#THREAD 2 Humsafar...CH 26 Pg 123;PROMO Pg 136.. (5.03.2016) - Page 34

Originally posted by: AMAR_LOVE

waiting

Originally posted by: Mkayal

Thanks for the reply!!

Again the chapter as usual tags out to be amazing. But missng manan!! And as u said der will b cmng manan part eee... too excited!!

Originally posted by: aarohi_angel98

Amazing update...
Very well written...
Loved it to the core...
Cont soon...

LOVE,
AAROHI...

Originally posted by: shruti1997

Awesome
Loved it

As ur wish u stry is best wht ever u write we like it

curious mango people 😉 hehehe...
okay yee I know the prologue 1st (may be ) 😎

In Sha Allah you will get good response... 😆
be positive if you don't get so much response then don't be sad or dishearten... keep writing you will surely get so much response... 😊

SPECIAL THANKS TO PS_ANGEL FOR SUGGESTING NAMES FOR MANIK'S PARENTS...

NOTE-

1. I have taken liberty in using names of singers, songs and events... They are there coz the story demands to have some point of reference for FAB 5 and the music industry.

2. It's a Fast Forward Chapter with present and flashback in Manik's point of view... The flashback is more about the way they were together and how their relation got stronger with time... it's a journey of the few days before the next turning point of the story came.

3. We are skimming the Rishabh's entry for time being as it's a fast forward chapter and introduce him on the right time... Sorry about that.

4. The song Manik sang remembering Nandini is also present with the link... It's melodious song...

CHAPTER 22 (A)

REMINISCING MEMORIES...

Viaan- Manik Mama now youl (your) turn...

I smiled at him and removed my coat and placed Nandini's scarf on the piano... And then Mukti took the coat from me and I sat on the chair. I rolled my sleeves and adjusted the wireless mike... " Sonuji I would like to apologise beforehand aapka song attempt karne jaa raha hun..."

Sonu Nigam - Go for it Manik...

I started to play the piano and then closed my eyes and Nandini's face flashed in front of me...

[SONG-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrPSSWimyi0

]

Manik-

Suna, Suna Mann Kaa Aangan, Dhunde Paayal Kee Woh Chann Chann

Sunee, Sunee Mann Kee Sargam, Dhunde Geet Tere Humdum

Mann Me Shyaam Ho Ya Sawera, Laaga Teree Hee Yaado Kaa Dera

Tune Bandhan Kyon Yeh Toda, Tune Kahe Ko Muh Moda

Kaho Naa Kaho Kaho Kaho Naa

[Manik opens his eyes again while singing and remembers their First Kiss... the way Nandini hugged him, her innocent and expressive eyes that had immense love for him... He smiles but still tears start to well up in his eyes, but he doesn't let them roll down... ]

Viaan and Samaira-

Phul Phul Bhawla Dole, Mann Mein Gunjee Telee Yaad

Baagh Mai Papiha Bole, Pihu Pihu Piyu Kaha

[Manik smiles when they both sing together...]

Manik, Viaan and Samaira-

Phul Phul Bhawra Dole, Mann Mein Gunjee Teree Yaad

Baagh Mai Papiha Bole, Pihu Pihu Piyu Kaha...

We finished the song and everyone was applauding... I put the scarf in my pocket and got up and took my coat from Mukti... I just said Thanks to all and excused myself... I was in the hotel lobby and then Cabir came...

Cabir- Manik... Are you ok???

"Cabir, I am fine... "...He didn't question me ahead and understood I didn't want to talk about anything... I sent a message to Ridzi that I was leaving for home and then dropped a message to FAB 5 that I would meet them tomorrow at the studio at 9:00 a.m. for discussing the last minute changes for our next big event MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS which was in a week's time in London...

On the way to home I made a few phone calls, as I wanted to make sure everything was in place for the event. I was waiting for the signal to turn green and my eyes fell on a couple... They were on the zebra crossing and suddenly a guy on a bike almost went pass them breaking the signal. The man would have been seriously injured if the wife had not pulled him away on time... I stepped out immediately to ask if they were ok and they said thanks to me and left...

I got back in my car and while driving I remembered how Nandini had stood by me and blasted on Kavya... We all saw Ridzi and Jij's were there too... I had no courage to face Ridzi but Nandini held my hand and I made one more attempt to speak to my sister... I was hell nervous but, Nandini's tight grip on my arm made me look at my sister ... And, that's how Ridzi and I had exchanged our pleasantries after a year... there on we started to build our bond again. In that short span Ridzi and Nandini became friends and Jij's also had his 👍🏼 for her .

While driving I turned the radio on and they were playing some old melodies... And it reminded me of Nandini's almost CONFESSION of LOVE on the night we were on our way back from Hotel TAJ...

(FLASHBACK STARTS...)

I was extremely content after speaking atleast a few lines with my sister and a ray of hope was there now in my heart that everything will be fine... We were on our way back to home...ok technically Nandini's home...

Nandini had turned the radio on and the song played was from one of the movies we had composed music for and I was also the playback singer for it... She immediately increased the volume and I looked at her being excited... My focus was on Nandini as her eyes were twinkling and she had a beautiful ear-to-ear smile on her face. She spoke to me like a kid who got her favourite candy...

Nandini - (excited) Manik this is one of my favourite songs... I just love the way it has been sung...

She was really the most innocent soul I had come across and I got to see a completely different side of her as we spent time... I chuckled and spoke to her... "Acha do you know the singer... I mean do you love his singing or you love the singer..."

In her sheer innocence she spoke...

Nandini- (irritated) Manik what a stupid question... of course I love the singing and I know the singer... Infact I LOVE THE... (Paused)

She immediately looked at me with wide eyes and sealed her mouth with her both hands and I applied the brakes with a jerk... I was completely shocked by her almost CONFESSION OF LOVE and my heart stopped beating for a few seconds... I raised my eyebrows...

"I LOVE the... I love the WHAT Nandini... Complete it..."

She got nervous and turned to look outside the window... I smiled and moved a finger on my jaw line and then chuckled on how she always got caught in my glib talking and blurted out things...After a few moments I again resumed our drive...

I kept glancing at her every now and then, but she kept looking outside and her fingers were fidgeting with her duppatta... After sometime I smiled and knew I had to break the silence... I placed my hand on hers and said, "Nandini... It's Ok... Relax... "She looked at me and smiled...

I knew I had to speak so that her tensed nerves get calm... "Acha when is your brother coming?? "

Nandini- he is reaching tomorrow afternoon and will be with me for a couple of days...

I was a bit irritated with this newly found news as that meant I would not get time to spend with her... In my mind I was calculating how many days were left for her to leave for London and I realised we hardly had just 10 days to be with each other... I was getting pissed off on her darling Brother taking away 2 precious days from my 10 days...

"But you had said he will be here just for a day, how can you both change the plan... Look we hardly have any time to spend together and uss mein bhi you have to take away 2 days. I am telling you that's not gonna happen.." ... We were negotiating her time for me as I knew we both will be hell busy with work as she had to wrap up her project and FAB 5 was gearing up for its music launch which was in 8 days...

The entire drive we both were arguing on our time and we finally reached her apartment. Nandini was already irritated with my non-stop ranting like a possessive 10-year-old kid Boyfriend... She got down and slammed the car door and headed towards her apartment... And I realised I had gone a bit overboard getting pissed off with her plans to be with her brother. I stepped out and ran behind her to do some damage control.

We reached her flat and she was venting her irritation on her heels by throwing them away and her clutch and then her duppatta and went flying on the couch... I gulped the saliva down & braced myself and made her face me...

"Nandini, ok I am sorry... Please..." She kept looking her and there... I placed my hands on her waist and pulled her towards me... "Nandini... I am sorry, I know he is your brother...but it's just that I wanted to be with you, we would hardly find any time in these 10 days due to our work... I just don't know how I will live when you will leave for London..." She finally melted down seeing my sad puppy face and said something that made me fall for her more...

Nandini- Manik... I understand... Infact even I want to be with you and trust me will make many memories in this short span of time that would help us during our small separation... But, just look at the brighter side Manik, I will be in India after that and I have already started to apply for jobs here... so cheer up... (She kissed him on his cheek).

We hugged each other and stood there for some time... I was feeling content to have her in my embrace... "Acha go change and then I will pick my luggage after that... I am waiting here..."

I sat on the couch and wondered at how my life had become so stable after she came... The numero 2 had quite an interesting role to play in our life...

2 strangers, 2 different worlds met at around 2:00 a.m. in London... then met again after 6 months... And yes in 2 months we became friends... and before she left again for London with less than 2 weeks we both were together now and were heading towards a relationship for life time... The thought made me chuckle as I was sounding like a mathematician, which was definitely not me coz that was Nandini, she was the Engineer...

CHAPTER 22 (B)

REMINISCING MEMORIES...

(FLASHBACK CONTINUED...)

She had changed and I went to pick my luggage only to find her opening my suitcase and getting my vest and tracks out... I was a bit confused as to what she was doing... Nandini smiled at me and then placed my clothes on the bed... Before I could say something she spoke...

Nandini- Acha go change... I'll go and make coffee...

I was a bit surprised that she wanted me to stay back coz that was so not NANDINI... I guess she observed the puzzled look on my face... She picked up my clothes and handed them to me... She came near me and tiptoed to match my height and whispered in my ear...

Nandini- Manik don't stare at me like that, nahi toh...nahi toh... maybe I won't be to control myself...

She smiled and was about to leave when I held her hand... I was a bit startled by her statement... "One sec... what did you say... You won't be able to control yourself...so that means you want to..." I raised my eyebrows and smirked...

She released her hand from mine and traced her finger from my forehead to my chin seductively, which were sending signal to my brain to just hold her and kiss her right away.

Nandini- I won't be able to control myself... (Her finger had reached his chin and Manik was losing himself under her touch... She paused and then said) from slapping you...

I immediately snapped out from the trance after she started to giggle and that got me more pissed off... "WHAT... You wanna SLAP ME... Nandini... you are impossible at times.." She was laughing over my reaction and left for the kitchen..

After I changed I remembered I had to discuss certain work related things with her... We chatted all night and had discussions on the strategic plan for next 5 years once we have our own Music label Company... and the international venture which if worked out could mark our 1st milestone in world music... I must confess she was really an intelligent girl... even if she was not a musician but she had a superb taste in music and she also shared some creative ideas for our next ventures...

In between our discussions we didn't forget to be close to each other and pecked each other's cheek time to time...I enjoyed laying my head in her lap and then while talking holding her hand... What could be more blissful when you know that the woman in your life understands you, your work and contributes in your growth... I was lucky to have her by my side, as she slowly became my support system professionally too...

(FLASHBACK ENDS)

I finally reached home and I got my laptop to check my emails regarding the confirmation of hotel bookings for our musicians and also I was waiting for a very important email... It was about the flat in which Nandini lived in London... the first place we were together. She was very attached to that flat and had mentioned me that she wanted to buy it... The email mentioned that the owner had finally agreed to sell the flat to me and that brought a smile on my face...

I then started to browse the photographs of the time we had spent together after her brother had left... We used to be busy all day but we had decided to spend our late evenings together and decided on discussing less of work and focus more on us...

(FLASHBACK STARTS...)

I was hell busy with the preparations for the launch with less than 3 days to go for the event and trust me I was losing my cool every now and then... Nandini had changed her work timing as per my schedule... she was working from 7:30 a.m. till about 2:00 p.m. at her client's office and would then come over to my office so that we could have lunch together and she used to stay in my cabin to finish her rest of the work...that ways we used to sneak out a few minutes here and there just to be with each other...

I knew how difficult it was for her to do this, but she never complained. Inspite of her hectic schedule she never forgot to feed me and FAB 5 time to time with coffee, juice or snacks as we were working round the clock...

That day we finished our lunch in my cabin and then we had a few minutes so I rested my head in her lap with my eyes closed and held her one hand... I was feeling guilty of exerting her so much...

"Nandini, you must be really exhausted because of me... You hardly get any sleep... I am really being very selfish... I am sorry..." She smiled and then kissed my forehead...

Nandini-Manik you are not selfish, I am equally greedy... I want to be around you, take care of you and be there with you... Infact I wish I could sneak more time for us... Pata nahi how will I manage in London... I can't hide Manik, in this small time I have got used to being around you... The way you care for me, scold me for my mistakes and then make it up for it ... I just... I just can't do without you...

With that tears rolled down her cheek and touched my face...I got up and took her in my embrace...

"Ssshhh... I am there Nandini with you forever...why do you cry so much hhhmmm... Nandini, I will come to London once I finish work here and then I will be there to take care of other affairs till you serve your notice period... So that we can come back together... Aab toh smile karke dikha do... please..." She smiled but again her face sulked and she started fiddling with my shirt buttons...

Nandini-Manik... I will miss my flat there... I just don't know what to do... mene kitni koshish ki mere flat ke owner ko manane ki that I want to buy the flat... Ek baar toh voh ready bhi ho gaya tha... And I immediately applied for loan, but at the last minute he changed his mind and said he wanted to negotiate prices again... And it never worked out... I will miss that flat a lot... It was my only solace in those 3 years... And it was the first place we were together and my life started to change...

I comforted her and in the meanwhile I promised myself to somehow workout and give her the happiness by buying that flat for her... If she could trust me so much and without complaint left her job for me and also trusted herself with me, I could atleast do this much for her.

That day in evening I saw her a bit stressed when I took a break from my work and I sat next to her... "Nandini why do you look stressed... Sab thik hai na... bolo... " She just kept her laptop aside and smiled at me...

Nandini- Manik mein thik hun, bas thoda work co-ordinate karne mein issue aa raha hai... that's all.

"Are sure koi aur baat nahi hai...????"... She smiled and nodded in a yes... I hugged her tightly and pecked her hair... "Nandini I will get free in 30 minutes and then let's go home... ok... but tum kissi baat ka stress mat lo please... I am there Nandini..." I kissed her forehead and she smiled...

I left to meet FAB 5 and then wrapped up work... My friends were understanding and knew how Nandini and me were struggling to get some time for us. Hence, they knew my dinner was with her...

We reached her flat, as she had to start her packing tonight... So, we decided to order dinner and I could do the important calls from there... She was busy in placing the cutlery for our dinner...

I was on a call when she came and hugged me from back and rested her head my back... I was a bit surprised coz she never hugged me like that... I smiled and then quickly finished my call... I removed her hands and then hugged her... I don't know why but she used to always fiddle with my shirt buttons and I just loved it...

Nandini- Manik chalo pehle dinner... I am very hungry...

CHAPTER 22 (C)

MUSIC LAUNCH DAY...

(FLASHBACK CONTINUED...)

I sat on the chair and she was serving dinner for both... She was about to sit when I pulled her and she fell in my lap... I wrapped my hands around her waist and she looked at me with wide eyes and tried to get out of my hold... The more she tried to get up, the more my grip got tight...

Nandini- (softly) Manik kya kar rahe ho... Chodo mujhe... (He bobbed his head in a 'no' like a baby)... kya chahiye bolo...

I smiled on that and then spoke to her... "You feed me today..." She sighed and then started to make me eat dinner and in between she also ate... I kissed her cheeks after every bite I had and she blushed... I just loved her when she blushed and felt shy...

We finished dinner and today I was in no mood to go home... Yes, she used to send me home every night after dinner and some talks... But, today I just wanted to be with her...

"Nandini I am not going home today... I wanna be with you tonight..." And our yes/no' game started and finally I convinced her to let me stay...

She was packing her suitcase and with that my heart was sinking... I didn't realize when tears made their way on my cheek... She saw me and ran towards me... She came and hugged me tightly and comforted me... I snuggled in her arms and cried...she kept kissing my forehead... I didn't leave her even for a second...

She then made me sleep next to her... She nestled me closely to herself and placed a duvet on our legs... She soothed my pain and kissed my forehead and cheeks... She tried to divert my attention by talking about what she would wear for the launch and that she was going shopping the next day... but nothing worked...

Nandini- Manik look at me... Please.. I am there with you forever...

I looked into her eyes and then she got close to my lips and kissed me on the corner of my lips... I gave her weak smile and then she made me sleep... I slept peacefully cuddling with her...

Our next day 2 days just went like that...

Nandini had taken a half-day off on the day of event... We had all our preparations done... I called up Nandini to check on her...

"Nandini how much time more will you take to leave office??? Its already 2:00 p.m... You need to reach the venue at 6:30 p.m... mom, dad, Rdizi and Jij's will be here around 6:00 p.m... aur tumhe ready hone bhi jana hai abhi... "

Nandini- ha Manik... bas 5 minutes promise... acha did you send the car for me??

I spoke to her... "Nandini, Mohan peechle 1 ghante se tumahra wait kar raha hai in the parking... Please, no 5 minutes... abhi niklo... And don't hang up... I am waiting..."

Nandini- ok...ok... Angry young man... let me speak to Priya... just a sec...

[Nandini enquires Priya about a document and she gets tensed... She asks Priya to keep her updated about everything... Manik senses her being stressed again...]

I sensed she was saying something to Priya and I could feel she was stressed... "Nandini is everything ok???"

Nandini- ha Manik... nothing major... one sec... I am getting my bag...

Nandini to Priya- Priya hand me over all the files and clean my desk... [Manik wondered why she was doing that... Maybe she wanted to work from home...]... Thanks Priya... Keep me updated ok... Bye...

Nandini- Manik ya now say... Acha tumne khana khaya...

"Nandini I had lunch... suno did you reach the car... (she says yes.)... Good lunch rakha hai tumhari liye... have it..."

Nandini- No Manik, I won't eat... I'll look fat in saree... hhhmmm I'll just have the juice... I want to look good na...

I was pissed off with her this habit of not eating properly...

"Nandini I knew tum kuch aisa hi bologi... There is fresh juice, fruit salad and strawberry yogurt for you... Now don't complain about these... have them...I am driving towards the venue... ok... be on phone with me..."

Nandini- ok baba... I am having it... Acha suno Mukti and Aliya have reached the salon... And Ridhima dee said voh directly aayenge with uncle, aunty and Jij's... if you need the car toh tum bula lo... mein Aryan ya Kafeel se keh dungi to pick me up...

"No ways... The car is for you... No going around with other people... Acha did you reach??"

Nandini- ya Manik... wait let me get out... Acha suno I am sending Mohan bhaiya home to keep my bags ok...

"Ok... Just go get ready and ya please reach maximum by 6:30 p.m. ok... I won't start the music launch till you come... So make it quick... Aur ha suno itni bhi beautiful mat lagna ki mein apne event pe concentrate na kar saku ...you know na you are wearing a saree today... (Nandini blushes while she reaches the floor on which the salon was...) Stop blushing Nandini... Suno, I have made an appointment for a head massage for you in the salon to relax you... Ok... I'm gonna miss you... come soon..."

Nandini- Not bad Manik Malhotra... Pampering and all... Thank you... I'll reach on time... acha suno I'll get late...bye...

Nandini was busy in getting ready and I reached the venue... Dhruv and Cabir accompanied me... And we met our film's Producer Mr.Mehta to do the last minute checks...

The clock ticked and it was 5:15 p.m... Cabir, Dhruv and me were getting ready... We all were checking with our families and reminding them to hurry up... Dhruv called up Aliya to check where they had reached and they said they would be there in 15 minutes...

I called up Nandini to check on her... "Hi Nandini did you get ready??? Suno please hurry up..."

Nandini- ya Manik... bas I am getting my shoulder pleats pinned...ek sec... aahhh...

Hearing her wince in pain I got worried..."What happened...did the safety pin prick you???"

Nandini- hhhmmm... Its ok... my fault I was moving... Ya done... I'll make payments and leave...

Before I could say anything she kept the phone on the side and I was waiting for her to respond but, I knew she was having a final look at herself... "Nandini payments are done... leave fast... I can't wait to see you..."

She left with Mohan towards the venue... Our families had arrived and also our friends... The film crew and everyone had arrived... Media was in their place... Guests were in their place... But, Nandini was still on her way... I called her up again and she said that she would reach in 10 minutes... I finally breathed... It was 6:20 p.m. already... we had to start the function...

Our producer, director, actors and FAB 5 settled on the stage and we all greeted each other and also the media... The host for our event was RJ Malishka... She started the event with introductions and a bit of chitchat with the media and us... The event was about launching the music and also the First Look of the film... Even though we had released a track before, but this was our main event...

I finally calmed down when I saw Nandini enter the venue with Aryan... She looked amazingly beautiful in the saree and her hair were open, just the way I liked... Her beauty spellbound me and then our eyes met...

She questioned me by her eyes how she looked and I answered her with a smile and placed my hand on my heart and blinked my eyes... She blushed and blinked her eyes in return... She went and quickly met my family and then FAB 5 families too... She then sat on the table with her friends... I had made sure her seat was in such way that I could keep looking at her without getting noticed...

Malishka then invited Karan Johar to launch the trailor of the movie and the music... I looked at my family and they smiled at me with an assurance look and it helped me. And then I looked at Nandini and she picked her phone and blinked her eyes... I quickly got my phone and it had a message from her...

"ALL THE BEST FAB 5"... I smiled back at her and whispered in Cabir's ears that Nandini has wished us good luck... They all smiled at her... I saw her pray to her BAPPA and then opened her eyes...

FAB 5 looked at each other and we held our hands... Our bond reflected in our actions... And the FIRST LOOK of the movie and songs was launched...

We got a huge round of applause and that made all of us relieved... On the stage we all greeted each other... After the small media interaction the producer, director and actors left the stage and joined the guests...

It was time for FAB 5 to announce the 'FAB 5 MUSIC LABELS'...

We had invited Gulzar sahab to do the launch for us... It was a moment of satisfaction for FAB 5... We finally did it... We all settled down on stage for media interaction about the music of the film and about our company 'FAB 5 MUSIC LABELS...'

I saw Nandini leaving the venue and she was on the phone... But, she came back after 5 minutes... We were answering the media and while Cabir was answering I saw Nandini again leave the venue on her phone... I couldn't understand what was wrong... She never did such a thing... she knew it was formal event...

I called up Natasha on stage and asked her to check on Nandini as she did not return to the venue this time for 10 minutes... I was getting restless... Natasha came back to me after 8-10 minutes... She whispered to me...

Natasha- Manik, she has an important call from London... And said there is nothing to worry... she will come in a few minutes...

I finally could breathe after getting that news... The media started to hover on us with professional and personal questions... The photographers came on the front to take shots and I could not see Nandini's table... But I assumed she was back and got busy with answering the media...However, little did I know she didn't come back to the venue hall...

NANDINI'S POINT OF VIEW-

I was stressed with work from last few days and was not able to figure out certain things at workplace... I had asked Priya to keep a check and update me... During the launch event I got calls from my London office and I excused myself... What I heard next left me speechless... I asked them to recheck and call me...

I came and sat inside as I knew Manik will get restless not seeing me around... I got a call again from my office manager in London and I stepped out carrying my clutch this time with me... I quickly took her call and was shocked to get the news from her, which made me worried...

"Hi Sarah... yes... WHAT... How did it happen...No... how is it possible...book the next flight for me..." I had to show urgency in my moves...

"Sarah, patch me right now to Mark... yes... and also get Peter on line... Ya...Ya..." I then turned to find Natasha there and I asked the people on phone to hold for a minute... She told me that Manik was looking for me...

"Natasha, I am leaving right now... Please, please don't tell Manik anything... I have to rush... I need to catch a flight for London... Please don't tell Manik anything... I will call him later..." She promised me she wouldn't... I immediately told Mohan bhaiya to take me home...

"Sarah do the web check in for me... yes I am on my way to home... I'll pick my passport and other stuff and leave for airport... Ok get Mark back on line..."

I quickly reached home and picked up my stuff... I had no time to change but I got rid of my heels... I left with my office bag and a small suitcase for airport... I reached airport in 30 minutes...

I called up my parents and informed them... My name was being called up to board the flight... I tried calling Manik but his phone was not reachable... I tried to message him but it didn't get delivered... I knew how tensed he would get when he won't find me around...But, I had to leave for my flight... And I left for London...

(FLASHBACK ENDS)

MANIK'S POINT OF VIEW-

I kept the laptop aside and stood in the balcony and stared at the stars...

"Nandini... Tumhari liye voh aane wale kuch din aise honge mene socha nahi tha... I wish I could hold your hand and be with you the time you were leaving for London... It was our 1st major hurdle or rather a battle after we got together..."

BAPPA'S LEVEL 3 WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITH HIS KIDS GOING STRONG WITH THEIR RELATIONSHIP...AND NOW LEVEL 4 WAS BROUGHT IN ACTION WHEN NANDINI LEFT FOR LONDON AND MANIK WAS IN THE LAUNCH EVENT...

Wow awesome update...