Next day,

Nandini 's P.O.V.

I woke up around 6:30 in the morning because I remember me and Manik had to go for the site seeing sort of thing for the factory we were about to construct.

He said he will pick me so I think I should get ready as soon as possible since the last time I visited the temple it felt quite peaceful.

So, I decided to take bath wear a normal denim jeans along with a crop top and a jacket and I paired it with Fila disruptors.

A secret between us, they are my favorite pair of shoes.

I decided to make some breakfast for me, Navya, kaka and one maid which we had.

I made some nice upma since I was craving for something South Indian along with some peanut chutney since it tasted so delicious.

And I made some nice black coffee for beverage.

Arranging all of this on the table, I decided to wake up Navya since she has a video conference to attend.

Walking to her room I sat beside her and gently started caressing her hairs.

This girl right here is such an angel in my life, always holding me, always worried for me, always caring for me.

Sometimes I wonder would I have ever been able to make it this far if not for her and Rithvik bhai.

I couldn't be more proud while saying this that she is my... MY best friend and a sister I could always confide in.

I didn't want to wake her up but I had to, or else she would be late for her meeting.

We had so much fun yesterday. More than we ever had. Even after coming back home we called bhai to tell him about all that we did. Navya did tell her decision about marrying to Cabir.

Initially, bhai was worried because he thought its too soon but then Navya told him how she feels for Cabir and how even he reciprocates the same and then he agreed with her.

After that we binged watched friends and we slept around 2 in the morning.

And now if I don't wake her up, she is going to be late. Plus, she is already going to be grumpy about the fact that she didn't have enough sleep.

Me: wake up Navya or else you are going to be late for the conference.

Navya: this is all your fault yaar Nandini. If you hadn't binged watched we would have slept soo early.

Me: sorry, I made you some upma to make up to your grumpiness.

FINE, agreed I didn't only make upma for me but for her too because I know she was going to get all grumpy as soon as I wake her up.

She literally sprinted out of bed and hugged me.

Okay, I think she is a bit crazy to. A minute ago, she was complaining and look at her now.

Navya: see that is why you are my best friend.

Nandini: oh, is it so?

What followed next was both of us laughing like crazy.

Me: go and take a bath get dressed up for your conference till then I'll take a small walk to the temple near to our house. And before you ask anything, I know I haven't exactly been a fan of lord the almighty due to various reasons you already know. But going there gives me peace so I'll be back in a while. Along with your favorite prasad. Boondi ke ladoo.

Navya: I did tell you that you are my favorite person right.

Nandini: yeah yeah whatever, now go get bathed and wear something presentable.

She nodded while still laughing at the previous conversation and went to get ready.

I headed downstairs and I saw kaka already there in kitchen.

I told him that I already made breakfast. Only cleaning and gardening is left. All four of us will have breakfast together after I come back.

He gladly obliged and entered the garden while I started walking out of the house.

After a few seconds I had a call from Stella,

Me: yeah Stella, all okay why are you calling so early?

Stella: where are you? Your location got updated early in the morning. The beep went on and I thought something happened.

Me: oh, Stella how sweet of you. don't worry I was just visiting a temple add it to safe location because I might often visit this place. Also, when are you moving in with us you don't have to stay at a hotel for so long.

Stella: we already had this conversation, you got me so worried early in the morning. Huh! I am going back to sleep now, bye.

Before I could even reply she hanged up on me.

This girl I tell you.

I entered the temple; it is hardly a five minutes' walk from where we live. I bought some prasad right at the gate of the temple.

Bowing down to the idol of lord Krishna along with lordess Radha, I offered the prasad to the priest inside so that he could offer it in god's feet.

Is it bad to have favorites among god? Sorry if it is soo!

I did the 'pradakshina' of the idol, and the priest gave me the prasad I offered to god back.

I ate some prasad and saved the rest for others.

After sitting for a while at the temple and noticing the peaceful and green trees around along with a small pond made there, I left for home.

As soon as I entered the home Navya was at the dining table along with kaka and the maid, placing the plates for breakfast.

It was already 8 by the time we finished our breakfast.

I decided to bake something sweet so I made some brownies and chocolate balls.

I helped Navya set up her laptop and files in the study room upstairs.

After a while I had a call from Manik asking me whether I was ready or not and I answered affirmative.

I prepared my bag which had a box full of brownies and chocolate balls, a water bottle, a tampon, my wallet and my laptop just in case I had some work to figure out.

What ladies don't look at me like that, you know this emergency always arrives without a warning.

Also, I know we are not going on a picnic, but who knows how long it might take and my blood sugar problem which you all know about so it's well to be prepared right.

I was all ready and sitting in the garden, I informed Navya about my schedule for today already.

After a while I heard a car honk.

I sprinted in my feet to walk towards the main gate and there he was.

Manik Malhotra,

Leaning on the bonnet of car looking at something on his phone waiting for me.

Honestly, I don't even know what am I going to do today.

Me: hy manik. Good morning.

I said rather greeted forwarding my hand for a handshake.

He smiled so innocently at me forwarding his hand to greet me at the same time.

Manik: hy there, good morning I was about to call you. Anyways, shall we get started?

I nodded my head at him smiling a bit.

He walked towards the other seat in front and held the door open for me.

Hm, chivalry not dead you see.

I sat in and he closed the door and walked to the driver's seat.

As soon as he sat, he had a call on his phone,

Manik: yes, we are on our way we will directly meet you at the location of the first site.

He started the engine and after a while we were already hitting the busy, traffic bustling roads of Mumbai.

Manik: so how has India been treating you so far?

Me: except for the little accident few days back. India is quite the fun.

Manik: well you haven't yet explored local Mumbai; you will love it more.

Obviously, if I was a normal girl, I would have loved exploring new places like crazy, but what should I tell him that it's not that normal for me. Huh! me and my sob story.

I seriously want to get reed of all these problems and have a normal life for once in my entire lifetime.

Me: definitely, once all this is over, all the work and everything I am going to explore everything.

I stated with a normal face and as a fact of course.

Manik: you know Nandini I used to think the same that once this project gets over, I'll do this. Once that project gets done, I'll do that. But then I learnt that everyday something new will come up. Everyday some problem will arise, all you have to do is along with work steal some moments for yourself too.

Okay is he a mind reader or something?

How did he know what I was thinking?

Or maybe he is too good with people.

Or that he is a nice conversationalist?

I think I should not give him any wrong signals as he likes me...

"Quite the confidence Murthy", retorted my brain at me.

Actually, my brain might be true, I don't even know whether he likes me or nit.

He seems quite humble and down to earth, what if he was worried for in general that night.

What if he is this kind to everyone and he can't see anyone in pain.

What if I am taking all of this in a wrong way.

"Argggh... Murthy you need to stop over working me ", retorted my brain at me.

I think it must be right for the first time.

He is a nice person and he doesn't deserve to be treated coldly by me, that to when I don't even know the actual truth. I can't mistreat him on the basis of my assumptions.

I will be me... and as much as I want to deny this even, I have the right to be relaxed and feel normal for once in my life.

Afterall, this are the only few days I can actually enjoy, once everyone comes to know about me being in India it is going to be one hell of a journey anyways.

Also remembering my promise to Navya and Rithvik bhai I decided that this time I will enjoy too I am not going to hold back. Even I have the right to live my life as I wish.

Please help me god. For once in my life.

Manik: to earth Nandini...

Me: huh! Sorry what?

Manik: penny for your thoughts?

Me: sorry I zoned out.

Manik: it's soo complex right!

Me: huh! What is complex?

Manik: overthinking, and the fact that you can't even help it.

Told you he is a freaking mind reader.

I smiled at him lightly, while all his focus was on driving.

This was the first time I am noticing him so intently.

Those soft hairs falling on his forehead, a soft but charming smile playing on his lips and nothing much but a peaceful face.

He was wearing a simple white tee with a black jacket and a ripped denim jeans paired with white shoes he looked nothing but every bit handsome and charming.

What did I just do?

was I seriously checking him out?

God Murthy!

Manik: okay you have to stop; I am not that bad of a company that you are legit zoning out every second.

Me: sorry I was just thinking about something. So, tell me now what were you saying?

Manik: nothing it's okay, have you had your breakfast? Or do you want to grab a bite?

Me: no thank you I already had breakfast.

He again smiled at me while looking at me and then focusing back on the road.

I am quite surprised with his company.

I am not the one who usually gels up so easily.

"Huh! Now did you? HARDLY SAID A WORD THERE MURTHY", brain interrupted me again.

We were at signal when a car with two girls stopped besides us. They looked towards us and their smile immediately beamed from zero to like thousand in a micro second.

They lowered their window glass and gestured Manik for an autograph and a picture.

Girl: Manik can we please have a picture and an autograph from you if you are okay with it and if we are not interrupting your privacy.

The girls were so sweet and so polite about them not interrupting his privacy.

Manik smiled at with so much of fondness and immediately agreed to clicking a picture, after that he asked for their names and gave them his autograph.

After few more pleasantries when the girls were about to leave Manik stopped them and reached for the locker in front of me on the dashboard.

He opened it and took out two bars of chocolates to give them.

The girls were so much in awe with the Manik's gesture. Manik waved them a bye, wishing them for a good life and told them to go back to their cars as the signal was about to open.

Me: quite a gentleman I must say.

Manik slightly blushed at my compliment.

What is this guy even?

Manik: well, it's because of their love we are what we are today. So, one thing I promised myself was to never deny a fan when they spot me.

Me: AGAIN. Such a gentleman.

Both of us started laughing at this statement I just made.

By the time we were holding our breaths we had already reached a site.

It was quite barren and a large space. It was alongside a beach, the broker greeted us and told us all about the place. We had a tour of the site and we moved on to next one.

We had few casual conversations about how did we like the sites and we discussed that which one among all of them would be a prime location for the factory.

By the time we reached the fourth site we were already hunger and we asked the broker to take some time off for lunch.

But he said that he had other clients too and we decided to keep looking.

While we were having the tour, I started feeling dizzy and before I could even say anything Manik noticed it.

Manik: are you alright Nandini. Oh, wait are you feeling dizzy?

Manik said as a matter of fact because I was holding on to the small railing around. He asked me to sit on the small square stone placed at the end of the small railing.

Again, how did he know?

He was so observant about the small details around him.

How can someone not fall in love with him?

Also did I say how caring was he again?

Stop it Murthy!

Manik: Nandini.... Nandini are you alright? Wait it's already 3 in the noon and you didn't have anything since morning. You have blood sugar problem, right? Don't ask me how do I know this I was with you when you had fall a in your blood sugar last time. Wait a minute I'll get you something to eat.

Me: Manik relax I have some sweets; they are in my bag I'll have them. I was already prepared knowing it might take us long.

Manik: I am sorry Nandini I should have taken care of it. Don't worry I am here.

Manik said while taking the bag from my shoulder and looking for the box.

Taking out a piece of brownie he forwarded it to mouth for me to eat.

Shocked. Dazed. Caring. Sweet. Lovely. Generous. Observant.

I am running out of adjectives here people.

He handed me water bottle after he completed feeding me the entire piece of brownie.

He fed me few more chocolates balls.

Me: you can have them Manik. Even you didn't eat anything!

Manik: no, I'll keep the entire box for myself later. You eat this first you need it.

He said while smiling at me gently still feeding me.

When the realization dawned upon me of what just happened.

I was more shocked at myself.

Or more than this what wandered me was no one fed me before. No one noticed my problem before even I could realize it.

The care and warmth his eyes and gestures held for me made my heart flutter.

No one has ever cared for me the way he did.

It's like before even I say anything to him, he understands me, just like that.

Just like a flick of finger. No thinking, no pondering.

Just as if he knew me since ages.

How?

Manik: are done with the sites already?

Manik questioned the broker.

Broker: yes, we covered all of them, this was the last one. And there is a building which is already constructed which is left but I can always send you the pictures if you want and the locality around there is quite busy. You must be familiar with that place it's around the Malhotra industries.

Manik: the one you told paa about?

Manik questioned the broker, while broker nodded I positive.

Manik: so, then this will be it. I'll call and let you know once we finalize the site.

Broker nodded and bid us a bye telling us it would be good if we told him our decision till tomorrow.

All this while worry and concern for me never left his eye.

He said while packing the bag,

Manik: I know a nice café around here. Its two minutes distance from here. Let's get you some food.

He said while forwarding me his hand to get me on my feet, while putting the straps of my bag around his shoulder.

He didn't let go of my hand till we reached the car and she asked me to sit in while opening the door for me.

Again, why am I not even denying him to hold my hand. I know one thing for sure that I wouldn't have allowed anyone else to do the same.

What is it with him and his gestures that I just follow it and don't deny them...?

Once we settled inside the car, he asked me if I was still feeling dizzy to which I nodded in negative.

After driving for roughly a minute and half we reached at a simple but elegant café.

"Autentica", it said in black italic font board that hung from the roof. Since I know a bit of Spanish, the name of the café meant "authentic".

We parked and the car and headed for the café, when Manik slightly pulled me back by my arm and I collided with his back.

Manik almost whispered in my ear sending some sort of vibration throughout my body, oblivious of the effect he just had on me he said,

Manik: no not through main entrance Nandini people will recognize us and then I won't be able to deny them and then ho chuka humara lunch. Come here, let's go through the back door.

He said again holding my hand in his and taking me with him.

We entered through the back door.

A lady in her forties hugged Manik as soon as she saw him.

And even Manik embraced her with a big grin on his face.

Manik: how are you gorgeous?

Lady: well upset and miserable since I haven't seen my brats since so long.

I assumed by brats she meant Manik and his friends.

Manik: don't worry Jestha, I'll bring all of them soon.

Jestha: who is this beautiful girl here? Your girlfriend? Thank god you finally made a girlfriend Manik. I was worried sick for you and your love life.

She said giving me a warm smile and pointing towards me.

All Manik could do was blush at that statement and well for me I did smile at the thought but I was shocked to be more precise.

Manik: what nooo! she's a friend Jestha. Stop about my love life already. Will you please. She is from London; we were in this locality and we are hungry. So, what better place to try authentic Indian food then your café!

Manik said smiling at her.

Jestha: sorry for being so quick.

She apologized to me.

Me: don't worry it's okay I don't mind.

"Really, is it so now"' retorted my brain at me.

And manik looked at me so intently while these words escaped my mouth.

I mentally face palmed myself, while trying to look everywhere but except for the two people standing in front of me.

As if understanding my dilemma again Manik said,

Manik: stop it already you, oldie. You have embarrassed me enough already. Now can I have a table as usual at the terrace with no disturbances as usual.

Jestha: sure uncle, as you say, suit yourself you already know the way.

I was giggling at the way both of them teased each other, after a while even they joined me.

We took the stairs from the back of the café towards the terrace.

After climbing a few steps, we reached the terrace and shocked would be an understatement at how astonished I was by looking at that place.

On entering there was a nice small garden along with a walk way. There were small cute tables placed, along with chairs which had cute cushions on them and small bowl of different flowers along with a candle in the middle of it, was placed on the center of the table. The ceiling was made of glass and only covered the half of terrace giving a nice view of the sky at the same time protecting the place from harsh sunlight. There were small cute swings and benches placed along the railings of the place. The ambience was quite pretty. Also, the place was quite cool as there were coolers placed on the edges which provided nice breeze and handled the temperature. In short, the entire placed turned up pretty beautiful. Mesmerized was the word I was looking for.

Also, the place was quite pictures worth. Also, there was a cute photo booth at one of the corners.

Manik: let's take that table near the booth.

I nodded and followed him.

Manik: so, what do you want to have? Something nutritious and healthy or something tasty and authentic along with being healthy?

Nandini: what do you generally order when you are here.

Manik: okay this might sound childish and you might end up thinking I am a kid but trust me Jestha makes this amazing chocolate milk and it's not on the official menu but she makes it for me because obviously I am her favorite.

Manik said smirking a bit while having a boyish grin on his face to which I laughed.

Manik: And also, she makes this amazing basket chaat with all those sprouts and potatoes filling. And the best vada pav in the entire Mumbai.

Nandini: so, let's have that then. We'll order these.

Manik called the waiter and placed the order for the two of us.

While waiting for the food he was going through his phone and I wondered was he always so peaceful and serene or was he in a good mood today?

I guess he always looks so calm.

Just while I was noticing him, I had a call from Rithvik bhai. And Manik looked at me giving me a smile and nodding at me to go with the call.

Me: yes bhai.

Rithvik: Hy little sister. How are you.

Me: good and at peace.

Rithvik: that is good to know. Okay listen did you leave me the blueprints of the project details with Mc carney.

Me: yes, bhai I have them with Jacob, he'll deliver it to you tomorrow I'll ask him.

Rithvik: no don't worry about that I'll take it from him. And how is everything going there.

Me: well for starters we were looking at the sites today for the construction of the factory today and then once we decided I'll email you the pictures.

Rithvik: good to know work is speeding up. Also, Nandu I don't want to spoil your mood, but I have to ask because my worries have no boundaries regarding this topic. Does the media and other people know about you being in India.

Me: don't worry bhai no one knows I am here in India. And especially the media and I am trying to keep it that way.

Rithvik: okay and where are you now are you? Also is Navya with you?

Me: no bhai it's only me and Manik. And Navya is at home she had a video conference to attend when I left.

Rithvik: okay then, have fun. I'll call you later kinda busy here. Also, Nandini I might have to postpone India by a week approximately.

Me: what? No bhai you can't you promised you'll be here by Saturday!

Rithvik: I know but the pressure here is building up, plus we have approximately a month back there in India so winding up is a bit tough. I swear I'll let you know the moment I board the plane.

Me: fine and how is Trisha doing I am sure she might be troubling you.

Rithvik: ji nahi. We both are having the time of our lives with you two little devils off there in India.

Me: huh! Whatever.

Rithvik: okay bye I got to go. Catch you later. Love you. Stay safe please.

Me: love you too bhai.

Saying this I ended the call.

I was intently looking at Manik because I know I said so many things he might probably be wondering about like media not knowing and all.

But instead what he said blew me off again.

Manik: don't worry I am not going to ask you questions like a nosy little bitch.

To which I couldn't do anything but laugh.

Being with him seems like laughing is not that hard after all.

Who am I around him? I questioned myself.

Before I could say anything, the waiter was already here with our food.

Manik plated food for both me and him.

Chivalry, not yet dead. Again.

Manik: go ahead try it and tell me how do you like it?

Manik said excited like a five-year-old who was just given his favorite toffee.

I tried all the three dishes we ordered.

Me: okay manik Malhotra you got n=me here. Hands down this is the best I have ever tasted.

Manik: told yaa.

He said while smiling with a lopsided grin.

Manik: if you have a spice tolerance add this red powder given here and try it you will love it.

Manik said pointing at a course-red powder given along with vada pav.

I added a bit and tasted it and no doubt this place is the best.

I nodded in amusement at him.

Manik: so sorry to bring this topic up, but is it fine if we looked at the pictures of the site and decided the place. Because we need to speed up.

Me: absolutely I was about to say the same.

We were looking at the pictures along with having the food and joking a bit here and there.

We finally decided to go with the place we first saw which was along the beach.

Firstly, it was a very prime location.
Secondly, it was a nice environment to set the factory. With a nice view and surrounding employee would like the place to work at.

We called the broker discussed the price and finally agreeing on a certain amount we decided to finalize the deal.

By the time we finished it was almost 5 in the evening.

I was looking at a couple clicking the pictures at the booth.

Since the terrace area was limited there were hardly six people including us.

Manik: you want to click pictures?

Me: what no. Are you crazy manik?

Manik: Okay I wasn't going to force you to do so, but now since you think clicking pictures is crazy you are definitely clicking pictures there. Come on let's go. By the way I am a nice photographer.

Manik said boosting about himself an dragging me to the booth.

He asked me to pose and while I failed miserably, he was still clicking the pictures in his phone.

Turns out he was capturing candid shots of me. Which I by the way had no idea about. I seriously need to get a life!

And I couldn't believe that those pictures were of me laughing, pouting, smiling, carefree and every bit of a normal twenty-three-year-old girl. How?

I don't know what I was thinking when these exact words slipped out of my mouth,

Me: enough of me clicking pictures alone. Let's click some pictures together.

Manik: are you sure...?

And I was shocked again when I replied to him saying this,

Me: absolutely! What is there to not be sure about.

Dig me into a grave, put me into a plane, send me off to an island.

Anywhere but here.

I was so embarrassed at what I was speaking, my cheeks were flushed and I was the deepest shade of red.

Manik nodded awkwardly.

"Obviously, what were you thinking Murthy?", retorted my brain.

He asked a guy sitting on the table next to us, if he would click some pictures for us.

And trust me when we started clicking, we were a bit hesitant but as soon as the guy kept on suggesting us to pose in this manner and that manner along with the props and all.

The end result meaning the pictures turned out quite beautiful. In some of them we were posing while others where candids.

Making a mental note of asking him to forward me those pictures later, we made our way out of the restaurant after Manik paid the bill. While I told him next time, we are out it is going to be me who pays the bill.

To which he laughed and obliged like a cute little kid.

"So much of admiring him, Murthy", again how could my brain shut up for once.

We sat in car and headed off.

Manik: do you have anything to do after you reach home?

Manik asked me making me wonder what is it, that he is going to say next.

I nodded in a no.

Manik: talking about exploring Mumbai, do you want to see the best sunset in the entire world?

Okay, I am not going to say no I don't have anything to do anyways and then sunsets are so beautiful how could I just say no.

Me: yes definitely, I love sunsets.

Manik: okay then. Trust me you are going to love this place. And you are going to thank me a ton for showing you this place.

Me: so much of confidence I see.

Manik did nothing but smiled more brightly.

After driving for almost two hours and picking two pizza and a bottle of coke we reached the place.

The place was situated on the outskirts of Mumbai.

We parked the car around a small hill.

Me: what is this place manik?

Manik: it's the outskirts and the start of a place called Karjat. It's roughly sixty-five kilometers away from Mumbai, me and my bunch of stupid friends usually come here for trekking and stuff and that's how we discovered about his place. No one but for the five of us knows about this place now you are the sixth one so keep your mouth shush about this place. Also, since it's basically not Mumbai and a different place, that is why it took us so long to reach here. Now hurry up or else we are going to miss it and this entire journey would be a waste.

Manik asked picking the bag with food and locking the doors of the car properly.

Would I really be a waste? The way I am around manik and the time I had spent with him today was so worth it. I am going to cherish this day forever no matter what.

Because today for the first time in my entire life I felt normal. He made me feel so?

How could he do this so effortlessly?

He started climbing the hill. He forwarded he his hand so that I could climb up easily.

After climbing for roughly a minute we reached the top of the hill.

And I was so awestruck with the beauty the place held.

Nature and its ways of surprising you with its untamed beauty is still far from human reach.

We sat there on the ground not worried about how dirty our clothes are going to get or not giving a damn of the hustling world we left few kilometers away.

The horizon was colored and merged in every shade of pink, orange and red. The sky was so beautiful with the sun setting down amidst those beautiful portray of colors.

Crazy how nature played with colors right?

The silence was so overwhelming and peaceful at the same time.

I somehow understood that this is what seize the moment is.

This is what Manik meant when he said we had to steal moments for ourselves.

This is how life looked like when you be just yourself and no one with no stress or worries.

Obviously, you can't ignore the fact that you have a life but this moment right here and there are life too.

This are the moments that make you life worth living for.

Always being so primp and proper would never take you anywhere. Sometimes stealing and being every bit of improper and unthoughtful is what will lead you to one of the best moments of your entire life.

To say that I have to literally thank Manik a ton would be less.

While I was still wondering about my thoughts Manik spoke up,

Manik: I know you are feeling like this is the perfect moment and trust me I don't want to spoil it for you Nandini. But I wanted to tell you that the Nandini I saw for the first time or even at the hospital and the Nandini I saw today are two different people. And trust me second one is my favorite. Not because you were in trouble or something, but the Nandini I saw today smiled and was enjoying whatever came her way. I don't know what are your worries or even what is it that you are going through, but I want to tell you that losing yourself amidst all the worries and stress is the biggest failure you will ever face in your life Nandini. Worries and trouble are a part of our life; they are not the life itself. If you believe there are worries you should even believe that there are solutions to them too. Keeping yourself from all of these moments, with the fear of something bad happening is no way to live. And I know at a times you might feel like you are alone scared and vulnerable. But that is the exact time you should look around, see life, you'll know that you are never alone, there are people standing with you and after all people standing against you are also still the people around you right? And trust I know you would laugh at me after I say this, that I don't know why I told you all what I just said to you but I just had to. I really have no idea why but I had to. You are beautiful and lively, and so is your smile, your one smile could lighten up the day of others in ways you might not even know. So, all I want to tell you is that smile, live, laugh, cry, show tantrums but never give-up.

How can someone be so perfect?

How can someone know what to say exactly when? Which by the way would act like a soothing ointment over your burning heart?

Pondering over his words made me realize that though how much ever problems I had, taking my life granted was never a solution.

I had no right to be so insensitive towards my own self.

So, what if my brother wants to kill me? The day I decided to not fight against him was the day I gave up and made him stronger than me, gave him control over my life.

And giving up is never a choice for anyone. I am not saying that fight immaturely but there could always be a middle ground.

And then here he was, Manik. He didn't know anything about me, my life, my brother and my past. But yet here he was so observant about me, saying all those right words which made me realize that where I was wrong with myself. Why did I never think about myself?

I was so much overwhelmed with all those emotions running a turmoil in my mind, that I started crying.

Manik did nothing much! He just shifted a bit closer to me, offered me his hand and said,

Manik: you can take my shoulder if you want?

I did nothing but to oblige to him in that moment.

I kept my head on his shoulder and took hold of his hand.

I cried and cried for so long that my face was all red and my eyes were all puffy, he was slowly caressing my hand with his thumb. After a while I some how stopped crying and looked at him.

He just gave me a small smile and asked me,

Manik: feeling better?

I was still sobbing a bit so all I did was just nod my head at him.

After a while feeling okay, I asked him,

Me: how did you know what to say manik?

Manik: as I mentioned earlier, I don't know I just felt like saying it to you and so I did.

I was still looking so intently at him.

Manik: also, one more thing, you will never be able to control your heart Nandini and the moment you think that you have controlled you heart just remember that it was your brain who took the decision for you and not your heart. Because you can never tame your heart.

See this is what I was talking about! Right words, at right place.

Nandini: so, then what should I do Manik? How do I tackle all of this?

Manik: I can't make your decisions for you Nandini. I could be by your side when you take them or at most, I could stop you or warn you if it might end up hurting you but I could never decide for you. It's an exclusive power for ourselves and you should have your control over it.

And now I would be very serious if I said that, trust me the next words out of my mouth will be straight from my heart and not from my mind,

Me: so then will you guide me?

Manik looked at me all puzzled.

Manik: pardon me?

Okay so he can get everything I don't say.

But he doesn't get the one thing I straight away asked him.

MEN!

Me: so, will you be my friend and guide me?

Manik did nothing but just pulled me lightly by shoulders and hugged me.

Manik: consider me your friend already you idiot.

I smiled. The real one.

Amazing. The way destiny works.

If someone told me that I was going to do anything of this sort I would have laughed of at them.

But then this is Manik.

OBSERVENT.

UNDERSTANDING.

CARING.

CONCERNED.

HUMBLE.

And above all a good human being.

I won't be wrong if I said that this is the most unexpected and unpredictable day of my life.

Beautiful and surprising how one day, one moment, one person could change all your perspectives.

How a single person you never knew, had the power to make you, you gain.

How the creep in without letting you know and then even embrace you with all your imperfections and still be there for you.

Mesmerizing! Isn't it?

Manik: also, Nandini being vulnerable doesn't means you are weak. It shows that you are strong that you are not afraid of showing what inside there to people.

He said pointing at my heart.

I bobbed my head slightly the last tear rolling of my eyes and a soft smile playing on my lips.

Manik: now I am seriously famished. One more minute without food and I'll die here.

I smiled at how mature yet silly he can be at the same time.

We ate our pizza in silence while looking at the sky and sharing the bottle of cold drink.

After a while we decided to leave the place.

While leaving the place I look back at it again.

Manik: don't worry Nandini I have ample of places like this and in fact more beautiful.

But in that moment, I knew I will never find a place more beautiful than this place ever.

Because this place gave me, myself back.

This place gave me Manik.

There is going to be no place else I would love more than this.

Thank you, Karjat.

You gave me two most valuable things in my life to me.

Myself and Manik.

He helped me while climbing down the hill.

We drove back of our home.

It was almost eleven by the time I reached home.

He dropped me at the door of the house like a gentle man he his.

While he was leaving, I remembered I had to give him the sweets.

I called him back,

Me: manik?

Manik: yes, Nandini. Oo you already missing me. But I haven't left also.

Me: shut up. This is for you.

I said handing him the box of sweets with brownies and chocolate balls in it.

While saying bye I hugged him and he to reciprocated the hug. And left giving me a pretty charming smile.

Today morning when I left my home, I was Nandini. With baggage and no sense about how much I was missing in life.

And now that I have returned almost after 15 hours. This is not the Nandini, that left this morning.

This Nandini knows and haves a better perspective at life. This Nandini will cherish what she has and will value herself.

With the thought that how one day and one person has managed to change me entirely I entered the password to the main door and inside the house.

Only to be left baffled.

There the bomb was waiting to explode.

A sick worried Navya walking in the drawing room with a phone in her hand and an equally worried Cabir sitting in the sofa.

Oh dear! It's going to be a long night.

Nandini's P.O.V. ENDS.

And just like that two people could share an intimacy.

Without telling much or sharing much you end up giving them a chunk of your life.

This is how destiny works.

Someone said this very accurately,

"Destiny works in mysterious ways".

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love,

Div.

Published on: 03-05-2020.

Word count: 7201.

Source for images: google.