Chapter 21 - Manik's secret out

                                    

                                          
Manik and Nandini arrive at her house. Nandini gets out of the car and waves goodbye to Manik. He smiles and drives home.
Once inside, Nandini quietly goes to her room. Meanwhile, Manik sits on his bed, deep in thought about her.
Manik's POV:
Tomorrow is the day—yes, tomorrow, when I will propose to you in front of everyone. Tomorrow marks a new beginning for us! I have hidden the truth about myself for so long; it’s time for the love story of the monster and the angel to begin. From tomorrow, our lives will be full of roses.
Manik switches off the lamp and falls asleep.
On the other side, Nandini lies on her bed, holding her pillow and blushing as she thinks about her moments with Manik. She eventually drifts off, still dreaming of him.
The Next Day
Nandini arrives at college and is dragged into a corner by none other than Manik Malhotra.
Nandini: Manik, what are you doing? Are you mad? Someone will see us.
Manik: I’ll let you go, but on one condition.
Nandini: What?
Manik: Close your eyes.
Nandini: Manik, but—
Manik: Just close your eyes.
Manik holds her hand and ties a bracelet around her wrist, kissing it gently. Nandini slowly opens her eyes and sees the bracelet. It depicts a monster hugging an angel. She gets emotional and tightly hugs Manik, who embraces her back.
Nandini breaks the hug, and a tear falls from her eye.
Manik: Hey, why are you crying? Please don’t cry!
Manik softly wipes her tears, looks at her emotionally, and says, "I can’t see tears in your eyes. I can tolerate anything. You can fight with me, get angry, scold me, but please don’t cry!"
Nandini: Can I please hug you? I’m not feeling good.
Manik: You don’t have to ask. Just hug me.
Manik takes Nandini in his arms and holds her tightly. She finds peace in his embrace.
MANIK'S POV:
Nandini, thank you for coming into my life and turning this monster, this bad boy, this cruel person into a good person. You changed me. I’m so grateful to you for coming into my life. I can’t afford to lose you now. Please stay with me forever.
NANDINI'S POV:
Manik, thank you for healing me. You are my savior. When I had no one, you came into my life and healed me from my trauma. I thought you were a bad person, cruel, but you came out of nowhere and gave me the love and affection I was craving. You took me out of my dark world. Thank you for being the light in my life.
MANIK AND NANDINI'S POV TOGETHER:
Until the stars shine and the moon rises, Manan humesha and forever!
Manik and Nandini break the hug and look at each other lovingly. Manik kisses Nandini on the forehead.