Chapter One.
XXX
Manik's POV
It was the softly mumbled 'Sorry' that caught my attention. The voice seemed frustrated yet a tad bit hint of smoothness to it. Grabbing Kate by her shoulder, I shoved her aside and stepped on the path that led me to the voice that had now faded away.
"Manik." Kate groaned protesting as I stopped her midway of her futile attempt to kiss me.
I was glad she did interrupt or else it would have been a lot more difficult for me to handle Kate who by the way was slopping over me. Also when she had her lipstick or lip-gloss or whatever that she had applied so mercilessly on her lips now dripping with a loud hint of martini. I wouldn't want to do anything with a drunken girl, anyhow they aren't easy to handle.
My eyes scanned the area to find the retreating figure of a petite framed girl. She walked into the opposite direction and I followed her because I wanted to put a face to the creamy voice that I had just heard, also a frustrated voice. It didn't took me long to match her pace as she came to an abrupt halt.
A shadow appeared from the dark and came closer into our direction. She stumbled a few steps backward as the shadow appeared closer and I found Leo staring at her rather deadly glaring at her. If it wouldn't have been me, she would have fallen onto the ground. I had to place my hand on the small of her back in order to steady her trembling figure. She looked over her shoulder to have a glance at me though she had a good moment of glance at me, studying me and my posture, maybe.
She could carry on with the glancing at me later, right now I had a guest to visit - Leo. "Problem?" My eyes traveled and settled onto Leo. There dare not be one.
"She is with me." Leo countered quickly. I noticed a note of possession in his voice as he stopped a few steps from us.
"I didn't say that she isn't." But she won't be there for long. I had a good feeling about that.
"She is my date." He declared furiously, heading towards us trying to get hold of the girl by my side. Messing up with a girl, isn't a way. I shook his hold off her and lowered my eyes to match hers. She needed to know that she had someone by her side and won't be manhandled.
"I don't care whether he is your date or not." I really didn't. Anyways, I knew he won't last long, end of the story.
"What the hell are you getting upto?" Leo screamed from behind. I really didn't bother to entertain him by answering any of his question or even sparing him a glance. I had a better view, right now. And better things in my hands to concentrate upon.
"Do you want to go with him? If not, I assure you to be dropped home safely." And I did mean it.
"What do you mean safely? I am capable of dropping a girl home, safely. And you aren't really known for dropping girls safely but hard and badly." Leo really was struggling hard to make sure the girl traveled from my side to his. But he also needed to know that I knew what I was known for and I didn't really care much.
"Stop it, Leo." She yelled and it was as if I had wanted her to speak for long. "Whatever it is, I am not going anywhere with you, not after what happened or after what you did." Stuttering a bit she let go her frustration over Leo but I could feel her tremble as I still held her back. "What I do is none of your business. I call off the night." I was glad she did or else I would have done it my way which isn't that pleasing enough for a girl to watch.
I looked back at Leo to find him glued to the spot. Seems like he didn't get the message. I shot a brow at him challenging him to open his mouth as he shot murderous glare into my direction. I really didn't mind any of those but I didn't step back either, I glared back at him. The guy was seriously into some eye-sexing with me for the way he had his eyes settled on me.
It wasn't until he realized that he wasn't wining it that he withdrew and slid his gaze to my side as I still held her the girl close to me. I gave him a warning look and he disappeared into the bushes.
My eyes slid back at the girl I held, she was awfully silent which wasn't pleasing for me. Her slumped shoulders and head lowered to the floor made me bend slightly more to her. However, I knew I was bad at consoling, never had been the one to go with emotions.
I lowered my head to match hers and when I neared her ear, I whispered, "Relax." That was all what I could utter. It wasn't until I felt her jump that I realized my mouth was gliding across the curve of her ear. She couldn't move though, as I still had my hand flattened across her back, holding her rightly in place.
"Do you want something?" I tried harder this time to sound comforting if not consoling. She nodded her head in negation but not even giving out a slight whisper in response. All she did was move uncomfortably beneath me.
"You want to stay back for some more time?" I just didn't want to push anything for her. She had to decide whether she wanted to stay or leave and then I will keep my words, 'drop her home.'
"I just want to go home." Finally she spoke though her voice faded into the thin air nothing but like a soft whisper. She shifted under my hold but I kept my hands glued to her back. She was still tumbling a bit, wouldn't want her to fall flat on her back or her pretty face.
"Fine!" I paused evaluating my options, either I could get the car and make her wait here or I could pull her along till the parking lot and then get out of this place. Though both had drawbacks. Firstly, if I made her wait here, who knows Leo might again turn up or some other fool from the party would. Secondly, if I take her along I might seem a little desperate, which I am not. So I opted for the first option, "I will get the car."
"Oh! No. I will be fine. You don't need to bother, I stay nearby. I will walk -" I snapped my fingers making her shut her rambling. What was with her? Didn't she hear me that I was going to drop her home?
Fine. I will play the way you want. "I will walk along." I declared not bothering about her reactions. She definitely needs to tame it down or everyone around her would be able to read her mind.
"But," Her eyes travelled across the sight and finally a glint appeared as something clicked her, "Your date, don't you need to drop her? She doesn't seem to be in a condition to go back home alone." Oh! I wouldn't leave Kate in that condition. Her presence had completely slipped out of my system. All thanks to the girl who stood beside me wearing an annoyed expression. It wasn't my fault that her date was a complete jerk to ruin it for her, was it? Though currently I would have to handle Kate. She isn't in a state to be left all by herself here.
I smirked. She had got me without a doubt but I can handle Kate without leaving her side or dropping her home."Who said she will be alone?" She scrunched her nose in annoyance, she looked like a cute kitten when she did that. "She will be taken care of and she will dropped home safely. Wait a minute, let me just make a call." I dished out my cell phone and dialed the only person who could help me - 'Saviour'. I walked a few steps away from her as I heard the other person yell in response when answering the phone. I just didn't want the girl to witness the person on the other end barking as I plead for help. So I silently made the appeal for help and thankfully it was offered. Kate was soon ushered into the car and zoomed off. I sighed, one matter was been taken care off.
My eyes trailed back at the girl and I stated nonchalantly, "The matter is been taken care of, now shall we." I waited for her response but she seemed to be engrossed in her own world of thoughts. She surely had a problem of spacing out or too much of thinking at every step.
"I assure you that you will be safe." I wasn't anything like Leo and she had to know this by know. Isn't it clear to her yet?
"Are you known for dropping girls home safely?" She folded her arms as she gave me a suspicious look. I really didn't care what I was known for. And as a matter of fact, most of the known things happen to be wrong, absolutely wrong. But well, I wasn't going to correct her or anyone else.
"No. But that's when they don't want me drop them home, at least not safely." I looked at her gauging her expression. She had her eyes darted wide at me and I couldn't hold back but wink at her to widen her already wide eyes.
"But then you want me to," I waited, she was really great to be teased, "drop you home, safely." I imitated the innocent look and continued, "So rest assured you will be safe." I meant every word I had said. And she seemed to have understood it or that's what I felt as she gently nodded her head and turned leading me into the streets, silently. Too much of silence.
It's awkward but I hesitated to make a move apart from that she was different unlike any of the girls I had known. She looks attractive enough, no doubt Leo was so burning with temptation and same might have been the case of many other boys in the party. She is short, not the usual model-like girls around me but a natural charm to her. Her dress simple not flaunting much - nothing flashy about her or her dress. So overall I thought her to be reserved, nature-wise, which also meant she wouldn't open up easily and take the initiative to start a conversation.
"Well, I am Manik." I thought of breaking the ice and forwarded the hand with a smile plastered on my face. Also that I didn't know her name, made it a bit uneasy for me as I had to keep referring her as 'the girl'. I definitely cannot keep referring to her as 'the girl' for lifetime. So we need to get with the introduction first. Also it's good to start a conversation with the introductions and name, of course. At least that's what I think of.
"I know that." She kept her eyes on the way ahead and ignored my forwarded hand. She was either trying to make me furious or had no idea of formal greetings. I thought it was better to deal with things my way.
"Oh! I am famous." She rolled her eyes as I flashed her another smile. Of course, I am. I continued, "But hasn't anyone taught you to share your name when someone greets you this sweetly." I mentioned hoping she would now mention her name as I silenced.
"Yeah! Absolutely, as sweet as sugar." She played sarcastic. I didn't really think she would pull up the act of sarcastic queen a few minutes ago when she was sulking with the whole Leo-drama. Girls can really have drastic mood-swings.
As I caught her pace and matched her steps leading the way along, I rested my hand on her back yet again. Making our steps fall beside each other as we walked, I once again pushed her for the name, "Stop pulling those tricks and tell me your name." I threw back my head and laughed at her expressions. Did she really think I am going to give up, on her name?
"Why should I? I don't even know you." She seemed to have her guards raised higher. She wasn't easy, not at all. Nothing like any other girl I have ever met. She didn't even let her name be slipped, God knows what she is frightened of. Never in my life had I ever faced difficulty to get a name from a girl. Hell, they have been the one to throw it on me but here she is all reluctant to even give out her name. What was she? She seems to be the one trying to hide away in the crowd from everyone's eyes. However, she is different in some way.
She says she doesn't know me yet walking home with me, interesting! I know to play my cards well, girl. I lowered my head into the dark, thick curls and whispered, "Still you are walking down with me." She went still under my grip and stopped in her tracks though what filled my senses was her lightly dabbed fragrance. "It's not like I will be a Millionaire if you tell me your name." True, I won't be one. It isn't like it is a password to some safe or locker that I know. And if she gives me her name, I would be able to unlock it and get some huge amount of money. Also, I don't want the money; I am good as I am. She humors me, already.
She glanced at me as though revaluing my worth or something. "Because probably you already are one." Seriously, she had to say this of all the things.
"I am not, my dad is though." I shrugged not really bothering if my dad had the wealth or I was born with wealth. I hadn't earned any of it, yet. It was my dad's. I am proud of his achievements but that doesn't make me some flashy-money-minded, spoiled brat.
When I settled my eyes back at her and found her staring at me. I wouldn't refuse that I was satisfied with the attention but then I had to interrupt, "I would let you watch me for as long as you wish, if you give me your name." Her head snapped up and her eyes met mine. She blushed out of embarrassment for being caught red-handed. She plays cute antics that make her look adorable. Quickly averting her gaze back to the streets, she ignored my eyes and my question, since long. But I wouldn't let her do so.
"Oh! No. I enjoyed the attention." I declared as a matter of fact. "The only thing is I wanted the name." Something I am willing to know since long now.
"Manik." She squealed my name and I was rather amused with the way it sounded.
"Not mine, yours." I pointed out rather a bit firmly this time.
"After you drop me home," She used my own trick down at me, "safely." She splashed a smile thinking that she would get though it now but I seemed to be challenged.
"Trying to grab attention, aren't you?" I questioned her mocking a thoughtful expression along, "You have it, My attention!" I sounded obviously teasing her. She seemed to be falling, losing it bit by bit. About to give her name, hopefully.
"Nandini." She declared rather more calmly than I would have ever thought of. "My name. My name is Nandini." I was glad I could trick her but even then I felt her stiffen under my hold. I needed to enlighten the air that is going thick around us.
She had slowed down her pace and I stopped the instant she did. Moving slightly such that I was facing her, I glued my eyes at her. She was all the way watching me. I lowered my mouth to her ear, as I let her fragrance envelope me. I whispered ever so lightly, "I didn't know you would give up so easily but you did." I let everything, every word sink into her mind "It isn't that difficult to make you talk, as much as you make it seem like." Because I know this might do the trick.
She pulled back, not much though. I had her firmly placed beside me. Her thoughtful eyes travelled upto mine, "You tricked me into this." Her eyes went wide as she realized what I had just done. Her jaws dropped open and her lips formed a beautiful 'O'. Surprised, may not even do complete justice to her state, currently.
"Zip your mouth because I need to keep my word." I surely as hell, meant that she needed to get her mouth shut back and thin her lips before I shut it with mine. I cannot be blamed; her lips looked delectable enough for me to have thoughts of that kind.
She looked puzzled, completely puzzled. "How am I supposed to drop you home safely? If you have those delectable lips of yours curved into that 'O' I would be pretty much tempted to taste the flavour of your gloss," I paused teasingly, as I strode my tongue across my lower lip. I did it all knowingly and most importantly to get her reaction, "and the nectar of your mouth and lips." Her reactions were a treat to watch and I needed to be entertained for most of this night, at least whatever is left.
She let out a gasp and clamped her mouth shut, covering it with her hands. Her eyes went wider than before. Her head swayed vigorously in negation making her thick curls splash across her face, yet not bothering.
"Now that is good." I pressed my palms flatly across her back so as to lead her down the streets but she didn't move at all. I looked at her and found her eyes still bulging out of its sockets. Seriously, she could give an all new definition to the horrified-look. "Calm down. I won't bite you, not now at least." Suppressing a giggle, I gestured towards the path ahead, still she wouldn't move.
"Promise." I dipped down lower as I whispered her rather promised her with assurance. "I promise I won't do anything to terrify you or make you run as the guy did." I mentioned Leo yet indirectly. And I was not going to make her run away, I didn't intend to. She, again, gave my words a thoughtful moment before she stepped forward onto her way home. Her arms slid down to her sides and her eyes went normal as she walked.
I found her rubbing her palms on her slender arms. I wonder why wear something that makes one feel the wrath of the cold nights and still not opt for a overcoat or something. She leaned further into my arms, grabbing her arms tightly. I let my palm slide across her back and reach her waist. She was feeling cold, the least I could do was let her fall into my embrace. However, not soon enough I found her trying to pull away but she was still ice cold. Tightening my grip over her I walked with my eyes concentrated on the path.
By now I could myself feel her shivering even under my hold. Why do these girls have to be so stubborn? I looked at the thick fabric of my blazer and thought of the warmth that it provided. I withdrew my hold on her and shrugged the blazer off. I wrapped her with the fabric and made her wear it. She hesitated at first.
"I am just trying to keep my word - to drop you home, safely. Wear it or you will be cold." I warned her rather more strictly than I would have. I had to keep reminding her that she had to be safe for me to drop her home safely, which she has insisted ever since we've met.
She wore the blazer and it slid down covering almost the length of her dress, not to mind the loosely hanging sleeves. It seemed as though I had wrapped one of my over sized T-shirts to a baby though she isn't anything but as tiny as a baby.
"Though I know better ways to do so." I definitely do know quite a lot of them, not that I mind to try any of them but she seems too delicate to try over any of it. Her head snapped in my direction and her eyes glittered with confusion. "To prevent you from getting cold." I spoke into her ears, trying to attempt the husky voice. It was after a good moment or two that the words sank into her head.
Before she could protest or feel offended I cleared, "though I won't do any such thing."
She remained silent for minutes and I couldn't help but keep looking sideways into her direction. She was walking with a blank expression yet it seemed her mind was deeply engrossed into some thoughts.
Suddenly she turned her attention to me and said, "I can walk from here on."
"I didn't say you couldn't. But I need to make sure you get in safely." I snapped instantly at her. She was trying to get rid of me but she didn't see that we stood in the middle of the street that was dark and well, no one to be seen - lonely, if I say. She sighed in defeat.
"Better." I pointedly said as we marched across the sidewalk.
A few steps later she turned towards her house and reached for the front door. Opening her clutch she dug her hands into it, rattling across the clutch and the things it held. She took a good minute or two to find the keys. I stood there without a word next to her, watching every move of hers. She swiftly opened the door and her hands lifted to the switchboard as she lit the doorway, turning towards me. She looked cautiously at me and then, as though something struck her, she shoved the blazer and forwarded it to me.
Seriously? Any girl would die to keep my possession with her, leave alone the shirt or blazer that I wear. And she is here handing it back to me.
I wrinkled my nose as I slid my eyes from the blazer to her and back at the blazer and so on. She wouldn't really keep it? I narrowed my eyes at her, keep it! but she just ignored and had her hands still stretched out, holding the blazer.
She held out the blazer, literally shoving it at me as she mumbled, "Thank you."
"Keep that with you." I received a glare as I ordered her.
"Why do you think I would do that?" And then came the ear-deafening yell from her side. I could almost predict the neighbourhood waking up startled and assuming I was here to rob her or worse, kill her - as though I care. I would handle that, if needed.
"Because you wouldn't want me to be wrapped with your fragrance that is now clinging onto that fabric that you were so dearly holding across you a few moments ago, would you?" I bit back the chuckle as I took her expression.
"Though I wouldn't mind to be sniffing some of it." I winked at her, evilly and her jaws dropped lower.
"Get it dry cleaned," I tried hard to keep a straight face and not burst out into laughter, "If you don't want to wash me with your tempting fragrance." I had already had bathed with her mild fragrance and won't be getting it off my mind for good long time. It's imprinted on my mind. If only she knew.
She shot daggers at me, still those murderous looks looked as though she was a cute infuriated kitten.
"Listen," She held her index-finger at me, still trying to calm herself, "It's useless. We wouldn't even be meeting each other. The hell, if I know I would be able to return this to you, if not now." She would just have to say it if she wanted to meet again because I surely would like to.
"It was a coincidence, tonight." Her tone lowered into a whisper, "Just tonight. Just Once" Her voice seemed to crack but maybe it was the low tone that she used make it seem like so.
"Simply say that you want to meet me again and we will, I will make sure of that." I shrugged. Even if she doesn't I know I will meet her.
"Let me rephrase it for you, I think, in fact, I am sure we won't have to face each other any time soon. So it's better you take this right away. And just so that you know, it won't smell anything of me, not much since it posses more of you." Her voice pitched higher again. She barks really high pitched and she gets angry too soon. But what caught my attention had me grinning.
"Sniffed enough to know that, didn't you?" She rolled her eyes, though I now know she did sniff me and my coat well enough to comment like that. However, I am still sure it has a slight hint of her essence too.
"Anyways, thanks." She forced the blazer into my hands and eyed me. I disbelievingly shook my head, has she ever willingly heard to anyone? She wouldn't keep it, that's for sure. So I dipped my head lower and inched closer to her, invading into her space. My eyes never trailed beyond her face as I studied every bit of her expression, moving down from her eyes to lips which were pressed together. Placing my palm on her left cheek, I pressed my lips on the right one.
Feeling her stilled under my hold, I let her free as I spoke, "You need to start thanking properly."
Reaching for the door knob, I pulled it and closed it shut behind me. Her stunned expression captured in my mind, as did the feel of her soft skin across mine.
Turning back to the lane I had just come from I made my way out of her premise. Walking down the street that led me back to the party where I had my car parked, I thought of the walk that I just had.
Events replayed and it struck me that she wasn't ordinary because she was different - Nothing like the girls who surrounded me, not like one who wanted attention. And surely not the ones who willingly wanted to throw themselves at me - that pulled me towards her.
Sorry, Nandini. You might think we won't meet, maybe you don't want to either but we will, as soon as I get back to school on Monday. You can't hide yourself among the crowd because you are anything like them.
We would rather meet soon, very soon.
****Hope to see smiling faces and reviews for this one. :)
Keep smiling, stay happy!
Much love,
Shenz ^_^
Edited by -shenz- - 7 years ago
comment:
p_commentcount