A note, which u are free to ignore:
Sorry for the late update. It was clearly my fault cause I was busy yet I wasn't that busy (except for last few days) to not update. But sometimes even if I had plenty of time still there I was lacking the motivation, to write even after having things planned in mind. So I guess these all are mind games and I am not complaining but just clearing things from my end. However I realised, it's true that person can never achieve even a smallest thing without motivation and interest cause low motivation leads to loss of interest, so I am already sorry for late updates in future as well.

...... Chapter 7 .......

It's been a month since Nandini's mother in law came back from her daughter's house after staying there for 5days. And need not to mention those were troubled days for Nandini to deal with Sumit all alone. It's not like her mother in law does something in her favor, she herself is always scared to get insulted or hurt from her son so she stays silent but still her presence some how makes things little bearable for Nandini. To be very Frank, at least it saves her from spending nights with Sumit in a close proximity which she doesn't hate but she doesn't like it too, specially her body always feels bitter than better. However she pours some words of wisdom into her brain to make her mind satisfied with her unsatisfied feelings.

As usual she was coming back from school with wet umbrella in her right hand and one medium sized sling bag on left shoulder. However the umbrella was closed as rain has stopped pouring since last 15 mins. She entered her lane and before she goes towards her house she heard someone calling her name.

It didn't take much time to recognise the disgusting voices of boys who called her. Without her heart's content she turned around only to see their tabacco filled mouth uttering her name and eyes roaming everywhere possible on her body, though they were trying not to be so obvious about it but she was intelligent enough to know the harshness behind their gazes.

"Nan-dinii  Bhabhii( sister in law)" she scrunched her nose in disgust when Kiran took her name and eyed her from top to bottom in a silent yet cheap way that others can't point a finger on him but she can see the difference.

"Actually we stopped u to tell u that .... as u know ..... Ganesh chaturthi is in week.... So" Dutta started his talk nd now she knew they just stopped her without any reason.

"So yes I know that it's in a week and if I will need any information then I have my husband I will ask him ..... So please next time save urself from the trouble of informing me" she delivered her rude words wrapped with fake sweetness on her tongue. Off course she needs to maintain it as they are Sumit friends.

"Yeah" they reluctantly moved away from her path and cursed Sumit again for nth time. They all are super jealous on him since the day they saw him with Nandini. How a epitome of beauty can be his?. They think that they look much better than him nd they deserves her more than him. She is so beautiful that they won't mind betraying their friend just to have her once. They tried many times to woo her but to Sumit's luck she wasn't only beautiful but loyal too. Still they really can't accept that this goddess belongs to Sumit. He simply don't deserve her especially after treating her like a servant.

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"I will go nd bring the money ...... U just stay here nd don't roam anywhere near to that mansion or else I am not sure if u will live to see the money or not" Sumit said this to his friends who came along with him to collect the fund for ganpati festival.

It was Sumit's idea to come to Manik for extra fund. He knew it was risky but amount will be worthy if it works. So he came to Manik with a hope.

"Okay okay ...... Enough don't give that much built up ...... I'm sure he won't be that scary" Kiran said as he thought Sumit is exaggerating a local goon cause Sumit didn't take Manik's name. Surely he loves his life more.

"Only if u know" Sumit mumbled to himself.

"He isn't .....  At least not for me ..... I was just saying for ur sake" Sumit continued his lie with fear in his heart.

"Just be at safer side don't come nearby nd create unnecessary trouble" he instructed and they too nodded as it was all about money. They need it nd Sumit will bring it so that's fine.

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As usual Adhiraj was eating Manik's brain cause his father forced him to deliver an important file to Manik and as usual Adhiraj wasn't interested but he couldn't say no to his father. Also the file was so important to send via any random worker. Though he hates this business nd try to stay miles away from it but his love for his dad nd Manik sometimes drags him into it.

"This is the last time I'm doing this favor ..... Next time u will come to my place, I'm not gonna be a delivery boy" he said this to Manik who royally ignored him as he was busy in reading the details of delivery of his next drug consignment.

"Boss ...... Sumit is here" his gaurd disturbed them abruptly cause Sumit was creating nuisance outside. Gaurd was little worried about Manik's reaction because Manik looked more serious than usual.

"Let him enter" Manik approved and Adhiraj frowned. But gaurd sighed and went out.

"Why Manik?" Adhiraj questioned, he didn't get any good vibes from Manik's hidden intentions.

"I didn't meet him yet ..... How would I know, why he came?" Manik  just shrugged his shoulder.

"I'm asking, why did u allow? ...... What's cooking?" He asked suspiciously.

"U only reminded me that journalist has got some unreliable proofs on her sleeves ...... So just keeping an eye on supposed culprit ..... Or the scapegoat ..... Whatever rolls perfectly on ur tongue" Manik just kept the file safely in his safety drower. 

"Sorry boss to interrupt you ...... But I came with a religious purpose " before Adhiraj could react Manik found Sumit laying near his feet with joined hands.

"Fuck off...... I'm atheist" Manik stretched out his leg for a second.

"Please sir we need money for our Ganpati Mandal ...... This year's fund is very less, it seems difficult to even arrange money for Prasad(Devotional offering)" he begged in front of Manik.

Flashback

"Maa why u broke this little piece of rock sugar into two pieces ?"  6yrs old Manik asked this to his mother when they came out of local temple.

"It's Prasad beta ..... God's blessings.... Nd I broke it to feed u so that my little prince will have all the love in the world" and she lovingly fed him the bigger piece to see that pleasant smile on his beautiful face.

"Is it necessary to eat Prasad to get all the love?" He innocently questioned.

"Yes baby" nd without a second's delay he ran back to the bigger temple in the locality which was near by the small temple which his mother visited with him, just few minutes back.

"Manik ..... Where r u going? ..... Manik" and she saw him coming with more Prasad on his little palm.

"Here this is for u" he dusted the remaining sweetness off his palm on her palm after placing the sheera nd made her eat that. Unspoken words were brilliantly portrayed by the 6yr old boy which left her with unsheded tears in her eyes. She could not believe her small baby can think so deeply for her happiness. She instantly thanked the god for gifting her this pure soul.

Flashback ended.

"Why this year's collection is not enough? ...... U might have called high budget heroine or any celebrity for Aarati (form of worship), right?" Manik heard the last few words from ongoing conversation of Adhiraj nd Sumit.

"No sir ....... This yr too only Nandini will be doing Aarati ...... But if u could help then I promise all 10days u will be honoured to do Pooja" nd just like that, one same name for nth time made his world stop. Though his mind was so much in control but his heart was ready to empty all the treasure he has, just to keep her pride at stake and see her worshipping the God.

"Nandini ...... Nandini Kamat? ...... The one who works in my school" Adhiraj enquired.

"Yes yes sir ....... She is the one ...... Actually she is my ...."

"Adhiraj give him 2lakh rs in cash ...... Also organise the feast for whole 10days in that area, from our side ...... No one should make food at their houses" and without waiting for his reply Manik went to his room. He didn't want Adhiraj to catch him being lost. He had always seen one or two injuries present on her body so he guessed may be she works too much in her house. So this may help her for few days at least.

Hearing this much huge amount Sumit was already on cloud nine, he also started imagining about how royal festival will look like in his area.

"So what were you saying about Nandini?" Adhiraj's question broke his inner monologue.

"Yeah she is teacher in ur school nd she is my wife ...... She was going to perform the Aarati but now Manik sir deserves that chance" he started his buttering thinking that Manik is hungry for attention nd fame just like political leaders.

"If you want money then keep him nd his name out of ur mouth or else forget it ......Here take this" Sumit instantly took the bundle of rupees and ran away after thanking him, like a dog.

Everything was normal yet Adhiraj was not getting the normal vibes. Nothing new happened yet nothing felt same. It was his instincts or stupidity he don't know but he did felt that something very strong is brewing which will be marvelous however he just hopes that it won't be forbidden. Manik's behaviour changing just within a second after hearing that particular name wasn't something to go unnoticed by him. He just prayed to be wrong, coz he knows how ambitious and impatient Manik can be. But he is more scarier when everything is limitless in front of his untamed feelings.

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Next morning, exactly at 6.30am Manik was waiting on the road outside the specific chawl where Sumit lives in. He don't know the exact location but he was sure of the area nd more specific about the road which is regularly used by residents. He isn't sure how Sumit is related to Nandini but she must be his relative or neighbour or else why would she perform Aarati in Sumit's area.

It was 7.00 am still he didn't find any appearance of familiar shadow or familiar person on that road. Every second was making him reckless nd angry. For the first time in a while he was angry on himself, he always have things nd people in control but here, 'self-control' word seems even difficult to utter when it's about her. He don't know why he goes so out of control when she is concerned.

He turned towards his car aggressively with no wish of looking back. He was so sure that he will control himself nd won't come here again. He was about to open the car door and just at that moment he heard the mild, tinkling sound of anklets. He was sure that he won't turn back to see who is it so he opened the door to sit inside.

Today she got late because of another fight over mangalsutra (nuptial chain) which Sumit haven't buy yet. And she can't lie to people anymore even there's no fake injury to cover up the story of missing nuptial chain. So they had unpleasant argument and that led her to walk till the school otherwise he drops her on his bike everyday which her colleagues find romantic but only she knows the truth.

She don't mind walking in fact she likes it more than going with Sumit nd spoiling the day, but today she wasn't prepared for walk so she got really late for school. She was walking faster without giving damn to anything which led to breaking of her chappal.

"Aah" her irritated shriek and his movement stopped in a heartbeat. Without hearing her shriek too he was sure that she was the only person who was there but her shriek just didn't ruin his determination it also gave a birth to very small nd different kind of concern which is unexplainable for some reasons.

He saw her taking chappal in her hand nd trying to fix it with other hand but she just couldn't do that. Due to hurry and frustration her hands weren't working properly in fact seeing the time that was 7.15 she grew more anxious as school starts at 7.30.

He didn't have thoughts of taking her with him to school, he just came here to see if Sumit stays here or not cause he needs to keep an eye on his scapegoat. This was the suitable truth which he was repeating in his head but heart nd brain both knew what's the ultimate truth behind mafia leader following roadside Romeo as if he doesn't have people to do that for him. But truth coated with a convenient lie was fine to deal with but her irritation nd struggle troubled the already disturbed man who was trying to seek some peace just few moments back in the presence of enchantress.

"Come with me ....... I will drop you" she looked up after hearing the commanding voice in slow yet powerful tone. Her pupils dilated when she saw the mafia after a month, almost. Though she heard about him coming to school with Adhiraj but she never saw him nor she was interested but he also never made efforts to come in front of teachers or students.

"Thanks but I'm fine" she said timidly. She didn't want to accept his offer nor she wants to fight with him cause he is freaking mafia, and talk won't end without fight. Who knows when nd why he will kill her?.

"U r late" he stated like a final statement.

"Still, I will manage" lowering her head she again muttered cause she couldn't look into his cold eyes especially when she is rejecting his offer.

"No need to be stubborn just get in" he was really trying hard not to lash on her. Can't she freaking understand in first time that he is not good in talking, politely?. She should not deny when he himself is offering a ride.

"I guess u r the one who is being stubborn ...... I told u ..... I don't want help ...... Now can you stop using ur bossy ways just to torture me like this?" she said fiercely, looking into his eyes that it left him bewildered cause he never saw her using that tone but she also has some anger issues not like serial killer though. Also her situation made her timid cat but she haven't forgotten to use her wild nails, when necessary. She always fights back with Sumit even if she loses everytime, she never give up.

"Torture you?" he mumbled to himself in disappointment and without a word he went into his car. He took a reverse and drove his car away from there. He went out so swiftly that it scared her for a moment.

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After a minute she found same black Mercedes Benz following her from behind. He definitely took the reverse at that time but the image of her walking bare feet on roads made something sting inside him.

She stopped by the footpath on street where cobbler sits everyday, it was 7.30 by then that means she will anyhow miss the first lecture so she thought of fixing her already worn out chappal. Manik saw that and left the place cause his already bruised ego can't afford another blow from her, if she accuses him for stalking her.

She sighed in relief nd then continued her walking after giving 10rs to shoe repairer. She couldn't stop herself from thinking, did he follow her cause he was worried? Or did he plan on murdering her but then post poned it seeing the crowd?. Second reason fits perfect with situation and his character still first reason was also deeply rooted in the chamber of her hearts which she ignored.

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A week later, Nandini was preparing for the question paper for upcoming unit test of class 9. So she gave off period to students as her syllabus for test was covered nd also it was day before Ganesh Chaturthi so they all were gossiping amongst themselves.

As it was Haratalika and she was supposed to keep fast as per tradition and also cause of her habit since childhood. This is the fast before Ganesh Chaturthi nd it is considered to be important for unmarried girls to get a good husband. So even she used to keep it with her mother (women continues it even after marriage) but after getting married she broke the chain, cause fast didn't seem to work on her rather it showed reverse effects. But today she got really late so she missed the breakfast then during school lunch break she was helping librarian so that she could take science practical of her class and again she missed the food.

She was selecting the potential questions for test and she suddenly felt that her one foot finger is feeling empty. She looked down to find one toe ring missing from her toe. She didn't have much money and also she never liked those old fashioned heavy, silver toerings so hers were simple, silver and thin with one little stone in the middle.

Asking her class to maintain the silence, she moved out of the class in the direction of science laboratory to find her toering. It was rainy season still sun was scorching hot. She felt little dizzy so she hurried her steps towards the stairs and away from ground. And by the end she fumbled near the pillar which made little voice nd hearing that voice Manik came out from old computer lab which is on ground floor. He was checking if his work has done perfectly or not.

No one was there in close vicinity not that he cared but just for hers sake he looked around and jumped on the ground. She felt her hair rose at the touch of his cold fingers when they clutched her arm in the intention of helping her. Before she could collapsed on him, he lightly lifted her and made her sit near the pillar on floor. She tried to ignore his touch on her waist through her pallu but she couldn't, though it just lasted for 3secs only.

"U fine?" he tried his best to sound like a gentleman that even she could see his efforts in controlling himself and not lashing onto her.

"Yeah just felt dizzy" she replied looking down on the ground. She knew this happened due to lack of food.

She didn't look up.when he didn't say anything but just after a second, one unwrapped eclair chocolate flashed in front of her eyes as he held it for her.

She looked up to see him and he signalled her to take. Unthinkingly she followed his instruction and stuffed it in her mouth after taking it from him. She was still looking at him which made him uncomfortable as her eyes were being too naked to show her overwhelming feelings within them, as if no one cared for her before him.

"A little bday girl gave it to me hr back so I had it nd now I thought of umm" he was finding right words but she cuts him in between.

"Thanks" she genuinely smiled nd not wanting to get caught by anyone's eyes, she stood up to walk. Also she don't want to spend time around him, it stirs something in her which feels too different nd may be scary to even think.

She took a step nd again fumbled, this time due to her chappal as it was completely dismantled because she almost fell on the ground just a minute before.

"How could you be so reckless to not change this broken chappal yet?" and that soft man was gone, he literally shouted on her in his low yet terrifying voice.

"I thought I would manage .... nd I did" without fighting back she timidly respond. She couldn't help but felt the poverty complex deep inside her that she couldn't justify herself by saying she didn't have money to buy new.

"Yeah I could see how u managed to complete the walk of 20 mins into 30mins every morning, since that day" he said it in a flow and her breath hitched for a second, also at the same time he touched her affected foot.

"So I was right ...... U were stalking me, weren't you?" Her eyes nd voice held accusation which made him stiff for a while and he kept dusting soil from affected area where her foot got some scratches.

After that morning everyday she felt followed by someone but she ignored that suspicious feeling or many times she assumed it to be one of Sumit's friend. But a guy in hoodie looked way more taller nd broad when she saw him day before yesterday. But never in her dream too, she think of Manik cause he won't walk behind her on roads, leaving his luxurious cars.

"Answer me" her voice was heavy and it wasn't difficult to guess that her eyes also had tears with accusation in them.
She forcefully took her feet back, and in haste too he did notice some shiny, silver band on her toe.

He don't remember much but he is sure his mother never wore toe rings and when he asked why then she said only married women can wear them. He didn't like the answer nd forced his mother to wear them as he saw them in neighbour's house nd wanted same for her, but she didn't wear. 

"Manik" he faintly heard his name again but he missed the vulnerability in her voice as he himself was getting anxious with hateful thought that just crossed his mind which was enough to bring tsunami of feelings in his system.

A loud sound of bell brought them back from their staring session, Nandini was staring at him waiting for an answer and he was staring at the floor where he saw silver band on her toe.

He looked at her where she was expecting an answer from him but he just saw her empty hair line and then he noticed her neck too didn't have any nuptial chain. The self estimated realisation or assumption calmed his anxious mind then he smiled very little, it was so subtle even she wouldn't have noticed that but seeing him hopelessly lost she shook her head in disappointment and left for her work.

.................. End............... ||

Let me know if you find any mistake.

How was the chapter?

Next chapter can be surprising for Manik 🌝.

............... Aish❣️..............