CHAPTER 9 (D)
BREAKING OF THE WALLS...
After leaving the venue Nandini was about to sit in a taxi, when Dhruv came from behind...
Dhruv- Nandini come I'll drop you...(Manik had sent Dhruv).
Nandini didn't reply and sat in the car...Manik and others sat in the other care and followed. In 30 minutes they reached her flat...She opened her flat and went inside...
MANIK'S POINT OF VIEW-
She was shattered and I couldn't do anything to comfort her. I went and stood next to the door of her room and what I saw next made me feel helpless. Nandini was crying, she was shouting and complaining about her life and completely broken. Cabir came to me and gently placed his hand on my shoulder.
Cabir- Manik go and speak to her...It's been so long she has been crying...
"No Cabir, let her cry tonight...she needs to let everything out... I can't see her like this, but we need too...she needs to cry and get that pain out of her system..." It had been more than 2 hours and Nandini didn't stop crying, she was now feeling weak after crying so much and I knew now I had to stop her. I went and held her by her arms. FAB 5 too were there standing next to the door. "Nandini now enough... please stop crying...please..." She then looked at me and with anger jerked my hands.
Nandini- How dare you Manik Malhotra... how dare you touch me...
I was stunned by her words and was shocked to see the anger in her eyes.
Nandini- Manik Malhotra what do you think of yourself... you'll do whatever you feel like?
"Nandini listen to me please..." She then held my shirt with her hands tightly and shouted.
Nandini- What were you thinking hhuhh...who gave you the right...who gave Aarav the right... You men think you are God...Let me make it loud and clear to you, what you did was not right, do you get that... Manik leave me alone...go away...go away...
She turned away from me and it made me lose my temper. I made her turn to look at me and held her and I shouted back on her. "Nandini I did what I felt was correct at that time and I have no regrets do you get that... those girls were trying to humiliate you...yes, I said you are my girlfriend and I don't think I did anything wrong. I just wanted to get you out of that situation...I can't see you pain Nandini..."
Nandini- really Manik...so you go around and tell people that I am your girlfriend... you can't see me in pain hhuuhh...why can't you see me in pain...
Nandini kept asking me that question and I kept quiet, but at the end I again lost my temper and shouted back. "Because I..." and then I held myself back. I released her arms and left the room. Mukti and Dhruv came behind me and they knew my anger was on its peak. I was losing my mind and to vent my frustration I just broke the flower vase. "How could she... why, why can't she understand...God dammit..." My friends tried to console me and on the other hand, Nandini was in her room and she kept on crying. I had finally got a bit calm and we were sitting in her living area. Cabir was trying to make me see the situation from Nandini's viewpoint.
Cabir- Manik her anger is justified...and we know even you are not wrong completely...Please understand her situation...It's been too long she has been crying...Aliya please go check on Nandini. Aliya went towards her room and suddenly she started to scream.
Aliya- Manik...
We all got up and went towards the room were shocked to see Nandini lying on the floor unconscious. I ran towards her and took her face in my hands. I tapped her cheeks and also sprinkled water on her face. I was getting extremely worried and kept on tapping her cheeks, "Nandini...Nandini please open your eyes...Dhruv call the doctor...fast..." I laid her down on the bed and we rubbed her hands and feet. The doctor was on his way. We checked her breath, it was continuous and the doctor instructed us to check her temperature and said maybe she just fainted due to fatigue. The doctor arrived and we left Nandini's side, I was in tears while the doctor checked her blood pressure.
Doctor- Manik, her blood pressure is quite low...and she looks weak and pale...what happened with her...
"Khanna uncle she was crying a lot...and then she just fainted... will she be fine..."
Doctor - Manik, relax...I am writing you some medicines...she'll be fine in a day...just make sure she takes complete rest... and ya I'll send someone to check her BP again...Low BP isn't a good thing... Make sure she is comfortable...
"Thanks uncle... I'll take care of her...in fact I'll take her to my place...so can you send someone there..."
Doctor- Sure, Manik...
Dhruv went with the doctor and then went to get medicines and Aliya too accompanied him.
Cabir- Manik, relax she'll be fine...Let's do one thing, we should pack her stuff till Dhruv comes with her medicines. Mukti please pack some clothes and other stuff for her.
Mukti- don't worry I'll pack her stuff...Guys, I think you should inform her other friends too, they would be worried for her...I'll inform Devika.
It was almost 4:00 a.m. in the morning and I knew everyone was now tired. Mukti had packed the bag for Nandini for her stay at my apartment.
Mukti- Manik we are all set to go...Let's tell Dhruv and Aliya we are leaving too...
"Mukti thanks..."
Then I picked up Nandini in bridal style and we all left towards the parking. It took us approximately thirty minutes to reach my place. I went towards my room and made Nandini sleep on my bed and then sat next to her. She looked very pale and I remembered how excited I was to see her in saree. But, my thoughts drifted on her anger for me and how she had asked me to go away. I stepped away from her and brushed my face with my fingers. "Guys thanks a lot...I think you all need some sleep... If you need anything let me know.."
Aliya- Manik even you need rest...go get some sleep...
"I am fine guys...I'll just freshen up...you guys take rest..." They all left to sleep with deciding that they would all get up in 2 hours so that I could take rest. I went to freshen up and then came out, but Nandini was still sleeping. I always wanted her to be next to me, but not the way she was at that moment. By mistake her handbag fell and from it a thick black diary fell from it. I then remembered Mukti had told me about her diary earlier. I knew if I need to find answers I could get from that diary. I asked Ramesh to make coffee for me and then I sat down to read the diary.
The first thing I noticed was her BAPPA's name on front page and I smiled looking at how in everything she never forgot her BAPPA. Then I turned some pages to find poetry and was amazed she had been writing from a very young age. I read them one by one and was quite impressed with her writing skills. There were a few moments she had mentioned from her school life. And then, I began to read about her time in engineering college and even after that. Aarav's name was mentioned in almost every entry of her diary. I got know they were great friends and how brutally their relationship of years came to an end. Finally, I got to know the reason behind her pain. I read the complete diary and had tears in my eyes as I couldn't believe she had faced so much.
"Nandini, I am sorry, I didn't knew you had to face so much in life...You are too strong..."
I then recalled the night I had met her and now I understood why she said to me-
"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 MEANT FOR YOU..."
I was in tears and left the room. By then FAB 5 were awake and sat next to me. They asked what happened and I told them all I came to know from the diary.
Mukti- I don't believe this...she is a really strong woman... Now I realize why she snapped at us whenever we asked her if she was single...dammm we must have hurt her so much...
"Yes...we have..." I was feeling guilty and there was something inside me that was hurting.
Cabir- Manik...
"Guys I have no hopes now... Nandini... she will never feel the way I feel for her..." I broke into tears and everyone hugged me. We then heard a coughing sound from my room and knew Nandini had woken up. Mukti and Aliya went inside to check on her and Cabir got a call from Aryan.
Aryan- Hi Cabir, how is Nandini?? We all are coming to Manik's place to meet her.
Cabir- Ya she is better now and you guys come, she would feel better...
I went to see Nandini who was up now, but stood at the door as I remembered our last night conversation. I knew I had to stay away.
Aliya- Nandini how do you feel now?
I made a call to Khanna uncle and informed him that she was awake. Nandini heard my voice and looked at me and then turned away.
Nandini- better... but where am I??
Mukti- Nandini it's Manik's bedroom...relax...you need rest...
I looked at Nandini and I felt relived she didn't protest. I left from there when she asked that she wanted to freshen up. I had called for a nurse who could help her and she went with her. .We all left to settle in the living room and I asked Shanta Tai to make breakfast for everyone. The nurse told us to get some coffee with biscuits so that she could take her medicines. I immediately asked Shanta Tai to do whatever the nurse asked her. Everyone started with their breakfast but I couldn't eat and just had another cup of coffee. In some time Nandini's friend's had arrived.
Aryan- Guys how is Nandini??
Aliya- She is better now and is resting in the bedroom. You guys can go and meet her.
Her friends went inside and I stood on the door at a distance to see if she had her breakfast and took medicines.
Devika- what happened to you? Do you feel better?
Nandini- I am ok...guys I am fine...I want to sleep a bit more...
They all left her and came out but I kept looking at her. I wanted to speak to her, but after yesterday I just couldn't muster courage. It was 4:30 p.m. and I was sitting in my room on the couch with my laptop. I saw her trying to get up and got on my feet to help her, but being the stubborn girl she was she didn't allow me. I felt that moment that she would never speak to me. I left her side and called for Aliya. "Aliya, just see what she needs..." And I left. Then I got a call from Akshay and asked what time we would reach for his Wedding reception and I said we couldn't come as Nandini was not well.
Akshay- please try and come Manik... How is Nandini now? I want to speak to her...
I gave the phone to Nandini...
"Akshay wants to speak to you..."
She took the phone from me...
Akshay -Nandini how are you? Please if you feel better come for the reception...please...
Nandini-Akshay ...
Akshay then tried to convince her and suddenly Nandini went mute.
Nandini- alright, I'll come...
I couldn't understand what made her change her decision and then Aliya then spoke...
Aliya- Nandini what would you wear? I mean I know you had chosen a saree to wear...I'll call someone home to help you out...
Nandini- Thanks Aliya, I can manage on my own...you guys go and get ready...I will do it...Please understand...
Then the girls left with Sam and Aryan to get ready for the evening and Cabir then sat with Nandini.
Cabir-Nandini you need something? If you feel weak we can cancel our plan...
Nandini- Cabir I am fine...Can you just get me a cup of tea please...I still have headache...
Cabir- Ya sure... (I stood on the door as always and then asked Ramesh to make tea for her)...Nandini, Manik's intentions were not wrong...please give him a chance to speak for himself...he really cares for you...please...
Nandini didn't reply to him and I told Cabir to leave the topic.
Nandini- Cabir, your friend is quite inquisitive about knowing my past right...I know your friend read my diary...
She looked at me and I was shocked, how did she know and I looked down coz I felt guilty.
Nandini- You know, it doesn't matter to me anymore...he read it...in fact he does many things without my consent...It's ok...Hope you got your answer Cabir.
Cabir knew it was no point talking to her and she needed time to get over it. Cabir and Dhruv too went to get ready. I got some courage and went to Nandini.
"Nandini, I read it by accident... you ready here, I'll get ready in other room ..." I picked up my clothes and things I needed.
Nandini was getting ready by her own and then I forgot I left my cufflinks in my room. I knocked the door and she opened it...
"I left my cufflinks so..." She let me in and then went to sit on the dressing table and started to put kohl in her eyes and applied some gloss on her lips I just kept starring at her. She then applied a red bindi and then saw me looking at her and I immediately looked away. She left the dressing area to pick her phone and answered it that she was ready. I looked in the mirror for last time and said, "everyone is ready...Dhruv and Cabir had gone to pick the girls, they would be reaching here in 5 minutes...I am waiting outside..." After 5 minutes Nandini and I went down to meet everyone. Nandini was on phone with her mom. Others had left and now Nandini, Cabir, Mukti and me settled in my car. We left for the venue and I kept thinking "what if that guy Aarav would be there...no, not again..." We reached the venue and then went to meet Akshay first. I had informed mom and dad too about Nandini's condition. They came to meet her and Nandini first touched my parent's feet.
Mom- God Bless you...How are you feeling beta?
Nandini- I am better... don't worry aunty your son is taking good care of me...
I couldn't believe Nandini said that about me or maybe she wanted to cover me up in front of my parents. But, she didn't know that I had already told my parents everything. Nandini then took their leave and was trying to find someone...
WRITER'S POINT OF VIEW-
Aarav had come for the reception too and he somewhere knew Nandini would surely come as no one knew him like Nandini did...(He wanted to know how Nandini was so he asked Akshay to call her...Nandini had gone mute coz she realized it was Aarav behind this call)... But, before meeting her he had to meet someone else. Aarav spotted Manik at the drinks counter with FAB 5, but saw he was looking at Nandini and then walked towards them. Aarav called out Manik.
Aarav- Manik...Manik Malhotra..
Manik turned and only to find Aarav behind him, he was a bit taken aback to find him and was angry too. Manik didn't speak to him, he knew Nandini was shattered due to him.
Aarav- Manik your anger is justified...
Manik was shocked to know how Aarav knew about his anger. Aarav then turned looking towards Nandini...
Aarav- Nandini has just got matured with time, but her soul is the same...Look at her, her eyes there are still the same...
Manik was confused why Aarav was speaking to him about her, he tried to question him...
Manik- Look, don't think about her...
Aarav stopped him in between and this left Manik a bit startled. He was surprised by the way Aarav had a dominance in his tone and for the first time Manik Malhotra had seen a guy with an edge above him.
Aarav-Manik (his tone was soft), nobody in the world knows Nandini more than I know and no one can ever know... And you know something Nandini knows this too (he smiled and then turned to look at Manik)...And same goes with me, she knows me the best...You know the reason Manik...(with a slight smile)
Manik and everyone along with Aarav were sitting on the bar counter chairs. .Aarav always knew how to make people calm and listen to him.
Aarav- Manik, we both were meant to meet...so that we could help each other in finding ourselves... If after meeting me Nandini started to open up and became the confident girl she is now, same goes with me. If I was able to overcome my loneliness it was because of her efforts. If I am a known person in the industry it's because she gave me that push, when I wasn't sure about myself, she held my hand and made me the person I am...
Tears had welled up in his eyes... Manik now was patiently listening to him.
Manik- if you knew her so well, why did you break her?? (He wanted to know how could he then leave Nandini if he loved her so much, even though he knew the reason now).
Aarav- Nandini's Bappa, he cheated... But, you know something I have no complains now with her Bappa... It was the most difficult situation in my life to chose her or my dad... And, I know what Nandini would have asked me to do if she knew about it... I did exactly what she would have told asked me to do at that time... Who says Nandini is not with me... Manik, Nandini and me will be together even if we are not married, have different lives...
Manik now understood things better, but was stunned when he said that Nandini was still with him forever, it pricked him some where and then he saw Aarav was crying...
Aarav- She is the best thing that happened to me and you know what my wife Sanjana knows about it... Nandini and me were best friends, forever... our relation was pure; it had respect...we can never deny the contribution we have in each other's life...
He then wiped his tears and took a deep breath to compose himself. Manik could see his pain and see the bond. FAB 5 were stunned too...
Aarav- Manik, Nandini is not angry with me coz I got married to someone else, in fact I know it she has forgiven me for it. But, she will never forgive her best friend for not being there for her in these 3 years... I didn't have the guts to face her... So, when Bosco told me she is in Mumbai, I had to come and then in the wedding Anisha told me that you...(he paused)...So, I wanted to speak to Nandini...But, she left...
Manik- Aarav I just wanted to save Nandini from that situation...
Aarav- I know it and thanks for it... (Manik's eyes were wide open with his words...he was surely a person who could read thoughts...) Don't look surprised... Manik, I'll tell you some facts about her that will help you ahead...
FAB 5 and Manik were confused...
Aarav- guys relax...I am helping you... So, Manik if ever you wish to make Nandini speak up... Don't cajole her...she is not like other girls...
Everyone was confused...
Aarav-Think out of the box, be witty and speak of things she gets flustered with...for example - Nandini, nothing can be done with this country...Or say her that her mom is a Hitler...or comment about her weight...or just gossip about your friends and criticize them in front of her...Just say it and keep adding spice to it and see how she explodes on you and gives you a big lecture on how wrong you are...I could never understand where she used to compile them from...God knows who writes her dialogues ...I so wanted to kill that person...
Aarav, Manik and FAB 5 were now laughing and they were surprised about Nandini's these traits...
Manik- you seem to know the tricks...
Aarav- of course, I know it... Bro, I know her inside out...if ever you have a problem with her and you don't know how to deal with her, give me a shout...Ohhh one piece of warning for you...Manik you got to change your image...
Manik was confused with his statement...
Aarav- Manik don't get me wrong...Nandini hates Casanovas, and your image is... ahem, you know it... Dude, Nandini's mom is a Hitler man...I used to get so angry because of her ...She gave me a tough time...She's not bad, but in some things she's too much...
Manik was again confused as to why he was telling him about Nandini's mother...
Aarav- Now don't look at me with that confused expression... I can read your eyes...(Manik then smiled, he had got to know from Nandini's diary how good Aarav was on reading people)...So, the bottom line is Bro, you have a long way to go...First thing change your image of a Casanova, her mom won't let you enter the house...And, remember the GOLDEN RULE
Everyone said together with confusion "GOLDEN RULE??"
Aarav- yes, so the rule is: whatever Nandini's Mom does or says, she is always right... however pissed off you feel, don't question...
Manik in his mind was taking notes from Aarav's dictation...
Aarav- hhmm ya one more thing her father is amazing... she is very close to her family... She will get married where her family would say... so you know what I mean... (Manik got the hint).
Cabir- Aarav but she isn't even speaking to us...do you have a trick for it...
Aarav- Cabir, she cried and then I am sure would have fallen sick...(Cabir and others nodded) then everything is fine with her... when she doesn't cry, then it means there is a problem... To be honest, if ever there is a competition on who can cry most... Nandini will win no doubts about it...
Manik- Thanks Aarav...but she is so upset with you...Are you happy with your life?
Aarav- Manik, everything happens for a reason... she will be fine in a few minutes just wait... And who says Nandu is not in my life...Look there...
He pointed towards Nandini and then a lady came with a baby in her hand...Nandini turned towards them...
Sanjana- Nandini...Nandini Raichand...
Nandini- Yes...I am sorry I didn't recognize you...
Sanjana- but I did... Thank you, thank you... I am Aarav's wife...Nandini Aarav misses his best friend and that's you...He has not spoken to his dad after that incidence...
Nandini - (shocked to see his wife) I am sorry Sanjna ...we are not in touch...and everything is in the past...I hope you are happy with him...
Sanjana- Please don't say sorry...Aarav told me everything and you don't know much respect we have for you...Meet our daughter...
Nandini- (was in tears) Aarav's daughter...(she smiles and took the baby) she is beautiful... (Nandini kissed her and hugged her...)
Aarav was crying seeing his daughter in Nandini's hands, but had a big smile... Manik and everyone saw him and then saw Nandini and they were in tears too. They saw a sense of pride and happiness on Nandini's face...
Nandini- thank you, thank you Sanjana...you completed his family... (Nandini hugged Sanjana and then admired the baby)..What's her name??
Sanjana- NANDINI and her pet name is NANDU...she is just like you...see her left cheek has a dimple, her eye colour, her hair are just like you...
Nandini was shocked and noticed too the similarities. She realized Aarav must have named her and then she kissed the baby. She then looked around to spot Aarav and finally she then looked at him. She then walked towards Aarav with the baby and Sanjana...
Nandini- why...
Aarav- do I need to answer...
Nandini nodded her head in a no as she knew the answer...She then called the baby...
Nandini- Nandu (she smiled with her heart and kissed her)... be the best daughter in the world...make me proud...Aarav is the best, best father...
Nandini then held the baby in one hand and hugged Aarav from other. Sanjana took the baby from her and let the best friends hug each other. They both cried their heart...
Aarav-God Nandini stop crying now, you'll choke... You know what to give you a tough competition now we have junior Nandu...
They broke the hug and were now laughing. Everyone was amazed to see the pure bond they both shared...
Nandini- how dare you complain about Nandu with me...
Aarav was laughing with tears and then he held Nandini's hand...
Aarav- Nandini, sorry...inspite of my mistakes...You know when Sanjana told me she is expecting...I prayed every day that it's a girl and that too just like you...Nandini you are irreplaceable in my life...My first love was Nandini and see my first love even now is junior Nandu... Nandini you taught me how to live...now high time you apply those stupid boring lectures of yours to your own life... Live for yourself...Nandini fulfill your ONLY Dream you had... You deserve it...
Nandini- I will...
Aarav- good...I want my daughter to be like you...but, I just don't want her to learn one thing from you...hope she doesn't learn how to give those long lectures man...I had enough from you, now Sanjana , but not from my daughter...
Everyone chuckled while the ladies glared at Aarav.
Aarav- Nandini live...speak for yourself too, say what you wish in life please...
Nandini- Aarav speak to your dad...please...
Aarav was not surprised to hear it and he smile left his face. His jaw clenched and he rolled his eyes.
Aarav- No Nandini, never...
Nandini- For your Nandu...please.
Aarav couldn't ever say no to Nandini...
Aarav- I'll try...
Nandini cried her heart hugging Aarav as they wanted to let their pain out that had been in their hearts. Then everyone sat and were chatting. Nandini and Aarav pulled each other's leg and told about their college life. Everyone had a good laugh, but were shocked to see 'this Nandini' from the eyes of Aarav... The evening went well and Aarav then spoke to Nandini.
Aarav- Nandini, forgive Manik...he did that to shut that stupid Anisha yaar...
Nandini was quiet.
Aarav- Nandini (he was strict now)
Nandini- Ok...
Manik couldn't believe his ears and Aarav then smiled at Manik assuring him Nandini has forgiven him. The night went on with remembering and sharing the beautiful memories of Aarav, Nandini, Sanjana, FAB 5 and Manik and to quietly listen to all this was JUNIOR NANDINI...
BAPPA's LEVEL 1 finally got accomplished...
Edited by ankita_t - 8 years ago
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