The Rake

Chapter Six

Nandini reached the infirmary in around 10 minutes and moved to the receptionist "Yes ma'am, how may I help you?"

"M..Manik Malhotra!" She said out aloud to which the reception flashed a smile much to the annoyance of Nandini who rolled her eyes, not in a position to smile back.

"Can we know about your relationship with him?" She said to which Nandini quickly thought of something and answered "F..Friend, I am his friend!"

"I am sorry ma'am, a list of his friends' name is with us..And all are present inside the cabin, can you just brief a little?"

WHAT? A LIST OF VISITORS!!

She bit her lips, having literally forgotten about calling Navya or any other closed her eyes, breathed a little "Gi..Girlfriend!"

"Ma'am, shall I inform Mr. Raj M..!" The receptionist took out the telephone "NO!!"

"Our relationship is a private one..so!" The receptionist got fooled and she showed her the way "Straight then right ma'am, 17 Room No.!" Nandini thanked her bad went through the passage way to get witnessed by a huge crew of bodyguards covering up the gate.

"Nandini?" Nandini looked behind and found his friends and parents looking at her. She looked at Navya who blinked her eyes "Aunty, she's here to meet Manik!"

Divya stood up and went to her while Nandini stood there gulping her saliva, in utmost fear.

"I am sorry beta! I know what he did to you..And trust me, we won't leave him this time..He's turning into a monster!" Divya's eyes were full of guilt as she held Nandini's eyes. (Trans- I am sorry beta! I know what he did to you..And trust me, we won't leave him this time, he has become quite rude!")

Nandini looked at her and smiled "Aunty its fine! Amms has told me about you..And about Manik to-!" Nandini looked through the glass door to find Manik resting on the bed.

"Amms?" Divya looked at Nandini who bit her lips "Woh I think you don't remember me..Krishnakala Murthy is my Amms!"

"Raj!! She's Nandini...Oh my god!" Divya's guilt changed into utmost happiness as she glowed eyeing Nandini in front of her.

"Oh my! Nandini!" Raj stood up and walked to her while Nandini smiled and touched their feet.

"She hasn't changed a bit!" Divya caressed her hairs making Nandini blush "But Manik! He has become a monster"

"Aunty! It's fine..Maybe he has got some problem!" And trust me, as soon as Nandini spoke her side all eyes were at her. How damn selfless was she!

Divya hid her smile when doctor interrupted them "You can meet with him!"

Nandini turned back and Navya held her hands "I think Nandu you should go first!"

"Lekin Aunty..Uncle?"All his friends and parents nodded "It's okay beta! You go!"

Nandini nodded and went inside only to see Manik drinking soup.

"Nan-" And the soup fell on his dress. Nandini rolled her eyes, controlling her anger, clutching her fist "See Manik! It takes a lot of courage to see your parents getting disrespected in front of your eyes! And I think you will never feel the pain..You have got a heart of stone and I don't want you to think Mr. Manik Malhotra that I am okay with your behavior! It's just that you need to control your anger because-" she stumbled with eyes full of tears and agony.

"Because I don't want to feel guilty! You weren't a monster Manik but you have become so!! And please! Stay away from me...Please do!"

"Nandini!" He whispered as a few years trickled down his cheeks too, without him knowing the reason.

"No Manik!! I can't see anyone getting bullied and that's why I just saved him..And main tumhe dean ke office le gayi (Trans- And I took you to the dean's office!)! I never wanted my parents to come in mid! But you brought them! I hope we can be Okay after this, because I can't cross path with you again and get myself broken..Take care!" And she wiped her tears and went away from the cabin while Manik, for the first time after the Soha incident had cried.

All this was witnessed by Divya, Raj and Cabir who noticed how firmly Nandini affected Manik.

Soon everyone deported to their homes along with Manik with his parents. He without acknowledging or eating anything went upstairs to his room while Divya held Raj back.

"What happened Divya?" He asked as she pulled him near the kitchen cabinet, encircling her arms around his neck. (Trans- What happened Divya?)

"Raj, I think we should get someone for Manik!" She whispered as he caressed her hairs.

"But baby, he's still so young!" Raj pointed out to which she nodded "But Raj! He needs love! Tumhe yaad hai na (You remember right) how short temper you were..Phir (Then) I came and you changed...So maybe!"

"That I know lucky charm! And I truly thank Waahe guru for that! But Manik isn't only short tempered but heartbroken too!"

"Exactly!! He's heartbroken and his heart needs to be mended in a special way which we can't! And I don't think he will fall in love with someone on his own..So we have to get him hitched only!" Divya reasoned as Raj pecked her cheeks.

"But jaan! He's very young to get married!" Divya sighed "At least we can get him engaged!"

"Okay Okay! But we have to search an angel too for that..!"

"Well, I have got Nand--Nandini in my mind!" Divya looked at him from the peek of her eyes and she sighed witnessing what she was actually expecting- HIS WIDE SHOCKED FACE.