Yaariaan of SPACE-part 34 updated 03 May - Page 18

Part 31 Badimaa Steps in

"But I've learned over the past year what it really means to be able to miss someone. In order to miss someone, that means you were privileged enough to have them in your life to begin with."
Colleen Hoover, Losing Hope

The FAB 5 with the exception of Manik was sitting in Coffee Day sipping on smoothies and lightly chatting away.

" Guys, We need to do something ASAP regarding Manik and Nandini. Both are clearly upset and doing nothing about it. We need to barge in now." Mukti turned to Alya and Cabir.

" Mukti, yaar. It's not that easy. We need to know what exactly took place on that Valentines Day...after Dhruv proposed to Nandini...only then will we be able to make Manik see some sense. How can we help him if we ourselves are in dark?"

"Nandini might have rejected...and made Dhruv upset, unintentionally of course. Alya? What do you think? You were pretty closer to Dhruv than any of us..." Mukti addressed a silent and moody Alya.

" I knew that Dhruv was going to propose to Nandini that day. Dhruv was really in love with her and very excited to finally open up his heart to her. And he seemed very happy afterwards when I called to know the outcome. However, when I asked him the details , he just told me he would tell me everything face to face . That was the end...I assumed from his tone and words that Nandini accepted his proposal. But what actually happened later.. I have no idea.." Alya broke up in front of them and Mukti consoled her by holding her close.

After her hiccups had subsided, Aliya confessed again." Actually I was planning to check with Nandini about it. I was hesitant in the beginning...One day I tried to get her to talk...but..."

" Yes, that's exactly what we have to do. Get Nandini to talk. Manik is not himself these days. No talks, no laughs. In fact, he is avoiding Nandini as if she is plague. Navya was saying that Nandini is very moody and gloomy nowadays. Both of them are so sad being away from each other. Then why can't they sit and sort out whatever ..."

" Come on guys. Let's find Nandini and get to the root of the problem" Mukti geared them all up.

They found Nandini in her classroom during break. The semester exams were soon to commence and the class was unusually silent, the students busy completing their pending assignments and notes.

" Nandini, please step out for a moment." Mukti approached Nandini and signed Navya in negation to her questioning look. Navya and Mukti had become close to each other after the canteen scene of Navya with Cabir. Mukti had come to appreciate Navya's straight forward and loyal nature and both of them had bonded well.

They all gathered in the seating area outside in the garden.

" Nandini. Tell us what happened on that day ...the day Dhruv proposed to you... what did happen between you both?" Mukti was not the one for small talks.

" Why?" Nandini was perplexed.

" We want to help you and Manik. Both of you are not happy, but unwilling to open up with each other. This cant go on...We need to know so that we can help you..."

"In fact Nandini, I was going to ask you the other day. Remember? Dhruv had shared with me everything. I know everything what happened before he proposed. But..." Alya interrupted Cabir.

"Alya, Cabir...Mukti...Please forgive me. But Dhruv did not propose me."

" What??" All three said in unison.

" Yes. I did not give him an opportunity. When he approached me with a single red rose, I thought that Manik had sent it through him. And I just accepted."

Nandini's thoughts went back to that day, the day she had woken up, in sweet anticipation of some romantic move from Manik's side. They were having a steady relationship, which was yet to be given a name. The day being Valentines she had expected that Manik would take a positive step and although not sure what it would be, she was waiting eagerly for the evening when Manik would return back from Goa.

On seeing Dhruv with a single red rose in his hands, the thought that went through her mind was that Manik must have send it through Dhruv. So, on impulse she just took it from his hands not waiting to listen to what Dhruv had to say.

Seeing her happy and excited face, Dhruv mistook it for acceptance from her side. Nandini had then received a call from Navya and left from there excusing herself.

Therefore, both Dhruv and Nandini mistook each other and had a misunderstanding regarding the entire situation.

" Great... So, Dhruv did not get the epilepsy because he was heartbroken, like how Manik believes. So problem kya hai?" Cabir wondered aloud." You just share this with Manik and he will be ok"

FAB 3 assured Nandini. " we will sort it out Nandini"

" No. guys... I appreciate what you are trying to do. But, I am sorry. There is something else which I cannot share with you all and most of all to Manik...I have promised someone. I am sorry" saying, Nandini walked away from there with a heavy heart.

As the days passed by, Nandini and Manik became more distanced from each other. Manik could not bring himself to accept her as the guilt of getting something, which was rejected for his best buddy was eating him up. Moreover, Manik was punishing himself by making himself stay away from Nandini. He was enjoying a sort of self-gratification by withholding from himself what he wanted the most in his life. Nandini, on the other hand, was disappointed to realize that Manik had not confronted her or asked her anything about the entire incident. He had dismissed her even without giving her an opportunity to explain. She felt that Manik had not valued their relationship enough to even give a fair hearing.

Nandini's grades had come down drastically that semester. That was when Navya realized the impact of the broken relationship with Manik , on Nandini. She had even failed for few subjects, which was surprising as Nandini was a scholarship student. It was when Nandini contemplated to discontinue her studies and move back to Mangalore that Navya decided to take matters into her hands. She had learned from Cabir how close Manik was to badimaa, Dhruv's mother. Navya decided pay her a visit. She and Nandini used to visit badimaa regularly after Dhruv's death and the visits had come down lately.

Badimaa was very happy to see Navya.

" Navya, beta...come come, How are you? I am seeing you after a long time. Where is Nandini?"

" Badimaa, I am fine..How are you?"Navya enquired as she settled down.

"I am fine. But was missing you both a lot. By the way, Where is Nandini? Has she forgotten me?"

" Badimaa, Nandini is discontinuing her studies and moving back to Mangalore."

" But why? Beta. Is everything ok at her home? Does Manik know?"

" That means...Badimaa, you know about Manik and Nandini?"

" Yes. I know. And, I am very happy for both of them. They make such a wonderful couple, Don't you think? But why is she leaving, Navya?"

" Badimaa, So you don't know that Manik and Nandini are not seeing each other anymore?"

" Why? What happened?"

" I don't know what happened, badimaa, but its been a while now. I think you should ask Manik or Nandini about it, as both of them are not ready to talk to us. Nandini is not herself anymore. She has lost the very life out of her. And, Manik, he is very unhappy. Badimaa, I think you should call both of them and confront them. They both will not be able to refuse you."

Navya was keeping her fingers crossed as she was not sure what she was doing would turn out positively or not. Even though, she did not want to upset badimaa by bringing in Dhruv or matters related to him, she had to try to involve badimaa in their affairs as a last resort.

Badimaa called Manik on his mobile, the moment Navya took leave of her. Manik was away in Pune where he had been to visit his father. On getting her call, Manik preponed his return journey and visited her the next day. After the initial pleasantries, badimaa came to the point. She was in no mood to beat around the bush.

"Beta. I heard that you and Nandini are not in good terms now. What happened between you? Forgive me for being intrusive. But, Nandini and you, both are my favorites. I can't help interfere in this matter."

" Badimaa, Please tell me what you were discussing with Nandini the day Dhruv ...??" Manik asked unexpectedly. He was too eager to know what had taken place that day but was hesitant to discuss it with Nandini. He was mad at her for not voluntarily sharing it with him. So, when badimaa presented an opening, Manik lost no time to appease his curiosity.

Badimaa was in deep thoughts for few moments. She was contemplating on how to make Manik understand. On seeing her silence, Manik continued, "I know that Dhuv was in love with her..." It was painful to even associate her name to Dhruv's. " I also know he proposed and she rejected him...and I know that you know about it as Dhruv never hid anything from you...And.. I know that was the reason for his death..."

" No!! You are wrong" Badimaa spoke up in a tearful voice." Dhruv died a very natural death...no one or nothing was responsible for that..Manik? Are you mad at Nandini because of that? Do you think she is responsible for his death?"

Manik slumped down on the sofa, tears streaming down his eyes, the stress of the past months getting to him. He was finally ready to open up to someone...his badimaa, Dhruv's mother, whom he knew would never judge him.

" Manik, beta, there is something you should know. I had asked Nandini not to share the events of that day with you. It was I, who forbade her. And, I had my reasons. But, I think now, that you should know...know about me and your papa..."

" You and Papa..."

" Yes... let Mata rani and Manishji forgive me for sharing this with you. Manik..hear me out fully first, before you judge or react...okay..beta?"

As Manik looked at her anxiously, his heart beating on fast pace, Badimaa sat facing him on the opposite sofa and reminisced the days of the past.


Umaa dear, I dedicate this part to you and sorry for not keeping my word...kaan pakad ke..Forgive me.

Awww thank you so much for the dedication minnu dear. No issues. I know you are struck that's why you didn't update.

interesting.. waiting for next update.. to know the actual reason..

Awe finally you updated...
Oh! what is the secret that happened that day which took dhruv's life?
Awesome update...

Part 32 The Past revealed

Nandini had just got a call from the travel agent confirming her tickets to Mangalore. It was very difficult to convince chacha-chachi that she wanted some days off, to unwind. Chachi was aware of the drift between her and Manik, but thankfully did not bother her with any questions. Although, she had blurted out to Navya that she was discontinuing her studies, it was just an impulsive reaction on seeing the results. She knew what it meant to get a scholarship in SPACE and now that she had it and was half way through, she decided she would never let this chance slip. Nandini Murthy was never a quitter. This Mangalore journey was necessary for her to think and clear her mind. All these while, she had a faint hope that Manik would come out of the self-imposed state and everything would be back to normal. However, matters had worsened. Manik simply ignored her whenever they chanced a meet with not even a flicker of familiarity in his regards. The announcement of the results and her failed subjects were a revelation to Nandini. She had had to move on and that was the reason behind this sudden Mangalore trip, to think a bit, make up her mind and to return fresh and ready to move on.

Her thoughts again went back to the words of badimaa. "Nandini, my child, You are very lucky, my dear. Manik is a gem, just as his name indicates. Never, ever loose it. He deserves happiness in life and you are the one to provide that" Her eyes watered, but she resolutely blinked the tears away, vowing never to cry for Manik again.

Nandini took out the wilted red rose from her almirah and read the card attached to it, once again. She had treasured it, as it was the last memory of a very good friend she had made in just one day and lost the very same day. The last, but meaningful conversation with Dhruv was something that she would always cherish in her heart.

That day, she had come home immediately afterwards, hiding the red rose in her bag and once in her room, she opened the attached card only to find inscribed thus:

To Nandini,
Be my Valentine, today and always.
Love, Dhruv.

Nandini stared at the card not believing her eyes. Dhruv?? Finally, it dawned on her and she cursed under her breath for being impulsive and for the false hope that she gave Dhruv. She had to correct the error straight away and without wasting further time, she set off to Vedant house.

Dhruv was the one who opened the door for her. He was pleasantly surprised and looked extremely pleased to see her.

He looked at her speechless and in his nervous state even forgot to invite her inside which he rectified immediately.

" Oh. I am sorry to keep you standing outside. Nandini...come inside."

Nandini, on the other hand, was also nervous and at loss of words. Dhruv continued as she sat on the sofa.

" Ma has gone to visit a sick friend. She will be back soon." Dhruv clarified on seeing Nandini looked around the room expecting badimaa.

Nandini was a tad relieved, as she did not want an audience for what she had to tell Dhruv.

" Soha?" Nandini asked.

"She has gone out for a party."

" Dhruv..., Actually... I wanted..."Nandini stammered, not knowing how to put the mess she created, in words.

" Nandini...??? You can tell me anything you want to. I want to be your friend first before..."

"Dhruv...I misunderstood...you.."

"misunderstood...??"

" Yes.. I thought the rose was from Manik." She blurted out.

Dhruv was silent for a while as if assimilating the new information. He quietly stood up from his seat and turned away from her. Nandini watched his retreating figure with an aching heart. Almost immediately, Dhruv turned back to her composing himself.

" Manik and you? I did not know , Nandini.. please forgive me..and please forget... forget that today happened. I am so happy for you...Manik has feelings for you? And you...love him?" Dhruv sounded genuinely happy for her.

"Yes.." Nandini stopped herself from saying anything more. Just a yes was sufficient.

" Yes, I should have guessed it, when you started calling my mom as badimaa. Accha. It is good I came to know now. From today you are my Bhabhi. I am going to be your very good friend. Today is a chapter that we are going to close forever. Will you promise me?"

" But..."

" Yes...And no one, especially Manik should never know. Please Nandini?"

"Yes Dhruv."

" Nandini, I think you should leave now. It's quite late and..."

" Yes..I think I should..."Nandini stood up to leave when Dhruv stopped her again by asking " I had wanted to ask you something. Do you , by any chance have a guitar striker that belonged to us?"

"Yes. I got it from Mangalore airport."

Dhruv's face brightened and he smiled heartily. "Good. Keep it with you. It belonged to us - Manik and me. Since you found it, it should belong to you now- you and Manik. Hold on to it, Nandini, just as you should hold on to Manik"

Nandini hugged the guitar striker to herself as she lay down on the bed, her memories clouding her thoughts.

"Sorry Dhruv, I could not keep my word...I am sorry.. I am sorry... I am sorry" Nandini kept murmuring to herself. Nandini's thoughts again went back to Dhruv.

As she was taking her leave, he stopped her once again, saying "Nandini, don't forget what I told you. Manik should never know..."

" But Dhruv... what if..he comes to know from some other source?"

" Yes, Nandini. Manik should never know..." This was from badimaa who was standing at the threshold, looking at both of them with a pained expression.

" Ma??"

"Badimaa"

Both of them called in unison.

"Sorry, my children. I heard every word. What Dhruv said is correct. Manik should never know that Dhruv had any feelings for you, Nandini. I know both my sons. From today, Dhruv will consider you as his Bhabhi. I am proud of you Dhruv.." Badimaa looked tenderly at Dhruv before continuing.." I know my other son, Manik also very well. If he ever gets a clue that Dhruv harbored any feelings for you, he will not think twice to sacrifice his love. He is just like his Dad, ready to sacrifice anything, even his love interest for his best friend." Badimaa's voice took a dream like quality as if she was thinking of something.

"Manik's papa, Dhruv's papa and me, we were childhood friends and inseparable...always together. Both my papa and Rishiji's papa were working for Manishji's papa. We spent our days together playing in Malhotra estates. As we grew older Manishji and me started having feelings for each other..." Badimaa was quiet for a moment." Initially, we did not share it with each other. I knew he had deep affection for me but before going abroad for his further studies, he asked me to wait for him. And that was the only confirmation he ever gave me. But I started waiting for him to return. In the meantime, my Rishiji started growing fond of me and I was not aware of it until it was too late. Rishiji took a proposal for me, to my father who was more than ready to accept. I had no say in any matter. It was like that at that time. Girls could not take any decision of their own. I did not want to hurt Rishiji. I was very upset not knowing what to do. I wrote to Manish ji. He wrote back saying that he had moved on asking me to accept Rishiji's proposal. It was later, much later after my marriage to Rishiji that I came t know that Rishiji had written to Manishji about his growing feelings for me even before he put forward the proposal for me. And, Manishji had sacrificed his feelings for me for his friend. In the initial days of my marriage, I could not accept Rishiji. I was bitter towards him and Manishji. Finally, Manishji convinced me to move on. He poured his heart out to me saying that Rishiji's happiness should be more important for both of us. And, I accepted just like that. I asked him to get married. He obliged and married Nyonika. I took Manik in my hands after he was born and named him. He was the treasure that I lost. Don't misunderstand me, both of you, Never in my heart or deeds, I was unfaithful to Rishiji, not then and not now. And, Dhruv, don't think that I loved Manik more than you. No. But he was my first born and he will remain so. That's why.. That's why I am begging you both not to let this matter reach Mnik's ears. I don't want history to repeat. I am sure, Manik would do exactly what his father did. Please, my children. Don't take away this happiness from him and make him suffer like his father... to enter a loveless marriage... and suffer for the rest of his life. Please Nandini, meri bachhi. Give my beta the happiness he deserves. Please. I beg you" Tears were flowing down badimaa's eyes as she finished talking. Nandini moved to her side and put her hands around her assuring silently that she would get her wish. Nandini and Dhruv were also in tears by this time.

They had just managed to control themselves when Manik returned from Goa.

Nandini finally drifted to sleep, crying for everything that she lost and the promises that she could not keep.

*************************************************************

Badimaa had just shared everything that happened to Manik. " So, Beta, As I told you, It was me who forbade Nandini from telling you about Dhruv. She was reluctant to keep this matter from you, but obliged for me."

Manik was in a state of deep shock. All that he heard from his beloved badimaa was a revelation to him.

" Manik. I know that you are in a shock...this is not very pleasant to hear. Please don't judge me or your father. From the day of my marriage to Rishiji, your father has only considered me as his best fiend's wife. Don't think otherwise please. Go and patch up with Nandini. She is a beautiful soul. Don't loose her. When you come to see me next, she should be with you. And about Dhruv, my Dhruv was very happy to know that it was you who had Nandini's heart. We talked a lot that day after you both left. He was very happy for you. He was saying how he would sing and dance at your marriage, how he would play with your children...he was not heartbroken. He was happy and content...happy for you. He was going on and on about how you deserve each other. So, beta, take all that guilty feelings out of your head and understand that if you are not together with Nandini, Dhruv's aatma will never get any shanthi ..."

Manik left Vedant house, a free man, free from the guilt that was eating him up. On the other hand, a new sort of guilt started pricking him, thinking of all the wrong that he did to Nandini. He started thinking of ways to make up to her for all that he did to her, the foremost being to stop Nandini from leaving SPACE. Even though he was ignoring Nandini, he had been keeping tab of her and he had come to know of her decision to leave.

Manik took off to Murthy house without wasting another moment.

nice yaar...

Aww finally the truth is out...
Poor manik! Nandu is gonna give him tough time.
So no one is behind dhruv's death. I thought someone behind this to separate manan.
But how come soha know these things???
Awesome update...