MANIK ~
I walked downstairs after changing into my own clothes. Nandini was pacing around near the window, talking to someone on the phone. Talking seems a little inappropriate. She was yelling; and by her tone, it wasn’t hard to guess that she was pretty much pissed off.
I plopped down on the couch, fiddling with my phone.
“You never understand. I’m not coming to your stupid parties. Bye.” She said and hung up. It was evident, whom she was talking to. It had to be Madhyam Singhania.
“What’s up, angry bird?” I asked. I knew, Nandini was not the person to get upset so quickly. She barely even raised her voice at people. But when she did, it was hard to save oneself.
“Yes.” She muttered angrily, crossing her arms across her chest.
“C’mon, you can tell me. I’m sure I can keep up.” I said. She sighed and took a seat beside me on the couch. Our legs touched. So did our arms. It sent chills down my body. Yet, I ignored the feeling.
“Its Maddy. He wants me to attend some silly party of his. These parties never end! I don’t even know any of his friends.” She complained.
“I thought you liked to party?” I questioned. She shot me a glare, which told me that I was interrupting.
“Why are you cutting me off?” She asked. I pretended to lock my lips and three the invisible key over my shoulder. She continued.
“According to him, I should be a part of everything he does. Including his wild parties which majority of the times, include people I don’t know. Its not like I don’t accompany him. I do as much as I can. But its never enough for him. He just doesn’t understand. Every time I try to explain, he thinks I’m arguing. Every conversation goes from I love you to I don’t think its working anymore.” She said.
I sighed. “Look, its simple. Don’t go if you aren’t comfortable. You have your own life. Make your own decisions. ” I said.
“He’ll be upset if I stay back. I don’t want another drama coming up.”
“If that’s what you think, then go. Give him company. ” I said.
“You’re confusing me, Manik! Give a sensible solution.” She said.
“There is only one solution – do what your heart says. Don’t depend on him or anyone else for your happiness. Try and learn to make your own decisions. Its your life in the end.” I said.
She sighed and rubbed her face with her hands. She stared into the blank space like there was something really interesting going on on that wall.
“I should leave now. See you later.” I said, getting up. Nandini didn’t even bother to look at me for once. This girl really confused me sometimes. One moment, she is cracking jokes. The other, she is sulking on her couch.
“What is going on in that stupid head of yours?” I asked. I couldn’t leave her like that.
“I’m debating, okay? Don’t disturb.” She said. I chuckled, knowing that she wasn’t sulking after all. As I was about to leave, she caught a hold of my hand.
“Where are you going?” She asked.
“Home? I got stuff to do.” I replied. She rolled her eyes and let go off my hand. Something was really bugging her. I didn’t know what. I chose to take a seat again.
“What’s bugging you?” I asked.
“Go do your stuff, yaar. I’m not in the mood to talk right now.” She whined. I sighed and placed my hand on hers. It was a bold move from my side. Yet, I didn’t hesitate before taking it.
Surprisingly, she held me back. Our fingers locked together. Her hand was tiny compared to mine. But nevertheless, we fit like two perfect puzzle pieces. I nuzzled my face into her hair. It smelled like strawberries. Her palm rested on my cheek, gently caressing it. We didn’t even realize, that we were heading towards something that was going to change everything all over again.
She shifted in her place and turned to face me. Her hand was now ruffling my hair. Our foreheads touched and I could feel her hitched breaths. I knew where all of this was heading to. An image of Maddy flashed in my mind, before the either of us to make a move.
“Nandini, what are you -” I was cut off by her lips against mine. She didn’t let me talk. I was stunned for a moment. I noticed a lone tear rolling down her face and wiped it off quickly. I couldn’t hold back. She was like a magnet, pulling me towards her.
I gave in, closing my eyes and kissed her back. Our lips moved in a perfect synchronization. The taste of her strawberry chap stick mingled with that of the caffeine. It made my taste buds go numb. My hands were entangled in her long locks. Her hands gripped the collar of my shirt, pulling me more towards her. Soon, a soft peck on the lips had turned into something much more. I craved for her.
She pushed me back on the couch and got on top of me. Her lips didn’t leave mine even for a moment. Her hair carelessly fell on my face. I tucked it behind her ear. My hands travelled down her back as I held her in place. She was then kissing me everywhere. It was as if we were making up for those two years. It only made me realize how much I had missed this girl.
It was a heavenly moment for me. But not all good moments last long. We were soon interrupted by someone’s phone ringing on the couch. Nandini startled and moved back. I realized, that it was my phone ringing. Before I could answer, the call had been disconnected. Nandini was sitting beside me. The both of us were panting like we had just ran a marathon.
“I should go.” I said. More like concluded.
“Yeah.” She nodded.
I knew, things were about to get damn awkward between the two of us. She didn’t come to see me off at the door. I just left as soon as I could. Only one person came into my mind as I drove away.
Maddy. . .
***
I hope you liked the chapter! And sorry if you didn’t. ?