The next few days passed on in a blur preparing for the concert and it was finally The Day.
Mukti: Aliya... Stop it yr!! Its enough. Stop painting my face with this....
Mukti said getting away while Aliya pout at her. Abhi chuckled at it while Dhruv passed Aliya a small smile. She smiled back at him immediately.
Cabir: Wow Mukti.... U know what, u should thank aliya man... She makes us remind that u r a girl!!
Mukti: Yeah.. And nothing u do can make me forget that u r a spineless little jerk.
Mukti snapped back as she picked up her guitar and started tuning its strings tight.
Dhruv too picked up his guitar when Navya entered and asked,
Navya: Ready guys??
Cabir: Absolutely.... We r going to rock and roll!! U just wait...
Cabir said taking her in a side hug.
Navya: I m sure u will... Ohk now stand here...
She said pointing in front of her. Cabir smiled at her and followed her, knowing exactly what was coming next. Navya took out a box from his bag and took out the sweet curd for them. She made cabir have a spoon and kissed his cheek.
Navya: All the best...
Cabir gave her a broad genuine smile after which she walked to Mukti.
She finished with all four of them when she looked around.
Navya: Where is Manik???
All of them looked around when Cabir said,
Cabir: God knows whats so important in his phone that he hasn't left it from past one hour!!
He pointed towards the side of the hall and there he was furious doing something on his phone.
Navya shook her head and called him out,
Navya: Manik!!!! Come here....
He looked back at his phone and then sighed as he walked in stood in front of her. Before even she said anything he opened up his mouth and she smiled making him eat.
And with that he looked back at his phone.
Mukti: Manik... Why r u looking at ur phone like u r going to through it away??
Mukti asked irritated.
Manik: Nothing....
Dhruv: It doesn't look like nothing Manik.... U seem tensed, what is it?? How r u going to perform like this, just let it out.
Dhruv said as they all looked at him.
Manik groaned in frustration and called someone, he waited for sometime for it to be answered but then nothing happened.
Manik: Urgh... Nandini man!!!
All of them shared a knowing look when Cabir asked,
Cabir: What about her??
Manik: I don't knw, her phone is unreachable.... She should hv been here long back but I don't knw where she is.... Last I know, she was driving back from the site visit for our new project.
Mukti: On a sunday??
Mukti asked confused.
Manik: I know.... I told her that we will go together tmrw but she had to be her stubborn self and went alone today. She wanted to hv a look before she starts designing for it tmrw!!!
Aliya: Chill Manik... She must hv got stuck somewhere!!
Manik: No aliya... Even her phone is out of reach!! The site too was outside Mumbai
Manik said trying her phone again. Cabir was about to say something when the door opened and Nandini entered,
Nandini: Sorry sorry sorry... I knw I m late!!
Nandini said to them breathing heavily due to running. All of them turned to her while Manik rushed forward and immediately grabbed her into a hug.
She looked taken aback by his sudden hug and stood still for a minute looking at all the others in confusion. Manik tightened the hug further making her finally give in as she hugged him back but still said in a confused tone,
Nandini: Manik??
He broke the hug and shouted at her,
Manik: Where the fuck were u?? I was trying to call u from long... Do u even realise how tensed was I??
Nandini: Relax!! Just take a deep breath will u?
Nandini said slowly holding his hand.
Manik closed his eyes holding her hand tight when she replied to his question.
Nandini: I was stuck in traffic on the highway so I got late!! I had to stop at some dhaba for sometime where my phone to fell into the water and thus, u couldn't reach me...
Manik nodded at her and sighed as he got away and Nandini faced the others.
Nandini: Plus, how could I miss this amazing opportunity of being in a Fab5 concert. That's why, I came here directly instead of going back home...
Nandini said with a smile to all of them as the mood in the green room changed. Navya saw the time and said,
Navya: Ohk ohk guys... Its almost tym!! I think we should get going. All the audience must be dying there waiting for u....
Abhi: Yeah... All the best guys!!
Nandini: And don't worry even if they don't like ur ugly face, they see me standing at the front and start shouting!!
Nandini said smirking at Manik.
Manik rolled his eyes chuckling at her along with the other.
Manik: Yeah... What kind of a friend do I hv?? Can't u even wish me luck properly for once!!
Nandini: Luck??? Luck is variable Manik... Yes, unless u choose someone so freaking amazing as me to be ur lucky charm.
Manik: Yeah right... Go to hell!!
Manik muttered and with that the three of them were out of the room walking towards the VIP seats.
The crowd was roaring in excitement by the time the three of them settled while the host was already up on the stage, with his casual pre event talk filling up the audience.
And finally it was the time when Fab5 got onto the stage. The audience cheered out loud for them while Nandini smiled broadly along with abhi and Navya as they cheered loud.
Cabir was the one to start the performance with a high beat track by the drums. As all the others joined him with their instruments and Nandini knew that it was some loud rock starting up.
And right on queue Manik started,
"Aasma Hai Neela Kyun,
Paani Geela Geela Kyun
Gol Kyun Hai Zameen.......
Silk Mein Hai Narmi Kyun
Aag Mein Hai Garmi Kyun,
Do Aur Do Paanch Kyun Nahi"
He moved around the stage singing aloud in an amazing energy.
"Pedd Ho Gaye Kum Kyun,
Teen Hain Ye Mausam Kyun
Chaand Do Kyun Nahi.....
Duniya Mein Hai Jung Kyun
Behta Laal Rang Kyun,
Sarhaden Hain Kyun Har Kahin
Socha Hai... Yeh Tumne Kya Kabhi
Socha Hai... Ki Hain Yeh Kya Sanji
Socha Nahi To Socho Abhi….."
The song continued and created a perfect ambiance for the concert, with the entire crowd jumping on their feet. They finished up the first song following a superb round of applause when dhruv shouted,
"Do U Like It???"
The crowd hooted loudly making Nandini smile at abhi.
Cabir: Do U Want More??
"YEAH!!!"
Mutki: Then Here U Get More...
Manik: This one for My Lucky Charm.....
Manik said into the mike when Nandini's eyes snapped up to him while he was already looking at her with a dazzling smile on his face as he winked at her before turned towards Fab4,
Manik: And my amazing Friends out here....
All of them smiled broadly at him as he turned back to the audience, and started playing the guitar.
Aliya:
"I'll be all right
I'll be all right
I'll Be All Right!!"
The crowd silenced as Manik started,
"Tu hai Tho Thedi medi rahein
Ulti pulti bhatein
Seedhi lagti hai.....
(He turned towards Fab4 as he continued)
Thu hai tho jhoothe muteh vaadein
Dushman ke iraade
Sacche Lagtein Hain....
(Back to the crowd as his eyes land at Nandini!!)
Jho dil mein taare vaare dhe jaga
Woh thu hi hai, Thu hi hai...
Jho roote roote dhe hasa
Thu hi hai wohi.....
(Back to the crowd as he moves all around the stage with the chorus!!)
"Jaane kyun Jaane kyun dil jaanta hai
Thu hai tho I'll be all right
I'll be all right, I'll be all right
Jaane kyun dil jaanta hai
Thu hai tho I'll be all right
I'll be all right, I'll be all right"
---------------------------
Nandini: Guys u were just too good!!!
Nandini exclaimed as they all raised their glasses to celebrate the success of the event. They had all gathered together at Cabir's place.
Abhi: I guess... This was the best I hv seen u perform!! Just amazing...
Abhi said taking a sip.
Cabir: Thank u thank u!!! Both of u.... But before u go on with this appreciation thing further, I hv a request to plz pause it as I m so hungry that i can eat a human being as well....
Nandini: Urgh Cabir.... But u know we all wouldn't mind it if u actually decide to eat up Navya!!
Nandini said winking at him as she saw Navya turned fully red. While Cabir spilled out his drink listening to her as he coughed loudly.
Aliya: Nandini......
All of them laughed at it loud while mukti high fived Nandini.
Mukti: Cabir baba is not having any words to say..... Wow!! I m proud of u Nandini....
Dhruv: Ohk now plz... Before I start getting pictures can we plz eat.
Dhruv said slowly as he walked towards the dining table. They all sat together eating and pulling each other's leg.
By the time they finished almost each of them was tired af but they still weren't ready to call it a night.
Manik: Guys... I hv a plan!! Lets take a break, and go out somewhere...
Cabir: Break???
Aliya: As in a holiday??
Manik: Yup!! Lets all go to Goa together, next weekend. We'll leave friday evening and then stay there through Monday n return by tuesday morning for work.
Mukti: AMZING!!!
Mukti shouted getting up while all the rest smiled broadly.
Manik: Whats say guys??
He looked at them one by one,
Aliya: I m in!!
Abhi: Me too...
Cabir: Me three...
Navya: Yes..
Nandini: I-
Manik: Shut up U r coming!!!
Manik said before she says anything and continued before she could interrupt.
Manik: Ohk so since the time is less, I don't think a car journey would be preferable so I'll just book the flight tickets.
Nandini: MANIK Malhotra... U r never interrupting my words like that ever again!!!
Nandini said sternly as she glared at him.
Nandini: For ur information I was about to say yes only!!
Manik gave her a cheeky smile mouthing a sorry but she continued glaring at him.
Nandini: Its not gonna work... Don't dare talk to me now!!
Nandini said and got up from her place next to him.
Manik: Arey but why r u leaving??
Manik asked making her stop as she turned around and smiled,
Nandini: Just bcoz I hv one Nosey Bastard to deal with doesn't mean that I'll spoil my fun!!! I need a drink....
Manik smirked at her words while the others chuckled and Nandini walked away to her her drink.
The party went on normally as the girls kept on Dancing while the four guys sat comfortably and continued their drinks talking about sports. Manik excused himself for the loo and walked away when he saw Nandini's phone ringing on the kitchen counter. He went closer and saw Mrs. kapoor calling and this time he clearly knew it was her mother.
Manik turned around to call Nandini when he saw her laughing out loud with Mukti and Navya. A smile crept over his face at her laughing happy face when he turned to her phone and decided to let it ring. He walked inside taking her phone along but it continued ringing until the fourth call when he finally decided to receive it.
He moved to a side and picked it the call keeping it up to his ear when he heard the lady swearing,
Mrs. Kapoor: Who the fuck do u think U r to ignore me?? How dare u not pick up my calls??
Manik fisted his hands at her tone and gritted his teeth, opening up his mouth to say something when the phone was taken out of his grip. He looked at her as she said over the phone,
Nandini: Hello!!
The loud shouting could even be heard to him as her mother continued her swearing when finally Nandini spoke up.
Nandini: Well I didn't pick up coz I didn't feel like. And believe me u come at the last position in my priority list so don't waste my time and urs, shut up with the crap.
Mrs. Kapoor: You-
Nandini: Come to the point Mrs. Kapoor... I m busy!!
Manik couldn't hear what she replied from the other side but soon Nandini interrupted her again and said,
Nandini: I know he is coming back tmrw!! And unlike u, i knew it from long back. So now I m sure u hv a lot more important stuff to do than to talk to me. So bye... And yes, no need to send ur driver to pick him up from the airport, I know u r too busy to do that urself so I might take that off u, coz I m going to receive him.
She disconnected the call, turning to Manik when she saw his fists still tightened. She simply kept her hand over his and opened up his fist, entwining her fingers with him.
Nandini: Lets go... Everyone must be waiting!!
Saying so Nandini turned around when Manik stopped her and tugged her hand back making her bang hard in into his chest.
Nandini: Manik!!
Nandini gasped but Manik kept a finger over her lips and then moved his hands as he skimmed through her hair, before cupping her face.
Manik: No One.... No One can Talk to u in that way!! I don't care what Relation she has with u, but if ever I hear Anyone talk to u in that tone, then I won't think twice before showing them their rightful place....
Nandini looked at him astonished over his words as she saw fire burning in his eyes. She leaned in to his touch, looking straight into his eyes.
Nandini: Calm down Manik.... I hv been used to their words!! And frankly by now, none of it affects me... I know how to ignore them.
Manik: But I don't.... And I m not letting anyone speak to u like that ever again!! Get that straight... Okay??
A tear spilled out of Nandini's eye as she smiled and nodded, while Manik wiped off her tear and engulfed her into a hug. Nandini hugged him back calming him down in that process.
By the time they walked back into the living area Mukti and Cabir had passed out.
Manik: I think we should call it a day now!!
Abhi: Yeah... I m taking Mukti home. I don't think she is in her senses to even wake up and walk...
All of them chucked while Dhruv and Navya dumped cabir on his bed. As Navya said that she would stay back with him. While Dhruv offered to drop back aliya, who gladly accepted it. Manik walked Nandini back to her car when Nandini said,
Nandini: Ohk now that this day ends, I have to tell u..... Today, ur performance!! It was Fabulous.... I mean I hv no words...
Manik smirked at her comment as he stopped.
Manik: Of course... It had to be fabulous, after all my lucky charm as sitting in the audience giving me her most dazzling smile ever.
Nandini blushed a little at his comment and smiled broadly when they reached her car and he opened up the driving seat door for her.
Manik: Call me as soon as u reach okay?
Nandini nodded at his words still smiling as she started the car.
Nandini: Bye Manik...
Manik: Bye!!
Manik waved back as he stepped away from her car and she drove away.
------------------
That next day, all were busy in their respective works. Almost half the day had passed away when Nandini barged into Manik's cabin.
She entered to see Manbir sitting along with the accounts department head and said,
Nandini: Ohh I m sorry!! Am I intruding something??
Manik: Chill... Its just a monthly check for the accounts department.
Manik smiled at her and motioned her inside. She walked towards them and took a seat smiling at the person.
"Good afternoon ma'am!! "
Nandini: Good afternoon....
She said politely and then turned towards Manik.
Nandini: Manik.... I need a half day off today. That's my application for the records.
Manik looked at her confused as he knew that she never left early, in fact she kept on finding ways to be away from work. He asked the other guy to excuse them and as soon as he walked away, he turned towards nandini.
Manik: Nandini u r fine right?? R u not feeling well??
Nandini sighed and was about to reply when cabir said,
Cabir: Chill Manik.. Maybe she wants to go home casually!!
But Manik knew that could never be the case so continued looking at Nandini.
Nandini: Manik... I had to go to the airport!! Come on, I had talked last night in front of u only. Didn't it listen??
Manik: when?
Nandini: The call...
Nandini said making him remember when Manik shaked his head.
Manik: Oh that... No I was too furious that time and so I tuned out.
Cabir: Furious??
Manik realised his mistake and then said,
Manik: No no nothing much... Nandini was just eating up my head like always!
Nandini: Haha very funny...
Nandini rolled her eyes and got up.
Nandini: Now bye... I hv to reach on time!!
Nandini said and she was out of the cabin before he could say anything else making him shake his head.
The entire day none of them met as after work Nandini said that she was busy. Manik let her be for the time being and stayed back at home working over something when Nyonika walked towards him.
Nyonika: Manik...
Manik: Yes mom... Hi !!
Manik said shutting his laptop as he smiled at her.
Nyonika: How come u r home today?
Manik: Why?? Can't I stay home, wanting to spend some time with u...
Manik pouted making her laugh.
Nyonika: I m ur mother Manik... I knw u well, these things doesn't come to u naturally!!
Manik shook his head laughing at her while Harsh too joined them. They all sat together hving some nyc family time when harsh noticed him checking his phone again and again.
He motioned Nyonika to notice it too as the two of them smiled.
Nyonika: So Manik!!!
Manik: Huh...
Nyonika: Busy today??
She asked smiling making him shake his head.
Manik: No no Mom, I m absolutely free today....
Nyonika chuckled at his words and ruffled his hair.
Nyonika: I can see that... I was talking about Nandini!! Anyway... Forget it!! Not that u r free and will hv dinner at home, I'll make ur favorite Shahi Paneer.
Manik smiled brightly at her and nodded as she walked away.
-------------------------
The next day, Manik woke up early planning to pick up Nandini on his way to office. He was about to leave his room after getting ready when his phone rang and he saw her name flashing on the screen.
Manik: Hello!!
Nandini: Hi Manik... Good morning...
Manik: Good morning Madam!! Great that u called, I was about to call u only... Get ready, I m picking u up today!!
Nandini: No Manik.... Listen!!
Nandini said suddenly stopping him from disconnecting when she continued,
Nandini: Actually I called to say that I was thinking to stay in today.
Manik: U mean that u r not coming to work!!
Nandini: Yeah... Actually Rishab just got back from Bangalore yesterday, I went to pick him up from the airport, but them he was very tired so we couldn't even spend much time together.
Manik: Ohh...
Manik said disappointment quite visible in his voice.
Nandini: So, is it fine!!
Manik: Hmn.. Yeah yeah sure!!
Manik said lifting up his mood making her smile.
Nandini: Thanks... Ohk then, I'll see u tmrw at work!!
Manik: Yeah!!!
With that Nandini disconnected the call while Manik stumped on his bed.
Manik: Tmrw..... I m already missing u since last night Nandini!! Why r u doing this??
The day started but Manik seemed lost quite a lot of times, he kept on checking his phone time and again being impatient. But nothing came from her side. By the time the day got over, he was too stubborn to see her.
He rushed back home and freshened up as soon as he could. He walked back down his room when Nyonika met him.
Nyonika: Manik-
Manik: Sorry mom... I m in a bit of hurry see u later!!
Nyonika: Hey invite Nandini for breakfast tmrw....
This finally made him stop as he turned,
Manik: Why?
Nyonika: Just like that... I wish to meet her!!
Manik: Everyone does(manik muttered to himself and then nodded at her)
Soon he was standing right outside her room as he knocked her door.
Manik: Nandini....
He waited for her to respond and knocked again as he entered the room to find it empty. He checked once properly and called her cell to see it ringing in the room itself when the servant entered,
Servant: Sir app??
Manik: Where is Nandini??
Servant: Sir Madam is in the Music room!!
He said slowly while Manik smiled as he moved out of the room and moved to the next room that was the Music room. He entered slowly not wanting to disturb her as he heard her sing,
A smile crept over his face while she stayed oblivious to his presence and continued with her song.
By the time the song got over, Manik was standing right behind her.
He saw her keep the guitar down and take a deep breath with a broad smile over her face. She got startled the next minute as he moved closer wrapping his arm around her waist making her back stick to his chest.
Manik: Thinking about someone??
Manik whispered into his ear in a husky voice.
He felt her relaxing listening to his voice as she rested her head at the side of his face, on his shoulder, still standing in his embrace.
Nandini: Maybe!!
Manik: Then who was the "You" in this song that u just sang... Someone special??
Nandini smiled at his words as she whispered back,
Nandini: Someone who is standing right behind me with embracing me with the warmth that I was missing from more than the past 24 hours...
A bright smile adorned Manik's face as he saw her eyes sparkle at her own words. When she chuckled,
Nandini: I m growing too much fond of ur presence Mr. Malhotra!!
Manik: So Am I Ms. Moorthy...
Manik said back to her when she turned around to face him.
Both of them smiled at each other, feeling the lose of words when they settled down. Manik started the conversation by asking about Rishab. And well, that was it soon Nandini was all over how cute, sweet, and lovely her brother is. While all Manik did was stare at her happily smiling face in front of him.
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Love
-Navya