Chapter 9
"Try this one . This dress is so pretty."An over excited Mukti spoke in a voice,close to be called as screaming.
" No Mukti,this is so short . I can't wear it."Nandini said horrified at the prospect of wearing a dress barely reaching her knees.
" You are not Qutub Minar either . Just go and try it . Don't be a shopspoil."Mukti pushed her into the trial room not relenting to any of her protests.
Mukti and Nandini were on the shopping spree ,they planned two days ago . The main focus of this spree was Nandini as Mukti had decided on her dress and accessories at the time of idea outflow from Mr Sehgal's mind,only . A firm believer of 'Shopping furthers health', she never left an opportunity to let go of her shopping therapy and the result was, she reached Nandini's college much earlier to pick her up and waited for almost half an hour . As they say,everything happens for a reason;she saw her reason in Abhimanyu whom she got to meet while she was waiting and he was bunking his class,hiding away from seniors . He is a charming,cute,hot guy and matched her craziness,head to head. Time passed quickly talking to him while she wanted it to slow down . Her hormones have,finally,begun spreading their empire in her body . She was still reeling in that half an hour when she heard Nandini shouting at her.
" Mukti, back to earth . Which botanical garden are you visiting now?"Nandini said as she waved her hand in front of her.
" Huh Botanical garden,no silly I was thinking about Abhimanyu . He is so hot . I think I should date him." Mukti said dreamily.
" What,dating!!!Are you serious?You met him just today and you're talking about dating him and you're just seventeen for God's sake . How can you get involved in such stuff at such an early age!!!"Nandini said,shocked expressions giving her a comical look.
" oho Nandini,I am SEVENTEEN for God's sake . You sound like mummy.And I am just thinking to date him . Now forget it,we'll discuss it later,now lemme have a look at you . Oh my!!!!You're looking so pretty and hot . This dress is perfect.We should go with it what say?"Mukti said cheekily.
" Yeah,it is pretty but don't you think it is too short . I've never worn this much short dress . Can't I wear an anarkali?"Nandini said innocently . New things take time to make their way in her life.
"Who wears Anarkali to the ball?Nandini you're so funny . This dress is perfect.It is knee length and very decent and very comfortable too,trust me . I can't do anything about the theme of the party and the theme demands you to wear this dress,not an anarkali . So temme what do you think? "Mukti said feeling like talking to a five year old . Shopping with Nandini had been the toughest of her shopping history.
"Okay fine . This is pretty and I am buying this only."Nandini replied smiling . She always wanted to wear such dresses but never got an opportunity plus she was too shy for trying one . Mukti was relieved to hear her and took her to accessories section . After shopping,they went to a beauty parlour,got themselves groomed and reached Nandini's hostel by 9 ' o'clock. Mukti dropped her and left for her home.
Nandini hit the bed after showing her dress and accessories to Poorva and other friends.Even after a tiring day,sleep was nowhere near her eyes . Her mind was busy remembering the day two days ago when she was invited by Cabir and asked by Manik for the party.
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Flashback
" Nandini,will you come to the party with me?"Manik asked Nandini as soon as Mr Acharya left the class . He didn't pay any attention to the class and neither did Nandini. While Manik was praying for her consent,she was thinking how to decline his' tempting ' invitation . Both were fidgeting the whole time and were chided by Mr Acharya,time and again.
"I'm sorry Manik.I can't come . I have plans for Saturday."she said softly,hoping for him not to feel bad.
" Oh!!!It's okay . I guess I was late . no problem . Maybe some other time."Manik said smiling but not able to keep depair away from his voice . Nandini noticed it all but didn't know what else to say to see his usual charming smile . They made their way to the next class in a never experienced before uncomfortable silence.
Mukti insisted to drop Nandini today as she wanted Nandini's help with some chemistry problems .
"Hey Manik,what's up!!"Cabir greeted him with a side hug when he was going to the parking lot.
"Hey Cabir,I'm good."
"So you're coming to the party,right?I hope you got the invitation."Cabir asked him.
" Yeah, of course . "
"Great,so do you have your partner ready?"Cabir asked him hoping against hope to get a negative answer from him.He could be a perfect partner for Nandini . Cabir didn't miss the comfort level and certain cute gestures shared by both of them . He was more than willing to play cupid for his two dear friends,if the need be.
"Um not yet!!"He replied not able to get over his disappointment.
" Well,I guess you can accompany Nandini,then .we're looking for a partner for her as well . She will be comfortable with you . What say??"Cabir said.
"I asked her but she said she has other plan . I didn't know she was referring to your party. "Manik said confused.
" or may be she didn't know that you are asking her for my party only."Cabir said putting two and two together.
"Right . I'll be coming with Nandini ,then . Okay bye see you.!!Manik rushed the bidding and ran towards his car before she finds another partner . And he reached Nandini's hostel before her . He was waiting for her at the entrance .He cleared everything to her and asked for the party,the third time.
"Yes,I'll come to the party with you " She replied chuckling.
Flashback ends
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She laughed under her comforter,the way he explained her everything like his life depended on her consent . She couldn't wait for the party now.Sending gratitude and love to Lord Krishna,she slept waiting for new dawn and especially the dusk that followed.
The next day went extra slow for two souls while went in frenzy for some others . Nandini attended only one lecture at the college upon Mukti's insistence . Mukti wanted her not to attend the college at all but she refused to comply and they settled on middle ground; one lecture solution . convincing her parents to attend the party was not as tough ashe thought it would be . She felt pathetic for not telling them the complete truth . She didn't mention all those details that won't be appreciated by her parents . Having shared it all with Rishabh made her feel better . Her excitement dimmed with the tinge of guilt she felt since she talked to her parents?Only if they understand!She sighed sitting beside Mukti as she drive towards her house to get ready for the party.
Clock striked seven after painfully long hours of the day . Manik reached Mukti's home to pick his date.He was excited,nervous,happy,confused,all at the same time. Confused at his nervousness.He had been to several parties with many friends . He knew Nandini is special but his feelings for her were confusing . It was beyond attraction,he knew,but didn't know what was it . All these thoughts took a back seat when he saw Nandini in front of him.Dressed in a coral strap neck dress adorned with a flower laced waist band, her long black hair left loose,some bangs falling on her forehead,diamond studs in her ear and her natural beauty and innocence not hidden under make layers ,wearing just a beautiful shade of orange lipstick,kohl and light brown eye shadow;she stood in all her glory disarming Manik to move his eyes off her.
Nandini,too was lost taking in his appearance . He was dressed in dark grey formal suit,white crisp shirt beneath and upper two buttons left open,his hair gelled perfectly;he was looking no less than any bollywood hero . Both were brought out of their trance by Mukti's voice.
"Hey Manik!!You're so punctual dude,not a single minute late.I am impressed huh . Nandini you've got the perfect partner . Now you two go. I'll be coming with mom and dad."Mukti said and they left soon after.
"You look beautiful."Manik complimented her as they moved towards the car.
"Thank you.You too look good."Nandini said blushing hard at being complimented and giving one to a guy for the very first time . Manik nodded and opened door for her like a true gentleman . Oh this is feeling like a beautiful fairy tale.
Blessed is the influence of a true, loving humansoul on another.
George Eliot
Hey lovelies!!I hope you liked the chapter.I feel the chapters are being too long.Do tell me if I should cut the length of the chapters.
Awaiting your feedback.
Thank you
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