NANDINI ~
We are fighting. But we soon make up. Its hard for me to stay away from him now. Every bit of me is craving for his touch, his voice, his lips. We kiss in the rain. He takes me home. We are all alone in the house. I’m in his room, all drenched. So is he. He gently plants a trail of soft kisses down my neck, while taking my shirt off. I unbutton his shirt too. He lays me down on the bed, with him on top. We are craving for each other. We want to be a part of each other for the rest of our lives. Even if we aren’t together in the future. That night, I pull down my guard. I break all the barriers and go ahead to follow my instinct. I sleep with him. . .
I opened my eyes to be blinded by the bright light. A smile automatically creeped up on my face. I wondered whether it was a dream. But my doubts were cleared as I turned over in the bed to look at the most handsome man ever – Manik. My Manik. He was on top of me, shirtless and smiling. I realized, that I wasn’t clothed either. I was wrapped up in a cozy blanket.
“It wasn’t a dream.” He said. I liked the smell of his after shave as he pecked the tip of my nose. I smiled at all the memories of the night before.
“You look so beautiful in the morning.” He said, making me flush red. It is so wrong to make someone blush like that in the morning.
“Thanks…” I said.
“Now you know, last night was the best night of my existence.” He said, planting his lips on mine. I kissed him back for a brief moment and the both of us, got up. I slipped into one of his t-shirts lying nearby.
“How come everything is so silent?” I asked. The only sound was that of the raindrops hitting the window pain. It was slightly drizzling.
“Well, some aunt of mine passed away. So mom has gone to visit them in Gurgaon. She should be back by evening. Aarav is at his friend’s.” Manik said. He was still shirtless. The tattoos went well with his perfectly chiseled body. I clearly remembered his obsession for tattoos as a kid.
“What will you have? Tea? Coffee?” He asked, while fixing his hair in the mirror. I admired him and stared like a creep from the bed.
“I don’t like coffee anymore.” I said. He smiled. A perfect smile, for which, I was willing to trade anything. “I’ve to head home now, actually. Ma and pa might be freaking out.” I groaned.
“No worries. I’ll drop you home.” He said, slipping into his stripped tee. He topped it up with a leather jacket. I nodded.
“Hey, I’m borrowing your t-shirt for a while. Mine is still soaked.” I said.
“Yeah yeah. What’s mine is yours. Take it.” He smiled. I got out of the bed and slipped into my jeans. Fortunately, it had dried.
“I’m gonna head down. Take your time. I’ll be waiting.” Manik said, before planting his lips on mine. I kissed him back. But he didn’t pull away. Instead, he kissed me harder. I smiled into the kiss and finally pulled back.
“Why so eager, Mr. Malhotra?” I asked.
“What do I do, Miss Murthy? You’re too beautiful to resist.” He said. His arms went around my waist, pulling me against him.
“Liar. Which movie did you steal this line from?” I asked.
“Arrey, I’m serious! Its original. I won’t lie. Your lips are just so kissable. And missing your kiss is impossible. Your fingertips so touchable. And your eyes… irresistible…” He said. I placed my palm on his lips before he could continue.
“Really? Guess what? I’m a Directioner too.” I said. He laughed.
“Go now. Wait for me downstairs.” I chuckled. He nodded and planted a kiss on my head before walking out. Once he was gone, I knew, I was in deep trouble. The guy was driving me crazy.
***
Once we were out, Manik locked the house and caught a hold of my hand. It was unusual and a very good feeling. To hold hands like before. I could feel the butterflies in the pit of my stomach. Manik was causing me to blush every time we touched or even looked at each other. It was like reliving the first few days of our relationship all over again.
I expected him to get into his car, but he didn’t. Instead, we walked passed it lead me to his bike. A shining black Kawasaki Ninja bike. There was no way I was going home on that. Neither was he. I backed out immediately.
“We’re not going on that.” I stated.
“What? But why? I bought this one last month. I haven’t yet taken a proper ride. Besides, I wanted to take you with me.” Said Manik. I rolled my eyes.
“No. Try to remember the last time we went on a ride together. I almost lost you, Manik. That day, you promised me, that you would never ride a bike again. Then what is this?” I was annoyed.
He sighed. “I know, baby. But look, it was just an accident, okay? I was a careless teen, back then. I promise, I’ll be careful this time.” He assured. I couldn’t buy it anyway.
“Its not about being careful. Its just – I don’t know. I can’t forget that incident.” I said. I was too restless to even stand in a place. But Manik caught a hold of me, by grabbing me by my shoulders.
“Calm down, Nandini. That was two years ago. We’re gonna be fine. Do you trust me?” He asked.
“I do, but -”
“Then its final. No buts, we’re going on a ride. C’mon.” He cut me off and hopped on the bike. My hands were cold as ice. My whole body was numb as I debated whether to join him or not. I had to. Still unsure, I sat behind him. My arms wrapped around him from the back as I clutched on to him tight.
“You better hold on tight, monkey. You’re gonna have fun.” He said, putting on the helmet.
“I don’t think so.” I muttered, barely above a whisper as he started the engine. I just closed my eyes and buried my face in his shoulder. Soon, we picked up speed, and touched the highway.
I could feel the wind on my face. It was so cold outside due to the sudden shower. I shivered and somehow, dared to open my eyes. The road was empty. The sky was dark. I could feel the fresh air on my face. The smell of wet soil. I was finding myself relaxing. Slowly, I let go off Manik and spread my arms wide open. I felt like a free bird.
It wasn’t as bad and scary as I had assumed. I shook my head and laughed at how silly I was, getting to scared without any reason. Just like he had said, Manik had dropped me outside my house safely. I got down with a smile on my face.
“How was it?” He asked, taking off his helmet.
“Not bad. I had fun.” I said.
“Told ya. You should start listening to me now.” He chuckled.
“Whatever. Go now.” I said and headed inside, when he grabbed my arm and spun me around. He planted a soft peck on my cheek which sent shivers down my spine. I flushed deep red.
“What are you doing? Someone might see us.” I whispered, trying to get out of his grip. But he only pulled me close.
“I don’t care.” He said. I was smiling like a lovestruck teenager.
“There are people out here who know us. You can’t just kiss me like that in public.” I said.
“Oh. Then how should I kiss you?” He asked. The way he bit his bottom lip, turned me on.
“You’re not allowed to kiss me in public.” I smiled.
“Am I allowed to do so in private?” He asked, very innocently. But I knew, he was already imagining scenarios in his little devilish mind. I let out a giggle and nodded
“Manik, please let me go…” I pleaded.
“Tch. No. I want my kiss first.” He said.
“You want it here? In front of everyone?” I asked, amused. Manik was always the kind of person who hated PDA. But that day, he seemed to be very different and charming. He nodded at my question.
“No. Just go, before anyone recognizes you.” I laughed.
“But that’s not fair.” He protested.
“Everything is fair in love. Now go!” I ushered him off. He narrowed his eyes at me and threw a look full of attitude.
“Whatever. Don’t call me later to say how much you miss me.” He huffed, putting his helmet back on. He was so cute when he was angry. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I love you.” I said. He shook his head with a smile.
“I hate you.” He said, before starting the engine and taking a u-turn to his house. As I was about to head inside, I heard him call my name again from a distance.
“Nandini! I love you too!” He yelled, waving. He was looking back at me, and not at the road ahead. I smiled and waved back at him. That’s when I noticed a car speeding in his direction.
“Manik!” I yelled, causing him to look ahead. He was alarmed, but before he could hit the brakes or change the direction, he was hit by the car from the side. A screeching sound filled my ears followed by a loud bang.
It took a while for me to process what had happened. He had met with an accident. He was hit by a car. My heart stopped beating for a split second as I ran across the road to him. A crowd was gathered around him as he laid on the road, lifeless and bleeding.
I pushed the people away and crouched down next to him. I put his head on my lap, trying to wake him up. My heart was racing at an abnormal pace.
“Manik? Baby? Can you hear me? Wake up! Please… Manik ?!” I cried in a horribly cracking voice as I shook him frantically. He wasn’t responding. He just laid unconscious in my arms. I had to get help.
“Call an ambulance! Please… someone…” I pleaded. I was crying a river as someone from the crowd called up an ambulance. Manik was soon rushed to the hospital.
For me, it was like a deja vu. . .
***
I sat on one of those little hospital chairs – waiting for an update on Manik. I couldn’t stop my tears. I was still shivering at the memory of the accident. A male voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Miss?” I looked up to see a doctor.
“How is he?” I asked.
“He’s fine. Just a few bruises here and there. But he has a hairline fracture in his left wrist. He needs to rest for a couple of weeks to be okay. Thankfully he was wearing a helmet, or else, it could have been a serious head injury.” He said.
I heaved a sigh of relief. My pacing heart seemed to calm down a little. Hearing that he was fine, was like giving water to a man lost in desert. I sunk back on the seat.
“He’ll be okay, miss. You can meet him in the evening. He’s still unconscious due to the anesthesia.” The doctor informed and left.
All I could do, was to curse myself. It was all my fault. I was a fool to come back into his life. I was selfish to see nothing beyond my happiness. How could I break my promise and put his life in danger?
I closed my eyes, and went back to the day, when it all happened for the very first time. The day, when I chose to leave him two years ago. . .
———————————————————–
* Flashback *
“Manik, can you go a little slower? You’re touching hundred!” I exclaimed over the howling wind. I knew, he barely heard me.
“But I’m already going slow for you…” He answered in the same tone.
Somehow, he had won a bet with me. Being the loser, I had to go on a bike ride with him. Even when he knew, that bikes and I were not so good together. I was tamed as I sat on the backseat, clutching him like my life depended on it.
“No! Just slow down more…” I said. But alas. The speed increased every minute.
“Okay, baba. I’ll take a u-turn once we touch 120.” He said. I pulled a little away from him to look at the road ahead. It was beautiful. Greenery everywhere. That was the first time, I had dared to look up from his back.
“You looked!” He chuckled and tilted his head a little to meet his eyes with mine.
“Shut up. Just look ahead.” I said, still afraid. Just as he was about to say something, my eyes landed on a car speeding towards us from the opposite direction.
“Watch out!” I exclaimed and squeezed my eyes shut in fear. Within moments, we had skid down the road with a thud.
I could hear no sound. My vision was hazy as I felt the hard and rocky ground beneath me. A sharp killing pain shot through my arm. I had no clue about what was going on. All I knew, was that, we were hit. I tried to get up. But I failed at every attempt. The pain was too much to bare. My eyelids began to drop as I found myself falling into a deep slumber.
***
I woke up to a beeping sound. It was an IV monitor beside me. I gazed at the very unfamiliar surroundings – the white walls, a small window and a little couch across the room. I tried to get up, but I couldn’t. My hand was put up in a cast and I was hooked up to various machines. I was in a hospital.
My eyes landed on my mother, sitting right beside, smiling at me. She had tears in her eyes though. The memory of the accident came back flooding to my mind. I realized, that we were badly hit. The first person that crossed my mind was Manik. Where was he?
“Thank God, you’re okay. How are you feeling, sweety?” Ma asked, scooping me gently in her arms.
“Not so good,” I answered. “Where is he? Where is Manik?” I asked. She just looked too worried. Like she didn’t have an answer to my question. I, on the other hand, was tearing up because of the silence.
“Ma ?! Where is he? Please, I want to meet him…” I cried. I had lost my voice. I sounded horrible. But unfortunately, I didn’t get any answer to my question. I was freaking out. Various inappropriate thoughts crossed my mind –
Was he okay? Where was he? Why is he not with me?
Before I could interrogate any more, the door of the room cracked open, revealing a man in his late 30s’. Along with him, came a nurse. He smiled at me before checking some papers clipped to his writing pad.
“Miss Nandini. Its good to see you awake. How are you feeling?” He asked in a husky voice.
“Not good. Not unless you tell me how my friend is. Where is he?” I demanded to know. Since I had already guessed that this man was the doctor.
“You need to take some rest, young lady. You can meet your friend later.” He said. How was I going to get any rest when I had no clue where and how Manik was?
“To hell with that. I want to know where he is. I want to see him!” I cried. The doctor sighed and looked at my mother, unsure. I swapped hopeful gazes between the both of them. My mother gave him a little nod, approving my request.
“Okay. You can see him.” The doctor sighed. “But he’s still unconscious. If he doesn’t wake up within the next couple of hours, I’m afraid he’ll go into coma.” He added.
My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. I felt dizzy hearing words like coma. I was scared to death. I was escorted outside to the room where Manik was admitted. He was in the ICU. His mother, who paced in the corridor, hugged me tight. She too, was in tears.
“Do you need me inside?” Ma asked. I shook my head. I wanted to do it alone. I wanted some moments with him… alone. I opened the door and walked in.
There he was. Lying on the cold bed, unconscious and lifeless. He had a leg in the cast and a bandaid on his head. He always looked so peaceful when he slept. But that day, he looked lifeless and pale. I took a seat beside him. I couldn’t hold back anymore as I clutched his hand.
“Please wake up, jaan. I miss you. I can’t believe what just happened. But I want you back. With me, in my arms, loving me again. Please don’t leave us. Me, Nyonika aunty, all of us are dying to see you awake. Please come back…” I cried. I don’t know whether he could hear me or not, but he was showing no signs of improvement.
“Please, just come back. I know how much you like to surprise people. So why don’t you open those beautiful eyes of yours and surprise us all? Cause outside, they’re all saying… that you won’t be waking up anytime soon. But they’re wrong, right? You’re here. With me…” I cried. At the time, I was ready to trade anything to bring him back to life.
I never believed much in God. But that day, I was helpless. I was no magician to make all his pain go away. All I could do, was pray for him. And thus, I did.
“Please God. Please help me out. I love him. Please save him. I promise – I promise I’ll trade anything for it. I’ll never meet him again. I’ll go away from his life forever. Just give him his life back, and I’ll stay true to my words…”
This was my vow. The vow which held me back. I had my fingers crossed. I was clutching on to him tight. My eyes were still closed shut, as tears rolled down from them. Just then, as if a miracle had taken place, I heard his voice. At first, I shook it off as a hallucination. But then he called my name again.
“Nandini…” Just listening to his voice again, calmed me down. I was relieved. I opened my eyes to be blurred by the tears. He gently wiped them off with his thumb.
“Are you okay?” He asked in a very drowsy voice. I nodded and smiled at him.
“Yes. We are okay.” I assured. His gaze shifted to the plaster in my hand.
“Your hand… is it okay? I’m so sorry, jaan. Its all my fault. I shouldn’t have taken you out. I feel terrible…” He said. He was getting too worked up. I calmed him down.
“No, babu. Its not your fault. Forget the past, okay? You’re fine. You’ll be fine. I promise…” I said, stroking his hair. He sighed and closed his eyes shut.
“I don’t know what to say. I feel terrible. I’m sorry…” He said.
“Shh. Don’t be. Don’t stress out yourself so much. You need rest. I should leave now…” I said. It had already dawned upon me that this was the beginning of the end of our relationship. I had to stay true to my words and let him go. Unwillingly, I untangled my hand from his and rose to my feet.
“You’ll be back, right?” He asked hopefully.
I smiled. “Yes.” I said. . .
———————————————————–
* Present *
My last word was a big fat lie. I didn’t go back to him. I didn’t visit him till he was healed completely. And when I did, it was only to officially break all our ties.
I opened my eyes. I had a blurred vision due to the tears. I knew, that this accident was some kind of warning. It meant, that I couldn’t break my promise again.
I had to stay away from him. I had to confront him and end this once and for all. For the sake of his life. Our lives were connected. If something happened to him, I couldn’t imagine myself living in this world either. . .
***
And that’s why the story is titled Inexplicable Love. ❤
So now since history has repeated itself. Will Nandini also leave Manik. . . again? Or will, Manik do something to make her realize that they are meant to be together, forever humesha? Keep reading to find out guys.
Next day I will update is probably after 13th July. I’ve my unit exam followed by some tests in my coaching institute. So I’ve to work hard and hence, I’m going on a break.
Although I wanna know if you want me to end it in the next chapter itself which I will post today or you guys will wait for me to come and go with a smooth pace. The decision is yours! Will be waiting for your comments. xD
Please lemme know, if you’re bored and want me to end it here.