The Star To My Dark World

CHAP 18 : MANIK PROPOSES TO NANDANI, FOR MARRIAGE

At night, Nandani was sleeping on the bed while Manik was sleeping on the couch. Manik didn't want Nandani to feel uncomfortable or uneasy in any way. Manik's sleep got disturbed on hearing Nandani's cries. Manik woke up and found Nandani crying in her sleep and was yelling for help,"Please don't touch me, please don't come closer to me. Manik please help, Cabir bro, Abhimanyu ,Navya please someone save me"

Manik ran towards her and took her in his embrace. He lightly tapped her cheeks and told, "Nandani Star, get up look your Manik is here"

Nandani opened her eyes and was a bit relaxed to see Manik. She hugged her and cried, "Manik, he touched me..". Manik kissed her forehead and consoled her, "Star, I am there. Relax and sleep". Nandani hugged him tightly and slept sobbing. Manik also slept hugging her.

The next morning Manik woke up and found Nandani sleeping with dried tear marks on her cheeks. He kissed her tear stained cheeks, and laid her head on the pillow carefully, assuring that her sleep doesn't get disturbed. He freshened himself up and went downstairs. 

Everyone greeted him a good morning, while he just hummed and sat on the sofa away from everyone.. Cabir came towards him and asked, "What's the matter buddy. Is everything okay?"

Manik nodded in negative. Cabir pulled a chair and sat in front of him and asked, "What happened?"

Manik narrated to him everything about Nandani's nightmare the previous night. Cabir listened to him patiently and than suggested, "Manik, try to get her out of the trauma. Make her forget all touches of Harshad". Manik nodded in an affirmative and thanked him. He called out to his servant Lucifer and he came.

"Sir, you called for me", asked Lucifer.

"Yes Lucifer, Please make some arrangements for fairy-lights, rose petal, & balloons ", said Manik.

"Okay sir, I will get it soon", replied Lucifer and left to get those things.

Manik went back to the room and found Nandani sleeping till than. In an hour, Lucifer came with all those stuffs Manik asked for. Manik thanked him and Lucifer took a leave. Manik started to decorate the entire room , while Nandani was in a deep slumber. Manik waited patiently for her to wake up.

In some time, Nandani woke up and was stunned to see the entire room decorated with petals, balloons and fairy-lights. Manik came from behind and Nandani got scared by feeling his breath on her neck. She turned back and found Manik and sighed in relief. 

"These decorations?", she asked hesitantly.

"Its done by me!", replied Manik. Nandani looked at him for a couple of seconds and than looked away. She went to freshen up. She stood in the shower recollecting Harshad's touch. Her eyes were wet with tears. After taking a shower she wore a kurti and jeans and came out of the bathroom. Manik made arrangements for her breakfast. "I am not feeling hungry", Nandani said.

"Star just have these oats and juice ", said Manik. Nandani nodded negatively. Manik made her sit on the bed and told, "Please star, just a few bites"

Nandani quietly had a few bites of oats porridge and gulped juice with medicines. Manik than knelt in front of her and told, "I am sorry star, I couldn't save you when that bastard touched you with his filthy hands."Tears brimmed in Nandani's eye , she looked downwards and started to fidget with her fingers. Manik held her hands and asked, "Nandani will you marry me?"Nandani was shocked with his sudden question. She looked towards him and saw love and guilt in his eyes. Nandani nodded in a yes and hugged him tightly. She cried her heart out and Manik hugged her back tightly. Manik lay on the bed while Nandani rested her head on his chest. Manik told, "I promise star, I will protect you always. I won't let anyone touch you. I won't make you regret on your decision, of saying a yes to me ever."In the afternoon Manik and Nandani went downstairs for lunch. Everyone were happy to see Nandani. They went to the dining table, Manik pulled a chair for Nandani like a gentlemen and they sat for lunch.While they were having their food Manik announced, "I and Nandani are getting married"Everyone were surprised and happy at the same time, to hear him while Cabir's food got choked.He drank water and asked, "You and Nandani are getting married?" "Any problem Cabir?", asked Manik. Cabir nodded in a negative while Navya said, "Yes of-course,  Nandani's marriage won't be in a simple way. It should be celebration on a grand scale". "Yes I agree with you Navya", said Mukti. "Okay guys first lets have lunch and then we shall decide what functions will be kept", said Manik. After their lunch they all settled in the living room. Zoya said, "See first we shall have an engagement ceremony, and then an engagement party" . "Than a bachelor and hen party", added Alya."And then Sangeet, Haldi and Mehendi ceremony", said Mukti."Than comes marriage and reception", Navya said. "And than honeymoon", said Manik excitedly

"Manik control your excitement", Cabir said pulling his legs.

"Guys I shall be calling my parents too. I shall introduce them to Mukti also", said Abhimnayu while Mukti blushed."

"Its a girl.. Its a girl", said Cabir."What?", asked Mukti confusingly."Mukti you blushed, which means you are a girl.", said Cabir laughing."Very funny Cabir. Was it even a joke because I didn't feel like laughing?", said Mukti gritting her teeth.