Obscured Glimmer

4. The Clingy One

NANDINI : 2 : 00 PM

Clutching tightly to my purse; I rushed towards the exit of the extremely lavish food court of 'Sea Lagoon Beach Resort'.

I heard him calling my name while running behind me.

Only if I knew that I would meet him here, then I would have never ever been in 3 kilometer radius of this place.

Could I give him restraining orders ?

I wasn't able to believe he was just the same. I wanted a permanent solution for the predicaments he used to create.

I once again heard him saying ,''Nandini!"

Fastening my speed; I slid through the shiny glass door to enter a lobby which led to the lift. But he caught my hand in the middle of my way increasing my misery. My eyes were only searching for one savior and then I saw him, Manik.

Freeing myself from his hold, putting up the most flirtatious smile I ran towards Manik and said,"Manik!"

Manik looked at me narrowing his eyes. Looking intensely into his golden brown orbs; I took his hand in my one entwining our fingers.

"What are you-", he tried to oppose my actions.

Before Manik could say anything further, I pinched him with my other hand and he shouted, "Crazy woman."

"I know. Oh. Sorry Venkatesh. Hello.", I smiled devilishly.

Venkatesh came near me and Manik.

As he stood in front of us, looking at Manik I said,"Elli iddavu nivu ? (Where were you ?)" { Kannada language.}

Manik just looked at me without saying a single word.

Venkatesh said, "Nandini, Dayavittu, Kelu ge nanage.(Please, listen to me) Kevala ondu avakasa.(Just one chance.)"

And he came up with the same statement he had always said. I was so sick of it. He used to ask me for 'just one chance' when we were in school, high school, he still asked where ever we met.

Actually, venkatesh had been my neighbour in Mangalore since childhood.

He had a HUGE crush on me.

God! Why did he never understand?

Being determined to get rid of him, I started acting on the plan my mind had framed at that very moment.

"Nanu agittu nodalaguttide gagi nivu nanna premam(I was looking for you my love).", I glanced at Manik with affection.

"Premam?! Nandini, Nanu pratijne madi- (Love?! Nandini , I swear-)", Venkatesh widened his eyes in bewilderment.

"Venkatesh, Avanau ide pati Manik. (He is my husband Manik).", interjecting him in the middle by raising my palm I introduced Manik to him.

"Pati?!", Venkatesh muttered being shocked.

"Haudu pati(Yes husband). Navu ive illi gagi Madhuchandra. (We are here for honeymoon).", I stared at the floor faking shyness.

Venkatesh just looked at me, Manik and our entwined fingers. The look on his face screamed my victory and I enjoyed doing victory dance in my mind!

Bidding a bye to Venkatesh, I walked towards the lift holding Manik's hand.

The moment the lift's door closed Manik started laughing like a Maniac.

Rolling my eyes I asked, "What's so funny?"

Moving closer to me swiftly Manik trapped me in between him and wall of the lift.