Chapter Five.
XXX
Nandini's P.O.V.
Walking out of the school wasn't easy; not when everyone stared at me as if I had grown two heads. By now everyone present in the school must have heard about the fiasco that happened in the hallway during the lunch time. Their pointed gaze and secretly whispering behind my back was a clear indication.
Though right now I wasn't really concerned about any of it, all I cared was to make things right with Eric. In a short span of time, I found a family I always craved for. When he had first reached out for me, I was overwhelmed that I was been cared for; that I was important - and not rejected. However, I didn't know where I stood after this fiasco.
My shoulders slumped as I sat on the wooden bench nearby. Different scenarios flooded in my mind of how Eric could have taken all of this and how he would react once I reach home. All I wanted was rush towards home and plop on the bed, embracing the warmth and homely feeling around me. But a part of me didn't want to, just the thought of losing a brother - a family - I finally had, made me want to run to the opposite direction.
"Nandini," I heard a male voice far behind me. I didn't bother to turn and greet whosoever the person was. I felt the person plopping next to me as he let out a heavy sigh, though I still didn't want to look at him. My eyes trained on something at a far distance - nothing in specific - maybe the family that I was to lose, again. The scene flashed against my eyes again and again; and I couldn't help but hope to recollect something as a hint to Eric's reaction.
I had ignored the girl after she declared her accusation. She could go on for all I cared. I didn't really care what she thought of me or what names she called me. For all I cared was my brother, who stood there, as the newly found information sank into his system. When he didn't give any sort of an expression to give away his thoughts, I panicked.
Taking measured steps towards him, while my eyes trained onto him; not wanting to miss any of his reaction, in case, he gave one. But he didn't.
I reached out, "I can explain," though the reality was I didn't know what to explain or how to even to start with.
"Not here," his tone was deadly calm, unlike him, "we will discuss this at home." And with that he walked past me.
But I couldn't point out at anything; nothing!
"You need to let it out. You need to talk." A palm landed on my shoulder, consoling yet hesitant. My head snapped up to look at Manik. His worried expression reminded me of the situation that I was in and his concerned eyes met with mine.
"Talk," I let out a bitter laugh. There wasn't much to talk. And that's when it struck me, "It was girlfriend." I spat the words at him. Damn, if it wasn't for his girlfriend I wouldn't have to deal with this situation; not this way at least.
Scrunching his nose he snarled, "I don't do girlfriends." His response was laced with disapproval as though the idea of having a girlfriend sickened him.
Could it? I thought.
"More over she isn't my girlfriend, never was. It was just an arrangement for that night. She was my date then, just for a night." His casual tone as he spoke the last words was roughly edged as though he was used to the idea. Though I didn't need his damn explanation, he could go around and date as many girls as he wanted to only if he made sure none of them cross my path as one of them did today.
"I don't care whether you do girlfriends or boyfriends or none of them," I retorted, "just keep that clinging dimwit away from me and my brother." I didn't care to filter my language at this point when I was too consumed by fear and guilt.
"By the way, why the hell was she clinging on to my brother?" I fumed with anger as an image of her pressing on Eric, all the wrong ways, appeared in front of my eyes.
Puke worthy image.
"She does that."
"Does what?" I asked confused, "Rubs on Eric?" I cringed at the thought of it.
"Ugh! No, she keeps swinging from one guy to the other." His shoulders slightly bumped into mine as he shrugged. It seemed as though it didn't matter. Couldn't he get anyone else to be his date that he had to settle for someone like her?
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes at his comment, "I just don't want to witness girls like her with Eric," but instantly a thought shattered me and I added, "Whether I am there or not."
He sighed, "You think he is going to end this up," he paused trying to pick his words, "this thing with you, don't you?" I shrugged in response. How was I supposed to react?
"I don't know how he has taken all of this. And I definitely don't know where I stand after this incident." I could feel tears building up in my eyes and my voice got heavier with each word I uttered. He threw his arms around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him.
"I am scared that he would think of me and all his efforts to try and reach out to me as a mistake." I was really scared, "what if he wouldn't want me anymore?" I rested my head on his shoulder and let my eyelids meet.
"God!" He growled, "Did you hear yourself out?"
I scrunched my nose, "I haven't dealt with any of this earlier. So of course I don't know what is rational or not."
"So is he," his voice softened, "you both are new to this. He hasn't dealt with any of this earlier, either."
"I know that," My eyes went open and I replied instantly. I wasn't a fool to not understand this thing but he sounded as though I was which didn't settle quiet well with me. "But we aren't related the way other siblings do." And we both hated the one factor that had us connected - our father. But I wasn't really sure of letting that information to Manik. He might be Eric's best friend and might already know but I just couldn't let it out to him.
A genuine smile crawled up his lips as he stared at a far distance, as though recollecting something. "He was ecstatic ever since he got to know he had a sister." I was stunned at the newly found information though I had seen his eyes dancing with joy when he had first seen me in person.
Manik looked back at me and continued, "He couldn't stop talking about you. He didn't care how you were connected to him, all he cared was he was connected to you."
"You wouldn't believe what else he had done," his eyes hinted humour and I instantly knew my brother had been talking to his friend ever since he got to know about me. We had some serious discussion to be done when I get home, and settle the situation first. "He spoke to your grandparents, cousins and everyone whom he could contact to dig out information about you. He kept a constant track of you." That sounds like stalking. God! My brother needed counselling, though I did feel happy. But Eric and I needed to talk about this.
"Your grandparents weren't convinced initially; we had a hard time to deal with them." I know my grandparents could get really protective about me. They felt the need to protect me ever since my mother died. But my mind drifted back to his words and swung around, we'.
"We?"
"Yes, we! Eric was getting helpless and had no clue how to convince them. He ran out of ideas. Can you believe that, Eric Miller ran out of ideas?" He exaggerated the entire thing dodging my question. Why was he helping Eric?
I arched my brows at him, "You wouldn't really quit this, will you?" He sighed in defeat.
"Naah!"
"Well, do you think he would have been able to hide his excitement when it was anything related to his little one? Because he can't hide his excitement when he talks about you. He may not be expressive with words, not saying that I am, but his voice is attuned to a different level of anxiety and his face is way more expressive when he talks about his little sister." He explained while I could see a vast number of expressions crossing his face as well.
"So we were a team when he needed. And at last he found an opportunity to finally get in touch with you. He evaluated the option for long, not wanting to startle you. He didn't want to impose himself on you. He wanted a smooth way out." He smiled goofily.
"What if he might realize that I am not worth; nothing of it was worth and decide to-" I knew my brother loved me but he might realize it sooner or later that I am not putting in as much effort as he is and would withdraw.
"Then you don't know your worth yet, kitten." He held my gaze and his eyes portrayed sincerity, "You are important." His fingers brushed across my cheek as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"He didn't talk to me back then," He knew I was referring to the incident at school during lunch.
"He isn't the easy going guy." He let out a defeated sigh, "He probably didn't want to hurt you. His anger can get the best and worst out of him. And here, in this case, it would have probably got the worst. He just didn't want you to see that side of his," Just like I didn't want him to see the worst and vulnerable side of mine.
He waved his hand in the air as though demonstrating a vast object, "All of this is quiet new to him. He might have been following you up but at last having to build that bond with you is different. It is real. He is just trying to come in terms with all of this reality." We both were struggling to let the reality sink into us. It wasn't just me. It wasn't just him. We both were trying.
Manik found it necessary to clarify his previous statement, "Not that he doesn't want to, for the efforts he is putting up, he surely is trying a lot more than what he is capable of." I know that. I have seen it.
"You both are family to each other. You might have difference of opinion, you might fight, have arguments but you need to know whatever it is, you will have each other as a family. No matter what, you are family to him as much as he is to you." I didn't pry over the emotion that was threaded into his words as he spoke about Eric's family.
"Don't let go off of your brother without a fight, if he is important to you." Of course he is. "Because as much as I know Eric, he wouldn't let go off of someone who is important to him; and you surely are one of those important people to him, Nandini. He wouldn't let go off of you without fighting tooth and nail. It is something I can tell you with cent percent surety."
"You mean he isn't going to kick me out?" After his long speech I questioned him with puzzled expression as brows furrowed.
"Where the hell do get such absurd ideas from?" He looked at me with amusement and rolled his head back as he laughed.
Once sober, he spoke, "Of course he won't." He nibbled at his lower lip trying to stifle his laugh but failed. "And if he does, you can come with me." His offer would have seemed genuine if his eyes didn't gleam with mischief.
Crossing my arms, I glared at him, "Jerk."
"Kitten," He grinned and pulled me along as he stood on his feet "Let's get you home." I wasn't sure whose home was I being dragged to.
As we got nearer, I saw the familiar lane and the house appeared, I fumbled. With each step my heart beat quickened and nervousness kicked in, once again. At last when we reached home, I quickly shuffled through my bag and took the keys, opening the door. I entered the house and a pair of arms flew to me as they embraced me into the affection of homeliness.
"Where were you for so long?" Eric's voice seemed to be laced with worry that washed across my skin as he still wasn't ready to let me go. His hold tight just the way I would have held him, not willing to let my family go; not that easily.
"Where is your cell phone?" He asked with his brows furrowed. While I tried to recollect the whereabouts of my cell phone, he didn't bother to falter his expression.
"In my bag?" It was more of a question but I seriously thought it was there, "I might have dumped it in my bag once I had switched it off."
Ignoring his questioning glance, I spoke what has been eating me up, "We need to talk." He nodded in response as he led me to the living area and made me settle on the couch. Though my conversation with Manik or his long speech did help me out a little, I was still scared.
Like earlier, I wasn't sure how to start with the whole explaining thing but I had to. My eyes followed Eric's movement as he padded across the area, back and forth. "Did I ever give you an impression that you couldn't share things with me?" He let out a frustrated sigh as the words escaped his mouth, indicating the failure he was probably experiencing.
My head shook in negation, unable to find words to respond to him. I would never want to experience a sight like this. He had made efforts that no one else in his place would have made. It wasn't his fault, if that was what he was thinking about. If at all anyone was to be blamed, it would have to be me. He should be blaming me. I was consumed by the fear that I might be living in a bubble - too good to be true - and it might burst any moment. I just didn't want to let it go. I wanted it to continue for as long as it could and collect all the happy moments when it at last ended.
"Was I not a good brother to you?" He popped another question. And I knew this was wrong on so many levels.
"No." I yelled instantly in response. Where the hell did he get those ideas from? I was the one who messed up this time, not him. And he was questioning himself.
Damn you, Nandini Miller.
"I am sorry. It's me who screwed up. It was my fault not yours. So stop questioning yourself." I was defeated. I sank into my seat unable to take any of it anymore. He sat beside me, wrapping his arms around my shoulder, providing me the much needed comfort.
"Tell me, then." His voice was a soft whisper, a plea that I didn't have the heart to deny. Letting out a heavy breath that I didn't know I was holding for so long, I told him all of it, only after editing certain information that was best for him to not know.
I had my eyes trailed onto the flooring for the entire time as I recited the incidents of that unplanned night. By the time I had finished I hesitantly gazed up, I was met with Eric's darkened eyes.
"He tried something on you, didn't he?" He asked in a clipped tone, though it wasn't a question if the finality in his tone was anything to go with. I couldn't help but gulp audibly.
"Of course, he did." He answered his own question, standing right in front of me and I could see rage pumping into his system.
"He was drunk." I stood up as well, as I reasoned which seemed odd to my own ears but I didn't want Eric to go around and beat the shit out of a guy. He was important to me to let him face the trouble, even if it concerned me.
"That isn't an excuse to try his hands on you." He barked right back at me. His eyes moved past me, "Even you hid this all along."
"It wasn't my story to tell you." I heard Manik's voice over my shoulder and realized that he stood right behind me. He was standing there all along.
"But didn't I have the right to know about it, considering it was my sister who could have been," He raked his hands through his hairs in defeat, "Damn! I don't want to think about what could have happened if you wouldn't have ended up there."
"You shouldn't give him the title of Knight in Shining Armour' when he didn't do much." I almost yelled at my brother in annoyance. I didn't care the amused look that Manik held or the vigorous shaking of Eric's head. I mean, Hello! I wasn't some damsel in distress that needed some major rescue operation. I did a fine job to rescue myself.
"I am girl who knows how to use her knees to her advantage." I narrowed my eyes at Eric stating how serious I was about having someone else being fully entitled as the one to rescue me, when I did most of the job. "You aren't giving me much credit, brother." My hands rested on my hips as I glared at the two highly egoistic males in front of me.
His serious expression softened and he burst into fits of laughter and Manik joined along. "I am glad that I wasn't on the receiving end, little one." Eric's threw his arm over my shoulder as he pulled me into his protective embrace and I was glad that we were back. The special endearment made my heart swell.
Maybe, I haven't messed up completely. There still seems to be a fair chance and this time I would make sure, if either of us screwed up we weren't going to give up. We would fight back to get back where we belonged - like a family, together.
"I am happy that you are not mad at me anymore." I spoke my heart out.
"I was never mad at you," he kissed the crown of my head, "I could have never been." His words felt reassuring as he stroked the side of my upper arm as he held me dearly close. It felt good to have finally straightened the issue.
It was as though only when he felt assured enough that I won't run away in the opposite direction once he loosens his grip, only then he pulled away.
"Hope we have learnt our first lesson," His tone took the serious note and I knew he wasn't to be messed up with; but I almost had a tour to hell and back throughout the day and I surely wasn't slipping into seriousness so easily. We could talk about it the fun way, playfully.
"What lesson?" I asked innocently, well, at least I tried to act innocently. His brows shot up and he adorned a knowing look. My looks don't work anymore, I huffed at the thought. I gave a pout in response.
"Our first lesson," he repeated, "we would tell each other everything." I furrowed my brows at his mention of everything.'
"At least incidents like this," he exhaled heavily, "You would come and me, if anything like this occurs." He ran his fingers through his thick hair, "Hell, if anything that bothers you, you would tell me, though I would try my best to make sure nothing happens in the first place." He stuttered as if he was guilty of some crime.
It wasn't your mistake.' It felt important for me to assure him. I wanted to say but rather I chose to say, "I know that you wouldn't let any harm touch me."
"But, hey, don't I get to know everything from you too." I am sure he saw the mischievous look on my face as he chuckled and answered affirmatively, "Yes, you do."
"Even about your girlfriends," I had a cheeky grin as I teased.
"You are unbelievable." He laughed. "How did I ever become this lucky to have you as my sister, little one?" he pinched my nose, making it red and laughing at my expense.
Once he sobered, he asked me to leave, not directly though. "You should go and freshen up. You had a long tiring day."
"You mean I am dismissed." I folded my arms against my chest and glared at him, just to show my displeasure at his dismissing abilities. He could have asked me for some privacy, I wouldn't have pried on the issue, or at least said he wanted meout. But this; this wasn't acceptable. He was coming up with excuses.
He shifted uncomfortably before replying, "Actually," he looked around as if the objects around would give him the words he was trying to pick, "I had some issue in hand, to discuss with Manik." He still looked uneasy.
"Does it have anything to do with me?" I somehow suspected it was a topic related to me as Eric didn't make an eye contact.
"Eric, we just laid down the first rule and our first lesson a few minutes ago," I didn't care if I was behaving like a strict teacher holding a stick and interrogating a kid at kindergarten. But what does a sister do when her brother who is older to her behaves like he is five?
"We tell each other everything." I emphasized on the word everything.' I plopped onto the couch and declared, "I am going to sit here and be a part of this discussion." I eyed him, challengingly. "Go on."
He plopped on the other end of the couch and signalled Manik to take the chair. "What's the matter?" Manik asked curiously.
Eric's eyes floated in my direction then back at Manik, "Leo," It seems like my brother is still stuck with Leo.
"What?" I asked baffled.
"What about him?" Manik asked, completely ignoring me.
"There's nothing more about him." I answered Manik.
"I need to deal with him." Eric's voice was firm and furiously calm. I gulped the lump down my throat, this is getting ridiculous. I just spoke to him this afternoon.
"There's nothing to deal with him." I whisper yelled at my brother.
"He needs to know he messed up with the wrong person this time." Eric continued, as though I had never interrupted. Damn! The two of them were completely ignoring me. "He needs to get the message loud and clear." Something in Eric's tone told me, he was deadly serious about this.
"Eric," I shouted. "I met him this afternoon." I declared, annoyed with the way I was being avoided and also that this incident was unnecessarily dragged. Both of them snapped their heads in my direction.
Wow! Thanks for recognizing my existence, fools, I thought.
"What was that prick doing there?" Manik queried in a clipped tone.
"You met him?" Eric sounded astounded, "I thought we were to tell each other everything." He muttered with disappointment writer all over his face.
"Well, he met me during the lunch time," I gauged his expression trying to catch up any sign of anger, "a few minutes before you came. He was there to apologize." I picked my words very carefully knowing it would trigger a reaction from Eric, if it goes out the wrong way. "And whatever it is, it doesn't matter. But the bottom line is, he is not going to harm me, and you definitely do not need to deal with him."
It took me sometime to make the two of them understand that they didn't need to interfere in this matter and in case, I needed there help, I would ask for it. Though Eric didn't seem to be pleased with the conclusion, he didn't put up a protest.
While Manik turned to leave, I looked up at Eric and said, "Can I walk him till the door?" His brows knitted in suspicion. I knew I had to explain it further. "I need to thank him. I will be back in a minute; we have a lot of things to talk about." I mocked a serious look at him before padding towards Manik, who was already at the door. Curse his long legs.
I and Eric had a lot of issues to discuss though one thing that was for certain was, we would learn a lesson and make a rule every time either of us screwed up but both of us were stubborn enough to fight and not give up. At least, Eric was.
"Manik," I called him when he had exited from the door. I was supposed to walk him to the door that he had already exited, seems like I will have to walk him a little farther.
"Hmm," He turned to mesh his eyes with mine. "What is it kitten, forgot something?" His eyes danced with amusement as his flirtatious tone filled the room. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him.
"I wanted to thank you." He arched his brows at me. Of course, he wouldn't let me have the easy way with this. Jerk! "Let's walk." I gestured him to the sidewalk.
We walked side by side and Manik slid his hand, to rest on the small of my back. It didn't feel odd; rather I was reminded of the Friday night, when we had strolled across this street.
The silence was eating me up and I felt the urge to break it, "Manik, let's start it over again." I was nervous. He eyed me suspiciously but didn't utter a word, so I continued, "I am Nandini Miller," he looked puzzled, "Friends?" I turned on my heel, facing him and held my hand forward to him.
"Manik Malhotra," He smiled, actually smiled and not grinned, "I will be glad to be friends with you." He spoke as he took my hand in his and shook.
"Is there a reason why I get the privilege to be friends with you?" Yes, there surely was a strong reason.
"Today you made me overcome one of my fears," My lips curled into a thin smile, "You made me realize that I had to face any situation that comes up, if I had to make my relation with Eric work. You told me about his efforts and I came to know that I had hardly made a few." I knew these weren't the only reason, though it played as a major reason to what I had decided but somewhere I had got to know that I did trust him. Ever since I met him first, I did. So it was only fair that I did tell him so.
Rising on my toes, I leaned forward into him. I avoided his widened eyes as I pressed my lips on his cheeks. After a second or two, I moved back and smirked at him.
"What was it for?" The amused smile didn't falter, "Not that I am complaining."
"I thought maybe I should thank you properly." My face broke into a grin. Who wouldn't after having to witness the priceless look at his face?
"So, Thank you for everything you did." And I genuinely meant it. Since I had completed what I had to, I walked back towards the house, leaving the puzzled yet smiling Manik.
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