Manan : Short Stories. - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

In Trustee's office
"So Fab5, you'll can wait here till further notice. I will ask Nandini to make arrangements for your relaxation. Just few moments. ", Principal said leaving from there.
"Mrs Murthy... Let's have a talk.", Niyonika said trying to initiate a conversation. She had to talk to the Trustee... though she was Nandini's Grandmother.
" Sure let's go to the backyard of this college. There is already a hustle bustle out here.", Amms said getting up. Niyonika too stood up. Amms gave a smile to all five and exited the door expecting Niyonika to follow.
"Niyonika, I am warning you.. Nothing should be out about me and Nandini... Amms doesn't know anything. ", Manik dangerously warned her.
" I am not interested to reveal anything to her. I am utterly professional in this matter. ", Niyonika said walking out in attitude.
As soon as Fab5 were alone, Cabir jumped on Manik in happiness.
"Dude.. Nandini is here. I can't believe she is here. Now the tracks are gonna join again. Nandini and you will... ", Cabir couldn't just control his happiness.. He wouldn't even be this happy if he ever sees his lost love.
" Cabir.. Cabir.. Hang on.. Don't raise your hopes high. We just met her here. That doesn't mean I and her will be.. you know.. like before. ", Manik said looking here and there.
" Seriously Manik... This is not expected. Why the fuck are you trying to keep your hopes so low. Come on Manik, there is something left, that's why you met her again. ", Mukti trying inserting some senses in him.
" Mukti she didn't even look at me. She was so hesitant to talk to me.. Seriously me... Broo.. I have talked to her for like hours and hours. And she hesitated to talk to me. I feel there is nothing left. ", Manik said finally putting up his points.
" Manik.. You don't understand.. She saw you after a long time. It was clearly seen on her face that she was shocked. That's why she didn't look at you.. ", Alya put up a valid point which was absolutely correct.
" Exactly. ", Mukti supported her.
" But.. This.. ", Manik was suddenly stopped by Dhruv's outburst.
" STOP IT guys! What do you all think.. She was shy.. She was shocked to see him.. No.. You all are wrong. She was disgusted and angry to even look at him. Maybe be you both ( pointing to Mukti and Cabir) are blindly ignoring Manik and Alya's affair under the name of friendship but like me.. She can also see it. She knows Manik is a cheater. Maybe she didn't say but she knew. All the game of Manik's arrest, Nandini's statement and then their break up was a set up. Setup for Manik and Alya to get together. ", Dhruv angrily burst out.
" Aree.. Dhruv Tu kis baat ko kis tangent pe leke ja raha hai. What bullshit you're talking. ", Cabir said trying to control the situation seeing Alya's teary eyes. Manik and Mukti were confused.
" Mein sahi tangent pe hu Cabir. Nandini knows everything. Isliye vo chali gayi.. Leaving him.. This cheater. Everyone thinks he is a rock star.. Everyone's favourite but Nandini and I know what type of a person he is! And ya not to forget you love Alya", Dhruv angrily glared Manik.
"Dhruv please stop it! Not here. This is not our place. ", Alya said while crying.
" Oh Alya baby is crying! Manik go.. Handle your love. ", Dhruv said dragging him to Alya.
" Sir this is the participant's lis...", Nandini entered suddenly but then stopped seeing the scenario.
Dhruv was holding Manik in a grip, Alya was crying and Mukti and Cabir trying to control Dhruv.
"What happened? Alya are you fine? " Nandini asked concerned seeing Alya.
Alya rubbed her tears and faked a smile.. "Nothing Nandini everything cool. ", Alya said.
"No need to hide Alya. Nandini knows everything. Why show your fake tears? ", Dhruv mocked.
" Dhruv buddy.. Let it go. Fine if you think I am such guy then let it be. I am.. But now end it.. ", Manik said not wanting Nandini to get involved in it.
Nandini was confused with whatever was going.
" Why should I end it? Now that finally I have someone with me.. To support me.. Why should I stop? "Dhruv said jerking Manik.
" Manik.. ", Involuntarily It escaped her lips seeing him about to fall. And first time they had a short eyelock between them which was broken by Dhruv.
" Nandini you will support me na.. ", Dhruv said holding her elbow with hope in his eyes.
"Of course I will Dhruv. You are my friend. ", Nandini gave him a small smile.
"Then tell Mukti and Cabir what you know about Manik and Alya? ", Dhruv said making Nandini confuse
" Stop dragging her Dhruv... She doesn't know anything. ", Manik spoke in a firm voice.
" But what are you talking about Dhruv? I know the same which you know in fact everyone knows. But why this suddenly? ", Nandini said irritating Dhruv for not getting his words.
" Nandini.. This is not what I am talking about. You know right.. Manik is a cheater. He had created a setup to get back with Alya. And after you got to know everything you left hi... ", Dhruv was intrupted by Nandini.
One second Dhruv.. What are you talking? Is this even making sense. Who told you that I left because of this? It is no way related to this. "Nandini said removing his hand from her elbow and making things clear.
" What? Nandini you don't need to get scared of him. I am there na. ", Dhruv said trying to get the non existing truth out.
" What? Scared of him? Are you crazy Dhruv? Why will Manik do something? And I don't believe you are speaking like this about him? He is your buddy, right? " Nandini said laughing sarcastically at his words making him speechless.
"This is what we are trying to explain him since a long time. But he is going on different track. ", Cabir told Nandini.
" Dhruv.. Listen to me carefully. You are thinking wrong. I had my own reasons to leave college. It's no where related to Alya. Stop blaming her infact Manik and Alya.", Nandini said trying to make him understand.
"And guys.. You have come now. You are not participants but judges. It doesn't suit you all. That too in Amms's cabin. If she sees you like this then your image will go down in front of her. And one more thing.. I just got to know that trustees of different college are gonna judge you five. How you all behave, how you all talk, handle situations. And I don't want you all to receive a black spot just before starting your career. This review of trustees is damn important for your career. ", Nandini said giving them a new found information.
Fab5 was listening her patiently. They just took this judging so casually. But it was indeed the most important to them.
" We are sorry Nandini. For creating a scene in the first place. We should remember that this is not Mumbai but Mangalore. Sorry.. ", Mukti apologized.
" It's okay Mukti.. Thanks to Aiyippa it was me and no one else. ", Nandini said been the typical her.
Nandini had indirectly supported Manik and showed her trust on him. She could have believed Dhruv as she was no where present in the whole scene but she still trusts him. His heart fluttered understanding this.
Alya came forward and hugged her. " Thanks Nandini.. For showing trust.. Not on me but Manik. Atleast there is someone who trusts. ", Alya said making Nandini rub her back.
Nandini's eyes automatically shifted to Manik who was already staring at her. He didn't smile at her but was lost in her. Dhruv glared Alya hearing her taunt. Dhruv was silent as it was now on his career.
" Okay then I will leave. You all can rest in the next to next room. It's your room for this Musicana. You all can relax for an hour or two.. Then I will show you all the arrangements. ", Nandini smiled and turned to go.
" Nandini.. ", Cabir called her.
" Yeah", Nandini asked him.
"Can I have a word with you? Alone? ", Cabir asked. He was the only one who was frank to talk to her.
" Ya sure. ", Nandini smiled at him.. She left from there smiling hearing Manik trying to stop Cabir. She knew it was something related to them. And Cabir never leaves a chance.
Outside the empty corridor
" Ya Cabir ", Nandini said.
" Nandini you saw what happened there. This is the condition from the last two years. Actually Dhruv and Alya were in Love during that Soha matter. But he misunderstood Manik and Alya's friendship as affair and then there was no stopping. And I surely won't guarantee that it won't happen again. Dhruv has changed so much. He is not the topiwala Dhruv I know. It's hurts to see him blaming like this but it hurts more seeing Manik breaking. ", Cabir glanced at Nandini to see tears at his last sentence. He gave a small smile and continued
" You know Manik.. His weakness is Dhruv infact his friendship. And I am so stupid to say you this.. You were yourself a victim of their friendship. But Nandini do you think Manik deserves this? He has given his 100% to everything. But did he get everything in return.. No. Let it be the friendship, his parents or his Love...ummh.. I am sorry. But this is fact. I know I am asking too much but please get Dhruv back in his life. He needs his buddy. And facing all those allegations is difficult for Manik and Alya. ", Cabir said totally defeated with his efforts.
" I know Dhruv will listen to you. He doesn't trust any of us. Please di something.", Nandini could feel Cabir's tone was breaking.
"You know Cabir.. Sometimes I feel rather than Dhruv.. You are Manik's buddy. You are always there with him in his thick and thin. And for you guys I will surely talk with Dhruv. I won't guarantee his come back but yes I will let my all thoughts in front of him. Even if it means sharing my feelings for Ma... ", Nandini controlled her slippery tongue but Cabir was smart enough to guess.
Cabir smiled at her. " Thanks.. I know you will. Maybe not for us but for Manik. ", Cabir said in a teasing smile to change the atmosphere.
" I have work. ", Nandini ran from there escaping Cabir.
"Toh Cabira... Back to Manan patch up mission. ", Cabir said rubbing his hands in mischief.
But this fight and their talks were seen and heard by two people. Those were... Navya and Harshad of course from different different places.
Navya was concerned for Nandini. Navta had lost her trust in Manik. When she got to know that Nandini had some feelings for Manik, she was supportive because she could genuinely see his Love for her. But it changed after Valentine's Day. The way Manik had let Nandini go from the college made her conclude that Manik is not good for Nandini. She didn't have any idea of Manik's efforts to stop Nandini. Moreover she was right in her place. She somehow wanted to save Nandini for another heartbreak but was helpless. Nandini would do what her heart tell her to do.
While Harshad was smirking... "So this trip is not that boring. It would be fun.. Fun to create scenes and break hearts. ", Harshad called someone and had a brief talk. Then he disconnected the call and had a evil smirk. " Plan already in action."
With his evil smirk it was clear that a big storm is about to take place in everyone's eyes.
In the corridor
Nandini was walking towards the management office when suddenly she was pulled by someone.. She tried to scream but that person covered her mouth with his hand.
Nandini freed herself from the grip and turned to look at the person.. It didn't take a second for her eyes to turn red with anger.
"How dare you Ritvik? How can you pull me like this in an empty classroom? Have you lost it? ", Nandini said glaring him.
"Don't make issue over a small thing, I want to ask something. That's why I pulled you. ", He said in a calm tone. But his calm tone was hiding hell lot of anger.
"College hasn't banned talking in public. And about this unethical behavior, try this in front of someone else. Now just ask and free me. ", her face depicted how annoyed she was.
"Is Manik Malhotra the judge of Musicana? " He asked in a stern tone.
"No he isn't. But ya Fab5 is. He alone won't judge us but whole Fab5 will. Now excuse me. ", Nandini was going when he held her hand in a tight grip.
" Stay away from that assho*le Manik.. ", Ritwik was about to complete when he was gifted by a tight slap from Nandini.
" Mind your language. If one more time you will insult Manik in front of me then believe me... I will make sure you are not in this college anymore. And who the hell are you to order me to stay away from Manik? No one... Bloody no one. So just shut you shitty mouth.. " Saying this Nandini stormed out of the classroom.
Ritwik stood there keeping his hand on his cheek. His eyes we're red with anger. Nandini had challenged his male ego by slapping him.
"Wrong move Nandini.. Wrong move. ", Ritwik said dangerously.
" Exactly.. She didn't do good by slapping you. ", Someone said from behind.
" And who are you? ", Ritwik asked bluntly
" Calm down my boy.. Calm down. Myself Harshad Saxsena... from Mumbai. But leave all that. Seems you are in love with Nandini. ", Harshad asked playing his goody card.
"What's with you?", Ritwik was a hard nut for Harshad.
" I can help you get her. In my college I an famous or say infamous for my rivalry with Manik Malhotra. I want to put him so down that he can never raise himself. So I have a plan which can give us what we want. ", Harshad said smirking inwardly.
" Are you sure? I mean... I can trust you, right? ", Ritwik asked been unsure.
" Of course. So plan on? " , Harshad asked forwarding his hand.
"Okay... Cool. ", Ritwik finally gave in.
Harshad shared his plan with Ritwik. Listening his plan, he was impressed. He was that with this he can get Nandini.
Harshad in mind patted his back for following Nandini. He wanted a partner for this and Nandini herself gave him one.
In Fab's room
Manik was sitting on a chair with his head on the table. He was highly stressed with the turn of events around him. He was confused like hell. Firstly the moment he waited for was here. He met Nandini finally but eventually got a disappointed behavior from her. On top of it, Dhruv's stupid outburst. Involving Nandini into it. But one thing which was at a calmer side was Nandini's support. Despite having no conversation with each other, she still supported him. But now he is was worried for the future.
But there was someone who was watching him from the window feeling helpless for not been there for him. Yes you all guessed it right, it was Nandini. She wanted to go and talk to him. Help him with all thr chaos but her past with him restricted her from going to him. Her eyes were teary seeing the Manik Malhotra been so weak because of Dhruv and of course her.
But now she had enough of her hesitation. She took a deep breath rubbed her tears eyes and got hold of the papers in her hands and knocked the door.
Manik hearing the knock looked up to see Nandini. He looked down and wiped the unshed tears of the corner of his eyes which didn't go unnoticed from Nandini.
"You don't have to ask.. It's your college.", Manik indirectly gave her permission to come in.
" Ummh.. Vo it's the room for judges so I need to ask permission. Anyways there are some changes in the list. So i brought the upgraded one for you all.", Nandini said pointing at the papers in hand.
Manik nodded not knowing what to say further. How he wished he could just run to her and hug her tightly letting all his pain out. But alas!
Nandini glanced at him to see him lost in thoughts.
"Where is the list? ", Nandini asked but there was no response.
She asked one more time a little loudly, " Where is the list? ", But still the same.
She frowned seeing him so lost. She went to him and shook him. " Manik..", Nandini said loudly.
"What the..! ", he looked at her with a questionable look asking her why she screamed.
" You were not responding. I was asking you where is the list? ", Nandini was a little annoyed now. She was already dealing with her nervous self. She herself knows how much of her confidence she has put in to talk to him. And there he is behaving all weird.
" Ummh.. Sorry.. Voh.. I was.. ", Manik looked here and there with embarrassment.
" It's okay. But now atleast answer. ", Nandini reminded him.
" Oh ya.. It's on the table. ", He pointed at the table.
Nandini went to the table to replace those papers. She turned to leave when
" Nandini.. ", Manik stopped her.
Nandini closed her eyes in nervousness. Till it was related to work she was okay but now by his tune she could guess it was something else.
" Yes. ", Nandini said turned to him pretending to check the papers.
Manik didn't like the way she was trying to ignore him. He snatched those papers from her. Nandini looked up to his face in shock. She didn't expect this reaction.
" Mani.. ", Nandini started but was cut off by Manik.
"I want to have a decent talk to you without any of this distractions. ", Manik said with a patient face.
" About what? ", Nandini asked instantly.
" About Dhruv. I am sorry on his behalf. He shouldn't have drag you in our matter. It's my fault. I should have known his insecurities. Because of me, he put you in tough spot. ", Manik completed with his head hung low.
" Blaming yourself for something you hadn't done is not good. It's not your fault. His state of mind is not correct. And stop judging yourself because of his mistakes. If he didn't let his insecurities out in front of you, it's his problem not yours. You had put your 100% in your friendship. You have done everything for him which he doesn't even know. And if he feels suffocated then stop doing that. ", Nandini said calmly knowing his mental state.
" Sometimes it's not easy to let go of things which were dearly to you in your past. ", Manik said looking at her intensely.
Nandini instantly looked other side feeling his instance gaze. She knew what he meant.
" But if it is toxic then it's of no use. It will only ruin things of you. Dhruv's behavior is only hurting you. In fact in all this, you are forgetting something. "Nandini diverted the topic to Dhruv back.
"What? ", Manik asked confused.
" Alya. Do you think she deserves this. Will she ever believe in love after her two failed relationships? It is clearly seen in her eyes that she loves Dhruv but is also hurt by him. If not for yourself you have to clear things for her. You had a past with her. And that is a hindrance to her love life. And now it's your duty to atleast move on from Dhruv or get her the better or at least the old Dhruv to her. ",Nandini said giving him an all together new turn to his thinking.
" Thanks. Like always you should me that side of the story which I wouldn't even realise. You are right. Thanks once again. ", Manik said feeling relief with her words.
Now Nandini had no words to say. Both had an awkward silence when Nandini said, " Okay then I will leave.", Nandini said turning to leave.
"I want to have a talk about us but after Musicana. I don't want to spoil Musicana for you again. But till then I want you to behave with me like before. I don't want hesitation in between us. It's awkward. I am not used to this behavior of yours. Please. ", Manik opened himself to her.