#THREAD 1 Humsafar.. Editing started... note on pg 144

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Hello Everyone,

I am new to the forum and not much aware about the rules and other code of conduct followed here, but I will stick by the rules and in case there is anything, I apologise upfront.

What really I liked here is that people have so much creativity while they write and that inspired me to take up my hobby of writing almost after 7-8 years as I left it during the early stage of my engineering. Sorry I forgot to introduce myself, I am Ankita and currently based in London.

Just 2 weeks back I came across the show Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan on weekend and I quite liked it, it was very different. I appreciate the change in the face of our Indian Television. I don't follow TV shows aired in India much, but I really liked KY2.

Also, the stories written here were great. I don't know if I can come close to what has already been written, but I would try my best. It's after long I am going to pen down something.

I really need your encouragement and support.

Thanks.

So here is the Prologue...

Prologue-

Nandini Raichand, 26 year old independent girl and based in London as a consultant. On Friday night while coming back from work she saw a guy on Tower Bridge wall trying to jump off in the River Thames. She pulled her back and when she saw the face of the guy it was a shock for her, as it was none other than the star Manik Malhotra who was there to jump off the bridge and end his life.

What made him do that and what was Nandini doing there In the middle of the night? What was the past they both didn't want to face again? Why the two strangers from 2 different worlds suddenly met??? Was it kismet or was it just a random co-incidence? Let's see how that night went on to unfold and become a story of a life time...

INDEX-

CHAPTER 1 - Page 1

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2 - Page 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3 - Page 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4 - Page 2

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5- NANDINI REACHES MUMBAI...Page 2

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6 -MANIK MEETS NANDINI... Page 3

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7- LUNCH!!...Page 3

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8 (A)- AKSHAY'S HALDI CEREMONY... Page 3

CHAPTER 8 (A)

CHAPTER 8 (B) : PLAYING CUPID!!...Page 4

CHAPTER 8(B)

CHAPTER 8 (C) : DON'T MESS... Page 5

CHAPTER 8 (C)

CHAPTER 8 (D)- FACE-OFF... Page 7

CHAPTER 8 (D)

CHAPTER 8 (E)- SEARCH!!... Page 7

CHAPTER 8 (E)

CHAPTER 8 (F) - TRUST... Page 9

CHAPTER 8 (F)

Hi Guys,

CHAPTER 1

LONDON

1:45 a.m., Tower Bridge

I was dawdling aimlessly near Tower Bridge even though I had left from office at 8:30 p.m. But, I just did not feel like going home as there was no one to look forward at home. With every step, I began to fathom that it had been ages I had smiled and with every step the old memories stormed my mind. A group of friends were also on my side of the bridge and it appeared that they were having a gala time. I stood on one side and stared at them while they were busy capturing their precious moments of happiness. I just stood numb and my trance was broken by the horn of the taxi. I jerked and got on the pedestrian to resume walking leaving the group behind with their happiness. The only sound I could hear was the susurrus of the sea and the wind filled the silence around me. Every moment was still so vivid and it kept coming back to me time and again. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself.

After a few more steps I heard a rumbling sound but didn't pay head to it. The sound again caught my attention and I looked around to find the source of it. I scanned my vicinity and witnessed someone's bag on the side of the road. I tried to look for the owner of the bag and then looked at the guy standing on the bridge's wall holding the railing of the bridge. I took a few more rapid steps but due to the lack of lights, I was unable to see the man's face. It was a bit alarming to witness someone in the middle of the night trying to pull of such a stunt. He stood there and it appeared he had no intentions to get down. He came across to me as a dunderhead.

By his moments I realized that he was leaning forward facing the River Thames. I muttered under my breath, "Is he trying to jump off the bridge? Oh freak, yes!! He is insane..." I ran in his direction and pulled him back by his coat. His balance went off for a toss and we both crashed on the road. I was hurt due to the gravels but was lucky that no vehicle passed even though it was a Friday night. My back was hurt badly and to top it, the guy crushed me with his body weight. He tried to get up and got on the side resting his both hands on the road. I was a bit taken a back and for a few minutes my breath was caught. I kept lying so that I could calm my breath and waited for the pain to subside. We both didn't utter a word and only our heavy breathing was audible.

I gathered myself and got up from the ground, but I began to feel a rage building inside me. While dusting and straightening my clothes I was fuming with anger and wanted to yell at him. The man was trying to get up and move away from me. I was about to utter something, but before I could speak he started yelling at me. He said, "What the hell is your problem? Are you crazy? I would have broken a few bones if I had lost my balance... I just wanted to die, stupid woman..." My anger was boiling and I lashed at him, "excuse me I was trying to help you and you are shouting on me. What the hell is your problem, you idiot why were you committing suicide, are you insane..." I was tracing my fingers in my hair to fix them and had yet not seen his face as this side of the bridge was quite dark. Suddenly, a vehicle passed by and he pulled me to a side and again he bawled, "what is wrong with you woman? Why the hell are you trying to die? Now it seems you are insane..."

I had not noticed the vehicle approaching us and was a bit taken aback by his words. He kept rumbling something and it was pissing me off completely. I was about to shout at him and before I could utter a word I finally saw the face of the man when a streak of light flashed from the passing vehicle. I stood there dumbstruck and was not able to believe the face I had seen. I had recognized him immediately; he was one of the most renowned young musicians in the world from India, Manik Malhotra. I was stunned to see him and for a few seconds my mind was trying to register that he was the Manik Malhotra. He was vulnerable and seemed completely lost. I gathered myself and mustered some courage inside me to ask him, "Are you fine? What were you doing on the bridge wall?"

He tried to compose himself and was still rubbing his palms that were having bruises due to our fall. He gave me a stern look and said, "Mind your own business." He looked distressed and his eyes clearly showed that he was shattered. For some strange reason I could feel his pain and in that split of second I just felt like I should resist his vacuous words and ask him again what was wrong with him, "Are you alright? I mean I was passing by and I saw you..." I was now genuinely concerned about him and he stepped away from me to rest his hands on the wall. I picked my handbag and waddled in his direction. I just stood next to him and after a few minutes of silence Manik didn't face me but spoke with a voice full of pain and a bit of guilt, "I am sorry ma'am, I am a bit... I just yelled at you...Sorry..."

With every passing second my concern for him was increasing and I was curious to know why he was so distressed. I was a bit terrified as I just witnessed someone trying to jump off the bridge and end his life. He started to walk in the opposite direction and I knew I can't let him go like that as he was extremely vulnerable. I shuffled and also spoke to him again, "Mr. Manik, are you fine? I know I am a stranger to you, but if you need to talk, you can..." He stopped in his track and turned back to look at me. He had a confused expression and his eyes showed he was lost. I approached him and said, "I know we are strangers and 10 minutes back we were yelling at each other. Is everything alright, I mean you look famished and distressed." He kept staring at me with wide eyes and I spoke again, "Look I know I shouldn't be personal with you, but it's almost 2:15 a.m. and you are here in such a condition... are you ok? I... I know you don't know me..."

I didn't get any reaction from him and he blankly kept staring at my face. I don't know from where I got the courage and gazed in his eyes and said, "But in life I feel it's good to at times let out what you feel to someone. Right now it's just me and I promise you whatever you tell me will stay with me and I will not judge you... you can count on me" I said this with utmost honesty.

He looked away and dropped his shoulders. What happened next was something I didn't expect as he broke down and tears were meandering on his face. He was crying and began to vent his pain but still didn't utter a word. I stepped closer to him and held his hand to give him some support. I quickly picked his bag and held his forearm again. We began to walk towards a bench that was nearby the Tower Bridge station and this time he didn't shun me away. We sat there and I said, "Manik, what's the matter... you can tell me..." There was an envelope of silence around us but I could feel he was traumatized. He placed his hands on his lap and then he spoke belatedly, "I have everything but there is not even an ounce of happiness. I have money but no reasons to cherish it." I couldn't understand what he tried to say, but was patiently listening to him. He hissed, "You know people think I am a star and I have this perfect life...bullshit."

I was gazing at his face and saw his eyes were moist again and had turned red. I don't know why in that moment I felt he needed someone and so Bappa (Almighty) has sent me here. I was listening patiently, but could comprehend that he had to be calmed down first and I said, "Please calm down, I know life is unpredictable". He suddenly held my hand and I was startled by his act as I didn't know him. I knew his name and who he was, but at the end he was a stranger.

Manik tightened his grip on my fingers and that was hurting me as I was wearing a ring. However, I didn't utter a word as somewhere I knew he wanted to vent out his pain. I began to feel that I could be his support and be with him. I must have felt this way maybe because I knew how it feels to be shattered and how it feels when there is no one around you to hold your hand.

His gaze was fixed on the ground and he began to speak, "She was a cheat, my parents said to me so many times that she wasn't right for me, but I didn't pay any head to their words. I was in my own fantasy world and then in one moment everything shattered." I listened patiently and he continued, "People think I am a Casanova, when I am not... is it my fault I believed in her. You know when I realized that I began to like her, I did everything for her. I decided to take it slow with her and build our relationship. I didn't love her instantly, but I respected her feelings and then thought let's give it a try maybe it would work out..."

I heard him and said to myself, "he has a girlfriend problem, but what's there in to commit suicide for... he could have sorted out things by communicating..." But, at the same time I could feel his anguish. I knew the pain of betrayal he felt, the pain when your trust is broken and your feelings are crushed under the feet of heartless people. He began to speak again but his voice reflected the emotional turmoil inside him, "My parents, my friends they all hate me now and Ridhima, she will never forgive me after what I said to her... I now realize what I have lost... I have nothing to live for...I have nothing to live for..."

His last line instigated something inside me and I got irked by his words when he said that everyone hated him and he had no hopes left. How could he say such a thing about his parents? I composed myself and said to him, "Manik, you know what I feel; you can never give up on your family. I know what you are feeling, but trust me, you are insane to think they don't need you..." He looked at me and then averted his eyes, but I continued, "You know what; such lines are only said by losers, people who don't have the strength to fight back..." He looked at me with a displeased expression and hissed, "What did you say? Looser, yes, I am a looser... happy."

His annoyance was clearly reflected in his words and honestly, I never meant to call him a loser and said, "Look, I am sorry, I didn't meant to offend you. But, Manik how can you give up in life? Especially when it concerns your parents... I am sure they will understand you and all you need to do is just pick up the phone and speak to them. I don't know what happened with you, why the girl you mentioned cheated on you...but, there is just one thing in life I know that won't change and those are your parents..."

He stared at me without a blink and I said, "Manik, I know life can be very harsh, infact to be honest it has been harsh with me too... but you know, I just kept saying to myself live, live for your parents." While speaking to him memories from the past flashed in front of my eyes and they always petrified me however strong I pretended to be. He had a frown on his forehead and said, "It's easy to say Miss...?" I replied in a meek voice, "Miss Nandini". He continued, "Miss Nandini, it's not that easy..." I don't know what was compelling me to speak to him about my life. I was lost in my thoughts and felt a cold thud on my face as I remembered what I had gone through in life. I was numb and tears began to meander on my cheeks. But, I composed myself and said, "I know it's not easy, but you have to let go off some things. Some old strings if break, they break because they were not for you..."

Why was Nandini telling him about her past and why she stopped, what made the popular star Manik Malhotra so weak...

Please do reply and post your comments as it would really motivate me...Thanks.

awesome start...

Chapter 2

I gave a weak smile and then looked at him and said, " Manik, I know I am no one but since we spoke, I am going to ask you to do something and please do it, don't give a second thought to it..." He looked at me with shock.

Manik - I have a messed up life, my world is torn apart and now you want me to do something so that you can prove your point to me...like seriously???

He was a bit irritated and left my hand he had held. I don't know from where I kept my hand on his shoulders and said, "Manik tumhare pas phone hai??? Mujhe doge please I need to call, please..." He looked at me without any expression and kept looking at my face, as if he wanted to follow my words like a baby who was lost and was trying hard to find his home. I asked him to open the lock code for me and then I figured out from his contact list his dad's number.

He was lost in his thoughts and wasn't bothered looking at whom I was calling. I gathered myself and clicked on the phone number to connect the call and the ring went on, but no one picked, with every call being unpicked my heart too was sinking, but somewhere I had my belief in Bappa and I tried again.

After re-dialling the number 6-7 times more someone finally picked the phone, but didn't speak a word. I gathered myself and said "Hello, Am I speaking to Mr. Malhotra?" No one said a word, and I continued "I know sir you must be wondering who I am and what is your son's phone doing with me. Sir, I am Nandini speaking from London."

Manik suddenly looked at me with a shocking expression, he couldn't believe I called his dad and in the next second he tried to take the phone from my hand to cut the call, and I shrugged him off...

"Sir, do you know something your son loves you a lot, he feels he lost you, he feels you hate him after what has happened..." There was a complete silence from the other side of the phone, but I knew he was listening. "Sir, I don't know what is the matter completely, in fact I don't even know your son, I am a stranger who met him 45 minutes back when he was trying to jump off the Tower Bridge wall.But, don't worry he is safe...he is alive and Is breathing..."

I could feel that his father wanted to ask how he was and his silence spoke more than a million words that were concerned about his son and I could sense that he was worried...

"Sir, he loves you a lot, from last 45 minutes I have heard just one thing that he has nothing to look upon in his life to live for, as he thinks you and his mom hate him...Sir, that can't be true, you can't hate your own son...He doesn't have the guts to face you and wanted to end his life. Is it correct a step??" ...I don't know from where I got the confidence to speak to Manik's Dad as if I was his advocate who wanted her client to win at any cost...

"Sir, I don't know the gravity of the issue, but I know one thing sir, he has realised his mistakes and he repents, he longs to hear from you..." All this while Manik kept looking at me and firmness in my voice when I spoke from his side. On the other side of the receiver his dad finally spoke "is he fine??" And I knew the ice has broken..."Aap ussi se baat kijiye please"...

I handed over the phone to Manik who was looking at me with red eyes that were full of tears and were scared...I assured him with my eyes that just talk your heart to your father...Manik took the phone and on the other side of the phone his Dad said...

Manik's Dad- Are you fine???

Manik couldn't move, he was paralysed, not a word uttered, but tears flowed continuously...

Manik's Dad- "are you fine Manik??

He again suddenly held my hand tightly as if his world had come to stop and after a long silence...

Manik- Dad...Dad I, I ...I...

His father understood his condition and he said...

Manik's Dad- Manik, how are you son?

Manik had his emotional outburst..

Manik-Dad...dad, I, I am sorry... Dad I am not fine, how I can be fine, I know I have lost everything, everything, I know you and mom will never want to see me, you feel disgusted to have a son like me...

Manik's Dad- yes you have hurt us...

(Manik continued crying)

Manik - Dad I humiliated you, mom and even Ridzi, I forgot that I am your son, i forgot all the values you gave me...I know I was wrong Dad... (He kept on crying till he was out of breath) Dad please, I...

Manik's Dad- Manik, be safe and we'll reach London as soon as we can, don't you dare try to end your life, where are you staying and who is the girl with you? I would ask Natasha about your whereabouts...

Manik was so overwhelmed with his father's statement, he wants to meet me.

Manik- Dad, aap mujhse milne London, dad sach...

Manik's Dad- Yes son, yes you have hurt us, yes your actions and words have made huge wounds in our heart...but at the end you are our son...We are coming to London.

Manik couldn't believe what his dad said a few minutes back that his parents are coming to London. I finally saw a smile creeping on his face and looking at it I understood everything he was feeling. I was relieved my efforts didn't go waste and thanked Bappa. He kept the phone down and was unable to take his dad's words inside him..

Manik-Nandini, Dad's coming to London to meet me...after whatever I did he is coming...did you hear...

I smiled at him and said "see I told you, just don't give up on your parents... I hope you are better..." I knew what he felt, that sudden unexpected turn in his life. In 2 hours his life took a new turn, emotions of anger, depression, sadness and the urge to end his life was replaced by this relived sigh on his face, as if a burden on his chest was removed...he felt better..

I looked at the watch and realised it was 4:30 a.m. "Manik where are you staying? I will order for a cab for you? I think you should rest". He didn't hear me and I put my hand on his shoulder "Manik..."

Manik -Hhmmm, what? I don't remember the name of my hotel...I just don't remember what i am doing in London, Natasha told some brand endorsement meeting...

He was very confused and was trying to stress his mind to recollect something..."What?" I said in my mind so he doesn't know his hotel and doesn't remember how he landed up here... well I shrugged the thoughts and tried to remain calm and patient with him and again said " Where do you wish to stay ? Why don't you call your manager?" He looked at me with a question mark expression...

Manik-I just left for London, my manager, I don't know where she is... Listen, I am really sorry, I had my mind too messed up, so...

I understood his condition and somehow figured he wasn't aware about his actions all this while and I spoke "ek kaam karte hai, mere ghar chalo, just rest for some time and then we call your manager to know about your arrangements ok..." He didn't utter a word as he was yet not able to understand what was happening in his life and just plainly nodded in a yes.

I took a cab for my home and I knew it was a long drive of approximately 40 minutes to reach home. On the way I realised he had fallen asleep and his face was snuggling in the crook of my neck. I was uncomfortable, but then I didn't move.

What would happen when Manik Malhotra will remember the events of the night and his strange and unplanned encounter with Nandini, who came as a blessing in his life...

Please guys do share your thoughts and leave a comment...

God Bless...😊

Awesome start ...welcome to the family ... Just loved it ... Will be waiting to read more from u ...May Allah bless u ...with lots of love and hugs

CHAPTER 3

We reached my building and I managed to wake up Manik from his sleep and told him that we had reached. He moved out of the cab and till then i paid the driver.He was still in his sleep and leaned on my shoulder, I supported him so that we could walk pass the main gates of my building and then made our way to the lift and then to my apartment.

I opened my bedroom and made him sleep on the bed. I turned back to get some water for him and I realised he was holding my dress. I slightly released my dress from his hands and then removed his shoes and open the first 2 buttons of his shirt so that he was a bit more comfortable while sleeping and then I placed a blanket on him. I looked at Manik, he slept like a baby with a slight frown on his forehead, and without any thought I tried to release the stressed forehead by my hand and then left...

It was 6:30 a.m so i quickly went to take a shower and changed to casual clothes. I made my green tea and sat in the balcony. The morning breeze and the calmness of water just got me in a state of trance. I was remembering everything that had happened last night and a thought passed my mind what would have happened if I hadn't spotted Manik and tears welled up in my eyes.

He was a stranger and still I felt so connected to him, his pain was something I was praying from Bappa that it goes away and he finds his happiness soon.

I didn't realise I had been sitting in the balcony for more than 2 hours and then my chain of thoughts was broken with my mom's call." Hi mom, how are you? "

Mom- I am good, how is everything...

We kept speaking to each other about general stuff, but I don't know why I couldn't tell her about Manik and that he was with me, it's not that my parents wouldn't trust me, but somewhere I felt I shouldn't speak about it.

I hanged up and went towards the kitchen and heard a bit of noise from my bedroom and went to check on Manik. "Hi Good Morning, how are you feeling now?" Manik was way too tired and while rubbing his eyes said "good morning". I realised he wasn't able to guess where he was... "Manik why don't you freshen up? What would like to have tea or coffee?" Manik still looked a bit confused.

Manik- coffee please...

He took the towel and the clothes I had got for him, they were clothes I had bought for my Bhai, but had no choice but to give them to him. I went to the kitchen and started to make coffee for him and it struck me that he might have not eaten anything too. I wasn't sure what he would like and it struck me he was a Punjabi so parathas will be ok for him. I quickly made aloo parathas and till that time Manik had taken his shower and was drying his hair in my bedroom.

I went to my room to get a new t-shirt as while cooking my t-shirt had got dirty. I was unaware that he was in my room and picked up my t-shirt, then I looked at him in the mirror and I won't lie, I stared at him continuously and honestly I really liked his fit and lean body and the water droplets on his shoulders were making him look even more handsome, he could make any girl weak in her knees. I usually do not get affected as such, but I just kept looking at him and then suddenly realised what a fool I was.

All I could say him was "breakfast is ready." He smiled back at me and nodded.

I arranged the plates on the dining table and waited for him to come. He came in 10 minutes and sat on the table and looked at me with a smile. I served him with parathas, but all this while didn't speak anything.I asked him if he needed something and he just asked me if he could get another cup of coffee and I went inside the kitchen to make coffee for him.

He stood in the balcony with the coffee and I also joined him with my cuppa. He finally spoke to me.

Manik-Thanks.

I just smiled back and an awkward silence was there between us. I knew we needed talk and I said "Manik, don't worry everything will be fine and now your parents are coming here to meet you. I am glad I could be a bit of a help in your hour of need. "He kept looking at me with his intense eyes and a cute smile came on his face.

Manik- Yes you were, Miss...?

"Miss Nandini"...

Manik- Aaahh ya, sorry I just couldn't remember your name. Thank you for getting me here. Woh Nandini I am sorry, I...

I interjected him before he could say further "Manik, you don't need to say thanks and sorry, I understand. You don't need to explain me anything. I am happy that you will now be meeting your parents." Manik just smiled. "Manik remember one thing, don't let them down this time and try to build a bond that doesn't get affected by anything." He looked at me again and just nodded.

We normally spoke about his work life and told him a bit about myself that I was working in London as a consultant and had been here for more than 3 years now and my parents are in Delhi. He asked me if I was living alone or was married or in a relationship.

I was a bit hesitant as to why does he want to know about it, but I simply said "No Manik, I am not married and I don't have a boyfriend too." It was he evident from his face that he was very surprised by my answer.

Manik- You seem to me a perfect girl to get married too and I don't believe you are still single. I mean don't get me wrong ,you are independent, intelligent, you look good and above all you are a good soul.

I looked here and there as I smiled on his words, I had realised it had been ages anyone had praised me.

Our conversation was interrupted by a call on his phone, it has his manager Natasha.

Manik-Hi Natasha, ya did you make all the arrangements, good. I am at my friend's place so you can send the car here to pick me up. I am sending you the address in a minute.

He informed me that there was a car coming to pick him up in about 20 minutes.

Manik- Nandini, thank you, I can never forget what you did for me. Can I have your number and we shall keep in touch. Whenever you are in Mumbai you have to meet me ok.

I just nodded to him and took his number and also gave mine. Although, in back of my mind I knew he was a star and he surely will forget about meeting me after sometime. But, I didn't let that thought come on my face.

His car had come to pick him up and he was about to sit in his car and suddenly he came back to me and looked into my eyes intensely, as if he would never get a chance to see me again. He all of a sudden kissed my cheeks and I was very shocked by his move. I didn't know how to respond to his out of the blue kiss. Manik realised I was uncomfortable.

Manik-So, Miss Nandini will you be free to meet my parents, I am sure they would love to meet you. After all you helped me to speak to them after 5 months... Manik was lost again in his thoughts...

"Thanks Manik, but I think you should spend some time with them and we shall meet some other time. " I smiled at him and his eyes looked as if he wanted to say a lot to me but he held himself back.

Manik- Nandini, I don't know what to say, but I really wish to thank you for this new life, a new morning and a ray of hope. Please, whenever you are in India and specially Mumbai you have to meet me. Promise me this. I know you must be thinking I would forget about what you did for me and who you are, but honestly I can't and will never forget you. So, never hesitate ok.

I smiled back to say "Yes, I would." He sat in his car and left. While going back to my flat, I thought this morning was different, even I had a smile on my face...

Two days had passed by and neither did I nor did Manik contacted me. I was busy with a client meeting and I suddenly got a message from Manik.

"Hi Nandini, thank you for everything, sorry couldn't reach out to you before... I am with my parents, they aren't talking to me much, but I am happy they are with me...I am leaving tonight for Mumbai, is it possible for you if we could meet once? "

I was happy to hear from him but didn't know what to say as I had meetings lined up all day and I replied "Hi Manik, I am really sorry if I had known you were leaving today and wanted to meet me, I would have adjusted my meetings according to it. But, no problem I am very happy to hear you are with your parents, everything will fall in place, just give it some time... We'll meet whenever I am in Mumbai. Sorry again... Take care."

Manik replied back saying "It's ok, I understand...Take care..."...I got back to work...

But for next 6 months they never got in touch...

Was this their last conversation?? 6 months went by and they never spoke...But as they say-

"Humari life ek story ki tarah hai, harr insann jo humse milta hai, just adds a bit to our story..."

Precap-

Mumbai :

After the shoot got over, Manik was going towards the parking area.

D.O.P. - Aaareee, I will reach home on time, the shoot is over my lil sis...Yes, I will get your ice-cream Nandini...

Manik stopped immediatley on hearing the name 'NANDINI'...Her face flashed in front of his eyes and he stood their lost...

Please guys do comment and let me know my flaws and also if you have something to share...

Guys, i know i am new and thanks for supporting me...I will try and write a chapter everyday.

Chapter 4

6 Months later...

NANDINI's World

LONDON...

I was sitting in my company meeting, when suddenly my boss announced that I had to go to Mumbai for 3 months for the new project. This news was just what I wanted. Yes, I wanted to visit India as I had not been home for a year now and meet my parents... I was very happy and without a thought I agreed to go...

But, to my dismay I wasn't that happy too as my parents would be there only for 15 days as they were about to leave for U.S.A. as they had already planned it and all the arrangements were made and my visit had just got finalised. The only thing I could do is to ask them to take their flight from Mumbai and after all the co-ordination work, I finally was able to get their flights booked from Mumbai.

From the day I got to know I have to leave in a week for India I had started to pack my bags. I was very excited and couldn't wait to board the plane. And finally the day came for me to start my journey to INDIA...MUMBAI...I boarded the flight and sat on the window seat. After a couple of hours while sipping coffee I remembered the night I met THE MANIK MALHOTRA...

"Promise me whenever you are in India, specially Mumbai you will meet me..."

MANIK'S world

MUMBAI

In these 6 months life became better, I apologised my friends for everything and they did forgive me and were happy to see me back, the old MANIK back...I had not returned back to my house where my parents lived, but yes I did made sure I was visiting them every week. They were not angry, but I knew somewhere I had to work towards gaining their trust again and I would readily do it as I had promised someone. Yes, that someone was Nandini.

IN THESE 6 MONTHS- MUMBAI

After coming back from London, it took me a month to resume work. Natasha was brilliant at handling people and she made sure I had some time to gather myself and also my friends knew I needed time and gave that space to me. I got a call from my best friend Cabir and he told we had to start the shoot for the song for their soon to be released movie for which they had composed music before the London fiasco... The Producer wanted to shoot a song with the FAB 5 for Introduction of the movie.

Cabir- Tu aa raha hai na?? Bro, we need to catch up ok, high time now...See you tomorrow.

I just said yes, I was happy that I would meet my friends after a long time. Yes, the FAB 5.

I reached the sets on time for the morning shift... I was happy to return back to work and was looking forward to the shoot. Suddenly I saw everyone looking at me as if they had seen a ghost, their eyes popped out...My Producer fainted to see me on time. I couldn't make out what was happening. Then Cabir came from behind and he too was surprised...

Cabir- Is it you??? Bro are you fine?? I mean it's not 12:30 p.m. and you are here...On time...Bhai what's with you...

Cabir gave me a sarcastic smile and I just gave him a look - "GROW-UP-MAN"...

I asked spot dada to get me a coffee and also asked the production for my change and make-up...All this while Cabir just kept pulling my leg and I was irritated first and then I started laughing too...We saw our other friends coming in too. Mukti, Aliya and Dhruv... God it's been ages...They came and hugged me one by one. I was too elated to meet them...

Dhruv- Bro good to see you finally...Are you ok? Mukti, Aliya too wished me...Suddenly, they heard someone talking that their Producer Mr.Mehta had fainted on the sets... They got concerned and then Cabir came from behind.

Cabir-Guys relax, he is fine... voh kya hai na Mr. Malhotra for the first time was on time, sharp 9:00 a.m. toh yeh toh hona hi tha...

Everyone started to laugh and were pulling my leg...We were then told to get changed as the setting would be ready in 45 minutes to shoot. We all went to our respective make-up vans. It felt great seeing them back with me. Those 5 months when we just spoke professionally were painful...But, now they are with me...

The shoot was on full swing, after we finished our shift we went to our make-up vans to change. I was talking to my Director Cyrus about the shoot and suggesting him some ideas for the next day. After saying bye to Cyrus I was about to leave towards parking when I heard my D.O.P. speaking to someone on the phone.

D.O.P. - Aaarrre I will reach home on time, the shoot is over. I'll reach soon my lil sis...Yes, I will get your ice-cream Nandini...

I stopped immediately on hearing that name, NANDINI'...Her face flashed in front of my eyes and I stood there lost. I had not realised that my friends were shouting for me to come soon. Then I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, it was Mukti.

Mukti- Manik, what's wrong with you...Come, sab wait kar rahe hai...

I said "nothing" and started to walk. Mukti was first confused, but then walked too.

We all decided to hang out at my flat for dinner and drinks. It had been ages that FAB 5 were spending time together. On the way back, Aliya ordered dinner for everyone as always. They all were talking and I just closed my eyes and the flashes of that night were back...Suddenly Cabir stopped the car with a jerk and I said Nandini'...

Everyone looked at me with a question mark look, I said "What?"

Dhruv- Bro, are you fine? Yeh Nandini kaun hai???

I wanted to avoid the topic and said "Dhruv, Bro let's go in... Aliya dinner kab tak aayega? I am very hungry... " Nobody said anything and we all got down from the car and reached my flat.

I went to change in my room while everyone were settling down near the bar area...I thought of calling Nandini and quickly dialled her number. The number was not reachable, I tried the number 3-4 times again, but it didn't connect. I was a bit disappointed and then I heard Mukti banging my door.

Mukti- Manik come soon yaar, we are hungry...

"Ya, coming in 5..."

We all had dinner and then Cabir went to make drinks for everyone. I joined him too, while the others were busy talking...

Cabir had a mischievous smile on his face and I knew he is going to fire questions on me... But then, I reacted as if everything was normal and to avoid his question I said, "I'll get my phone Cabir, I'll be back in a minute..." When I came back everyone was silent and stared at me. I knew what was going to come next...

Aliya- Manik, don't you think it's high time you share with us what happened in London? I mean out of the blue when you returned you called us and apologised. We got back as a team and when we asked you what happened, you never told us anything...Please, aab toh bata de...

Mukti- Aliya is right, we want to know aisa kya hua tha in London? You are back with your family and us... We really want to know, how did you got back to being the old Manik.

I knew now I have to talk..."Guys, it was the worst time of my life, I felt like a loser...I was working but that guilt that I have hurt mom and dad, I have hurt you all was building inside me...I hated myself for all that I did...Natasha ne ek brand endorsement deal ke liye London mein meeting fix ki thi...I left for London and reached the hotel where the meeting was. After the meeting, though I was not very drunk, but don't know vaha se kab nikal gaya and reached Tower Bridge..."

Everyone was feeling sad..."I just felt that was it for me, I can't take it anymore...Pata nai kab mein Bridge ki wall pe chadha and I just thought of ending my life..." Everyone was shocked to the core after hearing that I was about to commit suicide.

"I was about to jump when someone pulled me back and I crashed on the road...I yelled at the person for not letting me die..." A smile came on my face when I remembered her eyes "then she fired me left and right...but, later calmed me down and heard my pain..." I told them how she helped me speak with dad and took me home..."Guys I have never come across such a girl jo kisi anjaan ke liye bhi itni care kar sakti hai..."

Dhruv- Bro, tujhe kuch ho jata toh...Never ever do that again...

I saw everyone had tears. Everyone wanted to know who she was...I was about to take her name and then suddenly Cabir looked at me and smiled...

Cabir- Nandini...

I said smiled back and said yes "It's NANDINI"...

That night we spoke till late, but my thoughts were remembering the little time I had spent with her at her place...everyone slept at my place.

The next morning I tried to contact her again, but the call never connected. We finished our shoot for the song in the next 3 days. Days passed by and my efforts to reach out to Nandini never took off...

With time FAB 5 got dam busy with work and now we were working on our new album scratch. It had been 3 months after coming from London and my life was back to being normal, I had calmed down, my heart was healing. Whenever I felt any pain I had my family was there, my friends to support me and yes there were Nandini's words with me.

It was a Friday morning and Natasha reminded me of the advertisement shoot in France for an international luxury watch. She told me that from France I had my flight via London with halt of 11 hours at Heathrow Airport. It suddenly brought excitement inside me in the hope that I would be able to meet her. After the shoot in France, when I reached London all I did is took the cab to Nandini's house and thought of surprising her. I was very excited; I bought flowers for her on the way.

I reached her building and asked for her at the concierge. But my hopes died, all my efforts were in vain when the lady informed me that she is out of town for a month. They refused me to give me her new phone number nor any of her personal details due to security reasons. I really didn't have any clue where I could find her...I threw the flowers in a dustbin and left for airport again. I was not upset with Nandini; I knew it wasn't her fault.

With time I slowly began to again get busy with my work and this time I was more focused, dedicated and definitely more honest with everyone and myself. Somewhere, that night changed my way of looking at life. I was a happier person, the arrogant guy; the snobbish star' was now a normal guy who loved his work, his family and friends.

With time I had realised that I had just liked Kavya because of whom my life took an upside turn and became a huge mess. Yes, Kavya was my ex-girlfriend we both dated each other for almost 5-6 months and in this time period I moved on to live-in with her, unaware of the fact that she was dating someone else too. She drifted me away from my family and friends and this led to a huge problem in my life and its consequences are still faced by me.

But, after every dark night there comes a morning and Nandini was that fresh morning for me. She got me back to leading a normal life. I wish I could see her again someday. Her simplicity, innocent eyes and caring attitude is what always reminds me of her every night. I am not saying I was in love with her, but she held a special place in my heart and I don't know why but I never felt like that for any girl in my life. I always prayed for well-being...

Was Manik in love with NANDINI?? What would happen when Manik would finally meet Nandini after 6 months 😊☺️...Did Nandini remembered MANIK the same way he does??? What was happening in her world in those 6 months???

If Kavya was the reason of Manik's problems, what were Nandini's fears???

Guys please keep supporting and leave a comment...It would really motivate me... A small update on 6 months in Nandini's life and the time Nandini reaches Mumbai and 11 days with her family will be up in a few hours...

Thanks. God Bless...😊