Hey readers...Before we start....the pace of the fallout events will be a little slow in the beginning. Well the reason for the same is that a detailed understanding of the events is needed since all of it is a kind of chain reaction where one thing leads to the other. You might find the initial part dragged at some place at the moment but then I would request you to please have patience because when the track gets over, every piece in the update shall make sense. Hence, would request you to be a little patient, don't jump to conclusions too quickly
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Manik – It all started when.......
Flashback starts
(Imp – The upcoming flashback is in Narrator's POV since there are multiple POV, also this is the longest flashback so using Multiple POV's will add to the confusion...so no POV in this, just remember that everyone is collectively telling this to Abhi)
A Big Label called Music Connects came to SPACE academy with a scholarship and album offer. The label was looking for new talent and hence they were visiting various colleges in the city for the same. Their quest for a new talent brought them to SPACE. Though SPACE was not a full time music college like many others in the city who provided degrees in music since in SPACE gave out Diplomas only, yet it surely was one of the most reputed college in the city. Students were ecstatic with the upcoming opportunity and decided to make the most of it. They prepared really hard for a week and delivered fantastic performances in front of the label owners. Post audition, the members of the label asked FAB5 to perform individually as well since earlier they performed together as a group. FAB5 gave individual performances and waited for the result. The results were to be announced a day later. The winners of this competition were to further compete with others at city level and the final winner was chosen based on that. It was the night after the auditions at SPACE came to an end. Manik and Nandini were sitting in a café
Manik – Oh Man...I am so excited for tomorrow
Nandini – I am happy for you Manik..I am sure you will make it..!!
Manik (side hugging Nandini) – So will you..!!
Nandini – Ya right..!!
Manik – What..!!..Why so surprised..?? You don't believe me...You are brilliant Nandini..!!
Nandini – I know I am..But not as good as you..You guys are a league apart..trust me..!!
Manik – Ok enough of praising each other, let's eat something now...!!
They shared a sandwich. Manik continued with the conversations sipping coffee while Nandini opted for a Ice tea. After spending sometime together, he dropped Nandini to her hostel before leaving for his home. Next day, the head of the academy, Mr. Vivek Nair called Manik and Nandini to his office. On reaching the office, they found him sitting with the owners of Music Connects (Mr. Reyaansh and Ms. Harshika). They greeted them and settled on the empty chairs. started,
Mr. Nair – Ok Manik and Nandini, I have a good news for both of you and I would request Reyaansh here to give it to you.
Reyaansh – Thank you Mr. Nair, Well let me begin by telling you that you guys are exceptional talents which we surely don't wish to miss out on. So Mr. Manik Malhotra and Ms. Nandini Murthy, you are winners so the Auditions held yesterday and have therefore been selected to represent SPACE academy in the finals.
Manik – Thank you so much sir...Wow that's such a great news... But Nair sir why have you called just the two of us, my friends, I mean FAB4 should also be informed about it right.
Mr. Nair – Umm..Manik...listen here's the thing...how should I put it forward..!!
Manik – Just the way it is sir...what is it..??
Mr. Nair – Actually the thing is that only YOU have been selected for the competition and not the entire FAB5..!!
Manik – What..but why...I mean as far as I remember, we auditioned as a band and not as individuals,,!!
Harshika – Yes your first audition was a band but actually we are looking for single artist and not a band at the moment..and that is why we asked you guys to sing again individually at the end..!!
Nandini – No offence Ma'am,
Harshika – Call me Harshika please..I am not that old
Nandini – Ok, So Harshika, as far as I remember, the competition aims at identifying the best talent and it no where mentions that the hunt is for single artists only..
Reyaansh – Are you a part of the band too..??
Nandini – No I am not but I am a close friend...and it is just a query that I thought of clarifying..!!
Reyaansh – Yes the talent hunt rules nowhere has any such limitations explicitly mentioned and that is partly because any such clause is not that necessary because lets just face it, there aren't many bands in the country and even if they are, the fallout of the band is too common and we do not want get into any trouble later on for signing a band.
Nandini – Well sorry to say, I think you are presuming a lot of things here, many of which are and will never be true especially in case of FAB5..!!
Harshika – But then still it is a risk that we donot wish to take and so here we are infront of you two with the offer of earning an individual identity for your own self..Congratulations..!!
Manik – I am sorry but I can't take this...FAB5 is band..we have our individual careers for our personal identities...but when it comes to music, we are not individuals but a band..and therefore, if it is about music projects, we would do it together as a band only..!!
Reyaansh – Well Mr. Nair you were right..(Manik and Nandini looked at him amazed)..He told us beforehand that you wouldn't accept the offer but I am sorry this is what we have for you as of now...I agree you band is phenomenal but as Harshika said it is a risk.. But Gentleman, this offer is really fantastic and I would urge you rethink the whole thing and then comeback...You can tell us about your decision in a couple of days.
Saying this Reyaansh and Harshika left the office leaving Manik and Nandini with Mr. Nair.
Mr.Nair – Manik I know this is a tough call but I would still suggest you to think about it once.
Manik – I am sorry sir but there are certain things that are just not possible and singing without FAB4 is one of them.
Mr.Nair – Life is too long and complicated to stay as is...remember change is the only constant.. Donot make any decision in haste
Nandini – We shall take your leave sir and will let you know the decision too in case it changes.
Saying this Manik and Nandini moved to the canteen to meet their friends. As soon as they reach the table, everyone bombarded them with questions. Manik explained them the conversation that took place in Mr. Nair's office.
Cabir – Manik I think you shouldn't have rejected the offer..it is a great deal dude..!!
Manik – Shut up Cabir.. Offers come and go.. If not today we would definitely crack an album someday.. Let's not get worked up..!!
Mukti – But Manik..!!
Manik – Mukti tell me something if you were at my place, would take an offer like that..!!
Mukti – Hell no..!!
Manik – So end of the discussion..!!
Dhruv – What...Wait..No..!! Manik listen we wouldn't have taken it since we are not as good as you are..we might need you but you don't need us Man..You are brilliant..!!
Alya – Exactly...Manik don't let go of this opportunity and that too because of us...!!..
Manik walked out without saying a word, leaving everyone stunned
Dhruv – Why does he have to overreact man..??
Nandini – Really Dhruv..you really think he overreacted especially after what you guys just said..!!
Dhruv – What did I say Nandini..??
Nandini – Well let me repeat your words for you..."we might need you but you don't need us"...I mean like seriously Dhruv..how could you..!!
Dhruv – Shit...!! Nandini trust me I didn't mean it that way..!!
Nandini – I know but guys think from his perspective..he is not trying to be great here..you know why he is so good in his music.. (everyone shook their head in denial) because of you all... Music makes him happy because he has fun creating it with you... He looks forward to it because of the happiness it brings along in form of the time spent with you all.. and as he said in Mr. Nair's Cabin, he had his personal career to achieve all individual greatness but music for him is FAB5 and nothing else..!!
Cabir – I think you are right Nandini..guys lets go and talk to Manik..and please lets not get personal about the whole thing
Everyone left to meet Manik who was busy strumming his guitar in anger. Cabir silently sat on the chair and held the drum sticks, Alya stood behind the keyboard, while Mukti and Dhruv took the guitars and stood in the opposite direction. Cabir started beating the drums to match the Manik's chords. Alya too chipped in a few minutes later with a piano piece and finally Mukti and Dhruv too joined in with their respective guitar notes. They played together for almost 30 minutes without speaking a word while Nandini and Navya just looked around. After 30 minutes Manik stopped playing his guitar, followed by Mukti, Dhruv, Cabir and Alya in that order.
Navya – Wow guys..this was amazing...!!
Nandini – Right Navya...I mean the way it all started...I didn't knew it would end up like this..just wow..!!
Manik – because when it started, I was alone trying to create something since I don't need anyone right...but guess what all I could come up with was some noise, it became music only when they chipped in...My guitar notes are useless without Cabir's drums, Alya's keyboard, Mukti and dhruv chords...
Dhruv – I am sorry Manik...I didn't mean it that way..!!
Manik – I know..it's just that it hurts guys...Music is what connects all of us and no matter what we aren't going separate ways when it comes to creating it..!!
FAB5 in unison – All for one and one for All
Nandini – Cool...all sorted now let's just go and tell Nair sir that we are not performing..!!
Manik – Hold on..Ms. Murthy I am not performing...What reason do you have to not perform..!!
Nandini – What...Listen Manik it is too big a responsibility...I can't take it and in case you've forgotten let me remind you I never wished to audition at the first place...You got my name announced without even letting me know...Just because I didn't say anything about this stunt of yours doesn't mean I don't know anything
Manik bit his lip on knowing that he was caught..
Mukti – Wait I didn't get it..!!
Nandini – I'll explain..I told your brother that I wont be performing for this competition and guess what he agreed on the first instance itself.. . honestly his reaction caught me by surprise but I knew something was definitely cooking in his head...and see I was right..I went to the audition to see your performance..and after that I just heard my name being announced as the next performer...(turning towards Manik)..I mean why did you do this Manik
Manik – Why did I do this..because unlike you I believe , actually not just me everyone here believes that you are great singer..and you should take it up seriously...I don't know why are you so low on confidence when comes to performing
Nandini – First of all I am not low on confidence, I had my own reasons for not performing and you know them and second even if I am, have you ever thought of the consequences if I would have turned out to be a disaster on the stage...I mean I wasn't prepared for God's sake.. and a bad performance could have been such a blow on my confidence..
Manik – But it didn't right...Nandini you need to perform in order to realize if you are capable or not....Sweetheart..You are very talented..I have told you this a zillion times and see even the guys at Music Connects believe that otherwise they wouldn't have selected you..Imagine what wonders a little bit of preparation can do when an unprepared performance got you into finals...
Nandini – Whatever..I am still not performing..!!
Manik – Nandini I told you you are performing..Period..!!
Nandini – Manik..try and understand...I understood your viewpoint too na..then why aren't you understanding mine..!!
Manik – Listen..our scenarios are different Nandini.....you are what Music connect wants a single artist.. you are not a part of any band ....You are alone..!!
Nandini – That is what is scary Manik..!!
Manik - Explain..!!
Nandini – Manik...I am in the last year of my college..you all have seen me struggling with managing my studies along with everything else...Managing it all alone is anyways taking a toll on me...I do not wish to add another to-do to my list to increase the pressure
Manik – Offo...Nandini..when I said You are alone I meant as a singer...For life in general and all these pressures, I am right here with you to help you in managing the same..and not just me everyone else too is here..right guys..!!
Navya – Absolutely..Nandu this is such a great opportunity.. Do not let it go this reason..!!
Nandini – Thanks Navya...But...!!
Nandini stopped abruptly in the middle of the sentence. Manik sensed she needed some privacy and gestured Cabir to take everyone out. Cabir took the rest of them outside the jam room leaving Manik and Nandini alone. Manik took Nandini's hand in his. Nandini looked up to meet his eyes and hugged him after freeing her hand from his grip. Manik wrapped his hand around her and she cocooned herself in his warmth.
Manik – Nandini..what is it..??
Nandini – Manik I am scared...!!
Manik – But why Nandini...I told you na we'll manage..!!
Nandini – Manik the studies are too hectic and demanding at the moment...plus we too are at the budding stage of our relationship...I donot want any of it suffer and hence I am trying to be as cautious as I can..
Manik – Being cautious is good Nandini but here you are being over cautious..!!..It is just an album and I know my Nandini is strong and sensible enough to manage both the album and her studies.
Nandini – And you..!!
Manik – Aray where am I going..I am right here sweetheart...Right next to you...You have no reason to be tensed or insecure as far as I or our relationship is concerned
Nandini – But Manik I won't be able to do it...I know..!!
Manik – Sshh...Trust me Nandini...only you can pull it off and I am sure you will...!!...So now will you do it for the belief I have in you..will you do it for me..??
Nandini – Okay I will...but only if you promise you will support me always..!!
Manik – Done deal Ms. Murthy..!!
Nandini – Then lets rock Mr. Malhotra..!!
Nandini and Manik came out the jam room to find their friends waiting for them...
Cabir – So..??
Nandini – I will go ahead with the competition but I need your support guys..!!
Mukti – You've got that...Don't worry..!!
Manik – Guys you head to the canteen, we shall let meet you in a while..need to inform Nair sir about the final decision.
Saying this Manik and Nandini moved to Mr.Nair's cabin while the rest headed towards the canteen. Mr. Nair was elated with Nandini's acceptance, though he was a little disappointed with Manik's decision yet he understood his viewpoint. The next few days went in a jiffy. Nandini practiced hard for the finals with Fab5 and Navya supporting and guiding her. It was the day of the competition. Fab5 was with Nandini when a voice startled them
Voice – Since when did Fab5 started singing individually...I mean what happened to that All for one and One for All crap..!!
Manik – It is none of your business Harshad..but just so you know FAB5 is band and it performs as a band always..!!
Harshad – Really...then what are you doing here...Don't you know this place is for singles and not bands..!!
Manik – We do but as I said..what we do is none of your business..!!
Harshad made a whatever face and walked out.
Nandini – Guys what's going on..what am I missing..??
Manik – Nothing important..you just focus on the competition..Okay..!!
Nandini – But Manik...Who is Harshad..Why are you so angry..??
Manik – SShhh...Nandini he is not anyone important..Focus on what is important..All the best..Make SPACE proud..Make us proud..Make me proud..!!
Nandini – I'll try..!!
Manik kissed her forehead and hugged her. Nandini then hugged rest of her friends. They were about to leave when Nandini held Manik's hand. Everyone left the green room while Manik turned and raised his eyebrow. Nandini came forward and slightly pecked his lips taking him by surprise. The peck was followed by a tight hug
Nandini – Listen I don't know who or what Harshad is but I do know that he is not worth messing your mood..Smile and remember I love you..!!
Manik – I love you too...!!..You are incredible..this day should be about you and you are trying to calm me down while it should have been vice versa..
Nandini – No day is about you or me Manik...every day is about US..!!
Manik smiled and took her in a hug. He pecked Nandini's lips before leaving the room to join everyone in the audience. The finals began and Nandini delivered a fantastic performance forcing the entire auditorium to stand on their feet and clap for her. In the competition, Fab5 also realized that Harshad too had come in as a competitor. The final winners were Nandini and Harshad. Though Harshad winning unnerved them a bit but they were least bothered since Nandini's win had given them immense happiness and all of them were ecstatic with the joy. They all partied the entire night celebrating her win. A few days later Nandini asked Manik about Harshad and he told her Harshad was their school mate who was always at loggerheads with Fab5. He carried fierce hatred for Fab5 in his heart to the extent that once he almost tried to manhandle Alya and Mukti. He had to leave school after that incident and that did nothing rather turned his hatred to abhorrence. Nandini sensing the discomfort in Manik's voice made a note in her head never to bring up that Harshad into the conversation ever again. Nandini visited labels office after two weeks in order start with the album but the information she received there took her by surprise. She exited the label office citing an emergency and messaged Fab5 and Navya to meet her in the café urgently. Nandini's SOS created a panic among everyone and they rushed to the café. On reaching the café, they found her sitting on a table with a tensed face. Manik literally ran and took her in her embrace. She looked too shocked to react and this got everyone worried. After rubbing her back for about 10 minutes, Manik spoke
Manik – Nandu..what happened...you went to label office na..
Nandini – Yes I did..they asked me to sign the contract and when I read it, it said..
Manik – What did it say, Nandini..??
Nandini – It said me and Harshad have to record one album..!!
Manik – But you knew it right...the album is winning reward right..!!
Nandini – Yes..but the contract said that we have to make that album together..like a duet Album..!!
All except Nandini – What...!!
Manik – No...you are not doing it Nandini...just reject it...!!
Nandini – I tried Manik..but rejecting it no will lead me into a legal trouble..I even tried contacting Mr. Nair but he said doing this will put SPACE's reputation at stake..!!
Cabir – But there has to be a way out..!!
Navya – Give me the contract..let me look out for loophole in it.!!
Nandini handed over the contract to her and Navya moved to different seat to read it in peace
Mukti – But what if there isn't any loophole...God this is such a horrible trap to trapped in..!!
Manik – Whatever it is..I can't let you work with that asshole...you have to back out..just back out Nandini..!!
Nandini – Manik...I can't...now I can't...!!
Manik – Why Nandini...you didn't wish to do the album at the first place..so backing out shouldn't be a problem now..!!
Nandini – Manik...Acting impulsively will put me in big trouble..!!
Manik (Shouted) – And working with him will put you in a bigger trouble..!!
This was followed by absolute silence for more than an hour. All except Manik and Nandini changed places every now and then, making some excuse. Navya returned after an hour post reading the contract thoroughly
Navya – I am sorry.. There isn't any way out.. she will have to record the album with him except if Harshad misbehaves with her... I mean she can challenge him later on in case of any trouble but with valid proofs.!!
Cabir – What is the penalty if she walks out now..!!
Navya – Her scholarship will be revoked and on the top of that she will have to pay 2 crore to the label for walking out...then there are reputations too at stake, also the label can take a legal course too if they wish too..!!
Manik – Listen let's arrange the money and get you out of it..!!
Nandini – Manik..wait..2 crore is not a joke...how do you plan to arrange it..!!
Manik – I'll figure something out...
Nandini – Okay...and what plan do you have to save the reputation at stake..!!
Manik – SPACE's reputation is not fragile to be spoiled by a minor event as this...!!
Nandini – I wasn't talking about SPACE's reputation..I was talking about MINE...Me walking out of my first album without any valid reason is capable of tarnishing my reputation as a singer...I was talking about that...!!
....Flashback Continued....!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 18-------
Here's the first dent..but is it really that lethal...Will Manik let Nandini to compromise with her reputation or will Nandini allow it to a backseat...
The next chapter unfolds the mystery...Stay tuned...!!
Thank You everyone for the support..!!
That's it from me for today...See you guys..Cheers..!!