told me everything Manik. You need to give her some time son. It's hard for a girl to come back to where she was a few months back.
I just placed my head in my Mom's lap and she caressed my hair.
Dad- Manik I know you are concerned about the promise you made to Mr. Raichand. Son, don't worry about it coz it's him who asked Nandini to come and work with us.
I immediately got up from my mother's lap and was stunned with this piece of news. I couldn't believe what my Dad said to me and a part of my heart was cheering with delight.
Dad- Manik he doesn't have a problem with you speaking to Nandini, infact from his words it reflected that he was trying to show that he wanted to trust you. You are allowed to meet her Manik.
This news was like I got my breath back after ages and I asked my Dad to reconfirm coz I couldn't believe that I could speak to Nandini. My parents chuckled looking at my jaw touching the floor. I immediately got up and called up FAB 5 to meet me at Cabir's place. I didn't want to waste a second, as I wanted to meet her and take her in my embrace.
I quickly changed and left for my chance to meet her. I knew it would be challenging, however I just wanted to see her once again and speak to her. I picked up FAB 5 from Cabir's place on the way and informed them about everything. They were extremely happy with the development.
HOTEL PALLADIUM
We reached the hotel and quickly enquired about Nandini and they said she wasn't in the room. I asked the receptionist not to inform her and then I asked her to call Nandini. She was a fan of FAB 5 so she readily agreed to help me and then contacted Nandini on cellphone and informed us she was sitting on the poolside. FAB 5 gave me the desired strength so that I could meet her.
We all headed towards poolside and she was sitting there with her legs dipped in the water. She was in her favourite night attire long t-shirt and Patiala salwar, her hair were open and she was staring at something endlessly. I toddled towards her and was trying to read every detail of her gorgeous face. She looked amazing in moonlight.
I congregated courage inside me and FAB 5 indicated me to go ahead. I took a few steps and she immediately got alarmed as if reading my movement. She hurriedly got up and stood there clutching her Patiala in her fist. I stood next to her and she tried to leave. I gathered myself and called her in a meek voice... "Nan... Nandini..."
I could feel her body freeze when I took her name and I held her hand gently. She shuddered with my touch and a smile played on lips to see that my touch still affected her. I could hear her heavy breathing and knew she was trying to control her tears. I made her face me and but to my dismay she didn't spare a glance at me again, instead her eyes gazed down.
I held her wrist tenderly and tears were breaming on my face. I wanted to look into her eyes and tell her how much I missed her. She wasn't willing to look even once at me and that stabbed my heart. I stepped ahead to take her in my embrace and suddenly she wriggled her wrist to free herself from my hands.
She took a step back and was looking everywhere except me. I took a step again and she moved back. She was here in front of my eyes and it felt like she was so far. She quietly left from there and FAB 5 tried to stop her, but she didn't say a word. I knew she was deeply wounded from inside, however her cold and indifferent behaviour was killing me. I thumbed on the floor on my knees and palmed my face. She meant the world to me and I wasn't able to get through her. FAB 5 came and hugged me.
Cabir- Manik she needs time and she's shattered from inside. Please Manik stop crying...
I nodded my head and then wiped the tears before I got up to leave. We were departing when I bumped into someone and the person lost balance. I quickly held her and I was stunned to see it was Nandini. She was in my arms and my wish was granted. Her delicate body fitted beautifully in my arms as if they were made just to hold her...
The time stopped for me when our eyes met and finally I could see my reflection in her beautiful eyes.
NOTE- Please do let me know if you want to read the story ahead or else i will wrap it in a couple of chapters.
Edited by ankita_t - 7 years ago
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