SECRETS.....

I walked out of the restaurant, I just couldn't look at Manik's arrogant face. I reached the car and kicked it hard. Owwwww.....that hurts. I just can't stand this guy how can he assume something about someone's parents.  Relax Nandini. This trip shouldn't go this way. You need to relax. May be I should go for a walk. I texted Navya that I am going for a walk until they finish their dinner. I started walking. The forest around me was soooooooo beautiful. I went and stood on the edge of the road and tried peeking into the forest. It was dense but soothing. The cool breeze sent chill down my spine but calmed me down in a weird way. I tried to relax and just then I heard a sound behind me. I became cautious. I just turned behind to see whoever it was and slammed into a hard chest. My eyes travelled to the face it was Manik. We were standing so close.

     He took a step and distance between us reduced further.  I kept my hand on his chest and could feel his heart beating. I looked in his eyes. They were so soft and soothing. He just kept looking at me. Suddenly, he caught me and pushed me towards the jungle and I caught his hand. Now we both were rolling in the mud. I hid my face in his chest and he caught me firmly pinning me to him. After about 2-3 mins, we stopped rolling. I slowly opened my eyes.  He was gazing at me. A strand of my hair had come loose and his hand was near my face may be to push it back. As soon as his eyes met mine, his hand stopped and he started to move towards me. He came forward and I could feel his breath on my face. I was paralyzed.  He moved further and whispered in my ear, "I know you love oogling me, but do you mind getting up? As much as I love it like this, you are too heavy for me baby girl." That brought me back to my senses. I jolted up and registered our surroundings. We had rolled pretty far from the road. I was seriously angry at him.  As soon as he got up I just pushed him and asked, "What is wrong with you? Why did you push me?" I kept repeating myself and he didn't say anything and kept pushing him. After he had enough, he caught my hands in one of his, man this guy has strength I'm small, and kept his other hand on my mouth  and he spoke in a low but mouth shutting tone," If you are done throwing tantrums and hitting people, open your ears and listen to me. If I hadn't pushed you, you would have been hit by a rash driving truck. Ok, so now be a good girl and shut up because we are lost in a jungle and it's night time and I don't plan to be dinner for animals and thugs."
        I looked at his face. He was very close to me, his breath was fanning my face. He realized our proximity and one of his hand left my hands but didn't increase the distance between us. I was paralyzed. I couldn't move. There was something in his eyes which kept pulling me to him. I wanted to pull back but couldn't. And all of a sudden a loud animal cry startled us. I was frightened and hugged him. I just hugged him and closed my eyes.

I didn't want to die and this could easily be my grave. Suddenly, he spoke, very close to my ear, "I'm here OK. Nothing will happen to you. Shh......" He kept saying that and rubbing my back. I slowly withdrew from him. His grip on my back tightened. We were close. I looked at him and said," I'm really scared Manik." His hand caressed my cheek and said, "Nandu, I want you to trust me ok. Do you trust me?" I just nodded. A small smile appeared on his lips before he continued," We are going to move ok, we are out in the open. We have to figure out the way to reach the road." I nodded again. He pulled away from me. I could instantly feel fear gripping me. Immediately, he held my hand, looked at me and said, "Don't leave my hand and stay close."  I nodded again. What is it with me and nodding and why am I listening to him. Relax Nandini it's not about winning it's about being safe now. And Manik clearly knows what he is doing. My subconscious reasoned. GOD. Why my subconscious has to be so logical. I felt cheated at times. I looked at Manik. He was leading the way, he held my hand firmly and kept looking around he was on his best in handling the situation right now. I was observing his features. Man this guy is hot and handsome. But God this guy is enemy too. I can't appreciate an enemy but still I'm appreciating a beauty. I kept thinking and then all of a sudden his voice startled me, "Can you look at that hut? We will spend the night there ok?" "Why? Can't we call someone and ask them to come pick us"
"Check your phone smarty. Is there any network?"
I checked and again he was right.
"I'm not spending a night in this hut. Come we will search for the way."
"I know you are an owl, but I'm not. I can't see at night.  I am going to sleep and figure out the way in the morning."
"I want to go now"
"Later Nandu. It's not safe now. There are wild animals and tribal and thugs as well. It's just not safe. Let's sleep it off."
He said and pulled my hand. I jerked my hand away and this caught his attention more than expected. He looked at me and now I knew I had his full attention.
"Who died and made you the king? You are not my king. I'm going you want to come, come along or else bye bye."
I said and I started walking. I could hear him murmur something and his footsteps walking away. I was scared and hurt. I thought he would follow.  I told myself it's ok. Who is he that he will come for you. You are smart you will figure out the way and go out and get help for him and then you can tease him about being the *smarty*. I smirked and suddenly I felt myself falling and I hit something on my head. I cried out in pain before darkness engulfed me and I blacked out.