Part 11 - Centre of Attention
Manik Malhotra would have ignored Nandini Murthy without a second glance under ordinary circumstances. A person who is accustomed to the most stylish women of Mumbai Society, there was nothing striking in Nandini Murthy to hold his attention for any period.
But no sooner than Cabir pointed his finger at the two, out of the place, girls, Manik's eyes first fell on the short and cute girl whose chin raised by itself in resistance when she heard herself being referred to as a charity case. The first thing he noticed was how short she was although how it matters to him if she's short or not is not to be questioned. He noticed her eyes flash in rebellion at Cabir's derogatory remarks. Manik had heard somewhere that short and slight girls arouses a man's protective nature and seeing her he felt that the statement may not be completely untrue. Manik had a sudden urge to protect her from Cabir's taunts, which was a first. He never felt this protective towards anyone before. Manik forced himself to look away from her and his glance fell on the desperately dramatic girl who was also murmuring something continuously to the short girl. Her entire stance cried out nervousness although she was looking at everyone and smiling.
Cabir , Mukti and Alya had now approached the two girls. All the others looked at the happenings curiously.
"Hello there, What are you people doing here?. SPACE is not meant for you. So you can pack your bags and run back to where you came from " Cabir said and pointing at Navya, he continued " You.. should be in films... no not this century wala...may be the first century wala one.. this century wala is too classy for you" and saying he laughed at his own joke. Mukti and Aliya joined. Mukti took it from there...
" I think, Cabir, these two have lost their way and wandered inside SPACE. Tch tch...poor babies... let us just give them a chance ...they will never set their foot in SPACE again. Hai na, babies?"
Nandini was the first to speak up " Listen, I don't understand what you are talking about?"
" Ohho...this behenji here, can't even follow our language... How can she survive in SPACE?"
It was Navya's turn next. " Dhekhiya... If you want to say something, seedhe seedhe bolo.. I am here with full scholarship and it was not easy to achieve it." There was pride in her voice." I had a talk with the administrator today morning. He enrolled me and gave me Admission and ID cards. Now you are saying that I am not admitted. How can that be? I have my entrance mark list with me that proves that I am eligible for admission here. You can check with Sachin Sir, who is the person I met this morning. He assured me everything is fine. I cannot go back now, to Patna, my parents would be sad; the entire village had come to see me off... I will not go back." Navya was blabbering as usual and
Nandini had to give her a tug to make her stop. Even Cabir was taken aback, but soon gathered himself "So, our black and white madhubala has turned out to be a chatterbox as well. What a combination..." and turning to Manik " Manik, why are you standing there? Come na.. "
Manik moved to the center of the whole drama . He was aware that amidst the whole spectacle, the girls of the classroom had their attention fixed on him. Some were throwing glances at him whereas some others were openly ogling. Most of the time he was oblivious of this attention and he was too used to it to feel any awkwardness.
Manik's name stirred the classroom again, as many of the girls were just waiting to hear Manik speak. Manik did not disappoint them. He had a deep voice that was equally sexy and manly. And at that moment, when he opened his mouth, majority of the girls fell deeply into the pit, that was the aura of Manik Malhotra.
"What is your name? " It was an unnecessary one, aimed at Nandini. His question was a surprise one for the FAB 4 as well. "Tell me, orr..." the monster was back " -do you want Cabir to give me you a name that will best suit your-" looking up and down"- appearance.. little mouse?" Manik bend a little to reach Nandini's height.
" Nandini... Nandini Murthy" That was Navya " -and no, before you tag her as one, let me tell you, she is not a mouse..She is my friend and I will not tolerate anyone belittling her "
Navya looked at Nandini and smiled. Nandini couldn't help but roll her eyes at Navya. Navya had already put on her ghansi rani attire. "Now, Nandini, if you don't speak, Navya will make a mess of the whole thing." Nandini said to herself.
By now Nandini had already realized that this was some form of ragging and they had been singled out. May be, the students here had some problem with scholarship students. It was nothing to be ashamed of. Nandini had already figured out that majority of the students were from well to do families and had grown up to be unfeeling, selfish and rude.
Manik's voice brought her out of her thoughts.
" It seems we have to stand here the entire day to hear a word out of Madam's mouth... Hellow... We don't have the entire day for you to answer"
It was then that Nandini realized that Manik had shot another question at her, of which she had no clue, and was looking impatiently at her. She looked at Navya for assistance. Now Manik lost his temper " Oh Madam, Are you dumb? Or plain stupid? I asked you a very simple question. Not rocket science."
Nandini looked at him and blinked.
" Manik. Choddo. Its not her fault. She is suffering from a severe case of MFHOHFM" Cabir couldn't control his laughter.
"What??!!" Typical Manik reaction.
" Madly Fallen Head Over Heels Over Manik Malhotra Syndrome and staring at your face without uttering a word is the major symptom of this disease." and more laughter.
Manik had a " what the" expression on him whereas clearly Mukti was not amused. Aliya's expression was thunderous. Nandini had become red as a tomato and even Navya had nothing to say.
Manik turned just in time to see Aliya storm out of the classroom.
This entire incident drove the first nail to Manik- Aliya relationship coffin.
Edited by minnu26 - 9 years ago