Thanks for all your support and care.. Guys i am requesting you please do not force me to write long chapters. Its really hard for me also to write the chapters. The day i feel good i am making sure by giving long chapters but can’t i get freedom to decide on the length of the chapters. I am sorry if my words hurt you and i am making you guys angry. It’s just that i am really feeling down and i don’t know. Sorry..
Chapter 26 : Chapter 26
(Manik’s POV) After spending time with Nandini, the following was going to be hectic. With the meetings and everything lined up. In the same week, On Wednesday, I got a call from someone unexpected.
(Manik on phone) “Hello, Manik Malhotra here.”
(Nandini) “You didn’t take the number from me.” A voice complained on the other end.
(Manik) “Nandini! I am in a meeting. Shall I call you back?”
(Nandini) “Fine.”
(Manik’s POV) She grumbled and kept the phone. Somehow, I tried to finish the discussion as fast as possible. I am worse than a high school kid. But I couldn’t call her until lunch break. Then after the meeting I called her up
(Manik) “Hi. Are you busy?”
(Nandini) “No. You still use your old number?”
(Manik) “I have been having this number since school.”
(Nandini) “Really? Its almost impossible for me. I have a number for work and another for home.”
(Manik) “I do have a number for home. That keeps changing. I need to inform less number of people when that is changed.”
(Nandini very sweetly) “Give me your home number then.”
(Manik) “Sure, I will text it later.”
(Manik’s POV) We chatted about Random things, we asked each other about health as well as work. Somehow, the conversation feels like that of lovers. Whenever my ex-girlfriends nagged about my number, I always dumped them, thinking they are getting too clingy but I like this.
(Nandini all of a sudden asked) “Manik, you really want to see Cavya (Cabir + Navya = Cavya) and Payal?”
(Manik) “It would be nice but I know it is not going to happen for some time at least, if not forever. Both husband and wife (Cavya) are adamant and I don’t blame them”
(Nandini) “Um…. I am not able to visit her since I have ER shifts and appointments but both said that they would visit me.”
(Manik) “So?”
(Nandini) “Can you pick Cavya and Payal up when you come over this weekend?”
(Manik’s thoughts) I smiled. She was worried about this. And then he spoke “If they are willing, then I will pick them up.”
(Nandini) “Really? I will call and ask her. Also, my meeting with Jack went great. Thanks for letting me work the whole weekend.”
(Manik’s POV) Saying, she hung up. Why did she have to say how her meeting with Jack went? Well, she didn’t have to feel guilty about my faults. Later, she texted me about the time to pick Cavya . This is going to be tough.
On Friday, I tried to finish work as soon as possible and hurry up to Cavya’s place. She was waiting outside with Payal in a bed basket and Cabir was talking on the phone.
(Navya mockingly to Manik) “Well, well. Don’t you have all the time in the world to be visiting her every weekend being the CEO and President?”
(Manik’s thoughts) Her tone showed dislike. If she disliked me that much, why agree to come with me?
(Manik) “If it pleases you, I was demoted, which you wouldn’t have heard of.”
(Navya) “Really? Uncle never said anything about that. In any case, you are just my driver today.”
(Manik) “Yes, your highness. Tell me if you feel uncomfortable at any point.”
Cabir also joined us as soon as his phone talks were over. He also didn’t look pleased that I was meeting his cousin Nandini every weekend.. Even when Cabir wanted to talk to Manik anything, Navya would not allow him to talk. Cabir was always soft hearted but Navya was always adamant.Throughout the ride, both didn’t say anything, didn’t ask anything. She blared Mozart and Beethoven pieces in the car. I was surprised that Payal didn’t even wake up for the noise for which I almost got a headache. We stopped once for Navya to stretch her legs.
(Manik tried to strike a conversation) “You have put on weight.”.
(Navya) “Tell me something I don’t know.” She glared at me.
(Manik) “No. I mean you look good, healthy. I guess all credit goes to Cabir. He must be taking real good care of you ”
(Manik;’s POV) She didn’t show any reaction and Cabir just smiled to give me an assurance. This is even more difficult than I imagined. When we reached Nandini’s house, Cavya handed me Payal and went to hug Nandini. I was beyond shocked. All this time, Navya wouldn’t even let me have a peek at her, she just gave Payal to me and went. Payal looked tiny, completely cute, wriggling in my arms, pushing her way out of the blanket. She looked more like Navya than Cabir. She twitched trying to find a comfortable position to sleep.
(Cavya) “Nandini! We missed you very much. Payal didn’t even allow us to come and meet you.”
(Nandini) “I am glad you both found a way.”
(Navya spoke) “Yes. With Manik here, I can spend my time without worrying about her.”
(Nandini looking at Cavya and Manik) “With Manik? Are you sure?”
(Navya) “He is very good with babies. He literally took care of Mukti’s kids. Even a Mom can’t look after them like he does. He knows how to take care of pregnant ladies too. But I never expected him to make one pregnant.”
(Cabir) “Adding to what Navya said, why have you agreed to let Manik stay at your place over weekends. You know that none of us like him”(This was the first time he showed anger towards Manik and Nandini was shocked because she knows that Cabir never loses his composure)
(Manik) “I think that is enough from your mouth. Get the luggage in by yourself if you want Payal to be in my hands.”
(Cavya) “Fine.”
(Manik) “What is it with all this baggage, Navya?”
(Navya) “Babies need a lot of things.”
(Manik) “I know that. Just how long do you intend to stay?”
(Navya) “One week.”.
(Manik) “I see. One week. A long time for a woman that doesn’t like to stay away from home. How come Cabir you have taken a week off. You are also a workoholic”
(Navya) “What do you see? You are staying with me as well. Who will look after Payal for me if I go out with Nandini?”
(Cabir) “You have no option Manik and you also know that you cannot deny what Navya has told and about my work, I will leave by end of this weekend so its all the more that you have to stay. You see to protect my wife and kid. You are a bodyguard and a driver that’s why I agreed to let Navya stay here for week.”
(Manik) “Me? On one week leave? Impossible, and Cabir even you know the pressure in the business work. How can you also expect the same” What is she talking about?
(Navya) “Do you have any complaints?”
(Manik) “Starting off, I already used up all my vacation. I cannot take one week off the bat with meetings this week. And I haven’t informed anyone.”
(Navya) “Inform them now.”
(Cabir interrupted) “Take it as a punishment from our side. Remember one thing I have not forgotten what you had done to Nandini and forgiveness from my side is impossible. I had agreed to come with you just for the sake of Nandini”
(Nandini interrupted) “Both you guys please stop being ridiculous.”
(Manik cut Nandini and said) “Fine. Fine. I will tell them now. Navya, You better help me with the figures that I need to report.”
(Cavya in unison) “The Great Manik needs help?”. (Navya is a business consultant for Manik’s company)
(Manik) “Is it something The Genius Navya can’t do and is it something that the business tycoon Cabir cant understand?” I answered back.
(Navya) “Call them now.” She ordered. Payal woke up crying as I was about to make the call.
(Manik) “Navya, take care of her for a second.”
(Navya) “Already making me work.”
(Manik) “I am sure you can handle the small stuff.”
Handing her, I went to make the call. Manik is going to go crazy.
(Manik) “Aryaman, I need a week’s leave.”
(Aryaman) “You are asking for the impossible. You already know that you have already taken your leave.”
(Manik) “Come on. Amuse me. Plus don’t worry anything important i would approve it.” It was obvious that I was testing his limit.
(Aryaman) “Amuse you? Are you joking? Do you know the back log that you created by your unannounced leave for two months before?”
(Manik) “That is why I am telling you now.”
(Aryaman) “So, it means that you are not going to do anything for the whole week?” He was raging mad. Because of Navya, I have to accommodate my younger brother.
(Manik) “No. No. I will do it from here.”
(Aryaman) “You already took a lot of days off even if you have not even used up half your allotted leave.”
(Manik apologetically) “Yes, I know that I already took a lot of days off. Just tolerate me for a few more months. Please?”
(Aryaman) “Sigh. Fine. Do what you want.”
(Manik) “Thanks. I owe you.”
(Aryaman) “You better. See you the Monday after.” He cut the call. Really, what have I become?
(Cavya stood behind me and said) “You have changed.”
(Manik’s POV) Cavya is still hostile towards me. Not that I can do anything about it. It is a rare chance that Nandini has given me. One week to soften Navya up and one weekend to bring back my buddy Cabir. Why do I have only stubborn women around me and why do i have guys who give me what i need but after a tough talking?
(Nandini’s POv) I don’t know why but somehow Cavya accepted to come here with Manik. I have just seen Payal, Navya and Cabir’s girl only once. Getting time to spend with a baby is the best. Payal is absolutely adorable. She doesn’t cry much. She obviously slept most of the time. Cavya and I have been able to talk so many things, go out, just enjoy ourselves while Manik stayed back at the house, looking after Payal. I knew that he would always be at ease because of Navya. But Manik was completely a new person to me while Cavya are here. He took complete care of her, made sure that Navya doesn’t eat anything other than what is supposed to be eaten, she exercises, and whatever has to be done. He takes care of Payal preciously. He didn’t seem to have any problem dealing with her at all. He held her sometimes when she slept and sometimes, he laid against his chest while both slept. When I see her sleeping in his arms, I felt a tinge of pain. I always rejected him but how nice it would be to see him hold our baby, play with him/her. I didn’t think that he would take a week off because of Navya. Maybe Navya will always hold a special place in his heart. I felt jealous. I know their relationship but I couldn’t help it. Cabir had left on Sunday and he again warned Manik to take care of Navya and Payal. He also warned him not to mess with Nandini. I was elated seeing my brother’s care towards me but I also wanted to tell Cabir that he has changed. Cabir had left that day and now it was Navya, Payal, Manik and I at home.
(Manik’s POV) The day Cabir had left, Cabir and I spoke without Navya’s interruptions. We had gone for a long walk. I was elated when he spoke. Though I met Cabir through Navya and we did not know each other earlier, still he was one of my best friends. It was easy to talk to him and i was happy.
{ (Cabir) “I will come straight to the point. Do you really like Nandu?”
(Manik in a very tired and sad tone) “I am tired of people asking me this question. I really am serious about her. I want to gain her trust back, I want to marry her. Is it enough to make you believe that i love her?”
(Cabir) “Then if you love her why did you make her pregnant back then.”
(Manik in shocked tone) “How do you know about her pregnancy?”
(Cabir) “It’s just not me, we all Murthy’s had figured this out. Coz just for heartbreak, Nandu wouldn’t have left us. It does not take time to add 1+1=2.”
(Manik) “I know what I did was unacceptable and i am repenting now. I have to gain all the trust of those people whose heart I broke. More than anyone else I just want to mend the broken trust of Nandini. She is the most important person as of now in my life.”
(Cabir) “I can see that you have become Romeo, in her love. But hopefully it doesn’t turn out to be your another game. If it is again your game then i swear i would destroy you. Even the Malhotras won’t be able to save me from my wrath. I swear to God.”
(Manik) “Give me all the punishment you want Cabir but i promise you that i am damn serious about her and I would not or never leave her. Back then also i never wanted to leave her. I know what i did to her was wrong, but i did not how else do i bind her to me. But she being Nandini, she just left me without fighting back.”
(Manik started crying and still he continued to speak) ” I was guilty, guilty of not able to be with her. I was guilty that i was not able to take care of her during her vulnerable time. I am feeling bad and i have died hundred deaths when i saw her bleeding and when i found out that “OUR” child was no more. I am guilty to put her through all this”
Wiping his own tears, whereas Cabir just stood listening to him as he did not want to interfere.
(Manik) “But i am happy that now she is opening up to me slowly. I am happy that she is giving a little place in her big heart. I am happy that she allows me to stay with her almost every weekend. I am happy that i am able to build her broken trust. I am happy that she is giving me chance to patch up with you guys. Cabit I know you hate me but please for Nandini’s sake can we pretend that we are all good. I do not want her to feel bad when you guys talk to me rudely. Please this y only request to you.”
(Cabir) “Why not tell the same to Navya?”
(Manik) “Because her nature is the same as mine. She will take more time to pacify and i will do that once you leave. I will have more time around her. Don’t think that i am telling you as soft target. I a speaking or talking to you all this because you are leaving today. I do not know if you forgive me or not. But i just want to take away a small burden from my heart. That is why i spoke to you. At least thinking about this conversation will make me a little satisfied that I was able to explain my stand whether you forgive me or not. Please again i am telling not for me but for your sis and my life please pretend to be happy. Please.”
(Cabir) “Why do i need to pretend to be happy?”
(Manik’s POV) I was shocked when he said that he would not pretend, i thought he will do it for Nandini’s happiness. I guess i was wrong. Before i was about to speak, he hugged me. YES Cabir hugged me and i again started to cry. He patted me gently”
(Cabir) “Manik, I forgive you. I can see true love in your eyes for Nandu. I can see that Nandu is happy to see you around. She is letting her guards down just for you Manik. She is ready to hug you inspite of her phobia. I must say when she hugged me i could sense a difference. Probably its all because of you. She is getting normal all thanks to you. I am happy about it. I am glad i am able to see a changed Nandu for the good. I know it’s hard for you to convince Navya but i am happy that she is happy and I know Navya will also be happy very soon.”
(Manik still sobbing) “Thank you so much Cabir. I do not know how to thank you for the forgiveness.”
(Cabir “But never ever break my sister’s heart”
(Manik again hugged Cabir and said) “I Promise”
(Manik’s pov) We walked back home and i felt light. Nandini saw me happy as well she saw my eyes red. I gave her a OK look and told through my eyes that she need not be bothered and that I was fine. And i actually and genuinely was fine. Pouring out to Cabir made my heart felt right and i was happy he gave me chance to be heard.}
Cabir had left and now it was my turn to convince Navya
Precap : Physical fight between Manik and Navya