The Nerd and The Brat (Sequel) ✔

Chapter - 13

Hello Fam :)

Warning: - Before you try to throw eggs or tomatoes at me, I swear it's not my fault. Manik has become his own person right now and he doesn't listen to anyone including the writer. :P

I might have or haven't mentioned about him but some of the things Manik does are so infuriating that you feel like strangling him. It doesn't make sense until he explains his reason and logic and once he does, you can't really argue with him. He has a warped sense of righteousness always but whatever it is, no one can beat our boy in his logic. Kindly, have patience with him. :)

Happy Reading...

After their initial talk, Nandini was surprised at how easily it was to approach Nyonika. Most of the time, they only sit together and do their own work but it made Nandini feel less alone. Nyonika was good at reading people too, which was a huge plus. Whenever she used to slip into her own head, the older woman called her softly, offered her coffee breaks, or just simply asked her opinion. She never asked her a question about what she was thinking, saving a huge embarrassment for Nandini. Unknowing to both of them, Nyonika Malhotra was filling a very huge gap in Nandini's life.

"Aren't you two the new best buddies in town?"

It was a busy week for the Malhotra twins. They were hardly home, and when they did, they were almost always tired. Hence, Nandini was surprised when Cabir pointed out the growing bond between Nyonika and her. He was hardly smiling and she didn't know if he was against it or not. Whatever might be the reason, she didn't have an answer to that and chose to stay quiet. Nyonika was out to meet one of her friends and was staying for the night.

It was later in their room, Manik tapped her head playfully. "You are overthinking. Cabir isn't mad, just tired."

"I didn't say anything", she pointed out.

Manik chuckled. "Your smile dropped after he asked that question. Seriously, we are happy that you are getting together so well. Two of the most important women in our lives. He might be surprised but that's it."

Nandini felt her cheeks burning. She was important? To Manik? "You don't seem too surprised", she asked, instead.

Manik rolled his eyes. "You two are predictable and too similar. She picked up herself and the company after dad and you did almost the same after your grandfather. She stands up in front of the world and you had never let your parents dictate your life, external drugs aside. She terrifies people in the company, you in college. You both would lay down your lives for the people you love. It really isn't surprising that you would get along once you get to know each other."

"Did that come from one of your books?", she muttered. Where did Manik get his observation skills from? How could he read her like she never knew herself?

Instead of answering her, Manik gave her a shy smile and went to lay down on his recliner. It was after a very long time and when Nandini thought he had drifted to sleep, she heard him in the quiet of the night. "It wasn't surprising but there were many things that could have gone wrong. I am glad you are getting along. It would have been hell to take sides when both of you are closest to my heart."

In the solitude of the dark, it was the only thing that somehow got stuck inside her head. Suddenly, she saw the boy who loved his mother way too much to question any decision of hers, however absurd it was. She hadn't really believed herself but now when she was the primary witness of how protective Nyonika was of Manik, Nandini couldn't help but wonder the reason that made her keep the boy away from her.

XXX

By the end of the week, Nandini was seriously worried about the health condition of the two Malhotra men. The past two weeks, she hardly saw them for more than a few minutes at a stretch and by the time they are home, either it would be too late that she would have gone to sleep after waiting for them or they would be too tired to utter a word. Hence, on Friday, considering it as an almost weekend, Nandini took the liberty to check on the boys at the Malhotra office. Given, they stayed at the office the previous night, she thought her worry was genuine.