Manan : Short Stories. - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Manik (digging his nails on her shoulder) - Didn't I tell you to stay away from me? I don't want to talk to a girl who doesn't trust me? Get lost from my life.
Nandini's eyes we're filled with tears of guilt and pain.
Nandini - I am sorry Manik. I won't do it again. I will always trust you. I know you didn't kill Soh...
Manik (Intrupting her ) - Shut up! Your words won't matter to me now. It's over between us. And thanks to Niyonika, she for once did something right by throwing you out of the college. Now get lost.
Nandini ( teary eyes ) - Manik how can you say this? Can you ever live without me? We have made so many memories. Won't you miss....
Manik ( abruptly) - No I won't. Now leave or better I'll leave.
Saying this Manik jerked her and left the library. Nandini collapsed on the floor crying her heart out without caring about the students watching her. And at the same time behind the shelf, Manik was looking at her broker self and tears sprung out of his eyes. Whatever she does, he can never see her in pain. He loves her and this is a fact which cannot be changed. She was correct. He can't live without her. He just can't.
And Manik also knew that whatever Niyonika did with Nandini was wrong. It was injustice. Without any reason she expelled Nandini from the college. It was their personal matter and he didn't want Nandini to suffer. And Niyonika had have enough of her nose in his matters. Not anymore... He will deal Nandini in his own way.
So without wasting an ounce he left to meet Niyonika and there Nandini hugged Cabir and Navya one last time and left to fetch a taxi inspite of Cabir's request to wait for Manik. She didn't want to hurt Manik more by showing her face. She wiped off her tears and glanced at the college gate one last time and all memories flooded in a second. She closed her eyes to trap all of them and turned to the taxi and sat in it giving him the address. But before the taxi could start, a peon of college peeped into the window giving her a letter. She got surprised.
Nandini (tired)- Now what Niyonika mam wants? Isn't she satisfied with my expulsion?
As Nandini opened the letter, she was surprised and on top of that she was happy. Happy that her Manik finally stopped her. So this means there is hope... She was so happy that she ran to the college entrance but then stopped hearing her cell ring. She was about to ignore but her instances told her to pick and she did according.
And once the news she heard got into her brain, tears flew out. She dropped the letter in shock.
Nandini ( lost and wet voice) - Yes I am coming Chachi. .... Ya I have the ticket.
Once Nandini kept the cell, she turned to the driver.
Nandini (wiping her tears) - Driver bhaiya, can you drop me at the airport... Please it's urgent.
Driver nodded . She quickly got in and left to Mangalore. Yes! Her Amms was serious. She got an heart attack. Her condition was critical. That's why Chacha, Chachi and Rishab already left. And Chachi informed Nandini to reach Mangalore in XYZ hospital as soon as possible.
Nandini's POV
Amms, you can't do this.. You can't leave me. I can't lose another important person in my life. Please Amms... Don't do this.....Please.
Pov ends.
Today was really a tough day for her. First Manik and now Amms. She was totally broken. But still gathering the remaining strength in her, she reached Mangalore.
In Fab5 Jam room
Manik was sitting on a chair with his head hung low. Mukti and Alya were shouting at him like he had done some mistake.
Mukti (fuming in anger) - Manik you have become so selfish. You stopped Nandini's expulsion. Damn! Why don't you understand, she was the reason we didn't get out album. She should go. She is not good for Fab5
Cabir (irritated with her stupid anger) - What nonsense Mukti? Are you crazy? You wanted Manik to let Nandini die in that fire. Oh man! Manik could bring more and more albums for us but for him Nandini is only one.
Alya (angry) - What only one Nandini? Ha Cabir.... Did you forget... Manik never forgives anyone. He was in relationship with me for 7 damn years still he broke with me for the same fucking reason. Then why that bitch Nandini is spared?
Manik got agitated with the word 'Bitch' used for Nandini. He stood up angrily and went towards Alya.
Manik ( dangerously)- I never said I will spare her. Yes Alya I broke up with you for the same reason. But no one expelled you. You are still standing here in this bloody room. You are here in this college. And no fucking person has the right to punish Nandini other than me. And why should I destroy her career for my misery.
Mukti (bored expression)- Oh please Manik! As if she won't get admission in other college. She would get in any college.
Manik gave her an expression like' You can't be serious'
Manik - Don't be so dumb Mukti. She was about to get expelled. Do you understand the meaning of word expelled. She would get a permanent spot on her talent and career. A girl expelled from Space. And no college gives admission to an expelled student.
Alya - This are just the reasons. You are just been so partial.
Manik was getting really angry because of the girls accusations. He had a valid point wherein they were the one who were speaking shits. And on top of it, Alya was comparing herself with Nandini. What is their problem!
Manik (hell angry) - Oh just shut up Alya! Stop comparing yourself and her. And if you wanna compare, then let me do the honours. Have you ever come to calm me down when we were in a relationship?.... Never, did you ever went beyond your parties and anniversary?... Never, did you ever consoled me? ... NEVER. But damn! She did all that. NANDINI DID ALL THAT FOR ME.
Cabir - Manik you are getting overboard.
Manik closed his eyes tightly trying to control his anger. He knew he did wrong. He shouldn't have compared both of them. He had hurt Alya. He looked at Alya to see tears in her eyes. He rubbed his forehead trying hard to control his anger. He went near her and hugged her in a comforting and friendly manner. She is his friend and he can't see her hurt.
Manik - I am so sorry Alya.. But you pushed my limits. I never want to compare both of you. In fact all that I said, I never meant it. You are yourself a very beautiful soul. You always gave me my space. Please I am so sorry but understand my POV. I am just so...... I don't even know what to say. My mother has fucked my life. She just can't see me happy. I am sorry. That's all I can say.
Alya nodded. She was his friend first then his ex- girlfriend. And she realised she did a mistake. She broke the hug and said.
Alya - No Manik... It's okay. I am sorry. It was my mistake. Instead of giving you a friendly support I spoke shit. And I know whatever you say in anger is never meant to be taken at heart. So chill.
Manik sighed as she didn't get offended.
Manik - Thanks.. I am blessed to have you in fact you all as my friends. And believe me guys.... Nandini won't be a problem again in our career. And that's my promise.
But little did he knew that promises are made to be broken.
Manik (sighing heavily because of his emotions) - Guys I need some time alone. Will see you tomorrow.
All his friends looked at his condition. He was never like this. He was never tired of anything. But today he was and reason was Nandini. She affected him so much. She must be special, his friends though.
He was just at the door.
Cabir (assuring him) - Manik we are there if you need us. Don't feel yourself alone.
Manik turned and smiled. His friends can never leave him alone.
Manik - I know that.
He left from there and decided to go to his house for rest. He was damn tired with the emotions he was going through. And in all one emotion was troubling him a lot and that was restlessness. He don't know why but he felt that this is just a start and more is yet to come.
As he reached the gate he was about to go to the parking lot when he noticed a earring and a letter laying down. He picked the earring first and immediately guessed that it was Nandini's. And then he picked up the letter which was a little dirty. It was the letter from college cancelling her expulsion.
Manik (in his mind) - Why is this earring and letter laying down? Is everything fine? Is she okay? Should I call her? ......No..She will feel I care for her. Then.....Yes Navya....Let me ask Navya.
He immediately called Navya.
Manik - Navya...
Navya(angrily) - Hume tumse koi baat nahi karni. Khudko friendship ka matlab samjhta hai na toh fir kyu hume humari best friend se door kiya. Aur kuch....
Manik (irritated with her nonstop talks) - Shut up.. Her expulsion is cancelled... Suna tumne.. Vo kahi nahi ja rahi.
Navya ( happily) - Kya! Sacchi.. Tumne kuch....
Manik (irritated) - Oh please! I don't have time for this nonsense of yours. Just tell me where is your friend?
Navya - Vo Nandini na... Vo toh gayi. Apne ghar.
Manik - Okay.
And before she could say something he cut the call.
Manik (still unsure) - Maybe in hurry she dropped al this.
He safely kept the earring in his pocket and threw the letter as it was dirty.
Manik didn't get convinced with his own assumptions. But then he chucked it and left to his house. But maybe this was his mistake. Only if he knew he was needed somewhere... only if he knew destiny was giving him enough signs of the upcoming storms.
In Mangalore
Nandini hastily reached the hospital. And then the moment she stood in front of the ICU, Doctor came out.
Doctor ( to Chacha) - Sorry Mr. Murthy, she is no more.
All were stilled. Nandini exactly knew the meaning of who she was. Her Amms... Her guide.... She left. She too left her..... Left her alone to fight with the upcoming storm.
The one relative present with them in the name of support said.
Relative (taunting Nandini) - This had to happen. Nandini has come na! We use to tell you all she is a curse.
While the other relative nodded giving disgusting looks at Nandini.
Chacha was too shocked to react. He lost his mother. What do you expect more?
Nandini was shocked hearing the relative's words. Again the same thing. This was what she heard when her Amma Appa died. That time too people raised their fingers on her. For eating her own parents and destroying her brother's life. It was her birthday when all that happened and that's why people blamed her. And she too believed.
But her Amms stood head strong for her and shut their mouth. She even explained Nandini that this is wrong. But now... Amms is gone... Now what.
Chachi (crying) - Nandu don't listen to them Beta....
Nandini didn't say anything. She didn't even cry. Nor did she blink her eyes.
Chachi was now pacifying Chacha who was crying hard. Nandini looked her and there. All people were giving her disgusting looks. Her Amms had told her.. " Nandu kanna they all are na Orthodox people. They will keep talking. Don't listen to them. They are bad. " And that time small Nandu nodded, Amms's kanna ignored them but this Nandini couldn't ignore their words.
Nandini ran and ran. She could now join the dotes which actually didn't have any shape. First her parents died, then her brother got panic attacks, Manik's hand was almost gone, Navya become pregnant, Fab5 lost their album, Manik went in jail, and now Amms died .. All this had one thing in common and that was her. She was the reason of all their miseries.
Finally when she realised what she shouldn't she collapsed on the middle of the road and shouted loudly. She cried harder and harder.
Nandini (shouting loudly) - I AM A CURSE.... I AM SORRY.... AMMA.. APPA.. RISHU.. MANIK... NAVYA... AMMS... ALL.. I AM SO SORRY.... I WAS WITH YOU ALL... I AM SO SORRY..
In the mean time she was too numb to react to a car in front of her and boom..
The car hit Nandini with a thud and Nandini collapsed there itself.
In Malhotra mansion.
Manik was having a very disturbed sleep. Sweat beads started to come from his forehead and he woke up suddenly sitting up right shouting "NANDINI". He looked here and there and his heartbeat fastened.
He quickly gulped a glass of water placed on the side table. Not getting satisfied he took the whole jug and emptied on his head.
Manik ( restless) - What was that? Why this suddenly? The car... Nandini.. Blood what was all that? I am not feeling good. I should call her ya...But what will she think? I care for her.... Fuck this ego..
He immediately took his phone and called her to get it unreachable. Getting irritated he threw the cell somewhere at a corner.
Manik - Why isn't she picking my call? Is she fine? Why am I feeling so restless? ....(To himself) Manik you are thinking too much. Calm down.
He just couldn't sleep now so he picked up the guitar when he glanced at the broken lamp she gifted him. Yesterday in anger he broke it. He just couldn't see it. He felt as if it wasn't the broken lamp but the broken her. He took all the parts and started repairing it. Looks funny right... Manik Malhotra repairing a lamp when he can buy 1000 like this or even more. But yes this was nothing but Love.
And till morning he had made it the way it was before. He lit the lamp and layed on the bed staring at the cealing feeling satisfied. Maybe he has to do it again.