In the serene cocoon of Manik's room, the morning light tiptoed through the curtains, painting the walls with a golden hue. As the world stirred, Manik remained submerged in slumber, until a persistent knock disrupted the tranquility. (Cabir's voice sliced through the drowsiness.)
Cabir: Wake up, Manik. (Manik groaned)
manik: Let me sleep. i slept 4 am in the morning. (A chuckle escaped Cabir's lips.)
cabir :It's already 11 am, buddy. (Reality struck like a lightning bolt, jolting Manik into an upright position.)
Manik: Oh, shit! I am late. (He exclaimed, scrambling out of bed But Cabir, with his usual calm demeanor, reassured him.)
Cabir: Don't stress, Manik. We're heading out later. Sports are on the agenda, the highlight of the resort fun.
Manik's: Then why the early wake-up call?
Cabir: Because I want to talk about yesterday and what happen to u? (Cabir persisted and Manik hesitated)
Manik: Let it be, Cabir. We'll discuss it later. (But Cabir, determined, pushed on)
Cabir: No, let's talk now. I don't want to sport a sulky face all day. (Finally relenting, Manik confessed.)
Manik: I was feeling jealous seeing everyone with their partners having spending time yesterday in the temple. (Interrupting, Cabir sought to empathize.)
Cabir: I understand, Manik... (Cutting him off, Manik's voice carried a weight)
Manik: You don't understand, Cabir. It feels like a void in your life. (Patiently, Cabir reasoned.)
Cabir: Everyone has relationship problems. Mine with Navya wasn't smooth sailing either, but we made it work. (Manik's frustration surfaced.)
Manik: It was a two-way street in your relationship. In mine, I try, Cabir, but she doesn't. And I'm still trying every day. (With concern, Cabir probed.)
Cabir: Then why to stay if it doesn't make you happy? (Manik admitted.)
Manik: I love Prena and there's Myeesha...(Manik," Cabir interjected.)
Cabir: you have to decide. This can't go on; it'll create bigger problems for all three of you." (Lost in contemplation.)
Manik mumbled: I don't know, Cabir.
Cabir advised: "Take your time, buddy, but think about what you truly want. Now, let's gear up; cricket awaits!"
****
Scene Start with Nandini room.
The morning sun embraced Nandini's room, casting a gentle glow on the walls. Rising with the dawn, she embraced the tranquility of the early hour. At 7:30 am, the world outside her window was still waking up. Nandini, with a serene determination, embarked on her morning ritual—yoga.
The rhythmic flow of asanas energized her, aligning mind and body. Post-yoga, a longing for the outdoors beckoned her. Nature, a perennial source of solace, awaited in the garden.
While immersed in the vibrant hues of blooming flowers and the rustle of leaves, a familiar melody interrupted her thoughts—a call from Aryanman. (Aryanman's voice, a cheerful cadence, echoed through the phone.)
Aryanman: Hi, Nandini, and I'm very sorry I didn't call you back.
Nandini: It's okay, Aryanman. I know you'll be busy. I called because I need a favor. (Aryanman, always reliable, countered with warmth.)
Aryanman: Why be formal with me? You know I can help you anytime, and I always have your back. (Nandini, teasingly, added a dash of humor)
Nandini : Okay, next time I'll order. Is that okay? (Aryanman, with an easygoing demeanor, agreed)
Aryanman: Sure. Now tell me, what's the work? (Nandini unveiled her request)
Nandini: You have many friends who are artists, right? (Aryanman, intrigued, affirmed)
Aryanman: Yeah, I have. (Nandini, with a genuine plea, continued.)
Nandini: I'm sending you a number and her paintings. Can you ask your friend to give her an opportunity to showcase her talent?
Aryanman : Sure. (As the conversation meandered, Nandini shared snippets of her vibrant morning.)
Nandini: How's your trip going on? (Aryanman's enthusiasm radiated.)
Aryanman: Fantastic, and yours? (Nandini exclaimed.)
Nandini: Awesome and I've met Navya's fiancé and Abhimanyu's wife and their friend. It's so lovely to enjoy with them. It's like how our group is there. (Aryanman, captivated, chimed in.)
Aryanman: That is wow. (Anticipating the future, Nandini expressed)
Nandini: I want you all to meet after the trip. (Aryanman, ever agreeable, pledged)
Aryanman: Sure, and now I have to go. We'll talk soon. (Nandini bid adieu with a playful admonition)
Nandini: Bye, and don't flirt with too many girls. (Aryanman, in good humor, retorted.)
Aryanman: Yeah, whatever. ( With that, Nandini ventured to her room, donned her day, and descended to the dining hall for breakfast. There, she reunited with friends, the only absence conspicuous—the enigmatic Manik.)
****
---
Nandini, Manik, and their spirited crew gathered under the radiant sun, ready for a thrilling game of cricket.
With the camaraderie running high, they unanimously crowned Manik as their captain. The toss set the stage, and with a stroke of luck, the opposing team won and chose to bat in the adrenaline-pumping 6-over showdown. Mukti took charge of the ball, Dhruv guarded the wickets, and the rest stood in strategic positions on the field. In the midst of Mukti's over, the rival team managed to score 15 runs. Then entered Manik, a force to be reckoned with, swiftly knocking out two opponents in a single over, amassing an impressive 20 runs. Manik's momentum continued into the third over, leaving the opposition struggling to find their footing. Cabir seamlessly took over for the 4th and 5th overs, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.
In a cinematic twist, as Cabir prepared to unleash the final ball of his over, a daring attempt at a six led to a collision between Manik and Nandini. Time seemed to freeze as Nandini found herself above Manik, and in those suspended moments, a silent exchange passed between them, abruptly interrupted by the vivacious Alya. Before they could dwell on the unexpected encounter, the game roared back to life. The opposing team wrapped up their innings with a score of 45 runs. Mukti, in her second bowling spell, tightened the screws, conceding minimal runs. Nandini, in her turn, showcased her prowess by dismissing a batsman on the last ball, holding the score at 48 runs. Manik's team now had the thrilling task of chasing down 49 runs for victory.
Amidst the break, Nandini, the heartbeat of the prep team, shared words of encouragement.
Nandini: Guys, don't stress. Let's channel the carefree spirit of our childhood games and go with the flow.
Manik: Absolutely. Let's play with heart. The collective agreement propelled them back into the game with renewed vigor.
Manik and Cabir kicked off the batting innings with a dazzling display, reaching 20 runs by the end of the second over. The third over brought a twist as Cabir made an exit, making way for Alya, who unfortunately departed after just one ball. Nandini, the rising star, took the stage during the 3.4 over. The dynamic duo of Manik and Nandini carried the team to a commendable 42 runs by the 5.3 over mark, leaving the opposition seething with frustration.
As the match intensified, an unsportsmanlike move by the rival team resulted in Nandini taking a fall, sustaining a minor injury. Manik's protective instinct flared, but Dhruv intervened, preventing a confrontation. The doctor's reassuring words and a prescribed break with ice for Nandini followed.
Manik: "Need a lift?"
Nandini: "Sure."
Mukti: "I won't let them off the hook."
Nandini: "Actions speak louder than words, Mukti."
Manik: "This isn't just a game."
Nandini: "True, it's a victory half-earned. We can't just walk away."
Cabir: "They might pull the same stunt on someone else."
Nandini: "Speak to the umpire. Let them decide the course of action."
Alya: "Agreed." The team returned to the field, with Nandini opting out and the girl who caused the trip receiving a stern warning. Mukti stepped up to fill Nandini's shoes. Two balls later, Manik's team emerged victorious.
Post-triumph, they convened in the dining hall, ready to savor the taste of victory over a sumptuous lunch.
****
After a delightful lunch, the group found themselves in the dining hall indulging in tempting desserts. Dhruv, ever the planner, suggested a beach outing.
Dhruv: Guys, let's rest for now, then we'll go to the beach. (Manik, with a serious tone, declined the invitation.)
Manik: You all go; I am not going. (Alya, puzzled, sought an explanation.)
Alya: Why are you not coming? (Manik, pointing to a pressing matter, replied.)
Manik: I have an urgent meeting for my publication. It's important.
Cabir: Okay. (Nandini, with a hint of regret, also opted out.)
Nandini: I also can't come. (Mukti, realizing the oversight, apologized.)
Mukti: Sorry, I really forgot about the leg. I think we should not go and stay with you. (Everyone agrees.)
(Nandini, trying to be considerate, insisted they go.)
Nandini: No, you guys go; I will manage. (Manik, displaying a sense of responsibility, assured them.)
Manik: You guys go; I will check on her from time to time. (Nandini, appreciating the gesture, hesitated.)
Nandini: But Manik, you don't have to. (Manik, with a smile, reiterated his commitment.)
Manik: You decided; me or our friend will be there with you. (Nandini finally agreed.)
Nandini: Okay, you stay. (After indulging in the sweetness of dessert, everyone dispersed to their rooms, seeking some well-deserved rest.)
****
In the serene ambiance of Manik's room, the evening unfolded as he wrapped up a crucial meeting. His thoughts drifted to Nandini, prompting him to check on her. Without hesitation, he headed to her room.
Manik: How are you feeling now?
Nandini: Great. (Manik, ever the caring soul, offered some comfort.)
Manik: Do you want something to eat, or should I make coffee? (Nandini, opting for warmth, chose coffee.)
Nandini: Coffee will be fine. (Manik promptly prepared coffee for both of them.) Can we sit on the balcony? (Manik, sensing a desire for fresh air, took the lead.)
Manik: Sure. (As Nandini prepared to stand, Manik surprised her by gently lifting her, carrying her to the balcony. The unspoken emotions and care left Nandini touched.)
Engaging in conversation, they explored the paths that led them to their respective professions.
Nandini: How did you choose your profession as a publication and chief editor?
Manik shared his journey.
Manik: At first, I wanted to become a writer, but I couldn't write emotions together. So, I thought, why not start a publication company. What about you?
Nandini, sharing her story, expressed her creative evolution.
Nandini: At first, I wanted to do something else, and my in-laws were against it. Then Abhimanyu came up with the idea of being a writer because during college, I always wrote scripts for plays and did some blogging. So, after thinking about it, I decided to become a writer.
Their conversation meandered through various topics, bringing them closer. After a brief silence, they delved into the topic of solo trips.
Nandini: So, do you go on solo trips?
Manik: Yeah, sometimes, but mostly with my friends.
Nandini, a passionate solo traveler, shared her perspective.
Nandini: I really love solo trips. With my husband, we go for 1/2 year, but I go every year. So, what do you feel about solo trips?
Manik, reflecting on his experiences, opened up.
Manik: It's good, but sometimes I feel alone going on them.
Nandini challenged his view with her own philosophy.
Nandini: I don't agree with you on this because, for me, it's like discovering our new selves, meeting new people, learning new things to incorporate into our lives, and also having fun with them. Most importantly, we should love ourselves. (In the enchanting glow of the evening, Manik found himself captivated by Nandini's ability to weave magic with every new experience, offering him fresh perspectives that left him in awe. It was an incredible feeling, a dance of excitement within him. and Nandini, with her infectious energy, expressed her joy, saying.)
Nandini: I really loved meeting all of you. It feels like it was a fantastic time to spend and have fun. I want you all to meet my gang. I know you've met everyone except Aryan, but trust me, it will be an absolute blast. (Manik, drawn into the lively atmosphere, responded.)
Manik: I would love to meet them. so, besides writing, what are your other interests?
Nandini: I love exploring different art forms, from dance to music. It's like each form has a unique language that speaks to me.
Manik: That's incredible. I've always been drawn to music too, although I play guitar.
Nandini: Music has a way of transcending words, doesn't it? It can express emotions in a way nothing else can.
Their shared appreciation for the arts wove another thread into the fabric of their growing connection. The night unfolded as a canvas painted with the hues of laughter, shared stories, and the magic of genuine conversation.
Manik: (smiling) You have a way of making even the simplest things sound extraordinary, Nandini.
Nandini: (grinning) Life is extraordinary, Manik. It's all about how we choose to see it.
Their dialogue took a poetic turn as they spoke about the beauty in simplicity and the importance of finding joy in everyday moments. The balcony, now transformed into a haven of shared thoughts, provided the perfect backdrop for their evolving friendship.
Manik: You make me realize that there's so much more to life than the routine we often get caught up in.
Nandini: Life is a mosaic of experiences, Manik. It's up to us to piece it together in a way that brings us joy.
As the night deepened, they delved into personal anecdotes, childhood memories, and dreams for the future. The connection they forged transcended the casual acquaintance, weaving a tapestry of understanding and genuine affection.
Manik: (reflecting) Nandini, tonight has been unexpectedly wonderful. Thank you for sharing so much with me.
Nandini: (smiling) The pleasure is mine, Manik. It's not often that we find someone with whom we can share our thoughts so openly... ((Manik's phone interrupted; it was Cabir. He called them down for dinner, prompting them to join. Post dinner, they gathered around the crackling bonfire, engaging in vibrant conversations, creating memories that twinkled like stars in the night sky, concluding a perfect evening.)
That for it today. In today chapter u read how both manik and nandini opening to each other and gradually we will see how their life take sudden changes and what struggle they have face. please let me know how the chapter was and do tell me the mistakes which I have made. and i would like if u guys give me suggestion related to the story and i will try to make into the story. Also, share my story as much as u can. It is my second book, and I will be thankful to all you guys, if u guys like it.