Four days had passed, four days since they first met, four days of absolute fun, four days of sharing the pain and miseries, four days of reliving the old memories.
It was Wednesday noon, everyone was still staying at Nandini's place. They had either taken an off from their work or opted for work from home in case of urgencies for they had realized that this time together was more important than anything else. They knew it was high time that nothing but their inter personal relationship tops the priority list and that was exactly what they focused on. In between, on Abhimanyu's insistence, they also filled him regarding the events that took place in the past. Right now, post lunch they were busy telling him about how Dhruv and Alya confessed their love to each other.
................Flashback starts (multiple POV's)..............
Nandini
It was May 2009, we all had gone to Goa for a weekend trip after finishing our semesters. I was with Fab 5 and Navya for more than year now and by now I had crossed the line from being just an acquaintance to friend. Anyways, after reaching Goa we girls were relaxing in Alya and Mukti's room when Mukti decided to play a game "One Word that pops in your mind when I say...."wherein she would say a word and we need to speak the first word/thing/name that comes to our mind when we hear the word. Okay so now I do not remember who was first or last and I don't even remember anyone's answers except Alya's. Infact her words and replies are crystal clear in my memory. So here it goes
Mukti – Cloud
Alya – Rain
Mukti – Sea
Alya – Beach
Navya – Traffic
Alya – Annoying, but seriously Navya Traffic....??
Navya - Ok Ok...Passion
Alya – Music
Navya – Friends
Alya – Fab5
Me – Best Friend
Alya – Mukti
Me – Brother
Alya – Cabir
Me – Crush
Alya – Manik
Me – Love
Alya – Dhruv..
Mukti – Life....Wait what...what did you just say...Love...Dhruv...!!...Seriously Alya...When did this happen..why didn't you tell me...Since When...??
Alya – Since a long time now..I don't remember
Mukti – How can you hide it from me Alya..I take offense to it
Me and Navya were busy admiring their bond..finally Navya cleared her throat to gain their attention and I spoke
Me – Alya, the question now is does Dhruv know...??
Alya – No Nandini...He doesn't know...in fact I don't even know if he has the same feelings for me or not..??
Navya – Really Alya...I didn't know you are blind...Dhruv loves you...everyone can see it..I am surprised you have a doubt on that..
Mukti – Exactly, I mean I used to think you do not have feelings for him, I was always sure about his feelings though
Alya – Really if he has such strong feelings why hasn't he proposed me yet..??
Me – Because he is shy and he fears rejection...He has no clue that you love him...have you ever dropped any hints..!!
Mukti – But Nandini..in this case I guess with Dhruv not proposing and Alya waiting for proposal..they would never be a couple yaar..
Me – Except if Alya takes a step forward and propose Dhruv..
Navya – What...isn't it the guy who proposes..??
Me – Well last time I checked, no such rule exists...I mean guy proposing a girl is too cliche, because generally in such cases the guy is confident and the girl is shy but in our case the guy is too shy while our girl here is flamboyant...so how about we do it differently this time..
Mukti – I guess you are right..Alya babes I am so happy for you..!!
Alya – But girls I am nervous..I mean planning the whole proposal thing is not easy..
Me – Listen you just concentrate on what you have to say to Dhruv...arrangements we will manage..
Alya – Thanks Nandini...I never thought of it..but the first thing that comes to my mind...the backdrop should be gold and cream..like royal..!!
Me – You got it babes...we will arrange the things...let us know specifics as and when they cross your mind...you just get your words right..!!
Saying this we all left to manage the arrangements..
Cabir
Meanwhile in our camp, I mean in Manik's room , Dhruv, Manik and me were chatting, when Dhruv spoke
Dhruv – Guys I need you help
Manik – Yes buddy anything...all okay...
Dhruv – Ya all good...who..woh..IwanttoproposeAlya..(Dhruv said in one breath)
Manik – What...say it clearly buddy...!!
Dhruv – I want to propose Alya...
Me and Manik – (screamed at the top of our voices and jumped on Dhruv)...Seriously Dhruv...
Dhruv – Guys please don't choke me to death
We realized we had crushed him under us...Poor guy
Manik - We are so happy for you..
Me – Perfect timing Dhruv...Alya loves beaches Goa would be just perfect..!!
Dhruv – I know guys, isiliye I needed your help...can you guys set up a date for me...I want the proposal to perfect...please ask the girls too in case they can help as well..
Manik – don't you worry buddy just tell us what you want, we'll arrange, you just think about what you should say to her...make sure the confession is perfectly worded...
Me – Absolutely leave the rest to us..We'll manage.. Manik let's get going...we need to speak with the girls as well..
Dhruv – Ummm...guys Alya loves Mauve...!!
Manik – You got it buddy...!!
Saying this we left Dhruv with his thoughts and moved ahead to meet the girls completely unaware of the fact that they were waiting for us with a similar news
Mukti
I, along with Navya and Nandini, were waiting for Manik and Cabir to arrive since we had such a great news to share. We were waiting to see their reactions. We saw them approaching us with wide grin on their faces.
Manik – Girls we have a great news..
Navya – Cool..but guess what we too have a news that would blow up your minds
Cabir – Oh may be...but I can bet our news is way better than yours...
Me – No you don't understand..listen to our news and then decide
Manik – Ours is better
Me – Ours
Manik – No ours
Nandini – Stop it guys..our news is Alya is going to propose Dhruv
Manik – see I told you ours is better, Dhruv is going to propose Alya...now say who's is better..
Cabir – Wait Nandini, what did you just say..
Navya – Before that Manik ...Come Again...
Manik – I said Dhruv is going to propose Alya...but I guess you said Alya is planning the same
Nandini – that means..they both want to confess today...and I guess we need to plan their dates
Me – Crap...now what should we do....who's date should we plan..??
Cabir – Its tricky Mukti...Man what should we do now..??
Navya – I would say plan for Dhruv...I mean finally he is coming out his shell...plus Alya also wanted him to propose...so that's fair
Me – But the idea of Alya proposing is different and unique..I think let's plan for Alya..
Nandini - Or else we could plan it for both of them together
Manik –Together...I didn't get you..
Nandini – Okay listen to this...both of them want us to prepare the date right..let's club their ideas and merge into one and plan one single date wherein they can confess their feelings..
Cabir – Brilliant plan Nandini...
Navya – Wow this thought never crossed my mind...Perfect Nandini..
Me – Okay so Alya wants golden and cream back drop
Manik – And Dhruv wants mauve
Nandini – So the backdrop would be Gold, Cream and Mauve..Next place
Me – Dhruv's room had better view...I guess we should go with his room...
Manik – I guess you are right Mukti...plus keeping Dhruv away from his room is not a problem..
Cabir – Done then...let's get going..we would need hotel staff's help as well so let's make it quick..
After a lot of discussion, the date set up was ready. Now the problem was the attire. Knowing Alya, we can never mess up with dresses. It has to perfect, no compromise what-so-ever. Manik came up with an idea..
Manik – I think Dhruv should surprise with something golden or cream while Alya should go for mauve...
Nandini – Waah Manik...nice thought..they would dress up according to each others wishes..
Me – But who will convince them, especially Alya..
Navya – Don't worry Mukti, I have a perfect plan for it..let's go and talk to Alya
Navya
Convincing Alya was not as tough as we thought, all we had to do was to give a proper logic
Alya – No yaar, the theme is Golden, I guess I will go for a golden gown...
Me – Alya babes we do not have time to buy a gown right now..you already have a mauve gown with you...and it is your favourite too..plus you look extremely pretty in Mauve
Nandini – Plus since the backdrop is also gold, you wouldn't stand out...think about it the lady of night not standing out...not cool at all..rest your choice...!!
Alya was busy thinking while we kept our fingers crossed, hoping she agrees..
Alya – Fine girls...I guess you are right..I'll go for Mauve..
Mukti – (murmured) – Phew that was easy..(then spoke in normal tone)...Alright then get ready quickly..it's a big day today..Let us help you with it
On the other hand, convincing Dhruv wasn't that difficult. He only had one suit and fortunately it matched up the theme. Finally, the room was also ready. We pushed the two love birds in the room and closed it while we waited outside
Dhruv
I was pushed in the room and was mesmerized, dumbfounded when I saw Alya.
Me – You are looking stunning in Mauve
Alya – You look handsome in gold too
Both together – I need to confess something
Me – Ok you go first
Alya – No you
Me – Comm'on Alya please go first
Alya – No yaar...you first
Both together – I LOVE YOU..
Me – I love you Alya..
Alya – I love you too Dhruv,
Saying this, we hugged each other and stayed like that for a while
Manik
Finally after good thirty minutes, we knocked the door
Cabir – If you guys are done, can we come in..??
Dhruv opened the door for us and we all entered with huge grin on our faces.
Dhruv – Guys me and Alya are together..
We all exclaimed with happiness and hugged them.
Mukti – So now tell us everything..right from the start
Alya – Before that, I told you to have a golden backdrop, but there is Mauve too
Me – Because Dhruv wanted Mauve as it is your favourite so we combined your wishes..now tell us about the confession..
Dhruv – Nothing much dude...I said I love you and she reciprocated with the same three words and that's it
Me – That's it...we gave you so many hours and all you could come up with was "I Love you"..i thought we would get to read or hear a few speeches...but here
Nandini – But here, they said it all with just three words, Manik these three words are more precious than any long speech...they carry all emotions in them...you really don't need to say anything else once you've uttered these three words..you won't understand now, fall in love and you would realize the power of these words..Also, once you realize please do not waste time thinking like these two...confess it as soon as you realize..!!
Cabir – Ummm....guys listen I am very happy for you both..now if confession and everything is done...can I go and eat the cupcakes..Man..!!Look at them... they are so tempting...irresistible....!!
All in unison (Except Cabir) – Bhukkad
.................Flashback ends...............
Manik finished the flashback and looked at Nandini. Abhi spoke
Abhi – Seriously Cabir, I mean these guys confessed while all you wanted was cupcakes...
Cabir – And now since they have reminded me, I have this craving for cupcakes...Nandini can we have them..
Just then the doorbell rang and Nandini opened it
Nandini – Here are you cupcakes Cabir, I had preempted something like this to happen, so ordered them during our conversation
Cabir (hugged Nandini) – You know what Nandu...you are the best..(kissed her hair)
Manik moved out of the living room towards the balcony on a pretext of answering a phone call. Dhruv, Alya, Cabir and Navya went to their rooms to relax and Abhi Mukti headed out to do some shopping and spend some alone time. Manik was returning back from the balcony when Dhruv's voice caught his attention. Meanwhile, Nandini too saw Manik in the living room and move towards him with a cupcake since he had moved out of the room without eating it. Dhruv's voice caught her attention too and she stopped in the midway
Dhruv - Stop overreacting yaar...
Alya - Really...do you really think Dhruv that I am overreacting...
Dhruv - Alya listen to me
Alya - Why should I listen Dhruv...why is it Me who has to listen..who has to understand..why..why can't everyone else do it haan...why don't you try understanding for a change...
This was followed by complete silence. Manik gestured Nandini to come to the balcony and Nandini followed him.
Nandini (in reaching the balcony) – Manik what is up with both of them
Manik – Honestly I don't know much about it. I have noticed a tension between them for quite some time but couldn't find anything concrete to initiate a conversation.
Nandini – Do you think we should go and speak with them...
Manik – I don't want to interfere...I mean fights and arguments between couples is normal isn't it..??..What if it's just a normal fight..!!
Nandini – And what if it isn't...listen it would be great if it is just a fight but I mean going by their conversation we heard minutes ago, it doesn't look like a normal fight...I think we should tackle it wisely before things go out our hands..
Manik – Ok...Don't worry I was anyways planning to speak with Dhruv ....Umm...I was thinking if you could talk to Alya if that's okay..
Nandini - Manik I think instead of you I should go and speak with Dhruv and you should go to Alya..
Manik - Seriously Nandini..well I am not surprised..you always have to act opposite to what I say..you always chose the opposite road.. don't you..
Nandini - Manik it's not about opposite or same road ..I think what Dhruv and Alya are lacking at the moment is the understanding of each other's opinion..and being a guy you can make Alya understand Dhruv's point of view and I can do the same with Dhruv...now if you can understand this fair enough.. otherwise I am off to speak with Dhruv..
Manik – Nandini Wait...!! Ok fine...but I have an idea...how about we both go and speak with either of them and after understanding the issue if there is any, we share our respective perspectives with them and then let them decide..
Nandini – Sounds good too..in fact the more the merrier...I mean more opinions will help us in sorting the problem in a better way since we can dive deeper into the problem looking into all perspectives..nice thought Manik I like it (saying this she slightly tapped his shoulder taking Manik and herself by surprise)...Sorry I guess I got carried away..!!
Manik – No worries...look Dhruv is coming out let's speak with him first and then move on to Alya
Nandini nodded in approval and Manik called Dhruv to join them. Dhruv came and sat with them but his mind was somewhere else which was didn't go unnoticed by the two people who were on a mission
Manik – Buddy are you okay..you don't seem fine..listen you can share..you know that right..!!
Dhruv – Nothing yaar Manik...Me and Alya we had an argument..I mean I fail to understand what is going on these days...we are fighting and arguing on almost everything...
Nandini – Its okay Dhruv, fights between couples are okay..you shouldn't stress about it..C'mon cheer up
Dhruv nodded and got busy with his thoughts. Manik rolled his eyes and messaged Nandini, " What do you think you are doing...we need to know the problem..stop diverting the topic". Nandini post receiving the message replied " I know what I am doing Manik just wait and watch". A few minutes later Dhruv broke the silence and spoke
Dhruv – Nandini, it's not just a fight..it is getting nastier day by day..How should I explain..??
Nandini – (giving a victory smirk to Manik) Speak whatever is on your mind....you have all our attention..!!
Dhruv – Okay so ever since Cabir and I began our business, I got a little too busy with work..It was a new startup and it needed all my attention..Alya and I couldn't spend much time together and I guess in that annoyance all the complexities in our relationships started cropping up...
Manik – Explain...
Dhruv – Like we carry different priorities in our lives..for Alya this relationship is important than anything else in this world...it is not like it's not important for me but then my work is equally important.. She fails to understand that..she wants my time and I understand that but I can't give it to her always right...Now she thinks she is no longer my priority...I mean how like how can she even let that thought cross her mind..she is my priority...all this work and everything I do is to ensure a better future for us..!!
Manik – But Dhruv you are right...you are doing all this for a better future but you can't keep ruining your present for it...because in that case god forbid, there might come a time when you won't be left with any future to be good or bad.
Dhruv – I know Manik, thinking this I decided to to give her all my attention in these few days but now she has taken up work here..I mean I do work it is a problem but if she does I should understand...what sort of logic is that..??
Nandini – Dhruv did you ask her once before taking an off (Dhruv shook his head in denial) so how can you expect her to plan according to your schedule when she doesn't even know what your schedule is..??
Manik – Exactly Dhruv...you want her to understand that you have work but even you should understand na when she has to work..Relationships do not involve give and take yes but...
Nandini – But they do involve sharing and caring..!!..
Dhruv – Thanks guys...I guess your talks are making some sense..Manik Nandini...I wanted to say this..I am amazed how perfectly you guys understand each other even after these years...I really hope that me and Alya too become perfect ones just like you...
Nandini - Dhruv you really think Manik and I are perfect..
Dhruv - of course yaar..
Nandini - Then it is good that you and Alya aren't...you are imperfect but together and we are perfect but apart..now decide what's better..!!
Dhruv – Sorry guys..I didn't want to bring up the past...I am sorry if I had hurt you by bringing this up..!!
Manik – Stop fussing over things which are not important Dhruv..Me and Nandini we do not get hurt by what you guys say...moreover right now you shouldn't be thinking about anything else but how to manage your angry girlfriend..so will you please concentrate
Dhruv – True that...I have to do that...Guys I have some work need to go out...Alya won't listen to me right now so I'll speak with her in the evening...Thank you so much for the past few minutes Manik and Nandini..!!
Manik and Nandini – You are welcome Dhruv
Saying this Dhruv went out, while Manik and Nandini came up with the next course of action. Nandini prepare three cups of coffee, handed one to Manik and moved to Alya's room with the balance two mugs and knocked her door.
Alya – Who's it..??
Nandini (opening the door) – Hey Alya..you're up..Wanna have some coffee..??
Alya – Thanks Nandini..needed this badly..!!
Nandini gave one mug to Alya and settled beside Alya. Soon there was another knock and Manik entered.
Manik –Can I join you ladies for coffee..Actually I was getting bored having it all alone..
Alya – Sure Manik you Can
The girls adjusted themselves in order make some space for him and Manik made himself comfortable on the bed. The coffee session was unusually silent.
Alya – What's going on guys..??
Manik – Listen Alya..we would not beat around the bush..
Nandini – Because we know you love direct conversations...We heard you and Dhruv fighting...we just wanted to make sure of you're okay..I mean you can share if you want...
Manik – We do not want to poke into your privacy...but we are genuinely concerned
Alya – Actually guys I wanted someone to vent out my feelings and Dhruv is just too busy these days..Thank you for coming here..Manik you just said na I like being direct...but Dhruv and I are lacking these direct conversations...today post lunch when we were remembering our proposal, Dhruv's romantic genes suddenly had an awakening and he decided to take off from work...okay fine till then it is okay..but then how can he expect me to available at his call always...I too have work and I told him and then he got angry...Dhruv thinks that I have problem with his work...no I don't...I understand how important and difficult is the task that he is handling..All I want him is to share...all I want is to have a conversation...but that never happens...!!
Nandini – I understand what you are trying to say Alya...but listen there is too much on his platter these days..you will have to make an extra effort to make him comfortable
Manik – Exactly Alya..listen..You have to be a little patient with him...ok now let's take this current scenario, I agree Dhruv can't force his moods on you but in the past whenever you had wished to spend time with him and he couldn't you did feel bad right
Alya nodded in approval
Nandini – Then how do you expect him to behave differently when a similar situation is faced by him..??
Manik – Alya you have to understand...you both value this relationship a lot individually but the problem is neither of you are aware of each other's efforts and if by any chance you are aware what you are guys lacking is the appreciation of the efforts...Just like you, Dhruv might be thinking that he is the only one making efforts while all you do is crib..i know that is not true but sometimes you have to make people understand certain things...that's just the way they are..
Alya - But Manik why can he be like you..
Manik - Because he is a different individual..You are doing an injustice by expecting him to behave like someone else..let him be..Listen Alya.. A piece of advice...Never force your partner to lose his actual self...It will do nothing but harm your relationship...Do you love him Alya..??
Alya – What kind of question is that Manik...of course I do..!!
Nandini – Then stop seeking perfection, because when you find someone absolutely perfect, it is nothing but an attraction
Manik – And love by definition is when you realize that the other person is not perfect and the fact that he is not perfect doesn't matter to you anyways..
Alya – Thanks guys...thank you for making me understand..I know no one's perfect like for example me..I am way too stubborn at times...
Just then Alya's phone beeped with a message from Dhruv, "Be Ready, we are going out for dinner tonight"
Nandini – Cool then, I should make a move...
Alya – Nandini, Dhruv and I are going out for dinner, please don't cook for us today
Nandini – Cool....and by the way...try wearing anything mauve when you go out..!!
Manik – True that...Acha I'll also take a leave...bye and have a great evening..!!
Saying this Manik and Nandini left. Nandini moved towards the kitchen while Manik settled himself in the living room. An hour later, Manik followed Nandini in the kitchen.
Manik (clearing his throat) – Umm...Nandini...busy..??
Nandini – Not really just chopping the veggies..you need something..!!
Manik – Yes Actually...wanted to say this for quite sometime now...
Nandini (stopped working and turned to face Manik) – What is it Manik..??
Manik - Everyone thinks, actually everyone always thought you are perfect for me...Nandini you know what I never believed in perfection until I met you... strange though but you've single handedly managed to alter all my beliefs..so Nandini Murthy..I know this place and surroundings do not do justice to what I will say next...but I can't wait...so here it is...I AM SORRY...I am sorry for expecting perfection out of you..the benchmark that my imperfect mind had set was so high that somewhere I overburdened you with my expectations...I am sorry for thinking of Perfection as an reality but now is realize it is nothing more than a myth
Nandini – No Manik...the problem with us was our approach... I TOO AM SORRY for the incorrect approach...We sought for perfection in each other while we should have worked towards attaining perfection in our relationship...Perfection in a relationship is attainable..it is achieved when two imperfect souls are ready to let go each other imperfections...Honestly A perfect relationship is a reality but Perfect Soul is a myth
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 14-------
Here you go with Chapter 14...sorry for being late..hope the chapter matches the expectations
The response on what in the store was awesome...The story made it to rank#74 yesterday
Thank You everyone for the support..!! :) :) :)
That's it from me for today...See you guys..Cheers..!!