Manan : Short Stories. - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

On the stage.
Manik with a content smile stood on the stage with his friends. He was damn happy after the intense moment between him and Nandini. The call she gave, the tight hug she gave, the wish and not to forget her smile.. Damn! How he wished to kiss her in front of everyone! But then he knew she did it for him and her fears are still the ruler of her mind. But the hope he was losing was back. Atleast there was something that could change her mind though for some time but it's okay.
And Cabir, Mukti, Alya and Dhruv were even more happy seeing this smile on Manik's face after a really long time. And now their performance will bang on! After all the rock star has gained his luck.
Manik held the guitar in his hands and turned to his friends and gave them a nod indicating them to start.
Manik started with the lyrics.
Kehte hain har ek dil mein
Chhupa kahin pyar hai
Bas pehchaane jo koyi
Na jaane kis pal kahaan
Kaise khota qaraar hai
Naina lag jaaye jo kahin
Nazdeekiyon ka pataa
Hain dooriyan de gayin
Mileya Mileya mujhe par mainu jaaneya nahi
Mileya mileya mujhe par maine suneya nahi
Mileya mileya mujhe par mainu jaaneya nahi
Jo main jaaneya jaaneya tujhe
Phir te main bhuleya sabhi
Everything was going in a perfect syne. Manik could just feel the lyrics so close to him. The lines hit his heart so hard that his eyes turned soft.
Dair se hi to sahi haaye
Dil ko kisi pe hai yakeen
But their wasn't as simple as it felt to be. The reason was their biggest enemy 'The Harshad Saxsena' was back and had oath to destroy Manik to no end.
Outside the Audi
Nandini was praying to her Aiyappa for Fab5's success. She had little fear that because of her curse they might suffer so she was alert that from her end there should be no mistake. She could hear Manik sing and the lyrics of his song hit her heart too. She could feel Manik's voice getting soft. She smiled hearing the effect of his song on himself. She was lost in herself when she saw Harshad holding some stuffs and walking towards the backstage. She slightly felt uneasy and her instances told her to follow him and she did the same.
Nandini's monologue
How is Harshad here? When did he return? He was missing right, some days back? Don't know why he is giving me negative vibes. But isn't it obvious that Harshad brings negative vibes when it comes to Fab5. And today if he has any such intension then I swear I won't let him succeed.
Monologue ends.
Nandini with determination followed him till backstage. Once he reached, he took a knife which he had and started cutting the rope which was holding the huge disc in place. Once Nandini got what he was upto, she ran to him and tried snatching the knife.
Harshad was shocked seeing Nandini as he didn't expect her. But he didn't bulge and pushed her away resulting her head to hit at the corner.
Nandini - Ahhh
Harshad - Nandini go away. I don't want to hurt you. But if you will come in my way.. I will have too.
Nandini - I won't let you spoil their performance.
Here on stage, unaware of everything Fab5 were singing. Manik spoke the next lines with utmost love and passion.
Chhoote na, chhoote naAb yeh laagi chhoote na
Chhoote na, chhoote na
Ab yeh laagi chhoote na
Tu bas ja mujhmein mera banke hi
On backstage
Harshad had almost cut the rope when Nandini held it before it could detach. Harshad cursed seeing her holding it.
Harshad (angrily) - Nandini leave it..
Nandini (huffing) - As long as I am there, I won't.
It was really heavy but Nandini's love for Manik was nothing compared to it. It gave her the strength to hold it back... To save her love..
Harshad pulled her but she didn't bulge. In all this process, Harshad failed to notice the knife in his hand. He had no intentions to harm her but Manik. But the worst had already happened... Yes.. Harshad had stabbed Nandini with the knife. He didn't intend to but while pulling her, he mistakenly did it.
On stage, Manik felt some uneasiness but concentrated on his lyrics.
Mileya mileya mujhe par mainu jaaneya nahi
Mileya mileya mujhe par maine suneya nahi
Mileya mileya mujhe par mainu jaaneya nahi
Jo main jaaneya jaaneya tujhe
Phir te main bhuleya sabhi
Harshad was shocked and scared because he knew he was over. Manik would kill him. He looked at her red eyes.
Harshad- I said don't do that. I am sorry...
Saying this he ran from there leaving Nandini in a bloodly state. The pain was unbearable for her and she couldn't hold more so she left and fell down on the ground screaming in pain. Thankfully Manik was behind it after completing the song. He smiled at his squad as they were successful. But his happiness was short lived once he heard Nandini's scream.
Nandini - Ahhhh... Manikkkk
Manik panicked hearing her voice coming from backstage. He rushed in there followed by his friends.
Once reaching there, he was numb seeing Nandini full of blood. She was already unconscious. Manik ran to her taking her in his lap. He patted her cheeks.
Manik (patting her cheeks) - Nandini... Nandini... What happened.... Nandini wake up.... Nandini... NANDINI... Please....
Manik was all in tears...All were shocked seeing her condition. Seeing Manik's panic state., Cabir came forward.
Cabir - Manik let's rush her to the hospital. We can't waste time Manik...
Manik rubbed his teary face and held Nandini in his arms and ran to the hospital.
Mukti was going out when she noticed a bracelet. She picked it up and it wasn't any rocket science for her to guess whose it was. She also saw the cut ropes which gave her a clear picture of the situation.
Mukti (angrily) - Harshad this is ridiculous!
Mukti angrily went to the hospital as Nandini was the priority.
In hospital
All were standing outside the ICU. Manik was totally numb. Few moments before she hugged him and now she was all in blood. Nothing could clearly process in his mind. Fab5 came to him and tried to get him back.
Mukti - Manik don't be like this... You are scaring us.
No response
Dhruv - Buddy please... Nothing will happen. Nandini will be all fine.
Still no response.
Mukti had told Alya about Harshad. And after finding that it was all done by him, she had no courage to console Manik. Few moments before she was happy that because of her, Manik will be happy. She was genuinely happy for her friend. But now useless guilt empowered her heart and no word came out. Her eyes we're teary seeing Manik so numb. She was afraid that Manik might hate her.
Cabir was worried seeing Manik not responding. He went to him and held Manik by his shoulders firmly.
Cabir - Manik please come back to your senses. You need to know something important. Please...
But still the same. Manik was in his own dark world. He had already imagined his life without Nandini. And that made him scared to the core. Cabir on finding no option gave a tight slap on his left cheek. All gasped seeing his action.
Mukti/Alya/Dhruv - Are you crazy Cabir?
Cabir ignored them and looked at Manik. Manik took stared at him for a longer time and then hugged him crying his heart out.
Manik - Cabir.. I can't live without Nandini. Please do something. I beg you Cabir.. Do something...... Why everytime her? Why..? She h.as already faced a lot.. First Soha, then ...Amms, her...accident, all taunts and now this. This is unbearable for her and for me too. Now if something happens to her then I will....
Cabir (rubbing his back) - Manik... Calm down. Before you utter any bullshit, remember it's your Nandini. She is a fighter. She knows how to fight. She will be back... For you.. She has too.
Manik got some confidence after hearing Cabir. He broke the hug.
Cabir (patting his shoulder) - All good?
Manik nodded and blinked his eyes. He went infront of the ICU and looked at Nandini through the small glass window. The doctors were busy doing something near her wound. He just looked at the unconscious figure for a minute or two trying to tell her that she has to win for him.
Mukti came from behind and said keeping her hand on his shoulder
Mukti - Manik
Manik turned to her.
Mukti - I don't know if this is the right time but (sighing deeply) This all is done by Harshad. I got this from the place where Nandini was lying. (Showing the bracelet)
Manik looked at the bracelet and it didn't take any ounce of second to know it was Harshad's. Manik fisted the bracelet in his hand. He looked at Mukti for explanation. After getting to know that Harshad was behind Nandini's this condition he got hell angry.
Manik - Harshad has invited dead for himself. I won't leave him now. That bastard tried to harm Nandini.
Cabir - Manik calm down now. We will see him later. Our priority is Nandini now.
Manik calmed down hearing Cabir. Just then Doctor came out of the ICU. He removed his gloves and stood in front of Manik. Manik with hope looked at him.
Doctor - For now she is out of danger but we will get to know about her health once she is conscious.
Manik (frowned) - What do you mean?
Doctor - Her injury of stomach is pretty much good but she had a head injury as well. I hope it was just external and not internal. In worse situations, she might loose her memory or her mental stability. That's why she needs to be conscious.
Manik was shocked to the core. He had mixed feelings. Happy that his Nandini is not in danger anymore and depressed because even if she was fine, she could loose her memory or her mental stability. Her loosing memory means she forgetting everything which includes him. This thought itself gave him goosebumps. And the other possibility was her mental stability which was even worse then the first one. But in both situations he had decided to start by her side no matter what and how her conditon is!
His friends tried to console him but he was devasted. They all waited almost for 5 hours. This hours were the most difficult for them. Manik's every minute was like a year for him. And seeing his conditon his friends were losing themself. And on top of it, Cabir hadn't informed Navya about Nandini as it's not good for her health. And Navya been her best friend could feel something has gone wrong with Nandini. She kept nagging Cabir which increased his tension.
Suddenly Manik remembered something. He recollected the day when Nandini was drunk and before sleeping she prayed to her Ayyippa for his well being. And he was damn sure, she never stopped doing the same. And out of no where his legs pulled him in front of the Almighty whom he never believed. This sounds so clinch but he did that for her. He bend on his knees in front of God for her. He knew no miracle can happen but he didn't want to let go any effort even it seems stupid to others. His friends we're bewildered seeing Manik's act.
More two hours passed by but still no news. And then as if an eternity had passed nurse came running out.
Nurse - The patient is conscious, don't go in before thr doctor arrives. I'll get him here.
Nurse rushed to the doctor. Manik's heartbeat fastened hearing her. His patient was ready to break but thankfully doctor arrived and asked Manik to accompany him in the ward.
Manik entered in to see Nandini looking at the door hearing the door open. For some moment she looked at them with a questionable look which scared Manik.
Doctor - Ms Murthy how are you feeling? Hope you are feeling better.
Nandini nodded still feeling weak. Her response made Manik relief that the second possibility is discarded. That means she lost her mem.... . He was about to complete his thought when
Nandini - MANIK
Manik gasped looking at her. She remembers him. But he didn't raise his hopes as she might have forgot his love.
Nandini (weakly with small voice) - Did you get the album? That Harshad...
Manik was the happiest now. She didn't loose her memory. Doctor looked at Manik asking does she remembers everything to which he nodded with a bright smile and teary eyes.
Manik slowly went near her and caressed her face.
Manik (teary eyes) - You scared me. (Holding her hand) Don't leave me ever again.
He kissed her hand and Nandini's eyes dripped again due to weakness.
Doctor - Manik let her rest. I also need to take some tests of her.
Manik nodded and sat on the stool besides her. He kept adoring her. His friends entered in. Doctor had informed them about Nandini. They were happy.
Dhruv - Manik
Manik turned and smiled at them.
Dhruv - Now that you are fine, let me tell you a good news.
Manik looked confused.
Dhruv - We got the album. Actually all were so stressed. That time I got call from them that we got through it.
Manik's happiness knew no bounds. Few hours ego the atmosphere which was filled with sadness and hopelessness is now glowing with happiness and full of hope.
After few hours.
Nandini opened her eyes only to whisper his name first.
Nandini - Manik.
Manik who was almost sleepy because of tiredness jerked himself with eyes on her. Rest were sleeping uneasily on the long couch.
Manik moved close to her and palmed her face.
Manik - How are you feeling? Should I call Doctor?
Nandini nodded No.
Nandini - Water
Manik was fast enough to get her water. Nandini's abdomen had an injury so she couldn't sit so he made her drink water by spoon.
Nandini - Bas
Manik kept the glass and spoon aside and kissed her forehead.
Manik - You think you are a supergirl to fight with that jerk. Knowing he is so dangerous, you still opted to fight with him. Was it needed?
Nandini - Yes it was. If I didn't do that then my curse would have affected you. Your performance, it would have been spoilt.
Manik (annoyed) - Not again, this curse and all is nonsense. If your so called curse had to affect me na then we wouldn't have got the album, stupid inspite of you putting your life in danger.
Nandini realised what he said. Her eyes brighten with happiness for him.
Nandini - You got the album.
From back
Mukti - Not only that we are getting numerous calls from renowned labels for albums. It was a great success even with your curse, dumbo.
Nandini looked at Manik for confirmation who nodded in yes. All had woke up and were standing behind Manik.
Manik - Now did you understand, this curse and all is just a game of mind. Those stupid people were playing with your mind and trying to weaken you. They just needed a person to blame for all their miseries and they used you for that.
Nandini's eyes filled with tears as realisation hit her of how stupid she was. Been a daughter of scientist, she believed such superstition. Because of her this stupidity lot of people suffered. Her parents and Amms would be feeling so ashamed of her from up.
Manik seeing her tears bend closed to her and brought her close to his chest. He let her cry as she needed it. Once she was fine, he pecked her forehead once and got up.
Manik - You are the purest soul ever I have seen. Your presence always beings hope and positivity around. In fact your Amma, Appa and Amms want you happy without the fear of the world. I want you to live your life your way and not according to others not even me.
Nandini gave a small smile to him and nodded. His words filled her heart with positivity once again. Though some scars are very difficult to vanish but they do when time passes. Same is the case with Nandini. This one incident brought major effect on Nandini but at the back of the mind it started to vanish but was still there. But when Manik is there, does Nandini need to fear?
Just then Navya entered running like a rocket.
Nandini - Navya careful.
Navya ignored her words and unknowingly pushed Manik little away and sat on the stool. Manik kept gaping at her like how dare she push Manik Malhotra. While his friends suppressed their laugh.
Navya - Nandu what is this? Are you okay? How did this happen? What? Speak something..
Nandini - Navya atleast let me speak. And you wait (to Manik) Manik pass water to her. She looks so stress.
Manik glared at Navya but passed water to her. She drank hastily.
Nandini - Navya Shant.. .... And about all this. It's a long story. But I am so sorry for behaving like this with you.
Navya - Thank god you got some brains. And about sorry... That I will see later.
Manik ( from behind) - Navya ji... If you permit I want to tell something important to Nandini infact to all.
Navya - Aree Manik I am not that big enough that you ask permission from me. Wait let me get up.
Manik (sarcastically) - No no actually I thought now that Navya ji is big enough to push me then I have to take permission na. And thanks for the seat.
Manik sat besides Nandini on the stool and held her hand. He looked deep into her eyes and said.
Manik - All this happening in our life gave me a big lesson that there is no time to express yourself. It's like when you feel it .. You should express it. Because second chance is rare to get. And if it's too late then you regret forever. Because life never goes the way we planned. But let life take any toss and turns, I don't care.... But I want my constants to be with me. That's my friends and you. And now I don't want to waste more time or plan anything just to confess you my love. When I have you and me.... The moment is already perfect. So Nandini Murthy... This Manik Malhotra has fallen head over heels in love with you. I love you till the stars shines and the fireflies exist. Now will you be my girlfriend?
His friends we're hell shocked hearing his heartfelt confession. This was not the Manik Malhotra they knew. He was the Manik, Nandini knew. But seeing this drastic change in him, they were happy. Alya just a pang of sadness in her heart aa for once she loved him truly but now she had her true love Dhruv. Dhruv was truly happy for his friends but the pang didn't leave him as well... After all Nandini was his crush. Rest were mesmerizing with Manik's confession.
Nandini was so overjoyed with his confession that without caring about her wounds she banged on his chest hugging him tight. Tears started to flow from her eyes.
Nandini - Yes Manik.... I love you too.... Forever and Hamesha.
Both stayed in the same position to feel each other's soulful silence. But this was disturbed by the sudden jolt of pain in her abdomen.
Nandini - Ahh
Manik departed from the hug and then he realised her conditon.
Manik - Oh shit Nandini.
Manik made her lie down on the bed and then she felt better.
All were happy as the surrounding turned lovely with this two love birds confession. Nandini for once turned to Alya and thanked her with eyes as she had a very big role in their love. Alya had told Nandini not to reveal it to anyone and Nandini respected it.
And with this Manan bloomed into a beautiful relationship and in fact Fab5 and Navya Nandini turned the bestest of friends now.