IF IT'S NOT FOREVER, IT'S NOT LOVE( Chapter 42 on page 83) - Page 10

CHAPTER 11

Nandini came out of the hospital with Chacha, Chachi and Rishab. All of them sat in the Taxi. It was evening time around 8 pm. Nandini took the window seat and was looking outside with a broad smile on her face. Rishab was sitting next to her and he held Nandini's hand tightly. Nandini turned around and side hugged her and smiled. Everyone was silent and after a few minutes Chachi broke the silence.

Chachi: Nandu ab kaisa lag raha hai tujhe?

Nandini: Chachi I am fine now. In fact I am so happy today. Sari memories yad aagayi. Maa, Appa, Rishab, Manik aur Cabir ke sath jo bhi time spend kiya tha sab yad hai mujhe.

Chachi: Mai bhi bohot khush hu tere liye.

Chacha: Waise Nandu beta doctor ne kya bat kiya tumhare sath.

Nandini: Kuch khaas nahi chacha. Wo bas questions puch rahe the aur kuch injections aur medicines diye hai.

Chacha: Acha thik hai.

After an hour they reached Warrior High.

Chachi: Apna khayal rakhna Nandu.

Nandini: Ji Chachi. Aur aap sab bhi apna khayal rakhna.

She hugged everyone and went inside.

Meanwhile, Fab5 were in the music room. Manik and Cabir were restless and everyone could see their restlessness. Manik started playing his guitar in anger by closing his eyes and he said to himself," It's my entire fault." Everyone got upset seeing Manbir like this. Suddenly Aliya came and held Manik's hand.

Aliya: Stop it Manik. It's not music it's noise. I know you are upset but please don't do this to yourself.

Dhruv: Han Buddy she is right. She will be fine and soon she will come back.

Mukti: Han Manik ye dono thik keh rahe hai. Aur Cabir tu bhi stress mat le.

Manik: Sab meri galti hai. Mera plan tha aura b wo hospital me meri wajahse hi hai.

Suddenly Nandini came from behind wearing a rugged light blue jeans and a black crop top covering her waist. She heard what Manik said. Manik's back was facing Nandini and she had a big smile on her face.

Nandini: It's not your fault Manik.

Listening to this Manik turned around and saw Nandini and his face turned happy. Cabir, Dhruv, Aliya and Mukti lifted their face and saw Nandini. Cabir also was very happy to see her. Manik's happiness could not be expressed. He just stood up put his guitar down and ran towards Nandini and hugged her as tight as possible and lifted her a bit. Nandini also gave in and hugged him back with the same force and tears started falling from her eyes. Everyone else was just smiling. Manik said," I missed you so much angel." Nandini just smiled. After a few minutes they broke the hug and stared at each other for a while. Then Nandini broke their eye lock and ran towards Cabir and hugged him tightly. Cabir also hugged her back and said," My jungle billi is back." Nandini chuckled and broke the hug and hit is shoulder playfully and said," Cabir!" Manik just looked at them with a broad smile on his face. Manik came near Cabir and Nandini and they looked at others. To their surprise everyone was happy for them.

Mukti: So Nandini you are the one huh!

Nandini: What?

Mukti: I saw your childhood photos with these two.

Nandini: Oh. Btw Mukti how are you now?

Mukti: I am perfect. Anyways tum Manik aur Cabir ki bestie ho to tum humari bhi best friend ho abse. And I am sorry for bullying you.

Aliya: I am also sorry.

Nandini smiled: Don't say sorry. Let's forget the past and begin a new chapter in our lives

Mukti: Yeah! You are right. It's party time guys!

Manik: Yeah! Party time!

Aliya: Guys. It's not the right time. Mukti is not perfectly fine and Nandini bhi abhi abhi hospital se aayi hai. They should rest.

Nandini: Ya. Actually I am so tired. I just want to sleep because of all those injections and medicines.

Manik: Okay.

Everyone left from there and went to their respective rooms. Nandini went to her bed with a broad smile on her face. She dozed off in a few minutes as she was very tired. Manik and Cabir slept peacefully after many years.

NEXT MORNING

IN THE ASSEMBLY.

Principal: Good morning students. Like every year this year also a fresher's party will be held this week for the new batch in our high school. So be prepared to showcase your talent and at the end of the event Mr. And Miss Fresher will be declared. Rest of the details will be given to you soon.

After the assembly everyone started talking about the fresher's party. Fab5 were together and Nandini was with Navya. Navya saw Harshad and went towards him. Fab5 saw that Nandini is alsone and came towards Nandini. Manik went towards Nandini and kept his hand around her shoulder.

Manik: Nandu tum akele kya kar rahi ho.

Nandini: Kuch nahi Manik. Wo Navya.

Cabir: Chuck it! From now on you will always be with us.

Nandini smiled and they started walking towards the canteen. Manik was beside Nandini and his hand was around her shoulder. Cabir was on the other side of Nandini, Mukti was beside Cabir. Aliya was on the other side of Manik and dhruv was next to Aliya. Everyone was looking at them as they entered the Canteen. They went and sat on their usual place.

Meanwhile, Navya and Harshad were talking near the assembly hall.

Navya: Harshad ji hum aapse kuch bat karna chahte hai.

Harshad: Han bolo Navya

Navya: Humne aapko aur Mukti ko dekha tha uss din library me.

Harshad: What?

Navya: Aap us se.. Aap usko..

Harshad held her shoulder and said: Navya jaisa tum soch rahi ho waisa kuch nahi hai. Meri fab5 se purani dushmani hai. Tum kuch nahi janti unke bare me. And FYI I am not interested in Mukti. I like you samjhi tum. Please trust me.

Navya was convinced with his polite words and said: Hum aap par pura bharosa karte hai.

They both also walked towards the canteen and saw Nandini with fab5 and the surprising thing for them was that Manik and Nandini were sitting very close to each other. Harshad and Navya were shocked and decided to confront her.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Nandini and fab5 were together and at the same time Navya called Nandini and she went near Navya who was standing with Harshad.

Harshad: Nandini Murthy! So you and fab5 huh?

Nandini: What?

Harshad: Don't act innocent Nandini. Fab5 ke sath kya kar rahi thi tum? My friends cannot be friends with fab5. And that jerk Manik you were sitting with him as if he is your bf.

Nandini got very angry listening to this.

Navya: Han Nandu. Tum unke sath kya kar rahi ho? Wo rakshas Manik se durr raho humne kaha tha na.

Nandini: Shut up you both. And Harshad you! Not a word against Manik. Do you get that? And after what you did with Mukti I can't even think about being friends with you. ( Manik heard this and smiled )

Navya: Nandini. Tum galat samajh rahi ho Harshad ji ke bare me.

Nandini: Nahi Navya. Tum galat samjh rahi ho. Harshad jaisa dikhta hai waisa hai nahi.

Harshad got angry listening to this and he stood up. He held Nandini's hand tightly almost digging his nails into her soft skin. Manik saw this and stood up and went near them and pushed Harshad away. Fab4 joined him. Cabir kept his hand on Nandini's shoulder and asked whether she is fine. Nandini replied with that she was okay. Manik held Hrashad's collar and puched him in his face as hard as he could. Harshad was about to punch him but he couldn't as Manik was boiling in anger and he punched him 2 3 times and left him. Harshad fell on the ground.

Manik: Don't you dare hurt her again or else I will kill you.

Harshad: So possessive huh! What's cooking Manik?

Cabir: Manik leave it.

Manik agreed and went towards Nandini and held his hand and dragged her out followed by fab4 and they went in the music room. Nandini was crying a little and others were boiling in anger. They entered the music room and Manik turned his face towards Nandini.

Manik: Are you okay?

Nandini: Yes I am fine.

Manik held her hand and Nandini said," OUCH!" Manik got worried and looked at the bruises on her hand and got angry.

Manik: You are not okay. That bloody Harshad how could he do this?

Nandini: I am fine Manik. Don't worry. (She kept his hand on his shoulder)

Aliya: I am sorry Nandini. Bhai.

Nandini: Don't say sorry. It's not your fault.

Mukti: Guys we have to do something with him.

Nandini: Yes you are right. Navya to parso rat ko Navya samajh gyi thi Harshad acha nahi hai par shayad Harshad ne fir usey apni side pe kar liya hai.

Manik: Yes we have to do something.

Cabir: Hum uski asliyat Madhubala ke samne layenge.

Mukti: Par kaise?

Manik smirked and said: It's simple. Nandini will do it.

Nandini: But kaise?

Cabir: Manik, Nandu ko is sab me mat involve kar. Harshad kaisa hai tujhe bhi pata hai.

Manik: Han Cabir. Tu sahi keh raha hai.

Nandini: Manik I will do it for Navya. She is trapped with Harshad and I don't want her to get hurt.

Mukti: Han Manik mai bhi nahi chahti ki wo meri tarah suffer kare.

Manik: Okay. So here is the plan. Nandini tumhe Harshad aur Navya ko ye convince karna hai ki tum galat thi Harshad ke bare me and you also want a revenge from fab5. So I am sure he will plan something evil against me. And in this procedure, Harshad se hume confess karwana hai sab kuch jo usne aaj tak kiya hai.

Nandini: Okay. Sounds like a plan.

Everyone smiled and Cabir said," Group hug guys." They all came near to each other for a hug but Nandini was standing there only. Manik pulled her and said," You are a part of us now." Everyone else agreed and they hugged each other.

PRECAP: Harshad plans to hurt Manik's hand.

PS: Sorry for the boring convo between NavShad. I couldn't think about anything else.

CHAPTER 12

RECAP: MaNanBir reunion.

Fab5 and Nandini's plan against Harshad.

Nandini went to Navya in the canteen during the lunch break acting as if she is crying. She hugged Navya and said," I am sorry Navya. I am so sorry. Maine bohot badi mistake kar di. Please mujhe maaf kar do." Navya broke the hug and wiped her tears and said," Kya hua Nandu? Baitho yaha aur batao hume." Nandini sat on the chair beside Navya and Harshad was just looking at her with an angry expression. Nandini looked down and didn't speak anything.

Harshad: What happened Nandini? Why are you here now? Tumhare friends kaha hai?

Nandini: Harshad. I am sorry. Maine tumhe galat samjha. Wo fab5 na they are devils. And Manik. (She stopped and made a sad face.)

Navya: Kya hua Nandu? Kya kiya us rakshas ne?

Nandini: Fab5 mujhe music room me le gaye subah aur darwaza band kar diya. And Manik ne kaha ki he wanted me to break my friendship with you both isiliye wo mere sath itna acha behave kar raha tha. And then unhone mujhe waha bohot pareshan kiya.

Navya side hugged her and said," Nandu. Chup hojao. Rona achi bat nahi hai. Hum kuch karenge."

At the same time fab5 came from behind. Everyone had their evil smile on their faces. Manik came and held Nandini's hand and pulled her and said," Aww..Poor girl!" Nandini jerked her hand and stepped back. Seeing this Harshad and Navya came and stood with Nandini. Navya held Nandini's shoulder.

Nandini: Manik Malhotra stay away from me. Tum sab khudko samjhte kya ho? Bhagwan ho? Huh? Fab5 ho to kya hua? Mai nahi darti kisi se. Samjhe tum.

Manik smirked and said: Nandini Murthy. You have no idea tumne kis se panga liya hai. Just wait and watch.

Nandini: No. You wait and watch Mr. Manik Malhotra.

Nandini stormed out of the canteen dragging Navya with her and Harshad also went out smirking. After they reached the door Nandini turned and winked at them and fab5 just smiled.

Cabir: Yeh Nandu ko actress ban jana chahiye.

Manik: Han sahi bol raha hai tu.

Aliya: Ya guys she was too good.

Meanwhile, Nandini, Navya and Harshad went to the backyard.

Harshad: So Nandini, Tum ab humare sath ho.

Nandini: Yes. And I am sorry. I don't know what was I thinking when I believed that monster!

Harshad: Well in that case. It's okay. And don't worry. Hum fab5 se badla zarur lenge.

Nandini: Yes. We will.

Navya: Han aap theek keh rahe hai.

Nandini: Btw Harshad do you have anything in your mind?

Harshad smirked: Yes I have a plan. Humara target Manik hoga. Fab5 ki jan Manik hai aur usko kuch hoga to fab5 will break.

Nandini was sacred but she replied with a normal tone: What are you thinking Harshad?

Harshad: We will attack on his hands. Agar wo guitar hi play nahi kar payega to uski life hell ban jayegi. Then it will be a perfect revenge.

Nandini was hell scared now and she said: What can we do?

Harshad: Okay. So the plan is that Nandini will convince Manik to practice for their project in the evening. I will change Manik's guitar strings with very sharp strings. And when he will play the guitar uske fingers damage ho jayenge. And then Nandini tum lights off karke bahar chali jaogi and then I will take charge and uske bad ka plan tum mujhpe chod do.

Nandini was shocked: What? Ye sab kuch zada nahi ho raha hai?

Navya: Nandu uss rakshas ke sath aisa hi hona chahiye.

Harshad: Navya is right. He has to pay for every single thing he has done with others.

Nandini: Hmm. So plan kab execute karna hai?

Harshad: Tomorrow evening. So see you both tomorrow. Bye.

Nandini didn't reply as she was hell shocked and Navya said with a smile: Bye Harshad ji.

IN THE EVENING

Nandini went to the music room at sharp 7 pm as she had to meet fab5 there. She was waiting for everyone and at the same time she was thinking about Hrashad's evil plan. She was thinking about this and Manik's face flashed in front of her eyes and tears started rolling down to her cheeks. At the same time fab5 entered the music room. Nandini saw everyone and they were smiling. Nandini was so scared for Manik so she ran and hugged Manik tighly while crying. Everyone was shocked to see Nandini like this. Manik also hugged her back and started rubbing her back as he sensed that she is crying. After a few seconds Manik broke the hug.

Manik: Nandini what happened? Why are you crying? (He said while wiping her tears)

Nandini: Woh.. Woh. Harshad.

Manik: Harshad? Usne firse kuch kiya?

Nandini: Nahi Manik. Woh..

Cabir: Nandu kya hua? Please tell us.

Aliya: Guys can't you see she is scared. Let her sit and then ask your questions.

Everyone sat on the chairs forming a circle. They looked at Nandini with questioning eyes.

Nandini: I think we should drop this plan.

Mukti: What? Are you crazy? It's for Navya.

Nandini: I know it's for Navya. But

Manik: But what Nandini?

Nandini: Manik uska plan tumhe hurt karne ka hai. I can't take such a big risk. (She tells the whole plan to everyone and everyone is shocked except Manik.)

Manik kept his hand on Nandini's hand and said: Nandini, Don't worry. Mujhe kuch nahi hoga.

Nandini: But Manik.

Manik: No buts and ifs. The plan is on. And there is nothing to worry as I know what the plan is. So guys chill.

Everyone agrees with Manik.

Mukti, Aliya and Dhruv leave from there making some excuse. Now only MaNanBir are there in the music room. Nandini is still scared for Manik and Manbir could clearly see that from her face. Manik and Cabir smiled looking at each other.

Cabir: Meri junglii billi ko kya hogaya hai?

Nandini: Cabir it's not funny. I am scared for Manik. Tumne hi to kaha tha that he is dangerous.

Manik stood up and held Nandini's hand made her stand. He held her shoulders and said," Yes he is dangerous but for you. I am Manik Malhotra. I am not scared of anyone. In fact he should be scared of me." Nandini said," But Manik." Manik interrupted and said," Nandini. Please stop worrying. Kuch nahi hoga mujhe. I promise." And he hugged Nandini and Nandini also gave in. Cabir said in his dramatic tone," Mujhe bhul gaye na. Akele akele hug kar rahe ho." Manik and Nandini chuckled and then Manik and Nandini broke the hug and went near Cabir and hugged him together. They stayed like this for a long time and after breaking their hug they went back to their respective rooms and dozed off.

NEXT MORNING

Nandini woke up early around 6 am and got ready by 6:30 am. She sat on her study table to study for a while but she couldn't concentrate. So she decided to go to the Music room. She headed to the music room and when she reached there she saw Manik in the music room. She was surprised to see him so early and that too totally ready for school. Nandini went near Manik who was busy playing his guitar. Manik felt someone's presence so he turned around and saw Nandini. They both smiled looking at each other. Nandini sat on the chair in front of Manik.

Nandini: So Mr. Manik Malhotra you woke up so early today.

Manik: Yes. Waise itni subah subah yaha kya kar rahi ho tum?

Nandini: Mai aaj jaldi uth gayi au raise hi aagayi music room me. Tum yaha itni subah subah kaise?

Manik: Mai bhi bas yun hi aa gaya tha.

Nandini: Hmm..

Manik: Ab tum yaha aane ka sahi reason bataogi ya mai apne tarike se bulwau?

Nandini smiled: Tumhe kaise pata Manik?

Manik: I know we were away from each other for 5 longs years. But I know you very well Angel. So please tell me the real reason.

Nandini held Manik's hand tightly and said: Manik I am scared. Tumhe kuch nahi hoga na?

Manik made her stand and cupped her face and said: Nandu kuch nahi hoga mujhe. You only said na that aiyappaa won't let anything wrong happen to anyone.

Nandini smiled and nodded her head in yes like a child. After a few minutes they both went out. Manik's hand was around Nandini's shoulder and they were walking. Suddenly they saw Harshad and Navya coming towards them. They both were talking so they didn't see Manik and Nandini. Manik held Nandini's hand and pulled her inside a classroom and as they entered the classroom Nandini slipped and they both fell down. Nandini was on top of Manik. They both just kept staring at each other. They were lost in each other's eyes.( ISHQ BULAAVA IN BG) Manik's hands were holding her waist and Nandini's hands were on his chest. Manik slowly moved his hand towards her face and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears and he cupped her face gently and was lost in her eyes. Nandini was also lost in his eyes and she moved closer to Manik's face. Manik started caressing her face with his thumb and his other hand slowly started moving towards her hips. And then she realised in what position they were so she got up abruptly and Manik also got up. Nandini was looking here and there to avoid any eye contact while Manik was just staring at Nandini.

Nandini: I will see you at class. Bye.

Manik: Ya. Bye.

Nandini went out and started thinking about what had just happened. Manik was also thinking about Nandini and unknowingly a smile appeared on their faces.

PRECAP: Harshad's secret revealed in front of everyone.

Navya decides to go back to Patna for a while.