................Nandini's POV..............
Smile found a way on my lips as we drove back with me replaying the evening I just had in my head... What a eventful evening...Meeting everyone was so much fun...yes it was like a bumpy road to begin with but as the evening progressed we were in for a laughter ride...We were reminiscing the past...we recalled several instances from the past which brought smiles on our faces...Replaying those happy moments was so much fun..!!!...And not to forget pulling Abhi and Mukti's leg..I saw Mukti blushing, a sight that I never thought I'll witness....I was in awe of this beautiful couple and in a silent prayer to Aiyappa I wished for them to stay in love forever..I asked him to bless them with the "TOGETHER" I and Manik could never have...
Manik and his thoughts never left my mind since morning...Honestly I was nervous to face him...I knew all my uneasiness was because I couldn't foresee his reaction..My mind was muddled up with various possibilities..What if he lashes out on seeing me after 5 years...what if his anger take over yet again...what if he had changed in these 5 years...but what if he didn't...there was a time when I could predict his next move even before his mind had completely processed it but gone were the days...!! Anyways Manik took me by surprise by his reactions throughout the evening... He was the second one to walk out after Mukti not to avoid me but to knock some sense out of Mukti's head..."Think rationally...don't act impulsively as impulsiveness will make you loose something really beautiful."I heard him saying as I was standing outside the room door...This Manik was not new to me...He always had the best advice to give..He was very rational in his approach towards everything...This was one of his virtue I found myself attracted to but Alas he turned completely irrational when it came to the matters involving me..Why Manik..??...When I entered I sensed he was unconformable around me , so was I but I was amazed at the composure he maintained throughout the discussion...As Cabir said, I guess Manik had really grown up into a mature and levelheaded individual...I wouldn't lie I was immensely proud of it....Better Late than never...!!...
Everything was going on fine till that asshole Madhyam made an entry...His voice..his gestures made me restless but I had to face him and I did...After giving him his piece of mind I excused myself not only to calm myself down but also to avoid all the questions everyone at the table had...I left Aryaman and Myra to answer them and when I returned I found teary eyes, shocked faces and dejected Abhi...but one pair of eyes were spitting fire..Yes they were Manik's and since then those eyes never diverted their gaze from me...Once Aryaman was done filling me in with the issue, I got really stressed and looked up only to meet Manik's gaze...After giving it a thought I decided to sing myself and asked Myra to get my friends backstage because I needed him.. You may call me selfish but Manik's eyes carried the strength I needed...Actually they always did...for instance the first time I performed on Stage in SPACE, I was scared but I sang the whole song looking into those deep brown chocolaty eyes...Today I needed him all the more...I was scared..No wait...!! Pertified...!!!...
With the song I conveyed my emotions too..and I don't know why I felt that he too resonated with me in the same manner...When Abhi asked to me to sing publicly I blatantly refused since I had lost all the strength to loose anything else...I lost my confidence and I lost MY Manik...Music might not be the real culprit but it definitely was the precursor...Amidst everything Manik's behavior indeed got me thinking...I couldn't help but admire his new Avatar right infront of me...for a few minutes I saw Manik in a new light and it was heart-warming...
Soon my bubble broke when he said "If you really don't want to loose things or people, hold on to them tightly not letting them go"....Manik's words echoed in my head...how easily he could blame it all on me...did he really think I was reason for our fall out...Here I was thinking that he has changed but has he..??...For a brief moment he got me thinking that he cared but did he..??...Oh God..!! Why Aiyappa...why is it so confusing...??
............Nandini's POV ends..........
Nandini came out of her thought when Abhi told her that they had reached home. Abhi had not spoken a word with her since she walked out after refusing to sing. Abhi walked towards the changing room as soon as they entered the house. Nandini knew Abhi had questions but she didn't know if she was ready to answer them. Nandini was as usual sitting in the balcony when Abhi came in spoke
Abhi – So let's start, tell me everything that I don't know
Nandini – Abhi not today...I am too tired and plus it is a long story
Abhi – So What..We too have a long night..!!
Nandini – Uff...One night is not enough..some other day please
Abhi – Oh wait did I say night...sorry Babydoll...I meant nights...we've got 7 long nights..I am sure they would be enough
Nandini – Whatttt...!!..Seven nights...weren't you flying back on Monday..??
Abhi – and here comes the famous "Whattt" yet again...Nandu what is it with you, the night and the Whatss...!!
Nandini –Hahaha...Not funny Abhi..!!..You've got a company to manage and I too have work..Neither of us can take it lightly considering we both need breaks later on...especially you..you need a long break in future..you shouldn't risk your work right now...I don't think it is a good idea..
Abhi – Done...or are you still left with your work ethic lectures..?? (Nandini lets out a helpless sigh) Listen I am not neglecting my work at all neither am I asking you too..Did I ever say we have long days to talk..No right...!!...simply because both of us will work during the day and you would enlighten me about the past during the night...and before you ask me..I have investors and associates meeting lined up on weekdays..If you want I can show you my schedule too..!!
Nandini – But
Abhi – No ifs and buts....(Abhi said sternly)....I am done neglecting and you need to stop escaping...so come out with the truth now...!!
Nandini – Fine...but I'll go to sleep whenever I get tired and you also promise you wouldn't over exert yourself.
Abhi – Oh God..Fine...will you now speak..
Nandini – What do you want to know..
Abhi – Everything...right from the start
Nandini – Hmm...Okay....Let start from the very beginning
.................Flashback starts (Year 2008).............
Nandini - During the second semester of my college, I started feeling a bit lonely..It's not like I didn't have friends in college but this random chit chatting was never my thing and also I wasn't very close to my classmates especially because they used to reach to conclusions very easily and would twist words cleverly to put you on the backfoot ... Anyways since I never gelled with any of them so well, I decided to opt of a hostel rather than living with them in a flat when in the mid of second semester we were asked to look out for our own accommodation...Remember Chacha and Amms once came down to Mumbai during my second semester...(Abhi nodded)...It was to finalize the hostel...And It was for the first time I met Navya...she was My room-mate...................
Navya was a law student. I was a bit reserved in the beginning and trust me that reserved attitude lasted only for a few hours because just in a few hours both of us realized we were like a reflection of one another. We possessed uncanny similarities with each other. I was really happy to have Navya as my roommate and by her reaction I guess she was too. She told me her previous roommate was mess, they were like sand and water one would either precipitate or float but never dissolve. Me and Navya, on the other had were like sugar and water, we mixed in together so well that all you could see from outside was clear water. Navya was already a student at SPACE and she suggested me to join it as well when one day she accidentally overheard me during one of my bathroom singing sessions. On her persistence, I joined SPACE and my life took a 360 degree turn.
I joined SPACE in March 2008 and soon got into the good books of my professors due to my knowledge regarding the nuances of classical music, thanks to Amms .Navya introduced me to Fab 5. She was close to them since she and Cabir were "Good" Friends. But unlike Navya my relationship with FAB5 developed gradually with one member at a time and the first one was .........(Abhi interrupts)
..............Flashback Halts ....................
Abhi – Wait let me guess...either Cabir or Dhruv..right
Nandini – Wrong......the first one was Manik...!!
Abhi – Whattt....Manik...Are you serious...he is a tough nut to crack baby doll...how did you manage to be friends with him first
Nandini – May be because if he was nut I was the raisin...we both balanced each other..Anyways coming back
..............Flashback Resumes....................
Nandini – Once the good friends Navya and Cabir were busy with themselves while we, I mean Me and Manik were waiting for them in the library. Till that day, the only conversations that we used to have were probably a couple of Hi's and Hello's. I decided to go through the newspaper while waiting for Navya and as usual I started reading it from the last page for the first thing I used to read in the paper was Sports news. French Open was about to start and I was fully engrossed in an article comparing Federer and Nadal when a voice disturbed my concentration.
Manik – Federer's Fan or Nadal's?
Me – Both Actually... Federer's technique is commendable...but I admire Nadal's approach to the game as well..!!
Manik – True...so who are rooting for this time..
Me – Tough call...I hope Federer wins
Manik - But Nadal has already won it thrice so it's not gonna be easy for Federer
Me – Hmm...lets see...Let the best man win...By the way why are you here...I mean no offense but it doesn't look like you are here for work
Manik – None taken....you are right I am not here for work...I am waiting for my friend who I am assuming is busy with your friend...
Me – Oh God these two...Hey Are you by any chance hungry..I am starving..would you mind accompanying me for a quick bite
Manik – Of course Not...Let's go..Anyways library is definitely not a place to have a conversation so let's head towards the canteen.
We both made a quick exit from the library. On the way to the canteen, we messaged our respective friends to meet us in the canteen. On reaching the canteen, Manik got himself a chicken salad while I ordered a veg sandwich. An unusual silence gripped us as we settled down on the nearby table. I still remember we wanted to talk but none of us could gather words to initiate a conversation. Thankfully we had our respective meals to indulge into while trying to escape the uncomfortable environment that our silence had created. Anyways I finally spoke
Me – How long have you been singing ? I think I haven't told you before but you sing really well.
Manik – So do you..and answering your question, I started singing when I was 8 so 11 years...By the way you seemed to be trained in classical music
Me – Yes...My grandmother..she is a classical teacher and runs a music school in Mangalore...
We discussed more about music, another topic apart from sports that had our mutual interest. Soon, actually not that soon around 2 hours later Cabir and Navya showed up. Their faces carried shocked expressions , the reason for which I couldn't understand. May be they were surprised with the fact that me and Manik were comfortable around each other since both of us were introverts in our own worlds. Anyways, we bade each other Goodbye and left with our respective friends, Me and Navya and Manik and Cabir.
Soon me and Manik became good acquaintances. Our discussions mostly revolved around music, sport and food. Anyways we had a competition coming up for solo artists for freshers and my dear friend Navya got my name enrolled in it since even after spending almost two months I was still a fresher. But the competition got me really nervous. After enrolling, I was sitting on the bench in the garden next to canteen when Manik came and sat beside me
Manik –Nervous
Me – yes...Very Much
Manik – May I know why..??
Me – I don't know...I am scared...I haven't performed on stage before...I mean I used to sing with Amms' group but never alone..What if I fail..!!
Manik – And what if you stun everyone with your magical voice and powerful notes
Me – Manik I ....
Manik – Listen Nandini...it is okay to be scared...trust me..getting shivers before your first performance is absolutely normal...we all get it...But do you know who is the winner...(I looked into his eyes)....the winner is the one who gets past these fears...And I know you are a winner..!!
Me – How are you so sure of me..??
Manik – Because I have full confidence in my plan
Me – Plan
Manik – Yes plan...so the plan is that in about 5 minute from now you shall get up from this bench...move towards the practice room..practice your piece again and again until you are able to hit the right notes even in your sleep...So tell me are you up for this plan..?
Me – Do I have a choice ?
Manik – No..!!
Soon, Manik dragged me to the practice room, we practiced the song...My notes were really unsteady in the beginning but improved with a few practice sessions. As per Manik's plan, I practiced hard for the competition and slowly my confidence overtook my fear with every passing day. Manik ensured that he was around as much as he can. He helped in every way possible. Finally the day of performance arrived and nervousness took over all over again. Navya tried to pacify me but I guess by now my mind had got accustomed to Manik's words and only his words could calm me down. I looked around for Manik and found him busy with his friends. I shrugged off the idea of talking to him since I did not want to interrupt his conversations and turned to leave but his voice halted my steps
Manik – hey Nandini Wait..!!
Nandini – Hey
Manik along with Fab 4 came to wish me luck. I thanked them all and moved towards the green room. I was on my way when someone held my hand. I knew the touch as it carried the comfort I needed. I turned around to face him
Manik – I think the nervousness has taken over again
I nodded my head in approval
Manik- Listen to me...When you get on that stage you have to give your best shot..remember you have practiced hard for this competition..You owe this to the time you have spent practicing...you owe this to yourself...just take a deep breath remember the people important to you, you have to give your best shot for them and Let go of all fears...Do it trust me it works..
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and spoke
Me – I really need a hug, I just need it
Manik took me in his embrace and I found my peace. The fear, anxiety , nervousness had all gone deep into the drain. All I felt was the zeal to perform well for Manik as he was one who drove this enthusiasm running in me.
Manik – Go...the stage is yours..set it on fire.... Make me proud
I broke the hug and went backstage to wait for my turn while Manik joined the audience. Soon My name was announced and I went on stage. I closed my eyes and opened them to find Manik standing right in front. He gave me a thumbs up and I started...
Mere Mann Ye Bata De Tu, Kis Or Chala Hai Tu
Kya Paya Nahi Tune , Kya Dhundh Raha Hai Tu
Jo Hai Ankahee, Jo Hai Ansuni
Woh Baat Kya Hai Bata
Mitwa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya,, Mitwa... Yeh Khudse Toh Na Tu Chhupa
Mitwa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya, Mitwa... Yeh Khudse Toh Na Tu Chhupa
Teri Nigaahen pa gayi rahe, Par Tu Yeh Soche Jaaun Na Jaaun
Yeh Zindagi Jo Hai Naachti Toh, Kyon Bediyon Mein Hai Tere Paanv
Preet Ki Dhun Par Naach Le Paagal, Udta Agar Hai Udne De Aanchal
Kaahe Koi Apne Ko Aise Tarsaaye
Jo Hai Ankahee Jo Hai Ansuni
Woh Baat Kya Hai Bata
Mitwa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya
Mitwa... Yeh Khudse Toh Na Tu Chhupa
I ended the song with a classical sargam at the end. The entire auditorium echoed with numerous claps. The loudest of them were from FAB5 and Navya...And Manik..Well !! His hands didn't stop clapping. My performance was the last one. Soon results were announced and I was declared winner. But for me I had won right after my performance when I looked into Manik's eyes. They carried admiration and immense pride and that was my prize.
....................Flashback Ends..................
Nandini – Ok enough for today...I am tired..Let me grab some sleep
Abhi – Wow...You and Manik were real good friends...weren't you...??..But Nandu...today you spoke with everyone but Manik..Your past seems to be so buoyant then why is the present so gloomy...It is all so puzzling..
Nandini – Wait for the past to get over and you'll realize why...for now...Our IMMATURE PAST LOOKS WAY SORTED compared to our CONFUSED MATURE PRESENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 9-------
This brings us to the end the chapter 9 ... Sorry for the delay... I hope the chapter made up for it...!!
Last week was a blessed week for my story... All thanks to pani_possible...Thank you for promoting my story and thank you readers for liking it, voting for it and sharing our views
That's it from me for today...See you guys..Cheers..!!