The Broken Strings : A Manan ff (Chapter 8)

Manik’s P.O.V ~

5:15 pm… f**k, I’m late. I thought. I had to pick up Nandini before heading to Rohit’s place. I was glad that she had agreed to come. Maybe she would get out of her little shell after meeting new people. I thought as I drove to Nandini’s place.
To my surprise, Nandu was already standing outside her house looking beautiful as always. I had no idea how she managed to look this good. She didn’t apply any makeup, she never wore short dresses, she never wore these towering heels, and yet she looked beautiful.
She smiled and hopped inside the car. ” You look beautiful… ” I said and gave her a hug that lasted for a second or two.
” Kuch bhi… ” She said rolling her eyes. I never understood why she felt so bad about herself. I mean c’mon, anybody would think she’s beautiful. I knew there was no point in arguing with her here.
” By the way, I’ve to be back by 10. I’ve told my dad that I’m going to a friend’s place to help her out with studies. I can’t be home late… ” She said.
” No problem. We’ll be back by 10… ” I said and drove off to Cabir’s place.
” How much time more? ” Nisha asked as I played some music. In last ten minutes, this was the third time she had asked me this question. ” Five minutes more, Nandini. ” I said and she sighed. She nervously played with her fingers and looked out at the cars going by. She seemed to be in a deep thought. It was clear… she was nervous. Of what? Meeting some new people…
” So! Nandu, did you get your car back home? ” I asked trying to lighten up her mood, but it only looked like my sudden question startled her.
” Huh? What? Y-yeah… ” She replied and again looked outside. I decided it was best to not say anything that time, and kept driving.

I stopped the car outside Cabir’s building. His flat was on the top floor, which was the 22nd floor. I looked at the watch and realized we were fifteen minutes. Anyway, I knew everyone else was probably going to come an hour later, so I didn’t bother to hurry.
” Chalo, we’re here. ” I said unbuckling my seatbelt. Nandini nodded and got out after me.
As we were walking towards the elevator, I noticed Nandini taking small steps. I stopped and waited for her to catch up with my speed. I don’t know why, but everyone always said that I walk really fast. So fast that sometimes, the person walking along with me gets left far behind. Maybe they were right… but Nandini was walking like a turtle!
” Nandini, we’ve to reach there by today, not tomorrow… ” I said.
” I-I’m sorry, I’m just… nervous… I guess. ” She said.
” You don’t have to be. I’ve told you that before… ” I said.
” But I’m… I… I don’t even know anybody! I feel like a party-crasher… ” She said frowning.
” You know me? That’s enough. You’ll get to know others… ” I said and held her hand. She locked her fingers with mine and held on to my hand tight. I gave her an assuring smile as we stepped into the elevator.

The doors of the elevator opened revealing the familiar huge passage. There were only four apartments on the floor, out of which two were Cabir’s. Nandini still held on to me and stood behind me as I rung the doorbell. I took a glance at her after every five-ten seconds and smiled. I could feel her getting more nervous whenever I smiled at her.
The door opened revealing Cabir with a huge smile on his face. ” Manik! Finally aap ke darshan hue! ” Cabir exclaimed. Before I could reply, his eyes met Nandini.
” Oh and you must be the beautiful Nandini, right? ” He asked. Oh God, can’t he just shut up? I thought. Nandini wasn’t supposed to know that I’ve said such a thing about her to Cabir. I sent Cabir a death glare, and saw his smile turn into a cheeky grin. I rolled my eyes and walked in with Nandini beside me.
” Guys, look who’s here… ” Mukti said getting up and walking towards us.
” Arrey! I thought you won’t come, ” Dhruv said. ” And I also didn’t know that you were getting your girlfriend along with you… ” He added and then looked down where my hand was entwined with Nandini’s.
” Stop it Dhruv. Hi, I’m Mukti. Nice to meet you… ” Mukti said putting out her hand for a handshake.
” Nandini… ” The voice beside me was so soft that I could barely hear her.
” Don’t worry Nandini, we won’t bite… ” Cabir chuckled and Nandini finally laughed. I sighed with a relief and slowly let go off Nandini’s hand. She gave me a worried look, but in return, I only smiled. I wished I could just hold her hand forever, but I didn’t want her to be dependent on me always. I wanted her to be free and independent…
” Where is Abhi? ” I asked plopping down on the sofa.
” He is attending an urgent call. ” Mukti said and turned towards Nandinu who was awkwardly standing in the same spot.
” Arrey Nandinu baitho! ” Mukti said and dragged her towards where I was sitting. Nandini sat beside me as Abhi came into the living area where we sat.
” Hi Manku! ” He greeted, and I regretted coming here for a second. He called me Manku… in front of Nisha. That was so embarrassing!

” Hi Abhi… ” I greeted as Abhi’s eyes travelled to Nandini. I knew what was going to come next. I was going to be teased, and believe me, Abhi was not as serious as he looks. He is serious when it comes to business and his work, but rest of the time, he is a really fun person to be around with. That’s what made him the best boyfriend and a really good human being…
” You’re Nandini, right? Manik’s Nandini? ” He asked looking at Nandini who was biting her lower lip nervously. This girl is seriously turning me on… wait, what? I realized how dirty my mind was getting and immediately stopped those thoughts.
” Uh… Abhi… kya bol raha hai tu… ” I whispered nudging Abhi, and he immediately started laughing.
” I’m sorry, I was kidding… Anyway, nice to meet you Nandini… I’m Abhimanyu, ” He said.
” Nice to meet you too… ” Nandini replied.
Half an hour had passed by very quickly. At first, Nandini was really quiet, while everyone else including me, were talking really loudly. That’s our nature… we Punjabis are like that, and its something we’re proud of! Others were so engrossed in the conversation that they almost forgot Nisha too was present. So I had to keep on dragging Nandini into the conversation every now and then.
I had thought that she would take a lot of time to open up in front of everyone else, but to my surprise, half an hour after we came, Nandini was one of us! She laughed, said stupid jokes and talked continuously. I had already met this Nandini before, and I was glad to see her again…

***

I think it was a little shitty but next ones interesting! Sorry for the late update. Was busy with my school stuff. I hope you understand. Anyway, guys comment and let me know your views. Even tho comments aren’t much I wanna continue it. Just need your support.