Manan : Short Stories. - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Nandini stared at Manik's stern yet tired eyes to find any hope but she found none. He wouldn't stop her from going. So then she made a last attempt to give him a hint to stop her.
" Manik I am leaving Mumbai. Now that I am out of space it's of no use to stay here. ", Nandini was constantly staring at Manik's face.
For a split second, Manik's expression changed but then he returned to his stern face. " It's your life.. Do whatever you want. You wanna stay.. You stay. If not then go. ",Manik was quiet rude and it did hurt Nandini.
And now it was confirm that it was over between them. He had no effect of her words.
Nandini gave a small fake smile, " Okay then.. Bye. Take care of yourself. " He just hummed not having the strength to even say a bye to her. She deserved it. She deserves not only a bye but a tight hug from him for changing his life for good. He can never be the insensitive Monster Manik again because of her. But he stayed silent or say no words escaped his mouth fearing his voice would reflect his inner turmoil.
Manik turned to Nandini when he knew she was going.. going far away from him. Suddenly Nandini turned and said "Manik... " And Manik was quick enough to look at her. " I ....... ", After 'I' she took a long pause not knowing what to say. Should she let him know her feelings or something else which would fill the gaps.. She looked in his eyes and said "I..... Nothing" And ran from there not able to control her tears.
For Manik, the unsaid incomplete sentence was difficult to unfold. Was she going to confess her love to him before she goes or something else. He knew that she loved him because he loved her infact loves her a lot. Both were madly in love with each other was a fact but they never confessed.
Manik was having a urg to go and ask Niyonika to cancel her expulsion but he kept standing there. Automatically his eyes filled with tears knowing that Nandini is going away from him. He was closely attached to her.. He didn't know how his life would be without Nandini.. Next day when he comes, he won't see her sitting with Navya having her filter coffee. There would be no one playing Veena in the Music room. This gave him an altogether different feeling inside his heart.
In Niyonika office
Nandini was here to take her transfer certificate from Niyonika. "You don't have to worry..I have given good remakes in the certificate. You are good to be in Mangalore Space ". Nandini said with a stern face," Thanks Mam for everything. " Saying this she was moving out of Niyonika's office but collided with Manik who was about to get inside the office in rush.
Both were completely lost in each other's eyes. Manik's eyes reflected anger, sadness, pain and the slight tint of his hidden love while Nandini eyes showed nothing but guilt and clearly reflected her love and pain. It was the last time Manik will be holding Nandini in his arms. This thought gave him an unknown pain in his heart. How he wished to keep her in his arms forever but.... he was helpless.. helpless in front on his own ethics. Till now he hadn't spared any person who broke his trust.. Neither Niyonika nor Alya. And Nandini did the same. If he forgives her then it will be injustice with others. So with a heavy heart he had to subside his feelings for her.
For Nandini, she knew her mistake had ruined it all. The True love she had imagined with Manik was shattered with her lack of trust on him. She knew she was responsible and she was ready to bear the consequences too. It was difficult to let go the place which hold many memories with her..difficult to let go off her Manik who was not hers now. But she was ready to bear this because according to her she did a sin by breaking Manik's heart knowing that it was already broken but lots of people.. Leave others his own mother.
While they were busy in their own thoughts diving into each other's eyes for one last time.. "If your so call PDA is over guys then Nandini you may leave. And Manik what are you hear for? " Niyonika was getting annoyed with their closeness. This brought both of them out of their thoughts. Manik carefully made her stand and left her hand. Nandini on the other hand closed her fist trying to preserve this feeling for the very last time. Giving one look to him she left wiping the tears which were threatening to fall.
Manik looked at the side where she left and then turned to Niyonika.. "Get her back. Stop her from leaving this college. She has no fault of hers and this is not even a reason for expelling her. It's my personal matter.. don't you dare to get involved in this... Okay? " Manik finally said when he saw her leaving.
Niyonika gave a dry laugh.. "Manik.. Who are you to order me? This is my college and you are nothing but a mere student. Coming to her expulsion then it's my decision and you can't oppose it. And I still don't believe you want to keep her in this college. I don't understand what magic spell she has casted that you changed this much. Don't you remember you don't forgive? ", Niyonika thought that she was hitting thr perfect cord...
But.. " I remember Niyonika. I know I don't forgive anyone and I am not forgiving Nandini too. But that doesn't mean I will let you destroy her career. She deserves this college. Whatever we had is over now but this shouldn't affect her career or talent. ", Manik said ignoring his own heart which yearned to keep Nandini to himself.
" Aww.. So cute. Manik Malhotra is concerned for a mere girl's career. But don't worry I didn't destroy her career. She is transfered and not expelled. ", Niyonika was herself shock seeing such a changed Manik.
" But Mumbai's branch is the best and you are transferring her from the best. And I don't accept it. I want her here in this college by hook or by crook. ", Manik was adamant.
" Not happening Manik. You may leave. ", Niyonika said getting back to her work.
" Okay then.. The last option will be deal. Keep Nandini and I will do anything for you. ", Manik was ready to do anything to stop Nandini.
" Wow.. I never knew Nandini had the same place as your friends have. If this is what you want then okay. But you have to get signatures of your Dad on this papers. I am ready for it because they are really important and I need them. If your dad disagrees then it's your responsibility to make him agree. ", Niyonika agreed to his condition because she wanted those signatures anyhow and Nandini was not a big issue now. As Manik still hates her.
Before Manik could say something.. "No I don't want this.", Nandini said entering the office.
Both Manik and Niyonika were stunned and confused with her sudden presence. " I am sorry to intrupt you both and eavesdrop your conversation but I had to. Mam I don't want you to cancel my transfer. Let it be as it is. ", Nandini said with a firm voice.
" What the hell! ", Manik glared angrily.
" Wow! That's a news. Got afraid of this college.. Why not! After all in this college now you will have to face Manik's hatred. You are scared from him, right? ", Niyonika mocked at Nandini.
" Afraid of Manik? Sorry to burst you bubble Mam but I am capable enough to rectify my own mistakes and bear everything it costs for. I don't run away. I would have been very happy staying in this college bearing all his anger but I don't want to with this give and take business of yours. I don't want Manik to do something for you in return of taking me back in this college."
"Nandini don't interfere between Niyonika and me. I will deal with it. ", Manik was hell bent on keeping Nandini in this college.
" I will interfere because it is related to me. And Manik it's my decision. Now that the transfer certificate is with me, I am no more a student of Space. And if you understand like this then I am no more interested to be in this college. ", Saying this Nandini turned to leave followed by Manik. Niyonika rolled her eyes and continued to work.
Outside the office
Nandini was passing by the Music room when she was suddenly pulled into it. Nandini gasped and was about to shout but was stopped by a hand. She took a keen look at the face and exclaimed, " Manik"
Manik removed his hand from her mouth and gave her a stern glare. "What's the need to intrupt? I was having everything under control. "
"How Manik? By giving yourself to her. This is wrong Manik. ", Nandini tried explaining him.
" Listen, don't try to teach me what I should do and what I shouldn't. And apparently you have lost the right to say our advice me anything. ", Manik said dangerously to her
" Cool then do whatever you want. But atleast not on me. I know I don't have any right on you but that doesn't stop me from correcting you. It's your life Manik.. And by doing her work, you are making your own father helpless in front of his son's love. Niyonika Mam is taking advantage of your dad's love for you. You are hurting him Manik. ", Nandini said calmly to him.
He never thought that way. For him it was just a file to sign for his dad. Nandini always had the best way to calm his mind. " This would be the last time I would be doing this. Next time I wont. ", Manik said as a child says to his mother when he does some mistake.
For a second she found him cute. " If this last time would be something very big then. Manik, Niyonika mam is ready to let go of my transfer for that one signature. It's something serious. And Its okay Manik. Maybe I was never meant to be here.", Nandini said the last line sadly.
"If you were never meant to be here then why were you here? Just to leave people in between. ", Manik had a sudden outburst but then realized what he said.
He looked at her face to find small tear drops flowing because his one sentence made her realise that he doesn't want her to go. Maybe this are happy tears that she still affects him or sad tears that inspite of this she is leaving.
Manik fumbled, "I mean Navya.. She is your best friend.. Dhruv he also considers you as his friend. Atleast for their sake let me deal with Niyonika. ", Manik made an attempt. He knew she is stubborn.
" No Manik not on your cost. I am going and that's final. You can't stop me with anyone's name.", Nandini said with teary eyes.
"If that's what you want. ", Manik said angrily showing her the door with his hand. " Go... No one is stopping you. Forget everything and move on in your life. ", Manik said with angry red eyes.
" I will never forget anything from this college.. No even a single thing. From been ragged.. from being your Spot... from those fights to being your nothing... to being the person in your hatred list. ", Nandini said crying letting her tears fall effortlessly. It was a memory trip for both of their small yet eventful journey. And now Manik couldn't stop his tears to fall down. He had to let her go. His all dreams shattered in a single day. The dreams he had seen with her.
Between their bitter memories layed their sweet, cute and lovely ones. Their small steps towards Love. Their big and small fights.. their romance... their teasings.. jealousy... Everything.
Not able to control her tears Nandini was about to go when she was pulled into a bone crushing hug by Manik. He couldn't control the pain of letting go of her. The memories they made were poking their hearts to confess their feeling. Both needed this hug.
Nandini wrapped her arms around his neck and cried near his heart hearing his heart beat for her. Manik also made no attempts to stop his tears. He let them flow in her arms. His arms were hugging her very tightly.
"I will miss you Manik.... I will miss you.. I promise, you will always be in my prayers... I am sorry I didn't trust you. I broke my promise. I made a huge mistake. I can never forgive myself for this. I am sorry. ", Nandini was crying hysterically in his arms.
Manik's tears flew out more hearing her. The way she praying for him in front of her Aiyyappa was playing in front of him. He broke the hug and cupped her face. " How can I not miss my spot! The girl who promised me to be my shining star.... my luckycharm. I can never forget you Nandini.. Never ever. You changed me... made me a better person. I will miss you my shining star. And you can never be in my hatred list..never", Manik said with teary eyes.
Hearing him addressing her like this made her cry more. She will miss this. Both looked into each other's eyes with tears flowing. Manik in an instant fused his lips with hers taking her into a soulful kiss. The unsaid confessed was expressed by them in this kiss. Both poured all the love they had for each other into it.
Both moved apart still keeping their forehead touched trying to feel each other's presence for the last time. Manik slowing leaned to Nandini's forehead placing a soft kiss there. She closed her eyes feeling him. She slowly started to move away from him. "Bye Manik. ", Saying this Nandini rushed out there.
Manik kept looking at the door from where she left. Seeing the empty door he sank down on the floor crying his heart out palming his face. Cabir who saw Nandini moving out of the room guessed Manik must be there.
As he entered, he was shocked to witness a shattered Manik crying his heart out. "Manik", Cabir sat next to him with a hand on his shoulder. Manik seeing Cabir hugged him tight crying. " Cabir It's over. She left. She left Cabir... I didn't want it to end.. I LOVED HER. I want her back. I need her.."
Cabir was bewildered to see his best
friend like this. He knew the pain of losing your love. It's painful.. very very painful. He remembered the day when R broke up with him. The diwali night... He could see the same thing happening. But this time it was no ones fault. Nandini was ready to bear Manik's anger but she had to leave for Manik. Atleast Manik had Cabir but Nandini.. She had to hide her pain for her family. That's why she cried as much as she can in Manik's arms.
"Manik calm down. You always say ' It's not over till it's over'. If it's your true love it will find it's way back to you", Cabir said rubbing his back.
That day Manik had the taste of real Seperation. Break up may hurt but Seperation kills! He didn't knew if ever he can meet her again.
Though for both this Seperation was hell difficult but for Manik it was worse! Nandini was going in a new college where she had to build her own new world but for Manik.. Same college.. Same canteen.. Same music wing but still without her.. Every place reminded him of her. He never knew he was so much attached to her.
Now where will this Seperation lead to? Will Manik and Nandini find someone else to complete their love life or will destiny play it's games to get them back again...
Let's see what future holds for them..