Hello Fam. Please do read the note below.
There are some issues which I can't control. I know you want to read the updates asap but I am as helpless as you. Unfortunately, I have some construction work going on at my place because of which there were some power issues. The current was fluctuating throughout the day and power cuts or voltage drops at night. I am hardly able to charge my devices.
It's not like I am disappearing for weeks or months together. If at all I am on a break or something, I always inform before leaving. And even after informing you the issue, if you can't wait for the updates, then I am sorry. I really can't control the weather or current department or the networks. People who can't understand this, please do remove the book. I would inform you once the book is completed. You can read all the chapters at once without waiting for anyone or anything.
I am sorry if you feel I am sounding rude but there are few who are making me feel guilty. There are some who are literally 'ordering' for an update and few more who think I am irresponsible. (No one told this directly but their words indicate the same). Writing is my stress buster so I won't quit it. I hope you understand me. :)
Thank You
And to everyone who understand me and are being patient with me, thanks a lot. I really feel blessed to have you guys around. :)
Happy Reading...
Manik reached the living room and found everyone giving him all sorts of questioning glances. The other three (Cabir, Abhimanyu, Maddy) followed with smirks plastered on their faces. He went to Nandini who was now sitting beside Mukti and knelt down in front of her confusing everyone. Ignoring all the weird glances that he was getting, he spoke after taking Nandu's hands into his.
Manik(softly): Nandu, if I ask you something, will you do it for me?
Nandu nods confusedly. Taking a deep breath, he continued.
Manik(hopefully): Will you be our band manager?
Nandu(panicking): Manik, are you serious? I don't even know the 's' of singing.
Cabir(surprised): Kyun school mein spelling seekhna bhul gayi?
Manik(glared): Cabir, shut up. (sarcastically) Nandini, main tumhari lead singer nahi band manager hone ki baat kar raha hun.
Nandu frowned.
Manik(explained): Nandini, we want a band manager. You already know all my schedules. I feel it's safe to have you than hiring someone new. It's tedious to explain the things to a new person when we want to concentrate on the album. I promise, there won't be any pressure on you.
Nandu(in a low tone): Can I have a talk with Abhimanyu for few minutes?
Manik nods smilingly. They both stand up. Just when Nandu leaves to go to Abhimanyu, who was now standing at a distance, Manik called her and whispered in her ear.
Manik: Nandini, remember one thing. Whatever your decision is, we will respect it. No one will force you, ever.
He smiles assuringly to which she reciprocates and leaves to a room along with Abhimanyu. As soon as they leave, everyone pounced upon him with all sorts of questions.
Mukti(curious): Manik, what the hell is going on?
Dhruv(concerned): Buddy, sab thik hai?
Alya(guessed): yeah, you seem so off.
Raj(worriedly): Manik beta, bolo kuch?
Meanwhile, all he was doing was shooting daggers at Maddy and Cabir.
Cabir(turning towards Maddy): Aaj glaring day hai kya?
Manik(gritting his teeth): Cabirr.
Maddy(excitedly stood up): Ladies and Gentlemen, as Mr. Manik Malhotra is busy pretending to be angry when actually he is doing gangnam style dance inside his head, I, Mr. Madhyam Singhania, will explain you the situation.
Manik(yelled): I am not pretending. I am angry.
Maddy(coolly): Tu angry nahi hai Manik. You are tensed. I can understand you are a bit confused regarding your emotions. Lekin we can discuss that later as I am busy now.
Manik(muttered): Meri emotions aur mujhe hi nahi pata. Great.
Maddy smiled at him and explained the contract and his condition to everyone to which they gave him a 'thumbs up'.
Nyo(proudly): Well done, partner.
Manik(disbelievingly): Mom, yeh sab aapko pehle se pata tha?
Nyo(excited): Nahi. But I am already impressed with him. He is going to be my partner for the mission....umm...naam kya rakhe?
Navya(adoringly): Arey aunty ji, mission Manan. Hayee, mere Manan.
Manik(pissed): Unbelievable.
He gets angry and sits alone while the rest of the people ignored him and started talking to themselves.
Inside the room
Abhimanyu was sitting on the bed watching Nandini, as she was pacing to and fro still trying to process Manik's words. After waiting for few minutes, he pulled her beside him. Taking her into a side hug, he spoke.
Abhi(pouted): Babydoll, I don't know tu itna kya soch rahi hai. Tu bolegi tabhi mujhe samajh ayega na?
Nandu(frustrated): Bhai, why aren't you getting it? Aapko pata hai what music means to me. How could even you ask me to take up this job?
Abhi(softly): Nandu bachha, see it's not how you are thinking. It's a band. They are just in their starting phase. Unhe thoda help chahiye hoga to manage things. And they are asking you for some help. Dekh jaise tu Manik ko office mein help kar rahi hai. It's similar.
Nandu: But bhai aap...
Abhi(assured): Dekh Nandu, no one will force you to do anything. Just consider it as some help and if you aren't comfortable, you can anytime leave this after informing Manik, right?
Nandu nods.
Abhi(raising an eyebrow): chale phir?
Nandu(suspectively): Before that, Abhimanyu, yeh "no one will force you" wala line kiska hai?
Abhi(curious): Kyun?
Nandu(expectantly): Batao na. Tumhari nahi hai na?
Abhi(dramatically shocked): Babydoll, I care for you. Why would I force you jaan?
Nandu(rolling her eyes): Abhimanyu, I know you care for me. Lekin mujhe iss exact line ke copyrights chahiye.
Abhi(smiled): Manik. Toh usne tujhe kaan mein yeh bola.
Nandu(casually): I still don't understand how are you so cool with Manik. I mean tumhare andar ka yeh overprotective bhai wala mode kaha gayab ho gaya aaj kal.
Abhi(patting her cheek lightly): Nandini, I trust him. Aur chal they are waiting for us.
Seeing him avoiding eye contact, she found something strange but left the topic as everyone was waiting for them outside.
Living room
Abhi(proudly announced): I convinced Nandu to be your band manager guys.
Manik who was being ignored by all and who was busy abusing all harmless curses for his friends stood up abruptly as soon as he heard Abhimanyu's words. While everyone was busy talking to Abhimanyu, Manik took the chance and went towards Nandu.
Manik(concerned): Nandu, are you comfortable with this decision of yours?
Nandu(smiling widely): yes, Mr. Malhotra. Lekin I have a condition.
Manik(happily): I am agreeing with whatever is the condition.
Nandu(chuckles): Manik, pehle sun toh lo.
Manik(grinning): Anything for you. I don't need to but if you insist then tell me.
Nandu(unsure of his reaction): I don't want you to consider this as a job. I will help you with the managing your band part but not as a job.
Manik(bewildered): matlab you won't be taking a salary for this?
Nandu nods in a 'no'.
Manik(surprised): are you serious?
To save Nandu, Abhimanyu jumped into the situation, who along with everyone was eavesdropping the conversation.
Abhi(pleading through his eyes): Manik, let it be. There's a reason behind this aur Nandu tumhe baad mein kabhi samjha degi.
Manik nods ok.
Manik(doubtfully): You seriously are happy, right?
Nandu(assured smilingly): Of course, I am.
Maddy(chuckled): Bhai, vo maan gayi. Jaldi aao and sign the contract now. Mujhe ghar bhi jana hai before my dad starts missing me aur police station ek missing complaint de aaye.
Manik(rolling his eyes): Tujhe itne sade ideas kahan se aate hai.
Mukti(teased): Manik, iss joker ke saath rehkar Maddy bhi aise hi ho gaya.
Cabir(boasted): Mukti ji, I know aapko mere upar ati prem hai, lekin duniya ke sare ajoobo ke credits mujhe na de. Vo kya hai na, I am kind-hearted aur Maddy bura maan jayega.
Maddy glared him while Mukti was about to punch him when Nyo stopped them and asked them to sign the contract papers. After signing the contract papers she distributed sweets to everyone. Maddy left home after some time. Abhi also took Nandu to his home as it's been long since she met his parents.