#THREAD 2 Humsafar...CH 26 Pg 123;PROMO Pg 136.. (5.03.2016) - Page 49

RISHABH RAICHAND : 29 years old... Rishabh was Nandini's elder brother and was the Regional Head of Financial Risk Management in a leading Finance Company. He used to travel a lot due to his designation, but his Princi was someone he loved more than his life. Rishabh always made sure his sister was comfortable wherever she went. His parents were more than happy to see the bond between their kids and were proud of them.

NOTE -

1. It's a fast forward Chapter that will tell you the 1^st Hurdle Manan faced together (On the music launch day Nandini left for London.) It was a time when Manik stood by Nandini and became her support system... The most important aspect of being a HUMSAFAR...

2. SHIVAMANI - he is one of the most famous Percussionist in the world. You may find him in almost all A.R.Rahman tours... He is also one of the fastest drummers and in this story he play's the GURU of CABIR.

3. MTV VM AWARDS : one of the most famous and internationally known music awards in the world. In the present track of this story FAB 5 are the first Indian band to open the awards night.

CHAPTER 23 (A)

I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE...

(PRESENT)

LOCATION : FAB 5 STUDIOS

FAB 5 were jamming with Alka Yagnik, Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam for their upcoming performance at the MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS... It was for the 1^st time that an Indian Band was performing the opening act of the night... There was lot of media coverage for their performance nationally and internationally...

But, FAB 5 had kept their performance under wraps... the other singers were also mum about their performance and how they were integrated in the performance...

Cabir was practicing with his Guru Shivamani, one of the best drummers in the world... He had a big responsibility of getting the percussions right as one wrong move by him could have made the entire act fall flat... Cabir was extremely tensed during his final track practice session...

Cabir- Mani Sir I can't get the speed, everything will fall if I don't give my best... (Almost in tears)...

Shivamani - Cabir, beta you are my best student... the world thinks I am the best drummer, but you are in the process of being the best now. Just focus and keep in mind that you are doing it for your India, for music, for all of us... (Cabir nodded) Good... now let's take the last part of the song again and you need to break 700 -720 single strokes in 60 seconds ok... I'll time you again... 1... 2...3...Go...

Cabir was practicing with Mani Sir and on the other hand the creative team of FAB 5 MUSIC LABELS was busy with chalking out the last minute changes in the track they had composed... MTV had given them the space of around 13-15 minutes for their act. Manik was adamant about a few creative changes and wasn't ready to step down... After lot of heated discussions they were ready with their track and compositions... They all gathered in the studio for their last rehearsal in India as they were leaving for London next afternoon.

The music arranger indicated the musicians to start and the Conductor of the act indicated Cabir to start... Followed by vocals of all singers with Alka Yagnik leading the female choir and, Arijit and Sonu were leading the male choir... The practice session went on for 9 hours until they were at peace they had rehearsed enough for the day... They all were exhausted and hence, made their way to the lounge section of the studio... Sonu Nigam, Alkaji and Arijit were having a chat about the dedication of FAB 5...

Sonu Nigam to Alkaji- I have not seen such dedicated music directors of this generation... Amazing to see their passion and creativity...

Alkaji- Bilkul... Bahut time baad lag raha hai ki... ha we are doing something different... I hope they get their due credit at the Awards... they deserve it...

Everyone called it a day, as they had to catch their flight next day... Manik and Cabir were going together when a senior journalist called up them and asked if they had a few minutes to answer his questions and they agreed...

Reporter- Hi Cabir, thank you... firstly a big congratulations on your 2 nominations at the MTV VM AWARDS... You have made the nation proud... We wanted to know more about the performance....

Cabir- Thanks for the wishes... we will give our best and rest is upto God... There is pressure on us for sure coz we are the 1^st ones to perform from India and it's a big responsibility for us... We can't disclose much about the performance right now...

After the phone call Cabir and Manik headed towards Malhotra Mansion... They had dinner and then Manik called up Sid to enquire about the deal of Nandini's flat and if the papers had come...

Sid- Manik... everything is set and I have got the papers checked and are processed the way you wanted... We just need to sign them once we reach London...

Manik- Thanks Jij's... thank you... let's meet tomorrow... good night...

Manik was packing his cabin suitcase and after placing his necessary things he opened his bedside drawer to get Nandini's photograph...

MANIK'S POINT OF VIEW-

I sat on the bed and caressed her photograph; I kissed her pic and closed my eyes to feel her... I saw her smiling face and it got a smile on my lips... I didn't realize when Cabir came and I opened my eyes when he placed his hand on my shoulder...

"Cabir, I got the flat... Nandini always wanted to buy... Bas London jake mujhe papers sign karne hai... " Cabir smiled and nodded... We both chitchatted for sometime and then we slept...

But, my heart was restless as LONDON was the place where I met Nandini and a lot had happened there...the city had immense importance in our life... I just kept tossing and turning on the bed... I still remember how I had shouted on her when we first met... I never knew that one day she would become my life, my peace... The time we spent together was the most beautiful memories of my life...and with that I unknowingly drifted to sleep...

NEXT DAY, MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ON THE FLIGHT

We all had boarded the flight with our families and I sat with Jij's to discuss about the contractual stuff about the flat... After some time everyone was asleep or were watching movie... I was sitting alone and ordered for a coffee... And I remembered the Music Launch Day when Nandini left for London...

(FLASHBACK STARTS...)

WRITER'S POINT OF VIEW-

Nandini had left for London, as there were crises in her office and in the entire flight all she kept thinking was about the problem she was surrounded with and the next minute she thought about Manik...

NANDINI'S POINT OF VIEW-

I was in the flight trying to figure out how things went wrong and who was responsible for it... I had a doubt about it from a few days and wanted to share it with Manik, but I knew he was tensed for his launch and kept it to myself...

"Manik, I just hope you are fine there... I am sorry... I am sorry..." I ordered for a coffee and then got my files out to try and trace how things might have gone out of control...

Those 12 hours till I reached London were very tough for me as one hand I was surrounded by official crises and on the other hand my heart was paining with the thought that my family and Manik would be tensed for me... I cleared the immigration and then quickly checked my phone to see if I got signal... I got a call from my office and I informed them that I have reached and will be heading towards the hotel near my office... I had no time to go home and freshen up...

Sarah had arranged a car for me and I left for the hotel... My phone was buzzing with official calls and in the entire 50 minutes drive from Heathrow airport to Bank was hectic... I quickly stepped out and did the check in... After entering my room, I took my phone and then quickly called up my parents to inform I was fine and reached... I had asked Dad to help me out with contacts at the Indian Embassy in case I needed something...

Dad- Princi, don't worry beta I'll take care of everything... Will speak to people in the embassy to guide you in case there is a problem ok... Don't worry everything will be fine... and keep me informed ok... I will send Rishabh soon to be with you...

I then called up Manik... Finally his phone connected... "Hello, Manik..."

Manik- Nandini, where the hell are you???? (Tensed) are you fine??? Why did you go like that... Do you now how tensed I was for you... I almost felt I would die...

I could sense he had been looking out for me all this while and now he was in tears... "Manik... Please don't cry... I am fine... There was an emergency so I had to leave... Manik I am sorry ..."

Manik was finally a bit better after I consoled him... I asked him about the launch and how everything went... I could sense his tensed nerves relax after speaking to me...

Manik- Nandini what's the matter... Tell me everything... Dare you hide anything.

I knew it was time to tell him my worries and the mess I could be in if things didn't get cleared on time...

"Manik... There was a client I was working for and I possessed some confidential papers about them... Somehow I was feeling very peculiar about everything around me, I was feeling someone was trying to follow my work and also keep a close watch on what documents I was working with... But, my worry increased a few days back when I found a few important papers missing in my office in India... And, then I asked Priya to be alert and careful... I had informed Mark here about it too..."

Manik- what the hell is wrong with you Nandini...? You were being followed and you didn't tell me... Nandini why didn't you tell me this before...Listen, nothing is more important to me than you, don't you get that?

"Manik I know I am important for you... but, you were so tensed regarding the launch, how could I worry you with my issues... I am sorry I know I should have told you... But, things got worst when the client had sent us a legal notice saying we leaked their new strategy to their rivals... And, the problem is along with my executives I also had the copy of the confidential papers... Manik, I swear I haven't done anything wrong... Please, trust me... (Crying...)... trust me Manik..."

Manik- Nandini please don't cry... I trust you... sachii... I know you will never do such unethical work... Relax I am there with you ok... I have applied for my visa and will take the first flight and come to you... Just take care till then... be strong...

"Manik please you don't have to do it... Rishabh is leaving India today and please you finish your work and then come... Promise me... finish you're recording first for A.R. Rahman sir...I can'r express how I am feeling... You are my strength Manik..."

After speaking to Manik I was feeling a bit relieved and then quickly got ready to leave for office... The embassy people got in touch with me and asked me to get in touch with a lawyer too... I messaged Manik about the updates and he told me that Sid Jij's asked his firm to get in touch with me... I was blessed to have him on my side, as even with the distance he made sure I was feeling ok...

Rishabh reached London the next day and I cried hugging him... "Bhai, I swear I have not done anything... I just don't know why it's happening to me..."

Rishabh- Princi don't cry... I am there na... relax, we'll come out of it soon... We'll fight ok... Don't cry... Let me speak to the Embassy people and I will speak with the lawyer you have hired ok... I am there Princi.

I got busy at office to try and clear my stand and Mark too was luckily on my side... But, the culprit was yet not caught and things were becoming tougher for me day by day... People were floating theories that I might have leaked the documents for money and then resigned from my job so that I didn't get caught...

I was trying to keep my cool and not break down... But, hearing such rumors about me was breaking me from inside... I had always been an honest employee and such allegations were killing me from inside... I just couldn't take it anymore and left office...

I was crying vehemently and then I got Manik's call... " Manik... I can't... I can't take it anymore..." I kept crying continuously on the phone, as I wanted to let my pain out...

Manik- Nandini I am there please don't break like that... You are my strength how can you break... just be strong ok... Where are you right now???

"I am outside my office... please Manik I can't bear this pain anymore... You know what they were saying about me..."

Manik- Nandini firstly stop crying and take a taxi... Ok... I am on the phone... please, for me stop crying...

I got a taxi and Manik was on the phone with me till I reached home... Rishabh had not come till now, as he was busy with the lawyer...

Manik- reached??? Go change Nandini and eat something please... I will call you back...

I don't know why I feared when he asked me to hang up... "No Manik... please be there with me... don't go anywhere please..." He agreed and I changed myself and then got a sandwich to eat while I spoke with Manik...

Manik- good girl... Nandini please, thoda rest kar lo... Chalo soo jao... I'll sing for you ok...

He hummed a few lines for me and that got me a bit relaxed... But I wasn't ready to hang up and I started to tell him what people were saying about me and started crying again...

"Manik I can't... I know I told you not come till your work gets over in India... But, please come... I need you... I need you... I need you Manik..."

MANIK'S POINT OF VIEW-

I was in the recording studio and had finished the recording for Rahman sir... then on the way I called her and she didn't stop crying and her tears were making me go insane... She was broken due to the storm in her life, but still she was thinking of my reputation and work... Yes, she wanted me to do the recording for Rahman sir and then leave...

I was dying with her every tear; the girl who was my support system was breaking in front of me... I asked Nandini to hold for a minute and with my other phone got my tickets booked for the next flight to London...

It was a very difficult phase for both of us, but I knew this time I had to be Nandini's support system... I left for London the same night...

LONDON, 10:30 a.m.

I reached London and headed towards the hotel near Nandini's office. I called up Nandini that I had arrived and she informed me that the enquiry committee had come for questioning. I knew how she felt and I told her all would be fine. I knew I had to do something and prove her innocence. I met her after her office was over and she kept crying in arms... She didn't leave me even for a second and I got to know how much she needed me.

"Nandini, please stop crying... acha listen tell me everything and let's work on how to get you out of this mess..." Nandini told me all the aspects and that she suspected her Senior Manager Steve Hynes to be behind all this. I called up a few people I knew and also asked them to investigate the matter unofficially for me.

The investigation started and with that a few days passed by. My team was busy in getting evidences against Steve.

I was waiting for her outside her office as always when I saw her brother too was there. Nandini had not seen Rishabh and she came towards me and hugged me tightly. Rishabh looked at us with a shocked expression.

I whispered in Nandini's ear... "Nandini... Rishabh..." She suddenly left me and looked at her brother who was equally shocked after seeing us together. She looked at me and I assured it would be fine... We both approached Rishabh and then Nandini went to her brother...

Nandini- Bhai voh... He is Manik Malhotra...

Rishabh- (shocked yet angry) I can see that Princi...

Nandini- Bhai he is my very close friend and is here to help me out. Infact our lawyer also is from his Jij's firm.

Rishabh's gaze was on me and I knew that brotherly look on his face was ready to shred me into pieces, but he controlled himself. I stretched my hand and introduced myself... Finally he smiled and we all headed towards a cafe nearby...

We all chatted for sometime and then the brother-sister duo left. I was about to leave for my hotel when Rishabh came back to me...

Rishabh- Thanks for helping us... Manik she is my sister, I hope you will never forget that... I can't see her upset ever... ... Hope you understood.

I nodded and then looked at Nandini who was standing at a distance. Of course I understood the brotherly warning he gave me.

Slowly within 4-5 days we all three used to meet quite often and Rishabh's attitude for me began to change as he saw how much I cared for Nandini. He invited me over for dinner, as it was the night just before Nandini's final appearance before the Committee.

I reached their home and Nandini opened the door for me... I looked around and didn't see Rishabh and quickly kissed on her cheeks and she blushed. We all sat to have dinner and for the first time I saw Nandini a bit relaxed.

Rishabh -you guys talk till then Princi I will go and study the arguments for the last time those are prepared for your defense. Princi please make coffee for me.

She smiled and headed towards the kitchen and I followed her. She was busy with preparing coffee for us and I kept staring at her... I noticed how pale she had become with all the stress in her life. My heart pained to see her weak smile and promised myself to prove her innocence with proof. She went to give coffee to her brother and I called up my investigation team to know if they could trace something...

"Guys did you find anything, tomorrow is Nandini's last appearance before the Committee..." They informed that they were close to trace the email chain and bank transactions between Steve Hynes and the rival company. I asked them to speed up, as the trial in the office will start at 1:30p.m.

I didn't realize when Nandini came to me with coffee... "Sab thik hoga Nandini, trust me... " She smiled and placed her head on my chest... "Kya baat hai bahut pyar aa raha hai mujhe pe... Hhmmm... (she smiled) tumhare bhai ne dekh liya na toh he'll throw me THAMES..."She looked at me and hit me on my chest. I kept the coffee mug and took her in my embrace and we forgot the world.

D- DAY , 1:15 p.m. NANDINI'S OFFICE

I was sitting in the visiting lounge of her office as only one person was allowed to go inside with Nandini. Rishabh was going through the final check for Nandini's papers with the lawyer. I saw Nandini was trembling with fear and knew I had to speak to her... I went and took her with me in the room near visiting lounge. Before she could say something I hugged her tight. I wanted to take all her pain and worries... I knew she was crying and I comforted her... I made her look into my eyes...

"Nandini I am with you forever... always... What the world says I don't care... aaj kya hoga... I don't care... but I will be with you... MANIK MALHOTRA will stand by you always..." She smiled and nodded... She hugged me again and held me tightly. I kissed her forehead and I don't know why but I saw that confidence in her eyes after so many days.

We both went to the visiting lounge and I wished her and Rishabh ALL THE BEST... They left for the conference hall where the final Hearing was being conducted.

I was praying to her BAPPA to help her today... My phone beeped and it was the investigation team I had appointed... I was shocked to hear them..."Hi... What... please come soon... Ya... Thanks..." My team had finally traced the bank transaction details between Steve and the rival company. I was just hoping that they come with the proof before the trial gets over.

Two hours had passed by and I knew it should be now Nandini's turn to present her defense... I kept praying and then I saw the investigation team had come with proof. I went upto the conference hall but was stopped by the security. I requested them that I had proof for Nandini's defense. After a lot of discussion they allowed me to handover the papers to our lawyer who came out.

I quickly told him about the evidence and he gave a victorious smile...

LAWYER- Manik, you don't know what you have done... Everything will now be in our favour... Wait and see how I turn tables...

He smirked and then he quickly left for conference hall. An hour more passed by and my stress levels were rising... I went outside Nandini's office as my parents had called from India to know what was happening as they were also worried for Nandini...

NANDINI'S POINT OF VIEW-

Our lawyer went outside as Manik had called him and then came with a few papers. He started presenting the facts with a new line of arguments. I was completely shocked by the turn of events as we were in a very bad position before that. He started presenting the facts with the proofs that Manik's investigation team had gathered in my defense...

LAWYER- Sir, here are the copy of the bank transactions that took place between Steve Hynes and the rival company. Also, this is a copy of property papers that the company gifted Steve in Dubai.

Everyone in the room was shocked to hear such details as no one had expected Steve to do such a thing... Steve's lawyer tried to cross-question the facts and our lawyer was quick enough to put the authenticity of the evidence.

Finally after an hour of arguments the Enquiry Committee announced...

ENQUIRY HEAD- After considering all defenses and evidences I have come to a conclusion that Mr. Mark and Miss Nandini have nothing to do with this case. And, the allegations on Mr. Steve show that a legal suite needs to be filed against him for fraudulence. Hence, we free Mr. MARK AND Miss NANDINI from all allegations and are extremely sorry for all the trouble they had to go through. They can file a case for mental harassment against the company or against Mr. Steve.

When I heard I was acquitted of all charges I just couldn't believe and I just kept crying... I hugged Rishabh tightly and then thanked our lawyer. I knew this was all possible because of one person and I wanted to give this news to him.

"Bhai I'll be back..." People were trying to congratulate me but I ran from there and went to visiting lounge but Manik was not there. I enquired at the reception about him and they told me that he left the building a few minutes back. I ran outside the office like a maniac. I was looking around and then I saw him speaking on the phone with his back towards me.

I smiled and tears kept running on my cheeks... I walked to him and made him look at me... He turned and I slammed my lips on his... Yes, I kissed Manik...

MANIK'S POINT OF VIEW-

I turned and Nandini slammed her lips on mine... I was completely shocked by her action, but she kept on kissing me and then I gave in too... We both were kissing each other madly... We weren't ready to break the kiss and I held more close to me... We broke our kiss when we heard a few giggles around us... We both looked around, as we were embarrassed on our action... Nandini dug her face in my chest and held me tightly... Everyone passing by gave us a THUMPS UP... And I smiled back warmly holding Nandini close to me.

"Not bad Nandini hhmmm broad day light mein you kissed me... Am I dreaming..." She looked at me with her innocent eyes and smiled... I kissed her forehead and wiped the tears that were meandering on her cheeks...

Nandini- Manik we won... We won...

We both hugged each other tightly... Our happiness had no limit... I held Nandini's waist and pulled her close to me... We both were passionately looking into each other eyes and then I took Nandini's lips again for a gentle soulful kiss and she tightly held my blazer for support... Yes we again kissed in broad daylight on the pathway outside her office. We didn't care about the world, as we were lost in each other...

But, there was someone who witnessed this...

(FLASHBACK ENDS...)

PRESENT- ON THE FLIGHT

My thoughts were disturbed when a girl of about 10-11 years old came to me for an autograph and I gave it to her with a smile...

Originally posted by: readerforever

Heyyy

I just came across your story few days back...

I had my exams going on so I was looking for some stressbuster short story but found your ff !!!

It is so amazing !!!

The day I got free , I read the entire story in one go !!!

It is fab !!!

Concept is very different and the characters have been penned beautifully !!!

Very excited to know where nandini is !!!

Update soon !!!

And yeah just saw it's your birthday today

Happy birthday

Stay blessed!!!

Originally posted by: kimnana

lovely update ...read ur story in one go

commenting for last update ...ur friend pm me this link

manan r meant to be together

they love each other

bur she is in london for few months ..they r missing each other badly

what happened ...

update soon

Hey di,

u really nailed it. .

What a tough time she must have gone through. .

Again a cliffhanger. .

Gosh who saw them. .

I wont mind killing the one who parted manan as in HUMSAFAR. .

Pyar k dushmano. .huh. .

Nandu kitna royi yar. .

It would have been tough for her such a mess it was. .

Manik stood beside her was the great thing. .

Continue soon. .

Love,
Drashti

Hello hello ... After a long time 😊, glad you are back with your beautiful story. I love it as always. Very interesting turns. Keep writting and do things that makes you happy and others happy too.

Oh god.. I loved it.. Especially the kiss.. Woww. Its just beautiful

Loved the update!!!

Awww Manik flew over to be with and support Nandini! Was too cute!!

Glad it was sorted!! Nandini kissed Manik was the best part!!


Can't wait to read more, update soon!:)

Wow amazing update..

Originally posted by: Lizbeth

Oh god.. I loved it.. Especially the kiss.. Woww. Its just beautiful