Nandini felt her heart beat stop when Manik left the practice room in anger casting her a disappointed look.She wondered for the umpteenth time why things always seem to go wrong between them.Why does fate always intervene with their happiness and hope for the future?
Navya took one look at Nandini and understood that something had gone wrong and her best friend is in pain.She dint miss the way Manik glared at Nandu before leaving the room in silence.
She gently touched Nandini's shoulder "Nandini Kya hua? Manik seemed to be angry.Did you guys fight? "
Nandini wiped her tears and shook her head " Navya i - i need to go.Pl cover up for me if Panditji comes " with that she quickly left the room to follow Manik leaving a confused and worried Navya behind.
He immediately sensed her presence the moment she entered the room.He closed his eyes and continued to play the guitar with fast rapid strokes across the strings.
His fingers stopped playing the minute she touched his shoulder "Manik are you angry with me? "
He removed her hand and stood up facing the other side.Annoyed by the way he is ignoring her, Nandini raised up her voice " Manik why are you ignoring me? What did i do wrong? "
Suddenly he turned toward her and gripped her shoulders " What did you do wrong? You are seriously asking me this? What is the necessity for you to bring up about the past.Dhruv ko woh sab batane ki kya zaroorat thi? Dint you see how hurt and upset he was? "
Nandini felt her temper snap " Really Manik? You are worried about how Dhruv will feel? " She shrugged out of his hold " I cant believe this is happening all over again ! Its always about your friends isn't it? how they will feel? What about me Manik? Have you ever considered what i feel ? Hamesha - hamesha you take decisions based on what you feel is right.But have you ever stopped to think how it will affect me? "
Manik frowned feeling annoyed " What are you talking about? "
Nandini glared" What am i talking about? Manik Malhotra you are angry and upset with me for telling Dhruv about you sacrificing me for him.But what did Dhruv do haan? He threw it right back in your face and accused you of not giving him a chance to fight for me"
She poked his chest with a finger in an angry gesture "And what did you say? That Dhruv is the better guy? and not just me but any girl will fall for him? " She continued feeling totally irritated with this blame game" You guys were talking about me like am some cheap doll who dont have any feelings of her own! Where is my right to choose? Dont my feelings count? "
"Nandini-- " before he could continue Nandini interrupted him "No Manik let me finish.You are doing it again.Choosing your friend and throwing me out.What did you tell him? You sacrificed me because its Dhruv's first love? Seriously? What about mine Manik? Its my first love too ! If anyone have a right to be angry its me."She angrily blurted out all her feelings and turned to go.
Manik however held her hand in his and stopped her.His heart swelled when she uttered the word love.Although they never acknowledged their feelings for each other aloud it felt amazing to hear it even though she uttered them in anger.He immediately realized his mistake and that she is right " Nandini am sorry.Its my mistake.I - I just dint know what to react.Dhruv - its just that i dont want to see him hurt.He's been my best buddy ever since my childhood.Now seeing him like this just breaks me.I dont know what i did to make him so angry with me" he clutched his face in his hands.
Nandini felt her anger slowly evaporating followed by the pain she felt for him when his eyes filled with unshed tears and his voice cracked.She gently unclenched his hands and cupped his face "Manik i understand.I know you must be hurt.But in all this you again forgot to think about my feelings.I know ki Dhruv is the most important person in your life.And i wont even think of changing it ever.But i cant take it if you are going to choose his happiness over me one more time and throw me out of your life.I cant handle the pain again Manik.I just cant " Tears broke down from her eyes freely as she poured down her inner fear of losing him.
Manik wiped her tears and shook his head " Pl dont cry.I promise to make it upto you.And am sorry for all the hurt and pain i caused you in the past by leaving you.I swear to you now Nandini.Never never again am letting you go.Ever.You are my own shining star and am never letting you go.Whatever happens we will face it together.Forever" He cupped her face and kissed her forehead lovingly.
Nandini's face broke out in a peaceful smile at his words and repeated " Together forever " she rose on tiptoe and softly grazed his lips.It was a fleeting kiss.But one that held of promise for the future " Manik one more thing.You are the best guy in this world.You are caring, selfless and will go to any lengths to protect the ones you love.Don't ever compare with anyone or underestimate yourself " with that she hugged him close.Manik smiled contentedly feeling his heart swell with happiness.His star has again protected him.