Manan : Short Stories. - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

That day saw the seperation of two lovers who couldn't confess themself... couldn't complete their story. The same day Nandini decided to go to Mangalore. No one in her family knew about her college breakout. All thought it was her decision to take transfer in Mangalore. And then she was standing outside the airport with her bags. It was hard for her to control those tears flowing. Leaving her Chachi Chachi who treated her as their daughter was difficult and adding on to it leaving her friends, her Love was even worse.
Nandini wiped her tears and bid bye to all. And then suddenly her sight went to a black car which was standing afar. For some reasons she knew who it was. She kept staring at it for a minute or so. The presence gave her a hope that the story is not completed. It will start again... some day. And then she left to a start her new journey treasuring all her feeling within.
On the same airport, Manik was sitting in his black car watching Nandini leave. He didn't try to stop her tears because he knew he can't... the pain would definitely eat him up. He saw her looking at him and unknown to her both had an eye lock. He new that she guessed it was his car. This gave him a hope that she will never forget him and they will meet.. meet again. Once she left, he leaned to the seat and let him tears wet his face. The most painful feeling he ever had.
After two years
In Space college
Everything was the same.. every corner of the college spoke music. Same vibes.. same crowd.. same walls which screamed Fab5's success stories. And then the still famous band Fab5 was shining as usual but one thing was changed that is the atmosphere.
And that was because Fab5 was not the threat it used to be. Yes it still used to rag freshers but not to an extend where the freshers are helpless.
And now coming to Manik.. then he was... Ummmm himself. Yes he was still as dangerous as he was. Now too everyone was scared to have a talk to him. Of course.. The Aura he owned. And about his heart... what to say about it.. It still yearned for his star... his Nandini. Two years is a very long gap but this gap could never change his feelings for her.
Cabir would usually try to tease him when a new fresher dressed like Nandini used to come to college and that was one such day.
"Bro look there, the girl in red kurti.. same like umm .. you know what I mean. Try her... She is your type. ", Cabir said trying to tease him.
" When did I say such girls are my type. ", Manik said totally annoyed.
" Oh please Manik! We all know your type. In fact I believe somewhere it's Dhruv's type too. Come on guys... Manik atleast you see her. Dhruv I can understand but bro this is for you. Go for it. ", Mukti said been Cabir's partner in crime.
" Mukti what nonsense. Stop comparing me and Manik. Is it necessary that what I like he should also like." Dhruv said in an annoying tone. His mind was still filled with negativity for Manik.
"But Dhruv..I was just..", Mukti was speechless with his sudden outburst.
"Guys.. Will you all shut up? What type and all. And Buddy, no one is comparing you. We all know you are the best among us. So chill. ", Manik knew his inner storm so tried to get control of the situation. In fact all knew about it.
Dhruv's jealously was getting too far. Like it was two year.. two years for Dhruv to change. Change into someone who was not filled with innocence, someone who was no Manik's buddy.
"Manik please stop this Buddy and all. My parents have had given me a good name Dhruv. You can call me that. ", Dhruv said continuing the same.
" Okay fine.. Bud.. Sorry Dhruv... I will call you Dhruv.. Now fine. ", Manik said trying to act calm as ever. Dhruv turned his face.
" So Manik where were we... Ya... Come on man! Find someone. I will give you exact replica of Nandini. For sure... Just don't be single. I am getting bored. ", Cabir saved the situation coming back to Manik.
" You are such a jerk na Cabir! You always find my entertaining. Don't find anyone for me. I am happy like this. And ya.. She is one piece. No one is like her. ", Manik said in an irritating tone.
" Aww... Lover boy. Can't here a word for Nandini. Manik this is really heights. You are wasting your time. Maybe she has moved on. ", Alya said mentioning the fact.
" I don't care. And please stop getting her in conversations. Cabir please! ", Manik said in a serious tone.
" And ya.. Get going. We have to leave for Mangalore. Of course we are not going with Niyonika's plans. We will leave on our own.", Manik reminded them.
"But why there yaar! I don't want to go. We are the best in organizing Musicana. Don't know how Mangalore Space will arrange.", Mukti worriedly said.
" Come on Mukti. Let us give them a chance. And by the graph of Managlore Space's progress, I am sure there is something exciting. I mean the Space which was not even considered is now on second position in one year. So let's see. ", Manik said unbelievably.
" And Mukti, at least it will be a road trip. We will enjoy man! Let's get going. ", Alya said standing up.. " I am heading for shoping. Any one up?", Alya asked.
Manik made an 'are you serious face'. "Alya we are leaving in two hours. You are shoping now. Get that, you shouldn't be late. ", Manik said warning her but she gave a damn.
" Come on you know me. You will find me the first one to be ready. ", Alya said proudly for which Manik murmurred " I know. " Making a face.
"Chal now let's go. ", Cabir dragged Mukti and Manik. " Dhruv I have two hands. I can't drag you. Please come na. ", Cabir turned to Dhruv who was still sitting on the same place. " I am there na. ", Mukti dragged Dhruv.
In Mangalore Space at the same time.
The arrangements were going on full swing. Everyone was running here and there busy in some or the other work. The college was no more a college but more like a concert. Lightings, decor, the arrangement gave a fantastic look.
A girl was sitting on the ground with the fairy lights all around her hell irritated with them.
Finding it difficult she shouted. "Go and call the General secretary here ASAP. Or else get ready to be killed. ", The girl shouted in irritation.
" I am here. And why the hell are you shouting. This is college and not house. Come on fix this mess. ", The G.S made her stand.
" Sana no one asked you to wear a saree of fairy lights. What have you done? How did you get tangled in this lights that too this badly. ", The G. S scolded her at the same time concerned seeing her messy.
" Ob The G.S urf Ms Nandini Murthy urf my Bestie.. I called you to get me out of it. Stop your lectures. " , Sana said making faced to her.
[ Sana Sheikh - A sassy girl with an innocent look. She is Nandini's best friend. But more close to her other friend. She knows Nandini will never turn her back to her. A good keyboard player. ]
"Then stop getting yourself in such situations. ", Nandini said getting her out of the lights.
" You won't understand this..
How it feels to get stuck in the merry go round. Ahhgg. So irritating.. ", Sana threw the lights. Nandini snapped at her hearing what she said.
A smile appeared on her face remembering the scene of both Manik and Nandini tangled in the threads. She was lost in his thoughts when suddenly she felt a pinch.
" Hey G.S lost in whose thoughts. One sec.. Let me guess... It's Ritwik, right? If yes then go to him na. He is always waiting for you. ", Sana teased Nandini receiving a glare.
[ Ritwik Raza - Sana's best friend and Nandini's friend. He is in love with Nandini or say obsessed with her. But he doesn't show his obsessive side to her because he wants her to fall for him. He knows about her past with Manik and hates Manik for the same. Nandini didn't share anything with him but he overheard her talks with Navya on call. He had proposed her once but Nandini rejected. ]
"Shut up Sana... You know I don't like him. He is just a friend that too because he is your best friend. ", Nandini said a bit annoyed with her teasing.
" Nandini.. He loves you yaar. Give him a chance. I am sure no one will love you like him. You have already broken many hearts in this college. But I won't let you break my friend's heart. ", Sana said with determination.
" Then why don't you confess your love for him? And now please before you say a word I know.. You love him. And this stupid shit like I will sacrifice my love for my friend is most hated by me. And now Ms Dramaqueen get going.. Lots to do. ", Nandini said pushing the topic aside.
Sana glared at her and then continued to work. " Cutie", Nandini laughed at her and went.
While going to see other works she collided with someone but managed herself.
"Sambhalke Nandini.. You will fall.", The guy said holding her by shoulders.
Nandini removed his hands from her shoulders politely. " I can manage myself, Ritwik", Nandini said giving him a fake yet polite smile. " By the way still thanks. ", Saying this is was about to leave when
" Nandini", Ritwik called her.
"Yes.. ", Nandini asked taking a look at the mobile as she received a message.
Ritwik suddenly snatched her mobile from her. " Nandini I am talking to you.. Concentrate her not on this mobile. I don't like it. ", He said with unknown anger.
" And who are you to say this? I am not free Ritwik for you to listen. Speak fast. ", Nandini said angrily for his behavior.
" Sorry.. Woh.. I brought something for you. This is a gift from my side. ", He said giving her a bracelet. Taking her hand he was about to make her wear when she snatched it.
" Ritwik behave. I am your friend. I don't want you to touch me again. Get that clear in your head. ", Nandini said rubbing her hand which got little scratch with the bracelet.
" If it was giving by that Manik Malhotra then? ", He murmmed in his breath but Nandini felt he said Manik's name.
" What did you say? ", Nandin asked suspiciously. " Nothing.. Sorry. ", Ritwik said with a fake smile.
Nandini just gave a nod and let not before glaring him. Ritwik fisted the hand with the bracelet and threw it away angrily. " Nandini you can't ignore me. I will get you one day. ", Saying so he left crushing the bracelet under his shoes.
Here Nandini was in thoughts. Today every action was reminding her of Manik. The way they got entangled in the threads, the way he used to be so gently with her in behavior, the way he made her wear the bracelet..
"What is going on? It's normal for me to get lost in his thoughts but isn't it too much today. Weird.", Nandini said brushing off the thoughts.
Nandini thought that Fab5 were done with their college. Since four academic years of there's were already completed. And that's why there was no scope of him coming here. But there was hope that may be he might come. But why? What for?
But she was hell excited to meet Navya after a long time not only her but Abir too. She was just waiting for the students to come from Mumbai.
Her heart was prompting her that something is gonna happen. But don't know why she was hell excited for it.
After around 4 hours.
Nandini made sure everything was going properly. The arrangements were still going on. Tomorrow was the Day.. Musicana.
"Hey Nandini.. Principal sir is calling you in trustee's cabin. ", One student informed her.
" Me.. Okay I will see. Maybe he needs the participant's list. ", Nandini gave a smile and left.
In Trustee's cabin.
Principal was sitting on the chair besides Trustee's. The Trusted wasn't there. In front of them, the lady in her 40's was sitting taping her nails on the glass desk.
" I am sorry for keeping you waiting Mrs Malhotra. Trustee mam is coming in few minutes. ", Principal said in a sorry tone.
" No worry Mr Badri. It's fine. Fab5 is also late.", Niyonika gave a smile.
"Not any more. ", Manik said from behind. " We are here. ", He gave a fake smile to Niyonika and then genuinely gave a hand shake to Principal.
" Hello sir.. This is Manik Malhotra.. We are Fab5", He said proudly.
"Who doesn't know you guys! Welcome to Mangalore space. Till now it's you who were managing the Musicana. We are pleasured receiving the chance. ", Principal gave a warm greeting.
" We will surely love to see something different. ", Manik said.
" Just few moments.. The trustee mam and G.S is just about to arrive. ", Principal requested.
" No issues. We are always free. ", Cabir cracked a joke.
" I am sorry for been late. Mr Badri I hope I didn't make you all wait for long. ", A lady in her 60's said.
" No no Mrs Murthy please have a seat. ", Niyonika greeted getting up.
Mrs Murthy gave a smile to all and sat. " Where is Nandu? ", Mrs Murthy asked.
Manik's head snapped to her. Everything related to Nandini just brings him back to her.
" I have sent a message. She will be coming. ", Principal said.
" I hope you all are comfortable here. ", Mrs Murthy asked to cut the time.
" Ya ya mam. It's very comfortable. ", Alya said with a warm smile.
" You all are Fab5 , right? I have heard you all. You all are brilliant. ", Mrs Murthy praised them.
Before they could thank her.. " Amms so sorry for being lat.... Oh no.. Sorry sorry.. ", Nandini was about to get in without knocking expecting only her Amms and Principal uncle but immediately went back to the door to get the permission.
Manik in fraction of seconds recognised her voice. He was stunned knowing she was here. Same was the case with others.
"May I come in Sir? ", Nandini asked politely not knowing what was waiting for her.
" Ya come in baccha. ", Principal said.
" So here she is G. S of our college. Ms Nandini Murthy. ", Principal said introducing her who technically needed no introduction.
Nandini reached the table. " Hello all... ", Nandini's words stuck in her throat seeing Fab5 and Niyonika in front of her.
Her gaze subconsciously searched for Manik. Once it was laid on him, she noticed he was already staring her. It was a complete one minute silent. Niyonika too was hell shocked finding her here and then it clicked her that if was her only who transferred Nandini in Mangalore.
"Kanna... What happened? Why are you silent? " Amms asked bringing her back from the shock.
"Ummh.. Voh.. Amms that.. I.. ", Nandini stammered.
"Wow.. What a pleasant surprise! Nandini you are in this college. ",Cabir came as a saviour. He gave her a hug.
" Hey. Hi Cabir. Ya.. How's Navya? ", Nandini said blinking her eyes for saving the situation.
" Absolutely fine. ", Cabir said.
" Hey hi Mukti.. Doing good. ", Nandini asked trying her best to avoid looking at Manik. For she knew her eyes would cry seeing him.
" Ya all cool. How are you? " Mukti said giving her a side hug.
"Fine. Welcome you all. ", Nandini greeted them.
Manik's gaze was stuck on her. He was already in love with her but the more beautiful version of hers blocked his senses.
" Hi.. Nandini ", Alya greeted awkwardly. They never connected well in past.
" Hey.. Hi Alya.. ", Nandini gave her a genuine smile.
"Nandini.. You didn't contact me later. You told you will be in touch. ", Dhruv said making her smile. Dhruv too had a smile seeing her after a long time. In fact he was smiling for real after a long time. Fab5 were happy seeing him.
" Actually I had to change my numbers. I lost all my contacts and then you know got busy with the college. ", Nandini replied.
Cabir nudged Manik to get back in his senses. " Bro greet her. Kya sochenge sab? Vo nahi kar payegi. ", Cabir showed him Nandini who was rubbing her hands in nervousness not knowing how to talk to Manik.
' Come on Nandini, it's not like you haven't talked to him ever. You both used to talk for hours. This is just a greeting. He is Manik. He won't eat me. ', Nandini was trying to convince herself to talk but no words came out.
"Kanna.. This is what I thought you? You should greet all, right? ", Amms said Nandini not greeting everyone. " And more over you are G. S. This is how you should behave? ", Amms asked. Amms was always a woman of values, customs and respect. She loved her family but for her respect and society comes first.
" Ya Amms I was about to.. Umm.. ", Nandini tried to look at Manik.
" Hey Nandini.. Nice to meet you after long", Manik finally spoke seeing her almost landing in trouble. He didn't want her Amms to get any doubt on Nandini. Nandini thanked Manik in her mind. Of course she had no guts to thank him on his face.
" Hi Manik.. Same here. Welcome. ", Nandini said giving a small nervous smile to him.
" Hello Mam....Hope you enjoy this event. ", Nandini said paying attention to Niyonika.
" I hope it's up to my expectations. ", Niyonika commented.
" Sure. ", Nandini politely said.
" So I hope you friends are done with your informal introduction. Now let me introduce you all formally.. So guys she is the G. S of the college. She is the main reason why college is at second position. And why she is the reason.. You all will get it by your own..And Nandini this time.. Musicana will be judged by Fab5. ", The Principal dropped a bomb on Nandini. Nandini's eyes widen in shock but then she composed.
" That's nice. Participants will get more motivated having the consistent winners of Musicana as judges. ", Nandini said.
" Sir now please permit me.. I have to see some arrangements. ", Nandini asked having enough of shocks.
" Ya beta.. Go.. And ya give Fab5 the list of participants. And one more thing... You personally show them the arrangements here not to miss out on anything. There are far more experienced in this arrangements.", Principal said giving more stress to Nandini. She was not prepared to face Manik. Though she was happy seeing him but at the same time nervous and stressed to be around him. Their equation was not like before.
" Ya sure sir. ", Nandini sighed leaving from there.
Manik was slightly disappointed feeling her ignorance. He couldn't guess her mind state. He thought may be she didn't want to see him. But that was not the case. She was not prepared for it.. Thats it.