Hold On My Heart (Complete)

Manik’s POV

I saw her crying today, and it felt like I wanted to burn this whole world down. No doubt someone made her go through this. She must be in love with someone.

I promised myself today would be the last day she cried because I swear I’m never going to let her cry again.

“You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I will make sure you get that happiness—by hook or by crook.”

Promising myself that, I closed my eyes. I had to wake up early tomorrow.

The Next Morning

I hid in a corner, waiting for her at the same spot. I was smoking, but the moment I saw her, the cigarette automatically dropped from my hands.

Dude, you’re scared of her!

She wasn’t alone. An unknown girl was with her, chatting away.

I decided to follow her—but without being caught. I started moving quietly behind her... then she suddenly turned.

I spun around too, pretending to walk the other way, but her voice stopped me.

“Stop! I know it’s you again,” she said.

I turned back.

“Who is he?” the girl beside her asked.

She stepped closer to me, folding her arms.

Her expression was so cute—I wanted to pull her cheeks.

“Why are you following me?”

“Uhm… I’m not following you. Why do you always think like that? I was just walking by.”

“Like yesterday?”

“Yeah, like… yesterday.”

“Look, I don’t know what your problem is, but please stay away from me and my village. I beg you, I don’t want any drama here. I’m sorry for interfering in your business, but now I won’t do it again. So please leave me alone.” Saying that, she started to walk away.

I grabbed her hand and pulled her close. She fell against my chest, and I lost myself in her eyes. How could someone be so beautiful and innocent?

But then, sudden tears welled up in her eyes. Shocked, I instantly let go, and she hid her face in her hands.

She’s scared of me? Oh no, no, I... God!

“Nandini!” Her friend came running up. “You okay?” she asked but got no reply.

“Look, mister, stay away from her and us. I don’t know who you are, but you made her cry—and I won’t tolerate that.” She snapped. “Let’s go.” They left.

Fuck!

Last night, I promised myself I wouldn’t let her cry—but instead, I made her cry. She’s not the girl I know. Yesterday, she was so brave. Today, she apologized for no reason!

I ran after them—not to say anything, but of course, I would follow her.

After about ten minutes, they stopped in front of a restaurant.

Nandini! What a beautiful name—just like her personality. Beautiful!

She went inside, and her friend took another road. So she works here!

I sat on a nearby bench—obviously, I would wait for her. I took out my phone to pass the time. I wanted to go inside badly, but I knew this wasn’t the right moment.

Finally, around 7 p.m., she came out. I turned around so she wouldn’t see me.

“Oh Navya, where are you? I’ve been waiting an hour!” she muttered to herself.

“Excuse me! Can I use your phone? I need to call someone, it’s urgent!” she asked a stranger.

She doesn’t have a phone? It’s 2023, and she’s living without one? Strange!

“Hey, sorry to bother you, but can I use your phone for a minute? I need to call someone.” She asked another stranger—not me.

I turned to look and saw her sitting on some stairs.

My eyes fell on a boy nearby selling pastries.

“Shhh! Here!” The boy noticed me and ran over.

“Yes?”

“Will you do me a favor?”

“What?”

“There’s a girl sitting behind me on the stairs.” He looked.

“So?”

“Take this phone to her and ask her to call whoever she wants—but don’t tell her it’s mine.”

“Okay.” He walked off behind me.

I turned to see if he found the right girl.

“Hey!”

“Hi?”

“Here, you can use my phone to call.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“Thank you.” She took the phone and started dialing.

He glanced at me while I gave him a thumbs-up.

“Hi Navya, it’s me... Where are you? I’m waiting... Oh, I see. You should’ve told me—you know I got worried. I was thinking the worst... No, no, I’ll come on my own. You focus on your work... okay, bye.”

She ended the call and handed the phone back with a smile. He started to walk away, but she stopped him.

“Listen!” He turned back.

“How much for a piece of pastry?” She fished in her bag.

He looked at me; I gestured not to take money. He nodded.

“It’s free for you.”

“Free? Why?”

“Because I like you. You’re very beautiful.” He said with a shy smile, and I chuckled.

No doubt, this little kid is talented. But his words brought a smile to her face—the most beautiful smile.

Oh—I just realized I’ve never seen her smile before!

“But this is your work—I can’t take it for free.”

“Yes, it is my work, but like I said, I like you, so it’s free, and you have to take it.” He almost ordered, and she laughed.

“Okay, I will—but on one condition.”

“What?”

“I’ll buy a piece daily, and you have to take the money.” He glanced at me, and I blinked.

“Okay, I promise.”

He gave her a piece, and she left, saying thank you for the last time.

“Thank you, gentlemen!” I called out.

“Anything for love.”

“What? No, it’s nothing like that—I just like seeing her smile,” I said.

“Yeah, I can see.”

“Oh, I have to go! Here’s the money for the pastry—keep the change.” I said and left.

I followed her until she stopped near an old house. She went inside.

I circled to the other side and peeked through a window.

She put her bag on the table and started doing house chores while I watched. Then she made herself something to eat and lay down to sleep—without switching off the light.

I looked around. Nothing. No TV, no fridge, nothing! How is she even living here?

I left and called Cabir.

“Yeah, I need a key, man, ASAP! Will you shut up and do what I said? Cool. I’m waiting.”

I hung up and left.

Alina❤