"Nandini never mentioned you.. She mentioned about Cabir & Mukti but not you " Rishab said to Manik while sipping his tea and need nit to say Manik felt bad.
"So tell me what are you to Nandini appart from her namesake bf ?? " Rishab asked to know about him and Nandini. He could see the spark from the day 1 .
"Well Rishab am not that extrovert kind of person. So you should ask Nandini about the details " Manik said having his last sip of coffee before leaving a confused Rishab behind " Excuse me "
They were accidentally met at the cafeteria where Rishab ordered tea and Manik ordered a black coffee. Sitting awkwardly with each other Rishab started the topic related to Nandini and with that the hope of them getting along with each other, went into gutter.
Manik sat near his balcony . And started thinking about his life, I mean Nandini. Ofcrse. She is his life. Love at first sight becomes true in his case. But??
He knew that Nandini, whom cabir mukti and his friends described . He is in love with the Nandini, who loved wearing barbie dresses and designer bags and high hills . That's why he always brought these products to gift her some day. Hell There is a wardrobe full of things in his room for her.
But this Nandini is different, she is comfortable wearing anything. And Literally anything and everything suits her. But the point is she is different than the image that Manik made all this while.
And her equation with Rishab & Raghab is something that bothers him the most.
She is the only one that his heart wants. But what about her?? Does she feel anything for him. And will she ever choose him over Rishab, whom she knew very well and whom her family chooses for her.
Manik was thinking all this while standing near his room's balcony. Nandini was passing by when she noticed Manik , as his room's door was unlocked.
The first time when she met him she was vulnerable, and she could see the same vulnerability in his eyes too. Instantly she wanted to protect him . But at that time fighting for him was not an option for her, so simply gave in, agreeing to his conditions. She could see those evil boys looser face and smirked at her victory. She could see Manik's eyes which were very expressive . A lot of emotions replaced his vulnerability in a good way. And she felt happy.
At that time she don't wanted to leave him. There was something was pulling her towards him . She never expected them to meet again .
"Nandini " Manik saw her standing near the door, her trance broke hearing him. They smiled at each other.. And Nandini entered his room .
"Wassup ?? You look upset " Nandini asked directly. No matter what the equation they shared but she has the inbuilt talent to read him
"Just feeling out of place " He shrugged and she smiled at his straight forward answer
"Well I can relate " Nandini answered sitting beside him
"Why?? They are going to be your family " Manik asked trying not to stutter, he desperately wanted to know her thoughts.
"Ummm Family? " Nandini was confused first then she understood his points " Yeah.. Let's see "
"Why are you not sure " Manik asked and Nandini just shrugged saying "I don't know"
"Wese I never thought hum dobara milenge? " She said with amazement in her eyes
"But mujhe pata tha hum dobara jarur milnge " Manik said looking straight in her eyes
"Kaise?? " She couldn't help but ask
"I wanted to thank you for saving me that day. You don't know Nandini, aaj me jo kuchh v hu sirf tumhare wajha se hu " Manik said honestly "Thank you.. Dil se.. Thank you for existing.. And thank you for acknowledging me. You know Nandini I prayed to God every day to let me meet you once atleast " Manik confessed and Nandini was amused
"Why ?? " She asked out of shock
"Just to tell you that how grateful I am. And you matter to me " Manik answered and Nandini could feel his honestly and she felt special.
"I am flattered " Nandini replied
"Am honoured " Manik replied cheekily
"Shit... I need to get ready.. " Nandini said noticing the time
"Ohh... For sangeet?? " Manik asked
"No.. No.. Rishab asked me out.. So .. Okay we will catch later.. " Nandini hurriedly said before leaving Manik's room.
Manik sadly smiled "atleast i get to talk to her. Now all i want her to choose her happiness "
Soon it was evening, and Rishab & Nandini went towards their destination. Nandini liked the place and they had their dinner sharing some casual talks.
"You never had a gf? " Nandini asked and Rishab nodded in no
"Why?? " Nandini asked
"Mili hi ni koi.. " Rishab replied
"Chal jhoota " Nandini said in disbelief " You get a lot of attention okay "
"Yeah but it's different " Rishab argued
"Explain.. Mtlb you are saying you never get attracted to anyone " Nandini asked
"I did get attracted but i didn't find the one for me, so i never approached them " Rishab said and Nandini gave him a blank look
"In simple language , I am one woman man " Rishab shrugged and Nandini was amazed.
"I knew it. You are a perfect husband material . Trust me " Nandini laughed
"Ha ha ha. Stop laughing.. Or else I will have your ice cream " Rishab threatened
"Sorry " Nandini instantly got scared
"Wese you wanted to talk about something ? " Rishab asked
"Ohh yeah.. I found a solution for this problem " Nandini said excitedly
"Yeah tell me " Rishab said wanting to listen to her idea
"We don't wanna get married but we have to get married because of family, Ryt " Nandini asked and Rishab nodded to encourage her
"Let's do a CONTRACT MARRIAGE " Nandini said and Rishab was shocked
"What?? Nandini is it a joke?? Shadi koi mazaak hai?? " Rishab asked angrily
"Nahi.. Woo.. Me.. Rishab it's not like that.. I mean .. Kya problem hai isme?? Agar we got attracted to each other then we can make it permanent. If not then we are free to choose our path. " Nandini said trying to make him understand
"It's not a trial relationship we are getting in to Nandini. It's marriage. And marriage are supposed to be forever .. What are you talking? You think it's some kind of prank that you and Raghav used to play . It's about lives Nandini. Grow up " Rishab was pissed
"Ohh really Rishab?? Am taking it as a prank?? I am the one who is suffering. Marriage is like a kind of agreement I have to sign to fulfill my dream. Yes it's supposed to be forever thing. But am not ready. Am not ready for a forever. " Nandini was pissed too. And Rishab melted here.
"Shhh.. Have this " He gave her water to drink
"I understand " Rishab said when Nanidni finished the water in a go , They left the hotel. Rishab drove to a hill top. The journey was silent. Rishab stopped the car and opened the door for her. They both settled on the car bonnet.
"Nandini I never had a gf because I was scared to face breakups " Rishab started talking and Nandini looked at him with Awwee
"I like to read those romantic novels jo ye batate hai k life me har kisike lie koi na koi hota hai " Rishab continued " Nandini jab apne frnds ko me dekhta tha so deep in love doing cute stuff together, I always wanted to do such stuff with the one who is going to be my forever. Yes Nandini for me yaa to it's forever or never "
Nandini was touched. She couldn't find words to reply anything. So she silently listened to him.
"I want you to give me and this marriage your 100℅ or you can leave me with no regrets " Rishab concluded and Nandini nodded.
They drove to the hotel after that.
Nandini went to her room and took a shower. She went to her bed and lied down.
"There is so much on stake Nandini . You can't let your heart alone decide. U have to use my brain . Amms, Raghab , Rishab, Aunty, Uncle. I can't loose any of this relations. They are my family. Or me apne aap ko kavi maaf nahi kr sakti agar kisi v rishte me darar aaye mere wajha se . " Nandini said to herself. Tears started flowing from her eyes.
"Mom & Dad I miss you. Why you left me. I don't want to be in this situation.. The love you described, I want to feel that love . I don't wanna get married without love. Or itne pressure me mere dil me sirf baichani ho ri hai.. Feeling kaise feel kru?? " Nandini thought before sleep took over. She was hell tired of all this
Next Day evening (Mehndi of bella & Mahir)
Everyone got ready and it's evening. Guests started arriving the venue. The decoration was amazing. Bella came down with Nandini and Mukti. Well the dulhan was stealing the highlight. But Manik Rishab were looking at Nandini who was looking beautiful in traditional
Nandini and mukti made Bella sit on her seat. And went near the boys. Everyone complemented each other.
"You look beautiful " Manik told Nandini . Since morning Manik tried to talk to Nandini, but she was giving him no chance
"Thank you. And you look great " Nandini replied with a smile. But the smile didn't reach her eyes and Manik frowned.
"Thanks .. Umm Nandini everything is okay? " Manik asked, she was not okay.
"Yeah fine " She smiled at his concern .
"Nandini why you look upset?? Did I hurt you in any manner? " Rishab asked coming near Nandini
"No Rishab you can never hurt me " Nandini replied honestly " Am just feeling a bit low today "
"Dr k paas chale kya?? Tabiyat thik nahi hai to ?? " Rishab asked getting reatless
"Shh.. I am fine.. Rest lungi to I will be fine " Nandini said keeping her hand on his shoulder.
"Then you should rest.. Chalo " Rishab asked
"But function se aise gayab hona achha ni lagta na. Kal v I was not here " Nandini denied
"I don't care.. What matter is you need rest .. So let's go " Rishab said
"I am fine " Nandini tried to speak when Rishab glared " Okay am going but you stay here . " Rishab nodded in no but Nandini again said " Nahi to me yahi rahungi.. "
"Fine.. Go and take rest. And kuchh v ho call krna " Rishab hugged her before Nandini left for her room.
Nandini felt restless so she went towards the terrace to get some fresh air.
"Aaj Bella jo keh rahi thi kya wo sach tha?? " She muttered
Flashback
Nandini found Bella sitting silently on the terrace so she went towards her..
"Hey??? What are you doing here?? ' nandini asked
" Nandini.. My girl. Come come come " Bella dragged her and made her sit beside her
"Kya tumhe lagta hai mujhe ye shadi krna chahiye?? " Bella asked and Nandini was amused
"Kal tumhari shadi hai.. Remember?? Don't you think you are too late to ask that question?? " Nandini laughed
"I know and am scared for that only " Bella said with a pout
"Don't panick.. And you are marrying. Mahir, the one you love.. And he loves you back .. You are lucky to find love in your marriage " Nandini said patting her hand
"Hmm you are right, I am lucky " Bella said and Nandini nodded with a smile "tum v to lucky ho " Bella said
"How " Nandini asked
"Rishab loves you a lot na.. " Bella replied
"He don't love me .. It's an arrange marriage " Nandini replied
"You think so?? " Bella asked and Nandini nodded. Bella started laughing.
"He loves you Nandini. Wo pyar krta hai tumse. Baht jyada. Aaj se nahi.. Kabse.. I remember me or Mahir usse kitna chidate the tumhare naam se clg time me " Bella confessed and it's time for Nandini to get a shock
"And he used to just blush. You are damn lucky yar, kitne ladkiyan marte the uspe but wo bhav kya dekhta tak nahi tha unhe.. " Bella said remembering those days
"But he.. Nahi.. It's a misunderstanding.. Rishab ne mujhe kavi nahi bataya " Nandini stammered
"He loves you Nandini, or ye baat usse khud nahi pata .. Uske phn me sirf tumhari photo hai.. Or kisi ladki k photo ni " Bella argued
"Wo to iss lie qki , I made him click my photos jabardasti " Nandini replied
"Or ye jabardasti krne ka haq usne sirf tumhe diya hai " Bella concluded. Yes she was right . Rishab never allowed anyone to force him for anything but her. Aunty Raghav always asked her to help them when it comes to Rishab. But that's because ?? Damn
"He never confessed this bcoz according to his rule book wo I love you sirf apni wife ko bolega.. " Bella informed and Nandini sat there shocked.
Flashback ends
Since the time she had this conversation with Bella, she is feeling sick and uneasy.
"Shit agar ye sach hua to, Damn!!! Aaayiyappa.. what should I do?? " She was breathing heavily . She felt like she was stuck in the middle of something and couldn't move.
When Manik reached there following her, He found her looking pale as if someone sucked the blood out of her body.
"Nandini are you okay " Before he could register Nandini hugged him. Manik panicked.
"Nandini what happened?? Are you okay?? Bolo kuchh.. Are you crying?? " Manik asked tried to break the hug
"Stay still Manik " Nandini whispered and Manik let her be. He hugged her back and patted her head gently and let her cry.
After some minutes when she settled down, she broke the hug hiccuping. Manik's kurta was slightly wet with her tears.
"Sorry " She muttered and Manik just took her hand and walked towards the bench and made her sit there. He quickly went somewhere and returned with a bottle of water. Nandini took some sip and Manik settle on his knees in front of her.
"I am proud of the woman, you have become Nandini " He stated and Nandini just gave him a small smile in response. She just had an anxiety attack. And Manik was trying to pacify her with indirect approach.
"Tell me what's bothering you? " Manik demanded looking at her . Nandini was amused first hearing his demanding voice but it felt good to her. Manik and Her was never friends but they can trust each other and she knew that.
"May be Rishab loves me . " Nandini started and it took a lot of efforts from Manik side to not break the eye contact with her and stay still .
"Amms and Rishab's family wanted us to get married.. " Nandini continued
"What you want Nandini? " Manik asked and he knew if the answer comes out positive, he will let her go from his life .
"I ?? " Nandini paused "I don't know. " Nandini stammered "I just know that I love him " Manik heart stopped beating, his face became red trying hard not to break down in front of her . His eyes were glassy with fresh tears .
"But I am not in love with him " Nandini said getting up from her seat . He released the breath he was holding . Wiped the tears that were blocking the view .
"I am so confused Manik. Kal after coming back I made my mind to give this relationship a chance. And why not?? He has been my back up humesha se. Koi v mushkil ho , uska khayal aata hai pehle . He is always there to solve my messed up life. But this time things are different Manik " She turned towards Manik and Manik encouraged her to speak
"Shadi uske lie ek zindagi bhar ka wada hai . Or Marriage without love is nothing for me. He had a special space in his life for his wife, can you imagine usne aaj tak ek gf tak nahi banaya because he has separation anxiety.. " Nandini asked Manik and Manik stood there registering her words.
"But you can give him a chance after knowing his love for you .. Kya pata tumhe v pyar ho jaye.. " Manik replied keeping pathar on his heart . Nandini trusted him with her secret and he will give his honest advice.
"Gf ni banna hai Manik. Wife banna hai. Or kya pata mujhe kavi pyar na ho?? I tried to talk to him about contract marriage but he denied that saying yaa to it's forever or never. Agar by any chance ye shadi work ni krti?? I can't imagine hurting him, his brother Raghav is my best friend , his family is very close to me & Amms, she is the only one I can call mine, she is involved . They all are on stake Manik, ye rishta sirf mera or Rishab ka nahi hoga.. Baht Sare log jude honge. Baht se rishte stake pe honge mere lie " Nandini broke down in front of him. That sight is heartbreaking for Manik. He can't see her like this.
He went near her softly caressed her face " To shadi mat kro... Amms will understand "
"Amms is getting old Manik. Somewhere deep down even I know her insecurity is right at her place. Me unhe apne sath denmark ni le jaa sakti. Or na hi me unhe mere lie pareshan rehna dekh sakti hu. Mom dad k baad I am her last hope. Wo mujhe settle krna chahati hai " Nandini replied
"Kaise kr leti ho tum " Manik asked Nandini gave him a confused look. Manik continued "u r just 23 . And talks like 33 . You don't need to be that considerate and mature Nandini "
"I am selfish Manik.. life would have been easy if Mom & Dad... " She paused " Agar amms ko kuchh, me .. To... " She couldn't able to complete and Manik hugged her. She hugged him back.
"Marry me Nandini " Manik said still in the hug and nandini looked at him shocked breaking the hug
"No commitments.. No promises.. No emotional attachments.. Nothing... " Manik continued and Nandini was not able to register his words.
Manik smiled " Sirf family k lie.. Amms k lie . We will pretend. We can break it whenever we want without any drama. No social obligation.. Nothing " Manik concluded And expected a reaction from Nandini
"Why?? " Nandini asked being confused
"Umm for 2 reasons.. Bcoz u helped me few years back accepting my gf tag so I am returning this favor by accepting your HUSBAND tag " And shiver ran down her spine.
"And second, I can't tell you now " Manik told in a serious voice "you take your time.. No jaldi.."
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