Chapter -32
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Writer's POV :

"Why do you guys always freeload on me and my restaurant?" Dhruv asks placing two plates of peri-peri fries on the teapoy as Aryaman and Alia grin shamelessly much to his chagrin.

"And yeah switch off the TV if you aren't watching it Aryaman! Bijli ka bill tera baap barega kya?" Dhruv chides him as Aryaman rolls of the sofa lazily scratching his tummy.

"Ayee! It's not your restaurant it's dadi's restaurant and dadi loves Alya di and Aryaman Bhai more than you so don't you dare call them freeloaders or scold them!" Paridhi, Dhruv's sister exclaims and Alya hi-fives her snickering at Dhruv.

"Paridhi tu inn dono kuttho ko zyada support mat kar nahi toh you will get a 1 rupee chocolate instead of a Titan Raga watch this Rakhshabandhan!" Dhruv warned her snatching the fries from Aryaman.

"Behna, Aryaman bro and Manik bro are there for you na we will buy! So let this ass say whatever he wants to!" Aryaman assures her patting her hair and Paridhi smiles at Dhruv mocking him. Alia starts laughing looking at Dhruv's face and Dhruv empties the plate of fries on her hair.

"Dumbass! I will really really pray that Pubg gets banned Dhruv! And you know what I will make sure dadi will not give you food for days as revenge!" Alya scolds him cleaning her hair and Dhruv's face dims listening to Alya's words.

"Stop fighting like kids and tell me did Manik call any of you guys? He is gonna meet Mukti di na today?" Aryaman asks worriedly slapping their heads and they nod in a no.

"I guess he will call us by evening! Tu itna tension mat le." Dhruv convinces him going through his Google Drive looming for few important documents and Aryaman nods sighing.

"Oh wait! I guess I saved them in Manik's or Aryaman's drive coz mera password was wrong. Let me check in Arya's drive account first." Dhruv murmurs to himself opening Aryaman's account only to find a few unexpected photos in it.

"What the hell! Why the heck does Aryaman have Andy's photos saved in his drive yet. Don't tell me he still loves Andy!" Dhruv exclaimed to himself freaking out and not knowing how to react.

"When Andy left Manik without even giving him a closure, Arya was affected too! He was awful and he didn't talk to Manik for a month or so. I thought he eventually got over her and moved on in his life after finding his girlfriend! If Manik gets to know that Aryaman also loved Andy things will get messy for both of them" Dhruv taught to himself keeping his phone aside.

"Okay, first of all, I should stop overthinking and should confirm that Aryaman is actually over Andy or not. I mean there are chances right that he forgot deleting these photos cause he got busy with dance classes, new relationship and all. Yeah, that's what I should do! Try to get some clues without prying too much." Dhruv lectured himself taking a deep breath.

Manik's POV :

The air around us got awkward quickly and the fact that I and her were uncomfortable was pretty much evident in our body language.

Shit! Why did I even start flirting with her and how in the world did things between us escalate that rapidly. All I can say is that my thinking was fogged and being that close to her made me feel like I was intoxicated. It was as if I was on an absolute high and holding her, breathing in her scent was the only thing that could keep me away from the brink of insanity.

I guess it's her perfume! She smelled like a mixture of caffeine, vanilla and fragile peonies, her scent was one of a kind and so...alluring.

"Want me to ask her which perfume she uses? Maybe we can use the same to be more Alluring?" Monkey Manik playfully asked me and I glared at him.

"Why do you have to be stupid at moments like this too?" I question him gritting my teeth and he chuckles.

"Bro, I am not stupid! Indeed if I and DJ Nandini were in a situation like yours, I would think a thousand times even before caressing her hair! But again I guess you lack self-control when it comes to Chipmunk!" He answers mocking me and I sigh drowning in an ocean of awkwardness.

" Prevention is better than cure bro! So now that you know ki your might be self-control is almost zero in her case it's better if you maintain a distance of 5 feet from her! 5 feet apart!" Monkey Manik suggests me and trust me it's one of the wisest suggestions he can ever give.

Accepting his decision I slowly slide away from her making sure that we at least have a distance of 5 feet.

"Abey Einstein ki naalayak aulaad! The bench is too small so aur move mat kar nahi toh niche girega aur teri bum ko lagegi!" Monkey Manik scolds me and I smile sheepishly at him.

Ok Manik! Now it's your turn to say something. Just say something random and make sure that your voice isn't too high pitched.

Here we go.. 5,4,3

"Manik, tell me what did you feel when Mukti left all of a sudden?" Chipmunk asks facing me and I marvel at how normal her face looks now. Her face was red as traffic light just few seconds ago but now there are no traces of any blush. And even her voice sounds so casual man as if nothing ever happened between us and all we did was roast each other like we normally.

35. Isn't affected by petty things like this.

Was I the only one who was affected so much by the previous encounter?

Well, maybe it was only me. And that's alright what's more crucial now is to apologize for my flirtatious behaviour.

"Chipmunk, I am...am sorry. I should-" I try saying making sure that my voice is calm and clear only to get hindered by her.

"Manik don't, just don't say anything about it. The moment has passed and it meant nothing to any of us. So let it be." She answers confidently without any pauses.

Ouch! That kinda hurts.

"Manik I asked you something, what did you feel when Mukti left?" Chipmunk repeats her question staring at me curiously.

Oh! About what I felt, well like an abandoned house. A house that bestowed warmth and protection on it's people only to be left alone as the memories cracked it's walls and demolished its morale.

And the fear that I will never be enough for someone and never valuable enough that they will stay with me forever. My hunger for food, clothing and shelter was quenched but the hunger for assurance and love it was never quenched.

"Manik it's ok if you don't want to talk about it. I don't want to pry you too much." Chipmunk says calmly and I shake my head in a no.

I have never talked about this vulnerability of mine to anyone and now I wanted to say it out. For once I wanted to talk about my pain and not act like nothing effected me ever.

"After mom's demise, my life took a 180-degree turn. It was as if an onset to all the star crossed events. Dad distanced himself from us, Mukti di ran away and Cabir bhai always involved himself in studies as a coping mechanism. Alia, Dhruv and Aryaman were there for me but even with them, I was anxious that my sadness will drive them away. So I made sure that I will remain as the perfect person always. I avoided confrontations and pushed away my questions so that the bonds I have will remain intact. There were times I wanted to snap and scream but all I felt was too scared to even do that." I narrated as all the times I wanted scream and snap played in my mind.

The time when dad started distancing himself from me and didn't help me solve the homework questions anymore,

The time when I woke up in my bed alone only to find Mukti di gone,

The time when Andy left without any warning and Aryaman stared at me as if I never worked enough to salvage my relationship.

"Manik this might sound bitter, but you can never prevent a person from leaving by forcing yourself to be perfect. You see the bonds we share with people are very similar to the bond soil shares with leaves and roots. Throughout it's life soil provides the leaves with nourishment and nutrients but at one point of time the leaves shed only for new leaves to take their place. Whereas the roots they hold on to soil even at worst situations like drought preventing the soil from becoming lifeless. The same is with people few people hold on to you even at your worst and few they just leave even when nothing is wrong with you. " She explains and I stare at her admiring her beautiful analogy.

"Accha this might be a cliche question to ask but tell me why people step into our lives when few are eventually gonna leave?" I asked scratching my nape and she shrugs as if the answer to my question was the easiest.

"Well, you see when the leaves that are shed fall on the soil they decompose and enrich the soil. Same with people their arrival and departure enriches our life with so many experiences and lessons Manik! It's just that sometimes we are so drowned into the pain that we never notice the lessons they thought us." She tells and I sigh adoring her and her words.

36. Has the best analogies ever.

"Chipmunk tell me something what's with you and plants? Like jab bhi dekho all you either do is talk to your plant babies, nahi to you use them in your analogies, don't tell me you have a weird fetish and fantasies for plants and trees?" I ask smirking at her and she rolls her pinching my hand.

"Ahh! Is it necessary to pinch my hand? You are so violent Chipmunk!" I scold her widening my eyes at the red mark formed on my pale skin and she glares at me.

"Can't you be serious for some time at least? Now listen to me I have some more stuff to say " she says checking my hand to ensure that the mark isn't too deep.

"And you told me that you avoid confrontations and never ask people the questions you wanted to ask just to protect the bond but one thing you aren't realising is that you are hurting yourself the most by doing this. The more pain and sadness you bottle up inside yourself the more baggage you have to deal with. Sometimes the baggage is too heavy that despite the bruises you have you can never move forward to heal yourself. You try to reach out for help but everyone and everything so far away and you are just stuck." She continues and I immediately understand from her tone that whatever she told me about confrontations was from her personal experience.

The fact that Chipmunk was like me at one point of time with the fear of being abandoned leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Actually, she might have the same fear now too the only difference is that I am bold enough to express it whereas she finds her strength by hiding her fears.

I really don't know what's her story but I want to help her! I want her to get over all the uncertainties she has and lead the happiest life possible.

"Manik you understood what I said? If you ever have to confront don't hesitate and just do it ok? Do it for your sake! " She tells me in a soft tone and I nod smiling at her concern for me.

It feels so damn good to see her worry about me and then genuinely answer all my qualms.

"You know it's kinda cute, having you all worried about me!" I say ruffling my hair and checking the time in my cellphone.

"What else can I do! In the name of marriage, I adopted a kid so I should make sure that this kiddo is learning everything properly! " She replies pulling my cheeks and I move my face away from her.

And here I thought she finally stopped referring to me as Kiddo! Mere sapne tut gaye! Pagal Aurat!

"Hawa nikhal gayi phirse? Manik beta, yeh tumse na hopayega just centre fresh khaa le aur muh pe thaala lagaa le! Centre fresh zubaan pe rakhe lagaam!" Monkey Manik says funnily laughing at my face and I growl at him.

Why is he so much into ad campaigning man? Ek din burnol and ek din Center fresh! Next time kya Rupa underwear or banyan ka ad karega kya?

"Accha Manik tell me something what do you guess will happen with us 12 months later? Will we be uneasy around each other?" She asks eagerly.

"You know 12 months later sounds like paradise to me! I will be finally free from you and your plant bachas!" I answer funnily and she slaps my head.

"Arey yaar maaro mat mujhe! Is this how you treat your Pati Parameshwar?" I ask caressing my head and she stares away grumpily.

"Don't you dare say anything about my plants ok! They are my pure and innocent babies! And you know what tum ghar aao dekhlungi!" She retorts irritated by my jokes.

Protective mommy mode on!

And what's with her and 'Ghar aao dekhlungi'?

"Acha sorry was kidding! And on a serious note I am sure I will never allow things be uneasy between us yaar. I mean being awkward and not talking to you sounds so scary!" I shudder at the thought of us being strangers after being this close.

"Yeah certainly! We both are mature adults so I am sure we will be good friends in the later stage too! I mean Manik just imagine two years down the lane you and your future girlfriend attend my sangeet function and I introduce you to my fiance and then we both joke around ! Kitne cool dikhenge na hum" She says excitedly and I stare at her as if she is teaching me integration and differentiation.

Bro I hated that subject in 11th and 12th.

"I am gonna dance on Channa mereya in the sangeet if DJ Nandini gets married!" Monkey Manik cries sadly and I sigh at his drama.

Monkey Manik is such a nibba material sometimes!

"If that's the case I and my girlfriend will dance on 'Ghaadi wala aya ghar se kachra nikhal' to make your Sangeet function memorable!" I answer in a sarcastic tone smiling at her sweetly and she rolls her eyes.

I cover my ears before she could yank them and she moves her hand away from them uttering profanities.

"Bros! We are back!" Navya shouts from a distance as she walks hand in hand with Mukti di followed by Cabir bhai who was carrying two heavy bags in his hands.

I instantly rush to him and grab a bag and he sighs in relief.

"Businessman se porter bana diya behan air biwi me." Cabir bhai complains and Chipmunk snickers at this.

"Sometimes you gotta work out like this rather than googling how to lose weight without moving around Cabutar!" She mocks tapping on Cabir bhai's flabby tummy and we all laugh at his expense.

"Remind me again why are you my best friend? All you do is insult me!" He cries stomping his legs and we laugh more.

She insults me the most! Am I complaining? You just have to adjust sometimes.

"Insulting you is my birthright Cabutar!" She announces haughtily flipping her hai.

"Ayee Tom and Jerry stop fighting we have more important stuff to discuss!" Navya scolds them and goes on telling us that she will be staying with Chipmunk tonight and whereas I will be staying with Cabir bhai and Mukti di.

"I will go book a cab and Manik and Mukti just make sure that they don't end up pulling each others hair." Navya tells us pointing at Cabir bhai and Chipmunk who are busy making faces at each other.

"Manik tu sure hein na that they are adults and not patients from some paagal khana?" Monkey Manik asks me doubtfully and I nod not entirely sure.

"Acha I will go bring the car out of the parking space!" Cabir Bhai says and leaves flicking Chipmunk's nose as she growls at him.

" Even I have to talk to my senior about my resignation and stuff. So I will be back in few minutes!" Mukti di announces and walks inside the building.

"Cabutar can be such a posterior hole at times! He flicked my nose so hard man!" Chipmunk complains in a baby tone rubbing her nose and I giggle.

She doesn't have to try hard for being cute at all!

"My nose is too red isn't it? I am sure I look like a clown now." She complains and I utter a quite no.

"So jaa rahe ho?" I ask her ruffling my hair trying to let go of the uneasiness in my stomach.

I really don't want our talks to stop. I want her to speak more about the analogies she has while I irritate her by not being serious.

"Haa! Jaana padega na." She whispers back looking here and there tugging the corners of her saree.

"Tussi jaa rahe ho? Tussi mat jao na!" Monkey Manik says pouting sadly and i nod.

I know I am gonna meet her tomorrow but still I want to spend more time with her now.

"Well then, eat something as soon as you reach home and don't stay up late watching Netflix series. Your system needs some sleep." I order her and she nods obediently.

"Tum bhi... don't stay up too late over thinking about unnecessary topics. You were anxious yesterday too and didn't sleep at all. So get some sleep tonight." She tells me in her sweet voice and I mock salute her indicating that I will follow her orders.

"Nandu di the cab driver is here chalte hein!" Navya said to us and I sigh. Why does he have to be on time today?

"Ok then bye! Let's meet tomorrow!" She says offering me a smile and leaves reluctantly.

"Oh! There cab's here already? Shit yaar Navya ko bye nahi bol saka!" Cabir Bhai says getting down from his car and I nod.

"Why is your face pale? Aww you are sad that Nandu's leaving huh?" Cabir Bhai teases me and I rub my nape sheepishly.

"Palat! Palat! Palat!" Cabir Bhai mumbles looking at Chipmunk who was stepping into the cab.

"She won't turn bro!" I say shrugging my shoulders and at the same Chipmunk turns back staring at me.

I grin at her utterly surprised and she smiles back as blushing profusely.

"Bro, I guess we are in trouble!" Monkey Manik mutters and I nod.

"Aise kaise?" I question Cabir Bhai and he smiles at me smugly.

"I am Cabir bro! I am like human version of antaryami!" He answers putting on his goggles.

"The only thing missing is the shining aura!" Monkey Manik adds sarcastically and I giggle.

"Guys Navya and Nandini chale gaye kya?" Mukti di asks walking towards us and we nod.

"What happened to your resignation di?" I ask her getting into the car and she purses her lips.

"Well, my senior doesn't want me to resign but this place is really far from home. I will think about it later anyways!" She adds strapping her seat belt as Cabir Bhai starts driving.

"Mukti di are you okay? I mean you did get to meet dad but he didn't even respond to you properly. Like all he did was nod at you and he walked away. Aisa kaun karta hein?" I ask her agitated by dad's behaviour. I was delighted and thought even dad is pleased but how can he just walk away?

"It's ok Manik! I get it that dad is mad at me. I will talk to him sometime later. He can't be furious for long time na." She says quietly folding her clothes and arranging them in her wardrobe.

"Are you ok Mukti?" Cabir bhai asks her leaning to door.

"Not really! But I can manage. And mister you gotta show me your wedding photos and videos! I missed so much while I was away.Nahi toh better idea yeh hai ki aap phirse shaadi karle." She says excitedly and Cabir bhai shyly walks away.

"I never anticipated this side of Bhai! But again love changes people a lot!" She said and I nodded.

"Here are the photo albums and the pendrive." Cabir bhai walks inside with a bunch of stuff. He inserts the pen drive into the TV as Mukti di signals him to do so.

As we three settle down to watch the video Neyonika mom walks inside the room after knocking the door.

"Kids, Not gonna have dinner?" She inquires ruffling my hair lovingly.

"Woh, aunt- I mean mom can we have our dinner here? We are watching the wedding video so..." She trails off and mom nods saying that she will send food upstairs.

"You gained weight Manik! I guess Nandu is feeding you a lot!" Mom teases me and I pout at her.

Sab mujhe hi chidaate hein! Bure log!

We continue having dinner while watching the video and I frown while seeing Shravan on the screen. Damn I would have broken his jaw that time if I at least knew 5% about him.

But I am sure one day he's gonna get thrashed by me in a worst way possible. I giggle when the varmala ritual plays on the screen where Chipmunk was desperately struggling to put the garland around my neck and I stood on my toes so that she couldn't reach me.

She might have eaten her dinner na? Yesterday night too she didn't eat anything properly since she was busy with work.

Me :

Had dinner? Don't you dare starve your belly again! 😐😐

I chuckle to myself as she replies instantly.

Chipmunk 🐿️ :
Eating mister! I am not the one to skip food again and again.
Food is bae🤤🤤

Me:
Reply within 30 seconds huh? Someone was waiting for my text 😏😏😏

I smirk to myself waiting for her reply only to be shocked that she did see my message but didn't text back.

Me:
You are ignoring me?
Whoa!
Hey replyyyyyyy!!!!!!!
Chipmunkkkkkk
Fine get ready to do 50 crunches tomorrow. 😈😈

I keep my phone away grumbling as she reads all of my texts but doesn't reply to any of them. Rude lady!

"Sometimes I am ashamed to be you!" Monkey Manik states glancing at me like a disappointed father and I frown. Hein! Did he lose his marbles kya?

"If you were an app I would uninstall you from my phone even when if I had 100% free storage space!" He says again and I sigh not understanding his words. Wait! Another line added to insult lines list! Yippee!

I notice that Cabir bhai and Mukti di have already fallen asleep beside each other leaning to the sofa and I giggle as they look really cute. Getting up I cover both of them with a blanket and carefully click a picture.

My phone starts buzzing and I notice that it was a conference call from my friends. So I step out of the room and walk towards my room to attend the call.

"Bitch! We asked you to call or at least text as soon as you reach home. We were worried sick!" Aryaman scolds me as soon as I pick up the call and I sigh. Damn I totally forgot texting them.

"Chod na Aryaman! Manik is a 22-year-old dementia patient. We should understand his disease!" Alya indirectly taunts me and I open my mouth to speak but Dhruv interrupts me.

"Arey Manik's house lacks a stable internet connection and network. So he couldn't call." Dhruv says sarcastically and I palm my face. They are gonna roast me till the end of the call.

"I am sorry! Bhul gaya tha! Now stop taunting me!" I beg them and they laugh.

"Accha theek hai we will let you off the hook for now! But instead, you are gonna buy us pizza this weekend." Dhruv adds cheekily and I pout. Lag gayi na meri wallet ki watt!

"Definitely! Pizza ke bina kuch nahi hone wala!" Alya and Aryaman add simultaneously and I roll my eyes.

"Now tell us is Mukti di back home? Where did she stay until now? Was the place where she stayed safe? How are you? Are you still sad? How did your father react?" They all bombard me with different questions at once and I answer all of them patiently.

"So you sure na tu bhi theek hai? You aren't sad or something na? You know na you can cry if you want to." Aryaman inquires genuinely and I smile at his concern. I would have definitely married him if he was a girl or if I was into guys.

"Yes, mommy sab kuch theek hai! So stop worrying. You know I would have married you if my choices were different. " I tease him and he rolls his eyes.

"I have a better taste in men Manik!" He retorts and I groan.

"Burnnnn!" Alya and Dhruv add from the side I smile sarcastically.

"Ooh teri! Ferrero Rocher chocolates!" I exclaim seeing the box of chocolates resting on my bed. Dad might have put it here.

"I guess it's from uncle? He gives you those whenever he has something to apologise for." Alya reminds me and I nod.

"Do you guys remember how possessive he was about those particular chocolates? He never shared them with any of us! Greedy pig!" Aryaman laughingly adds and I shrug.

"Wait I am not a pig! You guys remember that time I accidentally broke one girl's phone screen in the park. So I left a sorry note along with the same chocolate!" I say trying to remember that incident.

"Oye dementia patient that incident happened some 8 years ago! But I am sure that girl would have punched your face for your deeds." Dhruv says and I shudder.

"Accha guys! It's already 11:00 pm. I need my dose of beauty sleep! Tata!" Alia announces yawning loudly and we three also let out a yawn involuntarily. We decide to call it a day and end the call.

Sitting on the bed I take the box into my hands reading the sticky note stuck to it.

Sorry for not telling you about Mukti di. Didn't want to trouble you about the issue.

"Dad, all I want is you to talk to us. Gifts are secondary!" I whisper to no one in particular.

I was angry at dad for not receiving Mukti di and not talking to us but what if I was expecting him to be flawless not understanding that he had fears too?

It's not mandatory that dads have to be perfect and fearless always. Will things change if I take the first step and try resolving issues between us?

My thoughts are interrupted as my phone buzzes again and I smile widely seeing Chipmunk's text.

Chipmunk 🐿️ :
Goodnight!!

Me:
Night!!!

"Whoa! She really has a thing for ostriches!" I mutter covering myself with a blanket and drifting to sleep.

"Coffee! So yummy!" Chipmunk says excitedly inhaling the aroma of coffee and I wonder if coffee is her first love. And what's with the dark circles under her eyes? Didn't she sleep yesterday?

We were currently in the park we came last time waiting for Dhruv and Aryaman to come. I thought waking her up to join me for gym and jogging is gonna be a tough chore but all I had to say to her that I will buy her a steaming cup of coffee if she joins me and she immediately woke up from her sleep.

I feel like the Pied Piper right now. That guy lured in kids with music and I lured in Chipmunk with coffee.

37. Coffee is her weak spot.

"I really feel that you suffer from caffeine addiction!" I point out and she glares at me shaking her head in a no.

"Mister! I hardly had coffee since the day you forced me to drink milk. Would I be able to do that if I was addicted to coffee?" She questions loudly and I mumble a weak no.

"Don't irritate her too much stupid! Do you want to be insulted early in the morning? Are you a masochist or what?" Monkey Manik reminds and I nod gulping fearfully.

"If Coffee was a guy I would have an infinite number of one night stands with him!" She adds dreamily and I stare at her surprised. Wait for what? Did she actually that?

"Hey, guys! Sup?" Dhruv jumps from behind appalling us and Aryaman slaps his head and scolds him to not try such jump scare tricks.

"When did you start liking jogging? As far as I know, you hated jogging coz by the end of each session you start sweating like a pig!" Aryaman asks me and I shrug. Well, Chipmunk seemed like she was having fun while jogging so I thought we can include it.

"The twittering of birds, the fragment wind and the aesthetics of sunlight please my heart! My true self is hidden here in this park! Hence, coming back here is mandatory!" I tell him and he rolls his eyes.

"Did you hit your head somewhere Manik?" He asks as I scowl looking at Dhruv and Chipmunk who started jogging together.

Wtf!

"Hey, idiots wait for me!" I yell ignoring Aryaman's words and run behind them.

"Zindagi sawar doon ek nai bahaar doon" I walk into the balcony humming to myself and wiping my washed hair as my vision lands on Chipmunk's plant gang.

"Seems like your mumma forgot watering you guys today! No problems I will do it. Just don't expect me to talk to you guys like your mumma does daily." I say out loud watering them.

Chipmunk might miss having breakfast but never misses watering them. But today she left to office even without doing it.

I and Aryaman decided to take a day off today since the past weeks were quite strenuous for us and because of back to back teaching sessions we didn't really have proper rest. I walk into the living room after watering the plants and switch on the TV to watch something. Not finding anything interesting I decide to clean the house and sort out all of Chipmunk's files as she was busy to do it.

"Damn why does she have to keep the files in a rack she can't reach without using the step stool? Few days ago she almost lost her balance while pulling out a file from here. It's better if I shift the important ones to lower rack." I mumble and start sorting the files year wise and alphabetical order wise. After working for 4 hours straight I was finally done and I grinned to myself as the house looked sparkly clean now.

Cleaning is therapeutic af I swear!

Famished I stepped into the kitchen to cook something for myself as Chipmunk left quite early today without cooking lunch. She even told me that she will be late and might return after 12. The fact that she works sincerely makes me feel so proud man!

Chipmunk is indeed an inspiration to me in many ways.

"Chipmunk's gonna chop you into tiny pieces and feed you to zombies if you mess up her kitchen. Make sure you clean up after cooking!" Monkey Manik warns me and I nod gratefully.

38. Kitchen is her only valuable asset.

Damn I miss her. Maybe I should have told her to take a leave so that we can have some fun today. I spent the entire day goofing around and eating snacks. Before I knew it was already 11:00 PM and I smiled to myself as Chipmunk will be home soon. Should I go to her office and pick her up? We can even go to ice cream parlour later if she isn't tired.

Deciding that I would pick her up, I text Abhimanyu to know if they were done with work. My eyes widen in shock as he replies that they were done with work by 6:30 pm and he reached home long time back. Then why did Chipmunk lie to me?

Is she roaming around the city aimlessly again? No, she wouldn't! She promised me won't. I lock the house and rush to her office praying that she is fine.

"So, this is what you meant by important work huh? Watching series?" I question calmly entering her cabin and she gets startled falling down from her chair.

"Freak! You scared me!" She accuses me narrowing her eyes and I shrug bending to her level and sitting on the ground beside her.

"While you were away watching series I made a huge mess in the house. All your files are scattered on the floor with important papers missing." I say trying to get a reaction out of her other than the calm demeanour she displayed from yesterday.

"It's ok. I will sort them out and print the missing papers again." She replies quietly and I sigh.

"Your kitchen in messed up to. I tried cooking food but ended up spilling oil all over the stove." I lie again.

"It's ok. I will clean the kitchen too!" She replies candidly and I stare at her surprised.

"I was dancing in the balcony and by mistake broke one of your flower pots. I guess it was the flower pot named Chandler." I lie trying to irritate her as she is really protective of her plants. Something is definitely wrong with her.

"It's ok. I -" She tries to speak again and I interrupt her.

"Chipmunk! Stop acting like everything is fine. Please talk to me if there is something bothering you." I beseech her hoping to know what's wrong.

"I am confused and worried about what happened yesterday." She answers after few minutes of silence and I nod.

"If facing me makes you uneasy tell it to me directly. I will stay away from the house until you are ok. But you staying here and hiding from me won't solve the issue." I tell honestly and she stares at me puzzled.

"No, I don't feel uneasy around you. In fact, I realised that I trust you and I can let you inside my comfort zone without any suspicions " She reasons and I prod her to continue.

"I am not gonna beat around the bush Manik, my break up with Shravan was 6 years ago and my relationship with him drained out all the energy and hope I had. The aftereffects were too much for me to handle and I am still in a stage where I am desperately trying to put two and two together so that i can trust the decisions I take. And what happened yesterday was a first for me in the past 6 years. But for now, all I can say is that I am not ready to walk down the same path with you or for the matter anyone else. " She continues and I look at her relieved grateful for her honesty.

"You know when dad announced that my marriage was with Navya, the first emotion I felt was fear. It was as if someone tied a heavy boulder to my leg and all I could do was drown despite my endless efforts to stay afloat. Because I felt I was deceiving Navya as I knew I won't be able to fulfill whatever expectations she had. I feel we both are in the same phase Chipmunk not able like a person romantically as we have some baggage to get rid of. And to some extent, yesterday's incident freaked me to so I can understand what you are going through." I clarify and she nods lost in thoughts.

"Listen all I want to say is that the probability of the same situation happening again is quite low. But if it does happen I mean if we ever end up liking each other or if I myself will have a one-sided crush on you then I will always give you a choice and not force you to like me back. So stop stressing that small brain of yours ok?" I tell her again hoping that she understands my point.

"So you will never ever force me and understand my choice right? She asks again for confirmation and I nod locking our pinkies in a promise.

"I swear Chipmunk! I will always let you choose your path."

"Aren't you embarrassed though being so honest?" She questions teasing at and I shrug.

"I would rather be embarrassed then let you be all uneasy around me. And our marriage is quite unconventional so it's better if we are candid about what we think. So, anymore queries or worries madam?" I question her and she shakes her head in a no.

"Not anymore, thanks a lot though! Your words did help." She says, finally smiling at me and I sigh.

"Anytime Chipmunk! But let me warn you madam, I am quite a charmer so zaraa bachke rahna. You might never know when the cupid strikes you!" I joke around and she rolls her eyes getting up.

"Hahaha! Very funny! Manik Malhotra, I don't fall for the kids I am babysitting for. So quit dreaming. Ab utho it's quite late let's go home!" She says pulling my hand and I stand up.

"One day Chipmunk, you will realise how wrong you were about me being a kid! Now let's go eat ice cream! I am gonna try Paddle pop Jiggly jelly finally!" I say excitedly and drag her with me.

                ********************

~At last my love has come along. My lonely days are over and life is like a song~

A/N :

Hello people!
I know I was supposed to update on Tuesday but I was busy with online classes and tons of assignments so please excuse me.

How was the chapter?

What do you think about the flow of the story until now?

If possible few lines about Manik and Nandini? And also Monkey Manik and DJ Nandini?