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Malhotra Mansion
Manik asked Abhimanyu and Mukti to reach Malhotra Mansion as everyone were present there. Still, in pajamas, Nandu asked him to drop at Murthy house for getting changed. Here, Fab5, Navya, Maddy, Abhimanyu along with Raj and Nyonika gathered in the living room and were busy creating theories about the possibilities.
Outside the house
Getting out of the car, Nandu was hesitant to go inside when she felt Manik's fingers entwining hers.
Manik(concerned): Kya soch rahi ho?
Nandu(tensed): Bhai. How would he react after knowing all this? And I can't face everyone at a time.
Manik(lovingly): Nandu, they are our friends and you don't need to explain everyone as they already know everything, at least the maximum part. And coming to Abhimanyu, you aren't alone. I will be by your side. This hand won't leave you in a lifetime, Nandini.
She takes a deep breath before nodding. Manik smiles at her and they walk in.
Inside the house
Abhimanyu was pacing to and fro. Everyone's faces were tensed since Manik left without revealing anything.
Nyo(assured): Beta, just calm down. Manik haina Nandu ke saath. He will keep her safe.
Abhi(muttered): Aunty, the only reason why I am still in my senses is that Manik is with her.
Manik(smirked): Ahan, Murthy, you trust me so much.
Everyone turns their heads towards Manik who was standing there along with Nandu. They all smile seeing their entwined fingers except Abhimanyu, who in his eagerness to talk to her, failed to notice it and strolled towards Nandu.
Abhi(cupping her face): Nandu, tu theek hai na?
Nandu nods in a yes. Manik removes his hold on her as Abhi pulls Nandu into a hug.
Abhi(pouted): You scared me.
Nandu(whispered): I am sorry.
Abhi(worried): Did you eat anything? Aankhein dekh kaise suj gayi. Phirse royi kya tu?
Manik rolls his eyes and smacks Abhi's shoulder.
Abhi(frowned): Ouch. Mujhe kyu maar raha hai?
Manik(sarcastically): Oh wow. Main tujhe dikh raha hun? I thought I became invisible.
Abhimanyu glares at him. He shrugs his shoulders before wrapping his hand around Abhi's neck and drags him to the gang. They all settle down with Manik beside Nandu.
Manik(announced): Ok, as everyone, except the one who isn't using his brain right now, have guessed it already. Nandu and I have decided to give a chance to our relationship.
Everyone hooted except Abhimanyu and Cabir.
Abhi(frowned): Why?
Manik(confused): What why?
Abhi(questioned): There's a complication here. What do you guys mean by giving a chance? Are you not in a relationship yet.
Nandu(disbelievingly): Bhai?
Abhi(sheepishly): Sorry Nandu. I just got excited.
Cabir(informed): Princess, actually hum kabse tumhari shaadi mein nachne ka plan bana rahe the and also the food. So, we were a bit disappointed.
Nandu(bewildered): Shaadi?
Manik(glared): Guys, shut up. Abhimanyu, Cabir ka toh pata hai, at least you stop scaring your sister. And we wanted to see how this relationship will work for us. As it's very new for Nandu, we thought it would be better if we could give some time to our relationship.
Raj(assured): Nandu beta, take your time. Be comfortable. And remember, hum sab hai tumhare saath. You don't need to be scared of anything or anyone, including Manik.
Nyo(excited): I can't wait to see you as my daughter-in-law.
Raj(nodding his head in disbelief): Nyo, I just asked her not to be scared and your excitement isn't helping her at all.
Nyonika pouts while all chuckle at her.
Mukti(puzzled): But how did all this happen? Manik, you said, you found your source yesterday, right?
Abhi(surprised): What source?
Manik(informed): Yesterday, when I came to your place, I accidentally found a diary where there was a hint of Nandu being in love with me. So, I took chances and asked her for a date. Everything fell into place after a proper talk.
Navya(squealed): Finally, mere Manik aur Nandini, Manan ban gaye.
Nandu(confused): Manan?
Navya(proudly): Tum dono ka ship name. My ship sailed.
Maddy(flaunts): Cute. Chalo, mere idea se kuch toh acha hua.
Manik(argued): Excuse me, but if you remember woh song ka idea mera tha.
Maddy(coolly): But concert ka sponsor main hun.
Manik(sarcastically): Yeah yeah. Nandu ne mujhe sponsor dekh kar hi toh accept kiya.
Maddy(excited): Really, Nandu? Thanks, yaar.
Manik turns to Nandu.
Manik(pouted): He is mad. Ignore him.
Nandu chuckles.
Alya(squealed): Just look at these two. How..
Cabir(teased): cute they are. Yehi bolegi na, Aloo.
Alya(glares): I was gonna say adorable.
Cabir sticks his tongue and teases. They all get engrossed in their talks when Cabir screams.
Manik(rolling his eyes): Ab tujhe kya hua?
Cabir(seriously): Manik, woh mystery girl. Ab tak toh use pata chal gaya hoga na about our album.
Manik(mumbled): Oh yeah. In sab mein toh use hum bhul hi gaye. She has to reveal herself now.
Cabir(questioned): Manik, what if she has a purpose behind doing all this?
Manik(puzzled): Matlab?
Cabir(afraid): See, I am not sure but what if she loves you or something. I mean the way she wrote the letter, it's possible, right?
Abhi(scared): But, Nandu?
Manik glances towards Nandu and finds her nervous. Taking her hand into his, he glares at Cabir for saying those words.
Manik(promised): Abhi, listen to me. Nandu, tum bhi. I am not leaving you ever and not for anyone. I know I promised to just give it a try but I trust 'us'. I will do anything to make this work. And Cabir, whoever she is, I respect her. Of course, I owe my life to her but not Nandini. Somewhere, all these years, even if I wasn't completely happy, I have learned to live without my music but Nandu. To be frank, I know I can survive but I don't know if I could actually live without her.
His words came out as a whisper as he reached the last line. While everyone adores him, Nandu removes her hand from his hold, startling him.
Manik(concerned): Kya hua?
Nandu(stuttered): I..need to talk to you.
Manik(cupping her cheek): Hey, hey. Why are you getting nervous? Are you ok?
Nandu(nervously): Can we go to your room, please?
Manik(smiled): Of course. Guys, excuse us.
They all nod as Manik takes her to his room.
Manik's Room
Manik makes Nandu sit on the bed before handing her a glass of water which she gulps down in a go. Taking a deep breath, she glances towards Manik only to find him staring her with frowns on his face, clearly showing how worried he was for her.
Manik(cupping her cheek): Nandu, you know right, you can share anything with me?
Nandu nods.
Nandu(looking down): Can I use your laptop for few minutes?
Manik(amused): Don't tell me, you are this nervous for some office work.
Nandu(whispered): No, it's more of a personal thing.
Manik looks at her suspiciously but eventually gives her his laptop. She types in something before handing the laptop to Manik, asking him to see. Manik didn't fail to notice her shaking hands all this while.
Manik(surprised): Nandu, yeh tumhara Google drive account hai, right?
Nandu(nods): Can you please go down and read the file which has your name.
Manik(chuckles): Don't tell me, this is another part of your diary.
Nandu chose to stay silent as Manik opened the file. His face turned from smiling to confused to shock in a matter of seconds. Nandu noticed him nervously as tears streamed down his face.
Manik(shocked): Tum..
Nandu(blabbered): I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted to see you happy.
Keeping the laptop aside, Manik engulfed her in his embrace. Breaking the hug, Manik holds her hand and takes her out.
Nandu(whispered): Manik, I am really sorry for this.
Manik(sternly): Shh..Just come with me.
They go to the living room where everyone gets surprised seeing tears in both their eyes. Abhimanyu takes long strides towards them.
Abhi(wiping her tears): Nandu, what happened bachha? Manik, kya ho gaya hai tum dono ko.
Wiping his tears, Manik asks Abhimanyu to sit along with Nandini as he takes a seat beside Cabir.
Manik(raising an eyebrow): Nandini, I guess along with me, these four too deserve an explanation from you.
Nandu gives him a small nod.
Cabir(tensed): Manik, you guys are scaring me.
Manik(informed): The reason for our comeback, for Fab5 to reunite is Nandini.
Cabir(puzzled): What?
Manik(announced): She is the mystery girl we have been looking for. The girl behind the anonymous letters.
Mystery solved. The next chapter is updated. Do check. :)