~KYY Romantic OS Contest Voting~

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Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

Salaam Namaste all you wonderful Kyyians out there!

Here, we are back with the voting round of the most amazing contest we have had the Romantic OS Contest.

What this post will entail is that read the entries in the posts below and drop ur reviews in the thread itself and rate 3 best of all through pm.

Below are some rules/outlines that you may follow and it should help you rate. Please keep them in mind while rating:

Rules:

All reviews should be posted in this thread and this thread only.
Ratings need to be PMed to me (mishshergill) by April 28th, 2016 11:59 PM IST. No ratings are to be posted in this thread.
Please rate a story out of 10 based on originality, how close it matched the plot, and creativitiy.

They will be rated on the following criteria -

*The Title

*Ambience

*Concept

*Language

*Topic relevance ie how creatively and impactfull theme word ( DIAMOND RING/ strawberry) has been used.

*Impact of the OS on the whole

Keeping all this in mind I hope you will read the one shots and rate all the entries through pm to me (mishshergill)

To drop ur reviews

Comment on this post stating clearly the TITLE of the OS. You may/may not give a detailed comment on why you like the OS. [ Though giving one will be appreciated both by us as well as the writers ]

To Rate the entries

Rate 3 best entries out of 10 and pm your rating to me (mishshergill)
Participants can too rate the entries except from their own and pm me the ratings

Avoid multiple ratings from different accounts - we will find out if you do create an MID to vote.
Avoid any type of advertising for this round, if we happen to find out then your entry will be disqualified right away without any questions.
You must not rate for your own entry because if you do, your ratings on the whole won't be counted.

So what are you waiting for? Go on and rate.

All The Best to all participants!

Regards

MishShergill and KYY Development team

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

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Frequent Posters

Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #1

|| THE LOVE LETTER||

"you must be wondering even this letter belongs to you ?? yes it do because my heart belongs to you ... it belongs to you and will always do because it was only you who made me realised that there is something in my body named heart which exist , because it beat for the first time when it came across you .

Now you must be thinking who i am ?

I am Manik Malhotra or to be more precise i am your Manik , simply yours.

When i came in this college all i knew was i am coming here for music . i came to make a path to reach my destination and that was purely music but fortunately or unfortunately my path remained same but my destination changed

From music to you ...

From dream to love ...

From passion to possession ..

From wish to want ...

But one thing remained same and that was from heart to heart . music was my heart and so became you ...

I still remember the day , when i went to library to collect my guitar strings and my eyes fell on you . you were dressed in a burqa , covered from head to toe but your eyes , the only way to your heart was visible to me ...and those big doe eyes covered with kohl , reflecting your beautiful smile hidden under the black cloth but still that smile poured in my heart the want to see your face at that very moment . you were standing there , maybe collecting your vina holding a strawberry basket in your hand talking to your friend .

From that day my priority changed , my destination changed . Of coming to library , for my guitar strings to misplace your veena strings , in hope to see you more ..to feel you more ... to posses you more .

One day you didn't came to college , my eyes wandered in every possible direction to get a mere look of your eyes but my heart suffered immense disappointment on not locating you .. that day i realised that it was not just my attraction but my addiction to you . i digged out your address and went to see you . i waited outside your home , sitting on the bench for many hours , just to get a mere look of you . maybe my mind and body had given up a long time back but my heart was still ready to sit there till eternity . finally i got a glimpse of a girl standing in her room showing her back to me . that day you wasn't wearing a burqa but a simple salwar kammez . i thought maybe my wait for seeing your mesmerizing eyes was going to be worth it . i felt like finally i will be able to see your beautiful face . And you finally turned but, as soon as i was able to capture your eyes , a bus passed from the front and when again i tried to locate you , you was there for no longer . i went back with a little disappointment yet with satisfaction .

Stalking you had became my favourite hobby since i saw you and in my life it was my only hobby on which i don't have my own control . stalking you from the library to your veena classes , from main stage to back stage , following you just like your shadow or maybe more precisely then that . my places to stalk you changed but those strawberry baskets in your hand didn't . i wonder why you always take strawberries along with you everywhere ... this was the most mysterious case for me , the one which i wanted to solve .

On the college fest i decided to confess all my feelings to you . i decided to speak everything ..every damn thing to you because that time my heart was not able to keep those feeling inside it for more long . it was already filled with so much of love to you ..and to keep those feelings inside it for more time was not possible for me.

I came in the green room hiding myself from the world and saw your door was slightly open . i thought to knock but when your voice fell in my ears , i was not able to control myself more. I peeped inside lost in the melody , you were talking to those strawberries and your side face was visible to me and thankfully your face was not covered . my biggest fantasy of seeing you completed that day partially . and what grabbed my attention the most was your lips , those luscious lips covered with red hue lipstick licking , strawberry's juicy drop . you were eating strawberries and probably was making the most cute faces .

I was about to enter inside but then unfortunately and to my bad luck i listened your friend calling you and i was forced to rush outside .

And now , i am just left with an option of writing this letter to you , maybe you can count it as an excuse but yeah i except that i don't have the courage to come in front , not because i am afraid of you but i am afraid of receiving that reaction, that my heart will not be able to suffer.

I don't know how you are going to react after reading this and i don't even bother about it but this stupid heart do.

I want to get lost in your eyes , and never wish to come back though

I want to swim in your eyes so deep , so deep ...that even your eyes fail to admit my presence in them .

I want to dive in your eyes till eternity .. because they reflect your heart .

I want your eyes to speak more and more because they are the epitome of your gorgeous smile.

I want to be the tear of your eyes and would never dread to leave them for even a second .

I want to stare your eyes all my life because i know they are the most precious and beautiful gift of god to this world .

I want to kiss your eyes because i know i will be kissing your heart ...

Alas i want to be that strawberry to you which you will carry with you till eternity ...!

I don't know , where and when i fell in love with you and i don't even wish to know because i know i am never going to regret this . at last i would not say I LOVE YOU because that can never reflect my immense love for you ...

Wishing to be your strawberry

Waiting for your answer

LOVE ,

YOUR MANIK , ONLY YOURS ! "

Nandini read the letter admist her tears standing in the college garden , her eyes showing the immense joy of her pure heart . She had waited for this day from so long. she had waited for him to confess. She should have been fearful about knowing and watching some unknown face stalking her, observing her from far but she never felt that for him.

And now no longer he was an unknown face... She knew his face and his eyes was wandering in her search and now he was a known one to her even without having a single word exchange.

One day when he didn't come behind her though it was just for a single time and that too partially , she missed his presence ...she missed him. She didnt wanted to accept it then , and moreover she never wanted to open that door of her heart knowing her boundaries and limitations.

But she had never imagined even in her most beautiful dreams that her silent stalker will turn into her silent lover.

She was confused in the tug of war between her mind and her heart from so long but today after this letter she wants to fall harder than ever for it and experience it to the fullest even if she has to regret it later she won't complain. But somewhere she know that it might turn into most beautiful thing happened to her, you never know.

She turned around exactly knowing where he was standing,just like daily he do and for the first time directly looking into his hopeful eyes , she removed the veil from her face ,breaking his longing and indicating the submission of her heart to him .

ENTRY NO #2

|| ALWAYS & FOREVER ||

Nandini was in her terrace and star gazing when her phone started ringing and as expected it was her Romeo Malhotra. She accepted the call all the while smiling and blushing hard which followed with a frowny face after receiving the call.

"Come down fast. I'm waiting"

She leaned forward to look whether Manik was there or not and expectedly he was right there, standing and leaning back in his cars. He had his all time famous smirk on his face, knowing what she would be thinking and also knowing what was coming next.
Nandini came and stood infront of him with her angry-bird mode on which made Manik chuckle.

"Manik what are you doing here. Go away."

Expected. Nandini Moorthy had to always shoo away The Manik Malhotra whenever he visited her this late but that didn't change a bit of Manik's plan. He knew she won't stop cribbing and complaining so he just grabbed her arms lightly yet firmly and made her sit in the car.

He went and joined her in the car and ignited the car to make their way towards his surprise for her but not before blindfolding her.

"What is this Manik? Where are we going?" she asked him with voice reflected her impatience and annoyance.

"I hope you understand the meaning of surprise, so stay quite." Manik patiently replied.

After almost a drive of 45 minutes, Manik stopped the car and came out of it. He went and opened Nandini's seat door, took her hands in his and helped her out of the car . They were holding their hands while walking towards Manik's chosen surprise spot.

With each passing minute and step Nandini's curiosity was growing. She was being restless as well as excited for the surprise. She kept nudging Manik and asking about his surprise only to hear for being patient.

Finally after a walk of about 10 minutes, they reached the place. Manik made her stand still and opened her blindfold.

She was becoming more and more excited to see the surprise but when she looked at the surroundings, she went numb. She was standing in the backyard of Space Academy. All those memories which she always wanted to forget flashed in front of her. She wanted to walk out of that place but couldn't. Her legs, her body was not co-operating with her mind.

Having no other way out and unable to search for the answer to her unspoken questions, she turned towards Manik with eyes full of sorrow, pain and lots of questions.

Understanding her inner turmoil, Manik took few steps closer and stood by her side. He embraced her in a side-hug cocooning her in his warmth of love. He knew she was looking for answers and he was ready to answer her.

"Nandini.." Manik grabbed her attention with his soft and love filled voice.

Nandini looked towards Manik and he continued, "This place only reminds you of those worst memories of our journey. Its been 4 years and still you didn't forget that night. I'm sorry for what I did. You must be wondering why I brought you her. Lets make new and beautiful memories so that whenever you think about this place, only the best of the memories comes into your mind."
The content smile, his glowing face, sparkling eyes made her heart delighted, but still those tears, those painful words somewhere pinched her.

"Manik.." She took his name ever so softly. She tried to speak further but his finger on her lips shushed her. Manik arching his eyebrows and holding her chin with his fingers moved her head to make her look at the direction he wanted to.

What she saw in front of her eyes brought an ear to ear smile. She was surprised, overwhelmed, delighted, elated and all the other synonyms of happiness. She ran towards that fascinating and overwhelming surprise of his and stared at it with all her love.

"Will you marry me?" the board enlightened with starry golden lights, glowing like fireflies in front of her expressed what Manik wanted to.

She looked around to have a clear view of the place. A gazebo of the design of a cage was set in the middle of the yard. It was draped with golden small twinkling starry lights, spreading its golden light to enlighten there world. At the four corners of the gazebo, there were jars of fireflies hanged which were glowing to celebrate their pure eternal and blissful love.

The entire place looked so dreamy and beautiful like a heaven that Nandini's heart skipped a beat realizing the depth of her man's love and the things he can do to make her smile, to make her feel special.

But what was the need of this? He really didn't need to do this. There were o many questions, so many queries going on in her mind. So much of curiosity and not being able to cope up, she turned towards Manik and with an amused smile as well as confused tone asked, "But Manik, why all these?"

Manik was happy seeing his shining star shining ever so brightly with happiness. He felt proud on himself to be the reason of her smile and prayed for her smile to always be there on her face, sand sealed his prayer with a sigh of contentment.

"Nandini, I know it's of know use proposing your own would-be-wife a night before marriage, but still I wanted to do this. I wanted to let you know what you actually mean to me. This is the very place where I had denied my feelings for you and so no other place seemed so perfect to me to confess my love for you. "

There was something in his voice which made her heart flutter. She knew how much she meant to him and vice versa. She knew he stills feels guilty for hurting her and regretted for causing so much pain to her.

She was so overwhelmed that she couldn't believe her own eyes. She wanted to assure herself that it was one of those blissful nights spent with him.

Manik took her into the gazebo and made her stand in between a heart made of red rose petals. She was so busy in admiring the setup that she did not notice when Manik knelt down in front of her. When she done with her gazing, she looked at Manik's side.

But where was he?

Suddenly her eyes lowered and that's when she noticed Manik kneeling down, holding a sparkling, classy and beautiful heart shaped diamond ring between his fingers, and gaping at her so intently and passionately. His eyes was filled with so many emotions, specially love, pure blissful love which was only and only for her, that for a moment she lost her herself in those magical eyes.
"Nandini"

Her trance got broken by his husky voice which were capable to pass thousand volts of current down her spine. His voice felt like an magnetic attraction which slowly, slowly made her turn towards him.

"Nandini" he continued speaking in the same husky, passionate tone, "I can't make flowery speeches," and I wouldn't even if I could. I won't whimper at your feet like a love stricken puppy. I won't write poetry for you . I don't intend to change my manners or my way of life, but if you'll have me, Nandini, I'd be obliged if you'd marry me.

Nandini, I've always been a monster, THE MONTER MANIK MALHOTRA until the day you entered in my and completely changed it, changed me for a good. Your firefly's glow, the light of your love, care, innocence and your emotions shone brightly in my world, in my life as the most brightest star. My personal star.

You've always trusted me, shined for me. I have always been in your prayers. But now I'll be a firefly in your life and always glow your you, always glow to celebrate our love, to celebrate MaNan.

A moment without you seems like ages to me. Your tears hurt me more than your pain hurts you. You've always given me all the love which I have longed for. Now I promise you that there will be no start and no end of my day without my guardian angel. I can't even imagine a second without your presence in my life.

So Miss. Nandini Moorthy, will you do me the honour of spending your precious time by spending with it me? Will you life be my life partner? Will you marry me, be the mother of my child, grandmother of their child and grow old with me?"

That was indeed a long speech but what he confessed from his heart touched her heart and made it flutter with immense joy. She could bet and say that at that moment she was the most happiest girl on this earth and the most lucky too.
She was so much touched with his words that words were finding difficulty to make their way out. She knelt down in front of him, cupped his cheeks and slowly placed her lips on his to kiss him as a substitute of saying yes to him.
The kiss was slow yet passionate. The kiss showed how much she was touched with those words. The kiss was of love, pure magical, blissful love which they shared. There was no hurry, no desperation, no lust but only and only love.

Nandini was so overwhelmed with his words that tiny beads of crystal, that is her tears, made their way out, kissing her cheeks. She couldn't hold back her emotions anymore then. She went on kissing him ever so passionately and delicately expressing all her feelings. Manik was taken aback with this sudden kiss but it took few seconds for him to respond back.

In between their kiss Manik slid the diamond ring in her right hand ring finger and Nandini smiled to his this gesture still kissing him.

They were kissing and only kissing. No love bites, no dominance, but only passionate lip to lip kiss. But all of a sudden Nandini broke that kiss.

At first Manik was confused but then looking at her face and the surrounding a small smile crept on his face.

They were lovingly surrounded by fireflies celebrating their love. The fireflies were glowing with lights just like Manik and Nandini's face was glowing with happiness.
Nandini ran out of the gazebo and came out to see the fireflies, to watch them celebrate their true love. She started twirling around and playing with the fireflies.

She was trying to catch a firefly and hold jt between her palms but while jumping her legs slipped. She closed her eyes in fear of fallen down and kissing the ground when two strong , muscular hand held her securely close to him.

She smiled realising who it was and with the fact that he once again protected her like always.

But her smile grew even more bigger and wider when she heard him say, "I will never let you fall

She opened her eyes and saw him staring at her with so much of love and desire. She blushed to the darkest shade of crimson. She turned her face sideways to hide her flushed face when she saw a shooting star.

She squealed out of joy and excitement and said, 'Manik...Manik...see shooting star. Lets wish"

"I have nothing to wish Nandini as I have got what I always wished for and its you, my shinning star." She heard him say these word ever so lovingly. At that moment, she was on cloud nine, but still she had to complain to him for not listening to her.

"Manik come on. You never listen to me. Now please wish" she said with a tinge of annoyance in her pleasant voice.

He chuckled with the thought that even after being annoyed she always sounded and looked so cute.

Manik caught hold of her hand and entwined their fingers. Nandini looked towards Manik with a content smile and made her grip on his hands stronger. Both turned to look at the sky full of twinkling diamond like stars and closed their eyes.

They were happy. They were content. They were at peace and feeling was blissful. There was an never ending smile on their face as they both silently wished for their togetherness, as they wished for their infinity, ALWAYS & FOREVER.

ENTRY NO #3

|| A Love Like That...||

Love is probably the strangest emotion in the world. When in love we often do things which comes across sounding stupid but we still do without a reason but just hope...

We see a railway station not very crowded probably belongs to one of those cities where the people are not very eager to either run away from or come back to. It is almost dusk, the night is preparing to engulf and we see a pretty young girl occupying a lone bench engrossed in her book. She lifts her head and looks at her watch restlessly and loses into her thoughts nibbling the edge of the book with her lip when suddenly a tall and lean guy appears in front of her from nowhere.

"Pheww!!! Finally found you...I had to look through the entire platform to get you", he panted in vigorously anchoring his hands on either side of his hips.

The girl looked at him with puzzled eyes. The surety that the guy spoke with made her think if she knew him but her memory hardly helped her. The guy read the confusion in her eyes and started again.

"Ohkay I see I don't ring a bell but may be this can", he held up a baby pink coloured hand bag in front of her, "You left it in the cab that we were sharing...I had to come back 5 kilometers to return this to you but... you don't ...seem to be very... thankful about it", he stretched the last part a little more nodded his head at a sluggish pace in a dejected tone.

The girl instantly became conscious and straightened herself, "Oh yeah..I am sorry I keep forgetting things...silly habit of mine...thank you very much", she smiled generously and took the bag. The guy looked for any further gestures but the girl had already gone back into her book. He stood there in front of her for a moment to try to garner her attention and finally settled beside her. The girl shifted a little to keep the distance intact and a sly smile played on his lips. He really wanted to hit a conversation but hardly got any leads. He cleared his throat, coughed even stretched his limbs to grab her attention but she made sure she didn't give in.

He huffed and made a direct attempt, "Hi I am Manik Malhotra..I am basically from Mumbai but these days I am here for a project", he introduced himself confidently. She spared a formal smile and a slight nod. He wouldn't have mind bragging more about his work profile but her cold reply cut him off in between. He fidgeted with his phone for a bit while she drowned herself back into the book and he struck again.

"Which book is this? The cover kind of looks boring", he shrugged with an I know it all attitude but again a zero response.

Not belonging to the patient species he poked again, "Its kindda late are you waiting for someone?..I mean I am sure you know its not very safe for girls to hang around at such places at this hour that too alone", he suggested trying to sound like those old uncles in the family who love to lecture at least thrice a day to the younger generation.

His question kind of confused her, she zoned into a thought but soon realised that she shouldn't be bothering to reply to a stranger. She smiled again but this time a little wider with a sarcastic touch somewhat to indicate that it was time for him to stop bugging her and leave her alone.

He paused looking at her disturbed face but in the next moment started again, he went on and on regarding the people, the weather and pollution in the city, global warming and what not much to the irritation of the girl. Meanwhile a few stall owners and onlookers witnessed the unwary conversation between the two yet decided to stay away. Her indifferent reaction was bothering Manik so he came up with something else, he slowly reached his hand inside her bag.

"Do you mind if I?", Manik tried to take something out of the handbag and she pulled the bag off immediately and Manik had a box in his hand.

"Listen can you please stop it right there... we don't know each other and I am not at all inclined in striking conversations with strangers", she stated irritably and stood up to leave.

"Chill yaar..I was just getting these", he held a box of strawberries up that he had taken out of her bag and munched on one, " and why strangers??..we are not strangers..we travelled together for half an hour in the cab and have been sitting on this very bench for the last 10 minutes " , he justified and offered her to have some but she was pissed off with his over friendly behaviour and decided to move out of there.

She hurled mute abuses and walked out of there but no sooner had she reached the exit gateway her heart thumped. It wasn't that she saw something unusual but the new environment scared her. It was new and alien to her. She saw a few robust looking men eyeing at her. She tried to cross through them but they swiftly came forward and blocked her way. The sane part in her sensed danger and immediately stepped back and went back in, an irritating not so stranger was far better than 4 horrible looking men.

She hurried inside and found Manik sitting on the very bench comfortably with his legs stretched. She reached him and he spared a glance at her. Both gave the other the chance to speak and finally he initiated.

"You wanna sit", Manik eyed her upset face as she stood in front of him fidgeting with the strap of the bag and slowly pulled his legs down and offered the box to her again, "Kha lo..tumhare hi hain"

She sulked irritably and picked one, "Why are you still here? I guess you were going somewhere else", and sat down beside him.

"Umm I was but then I sensed you need me more", he said with genuine concern and glanced at the entrance and reminded her of the extra fast pace that she took while coming back to him. Of course it was difficult to digest; his cynical comments were getting on her nerves after all it was her who had made it clear that she didn't want to mingle with strangers. She again picked herself up to move to another bench but tripped in between her legs. It happened with her quite often when she was nervous or annoyed; her body somehow went out of control. Manik quickly grabbed her arm to stop her from falling.

"Nandini!!!", he uttered in immediate reflex. The name struck her hard and she quickly protested his touch on her. Manik got annoyed this time and pulled her to him with a jerk. She stumbled and fell on his chest stopping right before his lips with her hands tracing his ribs and also feeling his heart throb harder. They were so close that she could actually listen to his heartbeat. It was probably the first time that she looked at him so closely and so carefully.

Strangely he looked familiar, his eyes were so known, that lop sided smile, that naughty pout, she knew that sweet fragrance of his. There was something about him that so known and identifiable yet mysterious. Manik let her be like that, he so desired to see the softness in her eyes that didn't have any confusions or questions. Their lips were at rest and it was on their eyes to do the talking.

A sudden announcement for an arriving train broke their trance and she pulled herself up. Even though there were not many on lookers yet it was embarrassing to be clinging like that to a stranger. She had almost forgotten that she had a functioning pair of limbs and slouched on him completely somewhat rightfully. Manik helped her to stand but there was an obstruction again, her hair strands got entangled in his button. While she squirmed and tried to free them, Manik couldn't help his mute giggles and finally joined in to help her.

"Do you keep tripping and getting into problem like this?", he asked with a crooked smile and she flushed, "Then I guess I will have to be around all the time", he teased more looking at her embarrassed face. She looked away tugging her free and frizzy hair strands behind her ears.

"Okay fine I am sorry...I promise I will behave but lets be friends at least...I will help you get back home", he stretched his hand out for a deal and she took a moment before sliding her hand into his and he clasped it tight. He was still a stranger but somehow she wanted to trust him. His talks, his teases reminded her of someone. She wasnt sure of whom exactly but someone close.

Manik munched in another strawberry from the box and she gawked at his face innocently. They looked at the display boards there train was scheduled to arrive in sometime.

"I...I need some water", she palmed her throat nervously avoiding eye contact with him. Manik smiled to see that she made her first attempt in talking but slowly the smile faded as she looked away yet again. He nodded and walked to a nearby tea stall and she followed him steadily. Manik bought a bottle of mineral water and a cigarette packet. Another man at the stall looked at them suspiciously; in fact he had been noticing their wayward activities for a while now. He wanted to intrude in between but the stall owner had stopped him.

Her brows arched up in discomfort, "You smoke??", she asked as Manik was about to light it up.

"Why..you don't want me to?...Then stop me", he chuckled and dragged a long whiff and puffed it right on her face at the very moment. She coughed and moved a little away and Manik immediately put out his cigarette and held her.

"Is that how you behave with a girl?", the other man immediately put down his empty cup and marched towards Manik and stood between the two of them.

Manik chipped in an annoying glare when the man tried to touch his girl but before matter worsened the stall owner came and pulled the man away.

"This is ridiculous..why are you stopping me? Don't you see how this guy is troubling her since then? We need to stop that guy before he tried to take ill advantage of her", he sounded genuinely concerned.

"He won't..yes he won't...no matter how hard he tries he can never hurt her..even if he wants to", the stall owner looked at the man thoughtfully who looked confused instead, "that girl over there is my daughter.. Nandini and that guy with her.. He is her husband...Manik...look at them and tell me do you really think he can ever hurt her", the disguised stall owner directed and the man again shifted his focus on the two.

Manik splashed cold water on Nandini's face while she grabbed him tight. He made her sit on the bench and kneeled down before her to check if she was okay. Nandini looked irritated at his concern because apparently it was him who troubled her but still didn't lose her grip on him.

"Last year around this time she met with a gruesome accident in this very railway station thereafter she has been suffering from a rare amnesiac syndrome where she loses her memory after every few days...it was just 3 months that they had got married Manik would have easily left her and moved on in his life..I wouldn't have had any complaints but he chose to be by her side every single time she faltered, every time she struggled to fight with her past and present, he suffers equally or should I say more every time when he fights with destiny to make her recall him..they had met each other under similar circumstances in a railway station and every time she loses her memory he strives to resurrect similar situations to help her come back to him "

They looked at Manik and Nandini standing near the bench. The train was arriving on the platform and Nandini had turned around and clutched Manik's jacket and shut her eyes, she could never see a moving train, she felt nauseated. The train slowed down and stopped, the two of them were lost in the crowd and within themselves when they felt a slight jostle and realized that they needed to board the train as well. They got on the train with Manik holding her hand protectively, the train started moving and suddenly Nandini remembered something.

"My strawberries..", she gasped at the mention of them and without a thought tried to get down the slowly moving train. She felt a strong catch on her head the moment she saw the moving platform, her head spun and she lost control but before her foot could feel the ground, she felt a strong clasp on her wrist and was pulled inside.

"Manikk!!", she shrieked in fear with her eyes shut and her face shoved into his chest.

"Are you crazy Nandini???..kuch ho jata toh", he banged into her eardrums in a shrilling voice grabbing her arms tight. That name rang a bell now, it sounded so much familiar more so because he addressed her with the name...again. Yes she was Nandini.. his Nandini. She raised her head and looked into those familiar pair of eyes and memories flashed in front of her eyes.

She recognised him it was Manik... her Manik, the very person who she loved more than her life. She remembered how they had accidentally met with each other in the railway station after she had left her box of strawberries in a cab that they had taken together, after an initial dislike they became friends when Manik rescued her from some roadside rouges.

It was strawberries that Manik had proposed her with instead of an ideal ring and that is what he used to call her. Her chubby cheeks would turn strawberry red whenever she blushed or was angry on him and strawberries always came in handy to pacify her. Their love was blessed and they got married soon after.

That day was their 3 month anniversary and she was waiting for Manik in the platform .Nandini was upset with him because he was late, stuck at work and to calm her down he had sent her a box of strawberries. She was annoyed so she left them and boarded the train but no matter how much upset she was with him she could never possibly take it out on the very thing that signified their love..the strawberries. In a hurry she tried to get down from the moving train and accidentally hit her head massively against an iron pillar and their life was never the same after that incident.

Nandini zoned out of the noises running in her head and looked at Manik who was waiting for her to look at him.

"Manik", she whispered softly registering the name and the value of the person in her life.

He finally smiled contently as the tinkling sound of his name from her mouth reached his ears, "I thought this time you wouldn't remember me", he brushed her cheeks affectionately and she kept gawking at his wearied face, "And sorry for the cigarette..wo you hated it na when I used to smoke..I thought you would slap me instantly and maybe you would remember but it didn't work...Sorry!!", he admitted sheepishly shrugging his shoulder.

The train honked and blew whistles as the two love birds leaned near the gate lost in each others warmth. Nandini brushed her hand over his heart and it was beating at normal pace because she was back to him.

"Why do you do this to yourself Manik?...it hurts to see you like this please move on in your life...I shall remain like this god knows for how long ...it kills me to see you in so much pain...I can feel how broken are you from inside but you still fake that smile for me", she suggested selflessly and Manik could just chuckle at her same proposition for the nth time.

"Bas yahi baat bolna nahi bhoolti tum...Moving on without you was never an option Nandini...it always had to be US...together..it doesn't matter even if I have to do it every single day...doesn't matter if I have to replay and redo the same things again and again because it's for you...its only you with whom I can move on in my life", he confessed looking into her eyes intently and pressed her closer to his heart.

His love reflected in her smile, "Why do you love me so much Manik?", she asked with innocent curiosity in her eyes.

"Umm you can call that a manufacturing defect", he chuckled slyly and she pouted annoyingly.

"I love you because I love you...I don't know if there is any reason or any justification for that...probably my love is like that", Manik spoke over her lips that had already curved to form a beautiful smile, "... and don't worry I still have what you need ", he smiled craftily looking at Nandini and drew a strawberry out of his pocket. Well she had to thank that too. She softly kissed the strawberry in his hand and then pulled Manik in for a passionate soulful kiss as a thank you to let her have a love like that.

ENTRY NO #4

|| The Blue Envelope ||

The first time when Manik Malhotra saw Nandini Murthy, she had her nose buried deep inside a thick textbook of Signals and Systems looking adorably sweet with her brows creased tightly together scribbling furiously on a small notebook. Clad in an ankle length jeans and an over-sized SpongeBob tees with a large black rimmed glasses perched precariously at the edge of her cute button nose, she looked irresistible to Manik.

After several moments of staring at her suddenly she turned around and looked straight, directly at him. And God help him, nothing in the World could have made him look away at that moment. Her huge doe-eyes went wide while her pouty pink lips parted a little in surprise. And then she did something incredible. She smiled. A real smile. Something squeezed his heart hard. And he was a goner.

Now it's almost 3 months after that fateful meeting in the college library and Manik couldn't even gather the nerves to speak to her cause every time she comes in front of him he gets all flustered and tongue-tied like a love-sick puppy, which he actually was. Cabir, his best friend had a field day watching his 6'2" aggressive friend struggling to speak to a tiny slip of a girl. But Manik was scared that someone else will sweep her off her feet and get all her smiles while he lived with the memory of that one precious smile 3 months back.

So he concocted a plan. Since he can't gather the courage to speak to her, he will let her know his feelings through letters. Yes!

But letter writing turned out to be incredibly hard. Firstly there was this matter of getting the perfect writing pad, preferably something pink with small stars or something cute scattered about since she loved cute stuffs. But, in spite of searching long and hard for 4 days he failed to acquire the perfect writing pad, his frustration reaching its peak he nearly broke his favorite guitar in anger.

Not to mention he didn't get to see Nandini for the last few days and he had to make do with a silly bottle of strawberry-scented perfume. His Nandini smelled of strawberries. So he went and bought himself one since he always wanted to be surrounded by her, even if it's a poor and inadequate alternative to the original.

Cabir didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his friend's predicament. Manik's quest to find the perfect pink paper for writing a letter made him want to bang his head against the wall. His friend can be so incredibly naive sometimes!

"Manik! What's wrong with you?!Why does the color of a paper or its texture or even its design matter? Nothing matters more than your feelings for her. I'm telling you, while you roam around searching for the perfect pink pad or something, someone else will take her away! And then keep searching for your Noble worthy paper while she sends you her marriage invitation with the perfect design!"

The thought of Nandini with someone other than him was so unbearable that he sprinted back to college with a speed that would make Usain Bolt proud! He decided. He would tell Nandini that from now on they've to stay together! And he would do this directly, face-to-face, so that she doesn't have any confusion or doubts latter!

Manik was so incensed with the idea of an unknown competition that he gave a fright to half of the people in college! He was moving about frantically, kicking open doors and roughly shoving aside students, with his wild eyes searching desperately for Nandini in every possible nooks and corners. He was so focused in his search for Nandini that he almost ran over a geeky-looking guy. Shahid, Nandini's friend. He had often seen him and some other girls huddled together with his Nandini in the library. The fact that he was her only guy friend didn't escape his mind even in that moment.

"Where is Nandini?" he asked looking menacing and tightly fisting his hands.

Shahid gulped."Actually, err, she, I mean, Nan...Nandini, umm, I mean, uh, umm, err, thisisforyou", he said the last sentence in one breath and literally flew away after shoving a blue envelope at him.

"What the hell?"Manik was stupefied and was about to crumple the envelope when he smelled that alluring scent, strawberries. He sniffed the envelope, satisfied he sniffed again, and again. Then with pain-stacking slowness he opened the envelope cautiously, afraid to get even a single crease in the paper. And there in the letter were written the words in her simple handwriting which made him instantly run towards the cherry blossoms tree in the college backyard in neck-breaking speed.

"Nandiiiniii..."

Nandini turned around to see Manik panting hard trying to stand upright with the help of a tree trunk. Worried she ran towards him.

"Manik! Manik you okay!!What happened? You okay na, you..."she trailed off noticing the blue envelope clutched tightly in his hands while checking him for any injuries.

"Manik I...I...I mean, the thing is tha" she abruptly cut off when Manik hugged her hard. As if he was trying to imprint her to his very soul.

"I know. I understand", Manik said pulling her even more close to him.

Startled to the core by his words she went utterly still for a moment, then she closed her eyes and with a soft smile playing in her face hugged him back. Just as tight.

24 years later...

The Blueberry Castle, Landour

Manik watched as Nandini slept with a content smile on his face. The early morning rays playing on her face made her look even more angelic and innocent than usual. Seeing her trying to face the other side Manik frowned and pulled her closer in his arms making her face him again. Without disturbing her, he slowly opened the bedside drawer with the other hand and pulled out a tattered blue envelope placed safely inside. With a huge smile playing on his face and Nandini clutched close to his heart he started reading the letter for the umpteenth time...

Manik,

I love you. If you feel the same then please come and meet me under the Cherry blossoms now.

Nandini.

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

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@mishshergill

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Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #5

MANAN OS BOUNDRY BATSMAN

LIFE just plain simple four words, is it??

No ways until you have complications in your life

I believe challenges and complications make you tough and grow in your abilities and you can make a clear vision what you want and what you don't ...

Being famous or being a celebrity is a toughest thing as you can't live your personal life as it won't be personal any more everybody like to know about you more but there is a line which you cannot cross without anyone's permission or you can't intrude in any ones life

CRICKET ...it's just not cricket for me it's my LIFE I had seen so many ups and down to gain this place so many people came and few left my side as we say MOVE ON but it's not easy to MOVE ON simply!!!

CRICKET IS MY SECOND LOVE yes my SECOND LOVE first was my DIAMOND GIRL or can say my DIAMOND RING!!!!!

I still remember when I was in my school bus she came and sat beside me and she just said

"M IF YOU GIVE A GIRL A DIAMOND RING THEN THEY ARE MARRIED" there was happiness and excitement in her eyes when she was saying this

"No N they will get married after their marriage by giving the ring they are just engaged" I explained her intertwining our hands

"Ohhh!! Engaged then after engagement marriage right??" she asked excitedly

"Yes after that marriage" I said smiling to her

"Okay so your in 10 class I am in 8 right" she asked me sheepishly

"Yes you're absolutely correct" I said her making circles on her hand

"Okay so tomorrow I will come to your home tomorrow okay stay at home and no CRICKET PRACTICE tomorrow...M don't smile I am serious okay tomorrow no morning practice I will take your five minutes...then you can leave byeee got to go!!" she left the bus giving me peck on cheek.We were together from childhood first we were neighbors then friends then schoolmates and then finally bus mates...this was my last year in this school and then I will be in collage I will miss being with her I know even she will miss me...

********

Sometimes shocks are good in your life the need is you just have to enjoy your shocks!! Yes I was shock when N said me about the diamond ring yes she came to my home and she proposed me yess my N was insane she asked me I remember on that day

"M I know this is early like so early and I don't have to say this at least my age girls but I wanted to tell you this" She sat in front me and she opened the blue color ring box and it was beautiful DIAMOND RING ...wait it was a girls diamond ring

"N are you serious girls DIAMOND RING seriously what explanation you have now" I gave her a disgusting look

"Don't stare like that okay!! It was my plan so obviously why will I spend so much money on you...hehehehe...okay okay I will give you ring in future as I am still in school right so you can give me this ring right" she gave me a big winning smile

"Seriously N your gifting ring to YOURSELF great I am so proud of N" and I dragged her to sit beside me

"You know right I feel the same as you feel it...now we can't be together I mean in school bus and in school but we will be together as our homes are beside then after my collage and after your school we can meet okay... come I will make your wear this DIAMOND RING GIFTED TO YOU FROM YOURSELF " I side hugged her and rubbed my hands in her hair which she hate it...and I love it

TIME CHANGES LIFE CHANGES BUT THE LOVE FOR OUR LOVED ONES NEVER CHANGE IT REMAINS SAME its being 4 years to be with N.N and I were on talking terms I mean our schedule got changed MY CRICKET practice everything got changed I got selected in Delhi's academy so I had to shift from Mumbai to Delhi she came to meet me

"N...come on okay I said you right I will be in touch we will speak daily ...okay and I had said you zillion times to come on SNS but you don't listen to me " I complained packing my luggage. She was standing near the bed post I know she is said till yesterday she was excited about my selection and me getting in cricket career but today I guess she can't be strong anymore I can see her struggle I sighed

"N come sit over hear see when you will remember me right see this DIAMOND RING and remember me okay" I hugged her and she smiled

"Give me your phone" she asked me and she did something in my phone and again she gave me back my mobile and I took from her to check...what she locked my mobile with password

"N password what is it??" I asked confusingly and scratched my head she came near to me and she said

"ITS DIAMOND RING don't dare to change this in your life M whatever it may be we fight or we are separated whatever may be the reason " she said seriously and hugged me

"Thank you for being in my life N" I kissed her hair and I hugged her tightly

"Close your eyes M...no questions...okay" and she slipped a DIAMOND RING in my finger this time boys ring with N intial

"N seriously RING again---" she cutted me

"As I said before I will gift you one day. We can't be together but I am always with you this N initial ring will make you remember me and yes I have the same M okay and yess be careful during practice okay!!" she kissed my forehead and hugged me tightly

"Hey you had photo shoot right what happened you did not go N I said you before to concentrate on your career as well but your always in buying GIFTS FOR ME" I complained

"Oh My Goddd!!! Okay fine I didn't go today but tomorrow I will go at any cost. Stop being like my mom okay since morning she is scolding me for not attending photo-shoot and now please you don't start ok I said you right I will go tomorrow!! I WILL YOU MISS YOU M!!!" and she started crying and she hugged me and we stayed like that don't know till when we stayed like that

I moved to DELHI and N got engaged in her modelling career I know in small age she was achieving so much I was so happy for her and then time passed we used to talk till early mornings or sometimes we never sleep we just talk or feel each other presence then one day or I can on a SAME DAY we got what we deserve she bagged her FIRST MOVIE AND I WAS SELECTED TO PLAY FOR TEAM INDIA everything was going so smooth and perfect N was shooting in DELHI for her film and she visited my place and my practice area sometimes she skipped her shooting or she was delaying her shoots until her MOM scolded her.

I completed two years in my cricket career and she was getting new film projects media spotted us together but we never committed or said something in media but gossips cannot be stopped. I visited to her sets she used to come to matches to cheer me she was completely insane when it comes to cheering!!!

But all this was bullshit everything was LIE her LOVE her CONCERN everything was a LIE she left me she broke US she broke me...

It's been 5 YEARS for our BREAK UP so many asked to MOVE ON but it was not simple we avoided each other like we never knew each other. I was a BEST BATSMAN according to my TEAM and they called me BOUNDRY BATSMAN and she was an established or A list actress.

I came out trance when there was a knock on my door

"Bhai turn off the shower even we want some water for shower" I know who it was

"Shut up cabir" I came out of shower

"I know you're angry on that reporter right because he asked you about N--"

"I said you clearly right I don't want talk about that and that's final cabir" and I came to my locker

"Stop being melo dramatic manik he just asked you how is your friend NANDINI AND ITS BEING SO LONG THEY HAVENT SEEN TOGETHER...but tu toh na seriously first you shot daggers to him and then you just left the press meet ...tera yeh behavior dekh kar hi everyone are scared to make you captain ...you would be better captain then me manik but no tujhe toh samajna hi nai hai right..." and he started pacing in locker room what he said was true me and cabir are together from academy days he was the only person who had seen me and N---NANDINI together but he never intruded in my personal life but this was effecting my CRICKET life

"I know cabir its effecting a lot but I can't help it" and I kept my hands on face and sat on table she affects me still but I have to get over this I have get over her I can't act stupid at least when my team my country needs me ITS INDIA'S FINALE MATCH I have to do my best

"Let's not discuss about this lets go it's time for celebration we won semifinal it's in roof top okay come soon...halath sahi kar le apni join us soon" and he left

I got dressed and went to roof top for dinner few girls passed behind asked for selfies and autographs after reaching there everyone were having dinner I went and joined them then I heard HER laugh and I ignored and concentrated on my food someone taped my shoulder when I turned to see YES it was HER its N...NANDINI I shrugged my shoulder and continued eating everyone on table was watching me but I concentrated on my food

"M like seriously your ignoring me again right okay now don't blame me for this" she left and I ignored as nothing happened but when it comes to nandini how come it can be so simple

"Ladies and gentlemen and MY M please I want your two minutes" she started on mike and I started to leave to leave that place but she dragged me on stage

"Nandini you're not in your senses let's leave from her we talk when you will become sober now come on" I dragged her to the door

"No M I am not coming with you ...you...have to listen to me M jab tak I not going anywhere else" she was all tipsy she was about to fall I held her I can see her innocence in her eyes no manik you can't fall for again all before was a lie she left you remember my brain shouted

"Nandini lets go to my room we will speak over there let's leave from hear first" I requested her

"No M sab ko pata toh chakle unka BOUNDRY BATSMAN they call you by this name only right in short BB ...Now listen to me Mr M or BB whatever your are " she sat on one of our near table and I searched for cabir and he cleared the people around us

"Bolo now what story you have now nandini" I asked sitting on beside chair

"Yeh nandini nandini kya laga rakha hai haan I am YOUR N remember only YOURS M"and she started sobbing I want to stop her tears but I can't do this again so I cleared my throat

"So you wanted to say this... I don't have time for this bullshit talk I have practice early morning so I have to leave now" and I got up from my chair

"Remember our first good news your selection and my movie sab kithna acha than a M everything was perfect until two years in our career but uske baad everything was falling apart I had a shoot in London I had to be there because of my contract and you had a final match M I wanted to be with you in your victory but I was bounded that's it that was the only mistake I had done leaving you alone over hear you know M you are so innocent you believe what people tell you. You blame me to leave you jab ki you left me you broke us M" and I turned to her when she said this

"Yes!!! bus yehi baki tha to blame me right nandini now you did that today congratulations" she was staring at me

"You changed a lot M tum bohth change ho gaye ho M you're not that M to whom I lo---whatever... it was my mom who played all this she did all this--" I cutted her

"Shut up nandini stop blaming your mom for your mistakes" I shouted at her how she can blame her mom for this

"Hehhh I now you will not believe me even I was in shocked when she said this M you know when I left to London for shoot I forgot my mobile at my home so I was not in contact with you and I had said my mom that I forgot my mobile at home so she read your message where you asked me not to go my mom hated you because you of I was not concentrating on my career I was being careless with my work so she had asked me zillion times to stay away from you but I never listened to her but when she saw my phone she messaged you that break up wala message and she sent you my hangout pictures of my costar for conformation when you tried to reach in London I was busy with shoots and my mom had said my director that because you I can leave the shoot anytime so he made sure that your call should not reach to me I was helpless M my shoot got extent in London as my costar met with an accident so I tried to buy SIM and tried to call you but you were never available so I thought I can make it up when I will reach India but before I do anything everything was finished M sab khatam ho gaya tha my mom said me that you were dating some else isiliye you broke up with me I did not believe her even I came to your home to meet you but you were left for your tournaments I was helpless M..MA...Manik..My mom cheated me..." she hugged me and started sobbing I was being ridiculous from 5 years because of my ego I hurted her because me she had cried senselessly how can I do this

"Where is your mom nandini" I asked her

"She is dead manik she met with an accident in hospital she confessed this so I wanted to speak to you from one week but you were not ready to see me please let's start again I want you back in my life M I want my M back please come back I don't want to lose you again M please..." she pleaded me

"I need to go nandini I have practice tomorrow" I saw her manger near table I asked her to take care of her and I left to my room

Sometimes what you see or what you hear I not the truth, it can be manipulated because of hatred and betrayal I stayed away from her from 5 years because of me we both were apart but I will fix everything after the match...

***********

AND INDIA WON THE T20 WORLD CUP BY 6 WICKETS...AND MAN OF THE HONOR IS BB YES OUR BOUNDRY BATSMAN

"So BB you were extravagant in this tournament and you did 102 runs not out that really great so what you want to say about this victory"

"I had to do this for my team for my country for my LOVE for my fans for all out there nevertheless we won..." and I was smirking as I know her next question

"I know what you're going to ask me so let me tell that before you ask me...so can I have the mike please...thank you so much" and I took mike from her

"Hello Bengal how are you all doing ...thank you so much for supporting us because of you guys we are at this place this victory is for you guys love you all and DIAMOND RING I WANT YOU HEAR CAN YOU COME HEAR" I announced proudly

"BB may I know who is this diamond ring??" she asked

"Ahhh... you will know soon ...So DIAMOND RING will you come out or else I have my own ways do you want that???? And you know that how serious I am right now!!! so N please come" I was searching for her and their she was coming in blue denims and turquoise color top and hair tied in pony tail how I resisted from this girl from so many years was only the thought

She did not speak anything I know she was angry for talking to her after dinner she was upset I can see clearly in her eyes

I handed my phone to her and asked her open she folded her arms and she did not accept my phone so I gave her forcefully to open it

"Password!! Its asking password M so type the password" she was handing me my mobile then I said

"You know that N so open it" I whispered in her ear. She shot daggers to me, I pleaded her then she typed

"You did not change"

"You had asked me to never change so I never did that" I smiled sheepishly

Then I signaled to light men for next step, that was it all lights were off there was only light where it was showing MARRY ME DIAMOND RING

She was awestruck she was happy and excited and even she was scared

Then I knelt in front of her and held her hand N I know what happened was wrong I was wrong N I was being impulsive N but you know right I L..LO..I LOVE YOU N I said in one go please accept my official DIAMOND RING N so that as you said on that day we will be married

"I LOVE YOU TOOO BB I was waiting for this day so badly M" Then I slipped ring in her finger everyone hooted for us

YES SHE WAS MY DIAMOND RING MY DIAMOND GIRL MY N MY EVERYTHING. Few things we have to leave on DESTINY if we deserve that thing it will be with us at any cost like MY N was there for her M.

ENTRY NO #6

Fly away home with you.

One girl. One guy. One life Changing experience.

"Shh!" A woman in a pink mesh and satin hat was hissing into her phone. "Baby. Baby! SHH!"

"Damn! What's this 'Ssh'? Urghh! You gotta be kidding. It's my wedding in two days and you're still not here. You promised me, You promised me that you're gonna come a week before my wedding! I feel like punching you on your face right now!"

"You know what my job is, right?"

"I don't care! All I know right now is that you're my Best friend and you're not here with me when I need you the most. Superb, right?"

"Mukti.." I said, in an annoyed tone.

"Nandini! How much more time?" She asked, in a much more annoyed tone.

"I'm at the Los Angeles airport right now. My Flight will take off in about 30 minutes. So, take a chill and go make some arrangements. I'm coming!"

"Duh-Uh! I didn't ask that. Just tell me how much more time will it take?"

"I don't know and for now, I gotta go! See you, take care!"

"Wait. Don't you dare cut the call!" She screamed.

"Now what, Mukti?"

"Mom is seeing a guy for you."

"What? Why? Mukti yaar, Stop her!" I Said, angrily.

"Nanduu! Nandu, Calm down. Listen to me na! He's Abhimanyu's brother yaar. I can't stop mom. Atleast tu akar us se ek baar mil, then khud mana kardena na. Pleasee, for me?"

"Fine." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Yay!! Come back soon." Saying this, she disconnected the call.

Mukti vardhan. My best friend since childhood. She's getting married in two days and I'm leaving for India cause I have to attend her wedding. Time flies! I mean, I still remember when we were kids and Mukti didn't know how to tie her shoelace. Good old days!

I bought my favorite strawberry lattice pie and just when I was about to eat it, someone bumped into me. "Hey you! Watch out!" I cried.

The person turned, "Get out of my way!" He said and ran in a hurry.

What a loser! Where does such people come from? He could've said sorry at-least, But No! No one taught him manners. Ayii appa! My favorite pie! I decided to buy another one but just then I saw the time. Oh shit, I'm late! I immediately rushed to the counter and after waiting in a line for the boarding, a flight attendant was waiting to check my boarding pass. Finally, after getting done with the checking and all, I entered the aircraft. I located my seat, placed my smaller bag on the chair and kept the larger one in the overhead bin. Pheww! I took a deep breath and settled myself. Now, It was time to sit back and relax while I was being carried away to my destination in luxury. I was extremely tired so I closed my eyes, and in no time, I was asleep. My slumber was disturbed by the high volume of music. I opened my eyes and looked here and there , and boom! There was a guy sitting next to me. His face was not visible to me as he had kept an handkerchief on his face. His hair was messy, He had plugged in the headphones and the volume was so high that it was clearly audible to me. What the? Is this guy mad or what?

"WAKE UP!" I shouted, hitting his shoulder.

"Please Mom. 5 minutes more. Pleasee!" He replied, senselessly.

"Excuse me, Mr whoever you are.. You are in a plane not in your drawing room and hey, I'm not your Mom! Wake up, right now!" I ordered.

"What is your problem Mom, I said na let me-" Saying this, he opened his eyes and looked at me dreamily.

"M-Hmm?" I said, raising my eyebrows.

He was stunned to see me. "What the!? Who are you?"

"Not your mom, for sure." I replied.

"I know that!" He snapped at me.

We looked away and just then we remembered something. We immediately turned our faces towards eachother, "TUM!" we screamed in unison, widening our eyes.

"You!! I..Ugh!" I cried.

He giggled and said, "You I ugh, what? This makes no sense, you know?"

"As expected! You know, I thought kay maybe..Just maybe..tum me thoray se manners to zaroor hongey, but thanks for proving me wrong!" I said, angrily.

He looked at me for a while, and then replied saying, "You're welcome."

"Are you crazy?" I asked.

"No, but I think YOU are crazy!" He replied. I was literally boiling with anger hearing this.

"To or kya? You Thanked me, so I just said welcome. What's wrong with that?" He continued.

"Nothing Mr..Whatever!" I said and looked away.

"Well, My name is Manik." He said.

As if I care?

"So, Shall I call you Monster Manik, then? Cause you look a monster!"

"Actually, not a bad Idea! I don't mind. I love Monsters!" He said, looking right into my eye.

I just kept staring him angrily. He giggled and looked away.

"And you are Miss...? Or should I call you, Lady Hitler?" He asked, adjusting his headphones.

"I am Na-"

"Actually, you know what? Forget it." He broke my sentence, saying this.

What the? I'm gonna kill him now!

"Well, sorry to burst your bubble lady hitler, you can't kill me. Atleast, not now." He said, hooting his rough laughter.

Wait..what? Is he a mind reader or something?

"Oh. God. Please, Shutup." I said, looking into his eye angrily.

"If you say so." He said, and plugged in the headphones again.

"Don't you dare!" I warned him.

"Tumhari problem kia hai? Can't you just mind your own business? Why are you after my life?" He was literally screaming.

"Get those headphones out of your ear and then speak, this is not a football ground, you idiot!" I shouted back.

"Excuse me, sir. Excuseme, Ma'am. Please maintain silence." The air hostess told us.

We looked at each other angrily.

"I Can't believe this!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah, whatever!" He said, rolling his eyes.

This guy really has no manners.

After some hours, the plane finally landed. Finally! I was so excited to see Mukti. The guy next to me was still sleeping. What a lazy guy!

An hour had passed but the passengers were not being allowed to leave the airplane. Everyone was confused. We were all wondering what might had happened that they are not letting us leave the plane.

"Chill Lady hitler, kuch staff issue hua hoga." Said Manik.

"Poocha tumse?" I said, rolling my eyes.

"You're rude!"

"You're dumb!" I replied.

All the passengers were now worried, everyone had left their seats. Suddenly, an announcement was made.

*All the passengers, kindly seat yourselves.*

"What's happening?" I asked, worriedly.

"I don't know! I'm hungry." Manik replied.

"As expected!" I replied, in an annoyed tone.

Another 45 minutes passed but still we were not being allowed to leave. Suddenly, an air hostesses came. She stood infront of the passengers. She looked extremely worried and tensed.

"Please don't panic after listening this, Please stay calm" She said.

This was strange. Everyone in the plane seemed worried.

"The plane has been hijacked!" She said.

WHAT!! Everyone screamed.

My throat felt thick, My legs were shivering and my world turned upside down hearing this.

Hijack? What!

"Hey," Manik said. "Calm down! Are you okay?"

I squeezed my eyes shut. "I'm fine.." I said.

"Please co-operate with us. We know the situation is really tough but you people have to stay strong. Don't panic! Please sit and calm down." The Air hostess said.

"Hey, Sit." Manik ordered. I was in a state of shock so I didn't argue with him. I seated myself and he handed me the handkerchief.

"What?" I asked.

"You're sweating! I don't like it." He replied.

I rolled my eyes and took the handkerchief.

An hour had passed and we were all sitting in the plane, clueless and helpless.

"So..?" He asked looking at me.

"So what?" I replied, widening my eyes.

"Tell me something about you? I mean, it's not like I want to talk to you or something..It's just that, I'm bored and we might have to stay here for the whole day so lets just break the ice and talk.." He said, calmly.

"I'm a gynecologist. I live in LA but My family lives in Mumbai. What about you?"

"Ahaan, Impressive! Well, Business is my thing. I live in Mumbai and Had come to LA for some business deals. That's about me." He replied.

"Cool." I said. I was really scared. The terrorists were inside our plane. They were keeping an eye on all of us. I just wanted to run away. The environment inside the plane was so scary. All the people were sitting quietly and the fear in their eyes..was freaking me out!

"So, let's play something!" He said excitedly, looking towards me.

"Are you Crazy?" I asked him. I mean, the plane the plane is hijacked and he wants to play something?

"Look, don't be scared. Relax." He said calmly.

I took a deep breath. "I need water." I said.

The air hostesses were not allowed to move. The terrorists were standing there and we were all instructed not to make noise.

"Water? Um..Here..Take mine." He said, handing me his glass of water.

"What about you, then?" I asked, hesitatingly.

"Have it. You need it. I'm okay!" He said, assuring me.

After drinking water, I was just looking here and there fearfully. The kids were making noise so the terrorists took them away from their parents. The kids were crying and the parents were sitting there, helpless.

"Look here." Said Manik.

I looked towards him and asked, "What?"

"Stop stressing yourself. Don't be scared. I'm here."

I didn't answer him. I had nothing to say.

"Um okay, Lets play a game. It goes like, I'll ask one question and we will answer it together then you ask me one and again, we'll answer it together. What say?"

I looked away.

"Hey, please?" He said.

"Okay." I replied in a low voice.

"Hobbies?" He asked.

"Travelling!" We said together.

He giggled and said, "You too?"

I nodded my head. I had no expressions on my face. He noticed this and held my hand,

"Look, dont think too much. Okay? This is just unfortunate for all of us. This had to happen and so it did, right? We can't do anything to stop all this, Can we? No, right? Sirf thoray time ki bat hai, everything will be back to normal." He said, looking into my eyes.

He was right. This guy, he was just a stranger to me and still he was calming me down. He was actually trying to cheer me up.

"So, Your turn!" He said.

"One person you can't live without?" I asked.

"Mom." He replied Immediately.

I smiled and said, "Mukti."

"Your sister?" He asked.

"My family." I replied.

He looked at me confusingly.

"I mean..My parents passed away when I was 13 years old. Uskay bad, It was Mukti and her parents who looked after me." I replied.

He again held my hand and said, "Hey Hey! I'm so sorry..I didn't know.."

I felt a little weird when he held my hand. It was a strange feeling.

He was staring me. I felt his strong gaze. I avoided it for a few minutes but then Finally asked, "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You're cute!" He said in a half conscious state.

I smiled. I don't know why, I felt good hearing that.

"I mean.." He said, "Forget it..Let's continue.."

I nodded my head.

"First Love?" He asked smirking.

I giggled and said, "Error! Not fount yet."

"Seriously?" He asked, widening his eyes.

"Any doubt?" I asked, looking into his eye.

"Yes. I mean, You're nice..Like..you know what I mean, right?" He asked, shyly.

"No. I don't know what you mean." I replied, acting all serious.

The terrorists were talking to someone on the phone. They were demanding for something.

Manik came closer towards me, and whispered into my ear, "So, What do you think about me?

He was trying to divert my attention. I understood that.

"Are you flirting with me?" I asked, in a low voice.

He smiled and said, "You think so?"

"Well.." I said. I was feeling shy. I don't know what was happening with me. This guy was affecting me so much!

"Omg! You're blushing." He said, widening his eyes.

"Uh..No..Not at all.." I said, uncomfortably.

"M-hmm..So, Don't you want to know my answer?" He asked.

"Answer..What answer?" I asked.

"My First Love. Where are you lost?" He asked.

Oh God, Nandini. What are you doing?

"Oh that..Obviously I wanna know. Tell na?" I asked, curiously.

"Error! Not yet found!!" He replied, giggling.

"You too?" I asked.

"Me too. But I have this feeling, That I'm gonna find her soon. Like, very soon!" He replied, confidently.

I didn't say anything. How can he be so sure?

"Okay Next Question!"

"Um, okay. Favorite food?" I asked.

"Pizza. What about you?" He answered.

"Anything that has strawberries in it." I replied, with a wide smile on my face.

"What? I mean, strawberries? Like, really?" He asked, in a confused state.

"Yeah. I mean, strawberries. Like, really." I replied, imitating him.

He starting laughing.

"What? Stop laughing like a crazy person!" I said, in an annoyed tone.

"You're crazy!" He said.

"That I am." I replied.

"That's so weird. I mean, I never heard anyone saying that. You really are something!" He said, looking into my eye.

We were now talking really loudly. The terrorist came towards me as I was sitting next to aisle. His eyes..they were scaring me. He looked at me angrily and warned me. Manik secretly held my hand.

As soon as the terrorist moved away, Manik offered me to sit on the window seat. This guy, I had just met him and still he was so much concerned for me. This feeling..it was new to me.

"Remember when you bumped into me?" I asked.

"Yeah and You were shouting like a retard!" He snapped.

"Yes, that was because my strawberry pie fell on the floor cause you bumped into me!" I replied, making an angry pout.

"I can't believe this!" He said, giggling.

He kept staring me. He was looking at me with so much love in his eyes. His eyes, I was drowning in them. We were both looking at each other, letting our eyes be their own replies.

"I like you." He said.

I was stunned to hear this. I was far from being composed, far from being okay, far from being anything but shaken to the core. I wanted the time to pause. I wanted him to look at me this way forever. I wanted this moment to last forever.

We were so much lost into each other's eyes that we had no idea what was going on around us.

"Excuse me, Mam..You have to leave. Right now!" The air hostess said, holding my shoulders.

We immediately looked away in embarrassment.

"Why?" I asked the air hostess, widening my eyes.

"Ma'am, all the ladies have to leave. The issues are resolved. Please hurry up!"

Why? I don't want to go. I just wanted to stay there, I just wanted to be with him. I didn't know why, his presence made me feel good. Issues are resolved? why? I said to myself.

"Did you say something, Ma'am?"

"Uh, no." I replied.

I looked at him, he looked at me and an unspoken conversation passed between us.

We were holding eachother's hands. "What about the males?" I asked the air hostess.

"Ma'am, the ladies will leave first. Don't worry!" The air hostess replied.

"NO!" I looked at Manik, "I can't leave you alone like this." I said.

"Ma'am please, hurry up!" The air hostess ordered.

I looked at Manik immediately. He nodded as if to acknowledge that the endings are always a little sad, even if there is something to look forward on the other side.

"You should..go.." He said, in a low voice. I didn't say anything. I just kept looking at him.

He came a little closer to me, held me by my shoulders and said, "It was nice meeting you." And before he stepped away, I closed my eyes and tried hard to memorize this moment. The thought that I will never see him again, felt worse than death. I wanted to hold him, tell him anything, everything. Don't let me go. Please, don't. It felt final.

"Ma'am please, be quick!" The air hostess ordered.

I picked up my suitcase and walked away. I turned back, one last time. He was looking at me. He smiled, and waved me a final goodbye. I smiled back. What else could I do? Life is so cruel sometimes.

Nandini, Calm down. Breathe in, Breathe out. He's gone. It's over. He was just a stranger! I told myself. He doesn't even know my name I told myself as I remembered when i was about to tell him my name but he didn't let me. I hope he's fine. I hope he gets out of the plane, safely.

I was searching for Mukti everywhere but she was nowhere to be seen. Oh God, this girl! I took out my cellphone and just when I was about to dial her number someone hugged me from behind. I turned to look and to my surprise, it was Mukti. Her eyes were wet. She was crying. I immediately held her by her shoulders, "Mukti, Mukti are you okay? Baby, what happened? Tell me Mukti?" I asked worriedly.

"Damn it, Nandini! You just came out of the plane which was hijacked and you're asking me what's wrong? Are you freakin' serious?" She shouted.

"Oh that..-

"Yes. That!" She snapped.

"Look, I'm fine. I'm totally okay. See?" saying this, I hugged her tightly.

"Hey Hey! Wait. I want you to meet someone." She said, excitedly.

"who?" I asked.

"Me!" Someone said.

"Oh, So you are Abhimanyu?" I asked, naughtily.

He nodded his head in a yes. "Hey by the way, are you okay? You seem worried?" He asked.

"Yeah. I'm..I'm fine." I replied, wiping away my tears.

"Chalen? What are we waiting for?" I asked.

"Just a minute." Saying this, Abhimanyu excused himself.

"Kya scene hai?" I asked Mukti.

"Nothing. Come, let's sit."

"Okay."

Just when we were sitting, a little kid came running to me.

"Hey, this is for you" The kid said as he handed me a packed box.

"Who gave this?" I asked.

The kid smiled and ran away.

"What's happening?" Asked Mukti, giving me confusing looks.

"I don't know." I said.

I opened the box and I was stunned.

"What is it?" Asked Mukti.

"Strawberry Pie?" I replied. I was hell confused.

"What are you saying, Nandini?" She asked angrily.

"I'm serious. It's a strawberry pie!" I had no idea what was going on.

"Hey!" Said Abhimanyu, "What's this?" He asked.

"Uh..I don't know.." I replied in a confused state.

"Okay forget that. Nandini, meet him." He said.

Oh, shit. I rememberd Mukti told me that Mom wants me to get married to someone. I didn't look up. I was hell nervous. I just wanted to run away.

"Hello, Nandini Murthy." I heard. The voice, it sounded familiar to me. I immediately looked up and I was astonished to see the person standing in front of me.

"TUM?" I screamed.

"Wait what? Do you guys know eachother?" Asked Mukti.

"What do you mean? How do you know him?" I asked in a confused state.

"Wait wait..What's happening? Nandini, how do you know him?" Asked Abhimanyu looking towards me.

"First you tell, How do YOU know him?" I asked arrogantly.

"He is my brother, how would I not know him?" Said Abhimanyu.

Brother? What? My eyes widened hearing that.

"Hey, I'm Manik..Manik Malhotra." He said, extending his hand for a handshake.

"You are Abhimanyu's brother?" I asked. I was still shocked.

"Yes." He replied.

"Oh My God!" I cried.

"Now will you tell me, how do you know him?" Asked Abhimanyu.

"He was with me in the flight!" I said.

"So, you like him?" Asked Mukti, excitedly.

I looked at her angrily and gave her that 'What nonsense?' look.

"I mean, ab to you know him na. So, tell me?" She asked.

I looked at Manik, he looked at me and we smiled in unison.

"OH MY GOD!" Cried Abhimanyu.

"Wait..I'll just call mom." Saying this, Mukti excused herself.

"And I'll call Dad." Abhimanyu too, followed Mukti.

"So?" Asked Manik, coming towards me.

"So.." I said, moving backwards.

"So..Was it a goodbye?" He asked coming closer.

"Well, I don't think so." Saying this, I stopped.

He held me by my shoulders, looked into my eyes and asked, "Tou, Mai haan samjhoon?"

I was about to say something but just then I realized that he took my name.

"How do you know my name?" I asked, in a state of shock.

He started smiling naughtily.I looked at him angrily and asked, "Wait..Tumhe pata tha? I mean, all this while, you knew that I'm Mukti's friend, Nandini?"

He nodded his head in a yes.

"Actually when Mom called me up and told me about you..Like, She told me that Mukti ki koi bestfriend hai and she's considering her for me and also that she lives here in LA. I asked her your address so that I get to know you a little more here only..Cause you know Sabkay samnay india mein, it becomes a little awkward that too under so much pressure. She then told me kay she doesn't have your address. Uskay bad I called Mukti, Usne mujhe bataya that you are leaving for India the next day..Whereas I had to leave after 2 days..Bas tabhi I decided to leave with you. Same Flight."

"Then? I mean, How did you know that I am the same girl your Mon was talking about?" I asked.

He smiled and said, "That was too easy for me. When you were buying your 'Favorite' Strawberry pie, I was passing by you and I saw 'Nandini Murthy' Written on your suitcase slip. Bas phir kia, I purposely bumped into you too check your gussay wala side. But yes, I seriously didn't know that you love strawberries so much, warna kabhi nahi karta aisa."

"Maniik!" I said Angrily. "Why didn't you tell me han?" I asked, hitting his shoulder playfully.

"Aray..I told you. Remember, I said I'm gonna find her soon, very soon. Bhoolgai? Wese bhi Ms Murthy, Our Love story was already Half Baked." said, smirking.

I looked at him made an angry pout.

"Cute!" He exclaimed.

"Whatever!" Saying this, I looked away in anger.

"Acha na babaa. I'm sorry." He said, holding his ears.

I looked at him and smiled.

"And this strawberry pie? Didn't you like it?" He asked making a sad pout.

"You got this?" I asked, excitedly.

"Obviously! After all, this strawberry pie brought us together!" He said,holding my hands. He looked at me, and I blushed.

Life just couldn't be better than this. Everything seemed perfect. It is true, that there are no wrong turnings, there are only the paths we had not known we were meant to walk. "

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

Quote

Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #7

||Making her mine||

My knuckles turned white because of the grip of hard table, as i sat in class room watching aryaman flirting with my girlfriend. I know they were discussing about the chemistry project, but i feel pissed and angry when she smiled to him, giggle for him. She was so indulge in the discussion she didn't even realise when she dropped the pen down, he picked it up and gave back to her. He held her hand, she smiled and pulled away. I looked again she was laughing with him, it was like she really doesn't give shit about my presence.

"These two look cute with each other "i heard girls commenting and giggling about them.

I couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy come with the thought of this two being together. He's nothing like me or probably I've nothing like him, doesn't matter. I fight the urge to tackle him to the ground, it won't hurt much but she'll surely kill me. Urghh i don't know what to do just than bell rang and everyone left the class including her of course with him !

After 3 hours i found myself waiting for her, as i reached early on our secret place . I shook my head and clenched my jaw, taking a deep breath, obviously trying to calm myself down. Because i was still pissed off on her, And my blood was boiling in my veins. I don't get it why the hell she is not ready to tell someone about us, she still have doubt on me ? Its been three months.

"Hey manik, how was your day"her voice broke my thoughts.

"Nothing much, and thanks for coming finally you got the time for me"i sigh

"I'm sorry i know i was busy "

"Yeah with him "i harshly remark.She snuggled against my chest, wrapping her arms on my neck.

"Are you okay"she asked softly

"Yeah "i lied

"You don't look okay, something is wrong i can see it "she doesn't see any damn thing going in my mind, this secret relationship is in my nerves, she really doesn't know how i am controlling.

"Don't you think we should tell everyone about us, than we don't have to meet like this "

"You know I've told you everything, haven't i ?" As soon as the words leave her lips, anger swells in my chest.

"Fine than don't "i groan

"Manik what's wrong ?" Her voice was calm, unlike me. I was pissed the hell off.

"Nothing, i don't want to talk about it, just go okay with him"i don't want to hear her another excuse for not telling everyone about us.

"You're not telling me exactly, what is wrong with you, tell me i want to know"i turn towards her, worried lines covers her forehead.

"Why you don't want anyone to know about us"

"You know the reason we both are not sure whatever we have right, that's what you told me "she fire back

"You're not sure about me ? You like aryaman more right?"i was confused, hurt and angry, what she want from me.

"Its not...not like that "her voice broke.

"You don't want them to know, because you're ashamed of me. As i have the bad boy tag on me and it'll ruin your image as well. He is so perfect for you than why are you messing with me ? You should go with him, I'm not the one you like or want to be "she step back from me as my words hit her hard, her eyes widen and begin to water, tears came out from her eyes. i want to take them back i didn't mean to not in this way.

"That's what you think about me, that's not the truth damn it i wanted you to be sure because i was, forget it i don't give shit "she said, shit no its not like that. I didn't mean to

"No no its not like that "i regret

"No its okay, fine as your wish "she wiped her tears harshly, shaking her head and walked away from me.

"Nandu listen to me"i called her, but she already left.

I paced my entire house over one hundred times. I looked at my phone no call, no text from her side. Its been 6 hours we fought. She hasn't reply to my text and call, i have that feeling she wouldn't. I sigh, i was missing her desperately even though its only been a few hours. But the fact she was angry with me, still she is. makes me miss her more.

"Kabir i need your help i again messed up "i said the minute he picked up.

"Nothing new, shoot" i told him whatever the hell happened between us.

"Well its not new for me, than how can i help you this time "i can picture him rolling his eye balls.

"How to manofy her suggest me something good"

"First, answer me you love her or not?"hell yeah i love her, i always did

"Yeah I'm in love "i confessed.

"So when are you going to tell her after her marriage" he mocked at me.

"Shut up, i need to plan it, its not that easy the way it looks " I groan, rubbing harshly at my temple.

"C'mon dude proposing a girl, its not a battle fight, You just need a DIAMOND RING that's it"he said in a dramatic tone.

"You don't have any idea how much she hates me when i spend dad's money on her, she'll literally gobble me alive. And i can't afford a damn DIAMOND RING on my own, hell its too expensive for a school student" I was doing my best to keep my voice cool and calm. But i feel like slapping him for suggesting me.

"Look i have plan listen to me"he said

*********

I swipe my hand across my forehead, i was sweaty as hell.

"I still can't believe i actually did that "

"Ditto" His voice was full of wonders.

"I'm not doing it again, that's for sure. what i am suppose to do now, i messed it up again"as usual nothing new for him and me also.

"Lets go and check what we can get"he said, putting his arms on my shoulder, we moved away towards our next destination.

Nandini's p.o.v.

I was aware, I've a strong feelings for him. For me those feelings grow every single day. I always knew i love him but i wanted him to be sure with his feelings before telling everyone, But i wasn't going to admit it, let him propose, It's my right, but right now we both are in mess how dare he say that to me ? I felt angry, so angry on him. There is no way I'm going to forgive him not this time. I shove my anger aside, when A moment in the balcony caught my attention.

"Manik, What are you doing here "he choose not to answer me, and entered in my bedroom without asking my permission.

"Fine don't tell me, do whatever you please, I'm out"i turned away from him, he grabbed my hand, pulling me towards him. I jerked away

"I know you're angry at me, and you have the right"i said nothing.

"Nandu talk to me, shout at me, slap me and do whatever you want don't be silent "he pleaded, i moved away from him, sat on the bed. He grabbed me, pulled me to him pinning my hands against the matters.

"What the hell, leave me"i yelled on him.

"No forgive me"

"Are you serious, you can't force me for anything"i snapped at him.

"I can try me"i rolled my eyes dramatically.

"Nandu I'm sorry"he pouted, and hell it worked.

"No not this time, it was too much get off from me right now"he chuckled, what how could he ? He hugged me more tightly literally crushing me, under his weight. I sighed against his chest. I know i have to give him what he wants that's how we both are.

"I always knew you would forgive me "he said, hugging me cozily nuzzling his face on the crook of my neck.

"I bought something for you"

"What "

"Your favourite Ice cream "he gave me the ice cream, i opened it and took a bite.

" care to share "

"Nope i don't like sharing my ice creams, and I'm still mad at you"

"One bite please"he pleaded softly.

"Okay one bite "he dip his finger in my ice cream before i can stop him, he wipes his finger across my nose.

"Manik "i shout, i tried to wipe it off but he gather my hands in his, and sucked the ice cream from my nose. I giggle when his tongue run along my cheek.

"Hmm it's actually tasty"he moaned, and kissed my cheek and nose. The simple things he does, the Small ways he finds to touch me without any thought or hesitation , always make my heart flutters.

"Move, Remember when you said i don't want anyone to know about us, because of your bad boy image how could you manik "i said through my teeth's.

"I don't ever want to hear that statement again, i know its not the truth"

"Your the one who said it"

" I Apologize "he groans in annoyance.

"That's not the point, the point is from the start for our relationship you said i like you, and you're not sure about us will work together or not same goes with me that is why i don't want anyone to know about us because we're not sure, so i want us to be sure "i said calmly, though i know i love him but it doesn't seems like he has the same feelings like me.

"But I'm sure"he said, before i could say something he bent down on his knees.

"Manik what are you doing"i was surprised

"Shh let me tell you something, i don't know from where to start, you're my first girlfriend and you know that. I know i was wrong, but i just can't see you with someone else. Take how much time you wanna take but don't leave, I'm sorry i was rude to you before, i was afraid i didn't know how to handle my feelings, I'm too deep into this so letting you go is definitely not an option for me"

"Stop beating around the bush, straight to the point"i chuckled on my own statement,

"Go, go disturb my gorgeous speech, what else you can do. I've practiced a lot for this. I know I'm the only stupid here "he cursed me under his breath, i giggle, he look so cute and adorable.

"Okay fine continue"

"Where i was ? Shit i forgot"he sigh, dramatically.

"Wait i have something to show you"he bring out a box from his pocket.

"Manik A DIAMOND RING you again spent your dad's money on this, do you have any idea how much i hate all this "i yelled on him

"Shut up, don't disturb, listen to me, it is not the actual DIAMOND RING not some solitaire its a fake one, i bought it for you from my own money"

"Oh my god your own money as in, what you did, we are in 10 th class you don't earn anything, you again messed up with someone or some bet, something" i blasted on him

"Urgh you don't listen to me, i don't like it , I'm not doing this "He huffs and puffs in annoyance.

"Okay, okay I'm sorry continue"

"Its a last warning from my side, disturb me again than watch me, not a word more"

"What the hell, are you threatening me? In my room and in my hou..." I couldn't complete my sentence as i found him glaring at me.

"What were you saying" he raised his eyebrow, i shook my head in denial and kept a finger on my lips,

"Good girl "he smirked, and i was feeling like, some mafia goon was proposing me. Well he's no less than a mafia goon. I sighed deeply.

"Now listen to me another word and I'm going to take you downstairs, I'll kiss you in front of your parents so decided it now and shut your mouth"he threatened i shook my head, couldn't risk to speak.

"Listen I worked in cafe as a waiter, for all this. First kabir told me he will give me 1000 rs and i planned a silver ring for you but he gave me nothing because of the mess i make there, it was an horrible experience, so i bought this artificial DIAMOND RING for you and rest money i spent on ice cream, i know its not that good or expensive the way you have one in your hand but i will propose you again with the original ring, the day i will start earning. Trust me i want to do it for you but i would love if you'll wear it for once at least " My chest literally aches, he worked for it, for me. I couldn't believe,

"You ...you work ..worked for it for me"i should've said something else, something more but i was overwhelmed by his gestures.

"Yup first let me make you wear it"he said, pulling my hand, sliding the ring in my finger. I glanced at the ring it was a beautiful DIAMOND RING with two hearts in it.

"But from where you got the money if you got nothing from the owner and what kind of mess you make there"i asked

"Actually first it was okay i mean i spilled the drinks on some customers than, i got confused and messed up with there orders than harshad showed up there, he started treating me like a waiter i couldn't control we end up fighting with each other, cafe owner kicked me out he gave me nothing and he said i should thank him for not calling the damn police as if i committed some crime, i would have blown the shit on his face but it was related to you so i stopped myself, i got 300rs as tip so i bought this DIAMOND RING and ice cream for you"he said cursing the cafe owner under his breath, i couldn't stop myself from laughing.

"Its not funny"He grabbed me by waist.

"Stop it nandu"

"Alright, alright" i wheeze holding my stomach, it was hilarious.

"that really means so much for me specially this Ring its so beautiful "i confessed it meant the world to me.

"there will be more fights between us we have to sort it out I'm not some perfect guy but i want to be with you" I close my eyes because i want to replay those words over and over again in my brain.

"I'm not going anywhere, I want to be with you and i don't have any problem to tell everyone about us"i murmur, i buried my head in his chest, hugging him tightly.

"Well i won't be the most pleasant boyfriend, i will get super jealous if you utter a single word to another guy, i would end up beating him. Do you understand that"i smacked his chest.

"You're mine and i will never let you go"i pecked his lips.

"Deal done"i announced

"I love you, i really really love you and I feel like a jerk for not admitting this until tonight but i wasn't sure about this, hell i was always sure but couldn't gather the courage to tell you, and I'm not forcing you for anything, you can find someone else who'll love you but I'm too selfish to let you go, I know this isn't some romantic spee.."

"Hell its perfect and i don't want to go, you idiot"i cut him off with a shy smile, my heart inside my body. And the surge of emotion i feel in this second is almost impossible to describe.

"I LOVE YOU" it sent a
little jolt through my system,

i pecked his lips, he smiled, His bright smile was illuminated in the dim light, and my breath caught in my throat, when he behave this way unguarded, natural and gentle there is nothing better in my world.

"Don't you think i deserve a kiss for all this"

"Nope i don't" i grinned

"Oh than you deserve a Hard punishment nandu " He threatened me playfully, A wicked grin spread over his face and i leaned in stick my tongue out, touching the end of his nose with my tongue. I pulled away but he didn't let me I stiffen in surprise the moment his lips met mine, he kissed me with all the intensity i found myself replying back. It feels amazing i parted my lips for him, his tongue entered in my mouth, our lips mould together, butterflies explode in my tummy. He chewed my lips, suck my tongue. He pulled away and the kiss left me breathless, i glanced at him, he smiled ear to ear.

"That was your punishment for teasing me "i blush on his comment

"Manik now you have to go "we chatted for a while, now it was time for him to go. I dragged him out with me towards the balcony.

"Go now i don't want someone to see us"i looked down, i gasp how the hell he came in through the pipe well my apartment is on first floor so it wasn't a hard thing .

"Thank god my apartment is on first floor, what you would've done if i would've live on third or some six floor of this building" i arched my brow.

"I would've choose to fall for a girl who lives on ground or first floor "he teased me, My mouth pressed into hard line, i crossed my arm like a child.

"Okay, okay kidding, still i would've come to your apartment, flying like a Superman, happy "he kissed my nose, the corner of my lips turn into a smile.

"Yeah now get out, before someone see you with me"i yelled on him

"Such a cruel girlfriend you're, i went through hell for you, and here you're kicking me out from your apartment "i roll my eyes on his dramatic statement.

"Shut up, and go please i will be in deep shit please"i pleaded, he nodded

"Fine as your wish "he said through his teeth's, without wasting a extra minute he climbed down the pipe. I feel slightly guilty for yelling at him.

"Manik "i called him, he turned back, i pointed my finger towards my heart and than i make a heart through my fingers, pointing another finger towards him as if saying I LOVE YOU to him. I blow a kiss, he catches it and reacted in a way, as if it hit him so hard.

"You want me to come back"

"Manik go "i whisper, he blow a kiss to me waved at me and turned to leave. That is how we both are crazy, , i Love this boy so much and he love me back . Though i didn't said it back to him but i know i do he too knows i do. i glanced at the diamond ring in my finger, he worked for it, i can't tell how special the DIAMOND RING is for me i kissed it. And went inside my room.

ENTRY NO #8

ONCE AGAIN!

"What? No way" I shouted

"Don't shout in my ear, dude" Cabir, my best friend winced. "I'm just saying what I heard."

"No way." I repeated, my hands curled up into fists as I took long breaths to calm myself.

"They couldn't do that to her...No." I thought

Cabir sighed softly as he saw how depressed his friend was, we become friends in college and he came to know that I was in love with Nandini Murthy, more than anything since forever.

Manik's father and Nandini's father were friends. Manik and Nandini were childhood friends. Nandini had always been important to Manik and he would do anything for her, anything to make her happy. When he was a child, he would always hold Nandini's hand and boast proudly to his parents that he was going to marry Nandini in the future their parents would laugh merrily. Nandini also acknowledged that there was no other person she wanted to marry other than her Manik. Nandini was fond or u can say obsessed with strawberries and whenever Manik would meet her, he would get lots and lots of strawberries of her and she would finish them at once, it was also one of the reasons, Nandini wanted Manik in his future too for the strawberries. It was a sweet childhood love.

As they both turned eight, something happened in their parents' business and the disagreement between them turned into a cold war, the two families also suffered but Manik still loved Nandini and he missed her when he wasn't allowed to meet her, as the distance between the families increased Nandini started having a feeling of hatred for Malhotra's as she believed what his father told her but Manik still loved her!

Now, Mr. Murthy decided to arrange marriage for Nandini with the son of their new business partner, Aryaman!

Seeing the girl he loved getting engaged with another guy and not being able to do anything about it he was getting restless.

"Manik." Cabir said

"I'm fine." I replied "Leave me alone for a moment."

He nodded and made his way out, closing the door, a few seconds later, he could hear vases shattering on the floor and things being thrown around.

I had hoped that Nandini would dislike her soon to be fiance and object to the wedding, but she seemed to be comfortable with the wedding. Nandini didn't have any romantic feelings for Aryaman but she liked his company.

It was the day of the engagement and Malhotra's were invited as all the elite businessmen were present in the party, I too had to attend that because of my father. I had already downed 3 shots five minutes into the party.

"You don't want to be drunk even before Nandini arrives." Cabir said

"That's just what I want to do, u think I want to watch her walk in what I expect is a beautiful gown that would make her the most beautiful woman on earth, only to walk towards another guy to exchange engagements rings? No way." I said

It had been 2 hours since the engagement party was supposed to start and would be bride was not anywhere to be seen. Aryaman and Nandini's parents were continuously calling her but no answer, there were murmurs in the crowd that she might have ran but I knew she wasn't that irresponsible. I closed my eyes and hoped fervently that she will be safe but my prayers weren't answered.

"Nandini, got into an accident." Mr. Murthy burst into the party while talking in phone

My head snapped up in shock and my body trembled. Cabir grabbed my arms to support me.

"She is in emergency room right now." He added

Khurana's and Murthy's rushed off while the guests were in shock, my body lurched forward to follow but Cabir held me back.

"Not now." Cabir said

"But...I am." I growled

"Relax." He said

It took every single fibre of patience in my body to resist the temptation of visiting the hospital till late at night when my men notified me that Khurana's and Murthy's had already left. Aryaman had stayed on for another 2 hours till 4 am in the morning before he left to take some rest in his house, once I got the message, I immediately rushed over to the hospital and sneaked in using the connections.

Her frail body laid on the luscious hospital bed that seemed too big for her petite size, her head was wrapped with thick layers of bandage and her arm was up in a sling, the only sound in the room was my and her breathing with the machine that beeped with every beat of her heart.

I stopped by her bedside and gazed down at her sleeping face, she looked pale but still beautiful, my fingers trembled as they grazed her cheeks lightly. I swallowed again, she was alive, she was breathing that was everything I needed to know. I let out a huge sigh of relief and sat on the chair by her bed.My hands found their way to hers and I gripped her fingers tightly, bringing to my lips.

"Please, wake up Nandini." I whispered.

As if answering my prayers, Nandini's eyelids began fluttering at that moment. I thought my heart would stop at that instant as her eyes slowly opened, blinking a few times in confusion as she made sense of what was happening

"Nandini?" I breathed, my hand gripping hers tighter."Can u hear me?" I asked her and shot up from my seat

Nandini frowned and let out a soft groan, opening her eyes again to look at me.

"Water." She managed to croak

I sprung up immediately to pour her a glass of water. I helped her into a sitting position and made her drink water carefully while rubbing her back in a soothing motion, once she had enough, I helped her sit back against her pillows and brushed the hair out of her face.

"I'm so happy u are okay, Nandini." I choked

"Nandini?" she asked

"What did u say, Nandini?" I asked her

"Nandini?" she repeated, confusion flashing on her features, she blinked at me several times, her brows furrowed together "Who is Nandini?" she asked

I froze.

"Is Nandini my name?" she closed her eyes and frowned to herself as if trying to remember." I don't remember anything." She groaned

I rubbed her arms soothingly when she appeared to be struggling with her thoughts." Yes, ur name is Nandini." I nodded

"Why don't I remember my own name?" she looked so helpless and frustrated at herself that I couldn't help it.

I sat down beside her and pulled her into my arms, patting her hairs softly.

"It's okay, u just got into an accident don't force yourself." I hushed

She nodded and asked "Who are u then?"

"I'm Manik, Manik Malhotra." I told her

"Manik." She repeated softly

My heart picked up speed at the way she said my name, it was after such a long time she spoke my name, it was music to my ears.

"Are u my boyfriend?" she asked curiously

My head shot up in surprise to look at her, she blinked, a little embarrassed at her question

"I mean...I'm hospitalized and there's no one here with me in the middle of the night except for u so I thought" She said.

While she was talking, it dawned me all of a sudden, memory loss, memory loss had caused her to forget her own identity and mine as well and it caused her to forget about her hatred towards me as well, for her, I was a white piece of paper, I could paint anything about myself to her...anything!

"Yes" I blurted

I took a deep breath, making my decision in few seconds, it was my chance and I grabbed it

"Yes, I'm your boyfriend and I'm going to get u out of here." I said looking into her eyes

"Are u out of your mind?" Cabir shouted on me through the phone

I held my phone away from my ear and winced. Nandini blinked at me in confusion beside me and I tightened my grip around her hand and shook my head to affirm her that everything was fine, she gave a little smile and nod and closed her eyes

"I'm just telling u because I need u to come up with a story that I'm out of town or something. Explain to my parents for my absence alright?" I said

"No, wait Manik, u must be kidding, u just not steal a patient from a hospital but also kidnapped her, it's illegal." Cabir said

"It's not kidnap, she is coming with me willingly." I replied

"It's kidnap, she had memory loss, even if some random dude on the street went over to tell her that he was the love of her life, she would believe him, she believed u because u were the first person she saw, u lied to her." He said

"What's the harm?"I asked

"Manik, she has a fiance, she has a family, u can't just steal her away and claiming to be her boyfriend when u r not. Would she even go with u if u didn't lied about ur relation to her? No! Don't do this, u are lying to her." He said

"Cabir, I didn't called u for ur opinion. I only want u to inform my parents, that's it" I snapped and hang up the call

"Where r we?" Nandini blinked at the large mansion which the car had stopped in front of "Is this where we stay?" She gaped. "Wow"!

I had to chuckle at her expression, it was Cabir's farmhouse at the outskirts of the city.

"Yes, we r staying here." I nodded and opened the door

A few nurses were already waiting at the gate for our arrival to attend Nandini as I whisked her away before she was fully recovered. I arranged the best doctors and paid them a hefty sum to keep mum about Nandini's appearance here. We entered inside and she was so happy on seeing the house

"Manik" she said

"Hmm?" I smiled down at her, my heart was racing at her bright smile

"I'm kind of hungry...u think there's food in there?" she asked

"I'll even pluck the stars for u if u wanted, of course I'll get u food but let doctors check u first and then we'll eat ok?" I said

"OK" she nodded like a little kid.

The soup for her was ready. I set the soup on the bedside table while taking a place beside her. She tried to drink the soup but her hand wobbled a little as she used her left hand. I grabbed her hand and took the spoon from her

"I'll feed u okay?" I blew gently on the soup and held the spoon to her mouth "Ahh."

She blinked a few times and then drank it, my thumb moved to swipe the stain off her lips absent mindedly, she blushed prettily and changed the topic, obviously not used to the skinship between us.

"Manik, are u the only family I have? Where are my parents? Do we live here? What do I do for a living? And..." she flattered, grinning sheepishly. "I'm bombarding u with questions right? I'm just curious about everything because I don't remember anything" she pouted lightly.

"Don't worry, no matter what happens and whether u remember or not, u'll have me." I assured her

I lied to her that she had no other relatives and family except him. I told her that we met in the university and she believed everything. I had given her another identity with what I described to her as "past".

Initially, I was really guilty to have stolen Nandini from her family, but as time passed the guilt lessened. She was happy and cheerful by my side and I started to think this was right. The search party for her was dwindling since it was more than a month since her mysterious disappearance from the hospital and there were still no signs of her. We soon got into a familiar routine after a few weeks of living together, it was as if the 11 years apart was nothing at all to them and they grew accustomed to each other quickly. The past few weeks were the best part of my life as Nandini was the first person I saw each morning and the last at night.

Every morning, she would wake up early in the morning and tried to help the maids with the housework even with one broken arm, she then amused herself with books till it was 8 in the morning then she would skip over to my room and dragged the curtains opened, she would shake me up to wake me up and we would have breakfast together while chatting.

After breakfast I would busy myself with my work and she would watch dramas or design some of her fashion clothing's, then we would have nice lunch together. I always tried to finish my work before 5pm so that I could make dinner for her. Every Friday, we would go to watch a movie, it was like a normal date between us and I enjoyed every single moment with her

One day, we were watching a drama together, I had my arm around her shoulder and she leaned in comfortably into me despite being her "boyfriend" I never did anything with her, the only things I did with her was to hold her hand and occasionally hug her. I was too absorbed in my thoughts to notice Nandini's bothered expression throughout the show as she saw the leads getting cosy with each other, murmuring "I love you's"

The show ended and we went to our rooms, it was only then when I noticed something off about her and she was unusually quiet.

"Is something wrong?" I asked her

"It's nothing, Good night, Manik" she replied

"Ok, Goodnight, we'll go hospital tomorrow to remove ur cast" I informed her. She nodded and left

I was sleeping when I heard some noise, I opened my eyes and was shocked to see Nandini on my bed with tear stained eyes. I bolted to sit up, immediately

"Nandini, what's wrong?" I asked her

"Manik, do...do u not love me anymore?" She blurted "It's just that we are supposed to be a couple but we r living in separate rooms. I understand u r giving me space since I don't remember anything but u don't even try to make moves on me, u haven't said u love me." She hiccupped "If u've fallen out of love with me, I understand that u don't want to be with a girl that doesn't remember anything, just tell me if that is the case..." She sniffled

"Nandini, u r wrong, I love u." I whispered out loud "I have never looked at another girl the same way since I fell in love with u. I love u and only u" I assured her

"Really?" she squeaked

I nodded in confirmation, tugging her wrist and pulling her forward, I knew I had made a promise that I wouldn't kiss her unless she wanted but I couldn't help myself. I pressed my lips against hers, the kiss was everything I have ever imagined and more, it was perfect. Our lips moved against each other in unison, my heart was racing very wildly, we finally pulled away and I tugged on her hair lightly as I rested my forehead against hers.

"I love u too, Manik." She confessed

My eyes shot opened and I stared at her in disbelief. I didn't believe my ears

"I think I loved u a lot in the past as well" She smiled in content and buried her face in my chest and hugged me happily, unaware of the emotions crossing through my veins at that moment.

Next morning, I woke up early and I spent a good 15 minutes just staring at her while she slept. I had the opportunity to wake her up by placing feather light kisses all around her face and watched as she wrinkled her brows ever so cutely while she woke. God, I could never ask for anything more. We went to the hospital for removing her cast, she was now perfectly fine. I was waiting outside her room when I saw Aryaman, at the reception counter

I frequently went inside her room, I didn't realized I was dead pale and was breathing deeply, my fists clenched at the sides, she blinked at me and approached me slowly.

"Manik, r u ok?" she murmured in concern

I grabbed her by the waist and wrapped my arms around her body, trapping her in and inching away from the door, my heart was pounding so hard against my chest and I was so scared that she would disappear any second.

"Promise me, u won't leave me." I rasped, swallowing and burying my face in her hairs.

"I won't leave u, don't worry." She said in an assuring voice.

I nodded and hugged her tighter. I would never let anyone to take her away, everything seemed to return to normal after that incident, my men informed me that Aryaman was back in the city again but I was getting restless day by day. She tried hard not to let it bother her but it was starting to get to her real bad.

"Do u think I could ever get my memory back?" She murmured as were spending some time together "It's been more than 2 months, I still don't remember anything, what if I never get my memory back?" she asked

"Does it change things? Aren't u happy now? Why must u remember?" I said

"Why wouldn't I want to remember? Someone with no memory of the past is someone without root. I want to remember it was my life that I have lived and it was what crafted me to become what I am" She answered "I want to remember the exact moment when I realized that I love u" she whispered

I didn't say anything, how could I tell her that there was nothing about them she could recall when they positively wasn't a "them" in the past?

"I know u will still love me no matter if I remember or not but I still want to remember because it's me." She said

I tightened my arms around her just as the guilt tightened its grip around my heart but I didn't want her to remember ever.

We were having dinner at a restaurant, as Nandini wanted to see the city, she begged me to take to her in the city. I knew there were dangers lurking in the city because anyone can recognize her there. Nandini had sensed that I was hiding something from her as I initially denied her of the trip, so she was adamant to know what was I hiding from her, the moment she stepped into the city she thought she belonged there, she felt home, she frowned to herself as she looked out of the window of the car and sudeenly she happened to look at the strawberries and her expression changed into a confused one, it was as if something from past was coming closer to her. She was trying hard to puzzle. When I looked at her and the strawberries she was staring, I understood the connection and sped up the car, I can never have the risk to let her know anything from her past.

"I want to work Manik." She blurted out suddenly

"No." I cut in without hesitation

No way would I let her go to work and meet people, it would increase chances of her meeting someone who knows her and then she would be taken away from me.

"But I don't want to stay at home all day. I want to go out to earn money for myself" she argued

"I have money, I'll feed u for the rest of ur life, u r not working, that's final." I snapped

I apologized for my rudeness during dinner, after that but I didn't changed my mind but the little miss rebellion one morning told me that she was going to the market to accompany the maids to get the groceries. I didn't wanted her to go but she being stubborn had left me no other option to let her go little did I knew what was going in her mind.

She bid goodbye to the maids and took a taxi heading over to the nearest and largest office "The Murthy's Enterprise."

I had a bad feeling about her going out. I paced around my room and glanced at the clock every few minutes even though she was gone for less than an hour. I took a deep breath to calm myself. I called her a million times but got no answer. I was turning mad, it was almost 4pm when maids returned.

"Where is she?" I asked them

I fainted when I heard what they told me. Nandini had lied to me? She lied to me in order to go for a job interview, the maids had no idea which company she went to. I used all my sources to find out which companies held job interviews that day, it was nearly 10pm and she wasn't home. I was burning with worry, for the past 3 months we had been together for every second of day, when she wasn't by my side I felt lost because I didn't know what she was doing and whether she was fine.

There came a knock on the door and I rushed down the stairs, the maids told me that it was the police.

"Mr. Malhotra, u r under arrest." One of the policemen said

What?" I asked in amusement

"U r under arrest for breaking into a hospital, kidnapping Miss Murthy and also for fraud, May we seek ur cooperation to follow us to the police station." He said

My heart stopped beating, what worried me was the fact that Nandini must have found out the truth and I feared forgiveness wasn't in her list of things to do. I didn't even get a chance to see Nandini throughout the entire trial period till my sentence.

When she went for the job interview, the interviewer recognized her and he immediately informed her parents. She was confused and lost when her parents attacked her with a huge hug and calling her their daughter, after a lengthy explanation she finally realized what was going on. I had rewritten her entire past giving her a new identity, she still had no recollections of the past but she knew these people weren't lying, the only liar was ME.Her parents reported this to police and I confessed my crime and was sent to jail for 3 years.

AFTER 3 YEARS----

I stepped out of the jail, 3 years passed slowly, my parents and Cabir visited me frequently. I had just hoped to stand a chance with Nandini because I could hardly described in words how much I loved her, if I had the chance to rewind time I was sure I would do it again, as psychotic as it sounded.

"Welcome out." Cabir grinned. "Come on ur parents are waiting for u at home, a grand celebration is waiting for u".

"I want to go to ur farm house first." I said

Nandini wasn't there anymore, the maids weren't there anymore in fact Cabir had sold the house to someone else.

On my way to that farmhouse, I happened to look at the woman who was selling Strawberries. I looked at them and all my childhood memories with Nandini flashed in front of my eyes. How much she loved these Strawberries! I purchased all of them just as a memory of her!

I walked over to the back of the house and climbed over the wall easily. I landed on the grass. I could still remember Nandini and I sitting on the bench laughing and chatting there. I bit back a smile. I wondered how was she doing, whenever Cabir wanted to update me about her, I refused to listen, after what I did to her, I decided to stay out of her life.

I strode towards the backdoor and pried it open, an aroma of home cooked food hit my senses and I froze. I frowned at the thought of other people living here where I and Nandini had fallen in love with each other. I sighed and turned around, closing the door, the doorknob slipped out of my fingers and I accidentally let it fall with a soft thud.

I turned around to run as I heard footsteps coming nearer and nearer, the person seemed to be running.

"Manik."

I wobbled for a moment before I dropped back down on the grass and spun around, bewildered at the voice I thought I heard. I turned and there she was, wearing a yellow dress and a blue apron, staring at me. I wanted to cradle her in my arms and run away at the same time. I stared at her, she was little mature but still beautiful as before.

"What r u doing here?" I asked

"Waiting for u." She murmured

The next moment I found myself kneeling in front of her and hugging her waist, tears streaming down my face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to lie to u about everything. I never wanted to take ur family away from u but that was the only way I could think of to change ur impression of me, u hated me and when u forgot me, I thought it was the chance to change that. I just love u so bad." I spoke out

"I never really hated u Manik" She pulled me to stand up and stared at me.

"But..." I mumbled

"To tell u the truth, I too loved u despite of what my parents told me about u and ur family. Did u know that I already purchased a house in Australia and two plane tickets, even before the engagement party? I never wanted to marry Aryaman, I was ready to leave him at the altar to elope with u. I wanted to tell u but then that accident happened." She said

I just stared back at her dumbly as I took in the information. I thought I would never get to see her again. I thought I would have only glimpses of her with her husband or boyfriend.

"Say something" she urged." I then bought this place, learnt some cooking in a hope that u would visit this place today when u were released."

"Thank u, thank u" I mumbled again and again

"Won't u give me those?" She asked

"What?" I asked in surprise.

"That" She said pointing at the strawberries

"Sure, it's only for u." I said while laughing

She then pulled away with a bright smile and pecked my lips.

Forgiveness, I never thought I would earn it. Acceptance, that was a luxury I thought I couldn't afford but Nandini managed to accomplish all these things, somewhere, with her loving heart, Nandini changed everything, it was her actions which caused this, this woman was amazing, I couldn't help but think. My life was rewritten!!

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

Quote

Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #9

My Sweetheart GF

Mr Malhotra was today in a very angry mood... He was eagerly waiting for Manik s return coz he wants to announce his decision to him...

Manik came home after attending a meeting. He looks very tired... But Today Mr Malhotra was not in a mood to leave him that easily...

Manik gave his bag to 1 servant and said Hi to his Dad .

Mr Malhotra: Hi...

A servant came with a glass of water for Manik and Manik drink it in 1 go... and that servant left from there.

Manik rested his head on sofa and closed his eyes.

MR Malhotra causually asked: Manik... Meeting kaisi rahi...

Manik with same position replied: Thek thi Dad... I am sure Deal hamein hi miley gi...

Mr Malhotra: Hmmm Good...

Manik: Dad wo Cabir ka phone aya tha kya?

Mr Malhotra: No.

Manik : Ok ... Main chalta ho bht tired feel kar raha hoon ...( he stands from his seat but Mr Malhotra's voice stopped him)

Mr Malhotra: Manik sit down... Mujhe tum se baat karni hai...

Manik while making bad face: Dad ajj zarori hai kya?

Mr Malhotra: Yes...

Manik again sat on same seat.

Mr Malhotra: Manik tum ne kya socha apni shadi k bare mein...

Manik with irritated expression looked at his face: Dad Not again... plzzz... main ne kaha na mujhe abhi shadi nahi karni...

Mr Malhotra: But kab tak... Last 2 years se main yehi sun raha hoon k mujhe shadi nahi karni... mujhe shadi nahi karni... Kitni baar main pooch chukka hoon k agar tumhe koi larki pasand hai to mujhe bata do ... os k sath hi tumhari shadi karwa doon ga... Lykin nahi... Tumhara sirf aik hi ans ... Mujhe shadi nahi karni... Ajj main last time tumhe poch raha hoon ... within 2 weeks tum ne mujhe positive answer nahi diya to main Singhania's ki beti se Tumhari engagement announce kar doon da...

Manik tried to object on this blackmailing: But Dad mujhe wo larki bilkul bhi nahi pasand ... Aur app os se meri shadi ka soch rahe haan...

Mr Malhotra: Son isi liye tumhe time diya hai... 2 weeks ... Dhond lo apney liye koi... Nahi to osi larki se tumhari shadi hogi ... Samjhe.

Manik: Nooo Os larki se to main kabhi shadi nahi karon ga... Chahe app jo kuch marzi kar leen.

Mr Malhotra in same threatening tone: Dekhte haan?

Manik: Dekh lejeiye ga.

After this discussion...Manik in angry mood left for his room without eating his dinner.

Manik's Room.

He entered in his room and removed his tie in anger and then throw it on bed.He was very frustrated after hearing this warning from his Father...

Manik: Ahhh... Dad samajhte kyo nahi... Mujhe aur kisi se shadi nahi karni... Kitni baar kah chukka hoon... bus kah diya... Larki dhond lo apney liye nahi to wo Singhania's ki beti se shadi karwa doon ga...( he threaded his hairs in anger) Kyo nahi samajhte k mujhe abhi osey dhondna hai... Nahi mili abhi tak wo... Kahan dhondu main osey...And he sat on his knees in his emotional state.

After controlling his senses he stands up and came towards his cupboard. From there he pulled out a box infect a jeweler box ... He opened that box and saw a diamond pendent in it. He caressed that pendent with his fingers and blabber: Kahan ho tum... kyo nahi mil rahe ab mujhe...Plzzz wapis a jao plzzz.

Flash Back

A boy after a lot of playing came inside and saw an aunty and a cute lil girl were sitting with his mother .

When his mother saw him near entrance she called him inside: Manik come here beta.

Manik who don't want to go there making bad faces moved towards his mother.

Mother: Manik in se milo yeh priya aunty haan... Meri best friend aur yeh choti si cute si Nandu(while saying this she pulled her in her lap) and Priya yeh hai mera Nakcirha beta(to tease manik she usually called him like this) Manik.

Manik objected on this name: Mom plzzz

Mother: Acha acha mujh se baad me larna pahle aunty ko hi to bol.

Manik: Hi aunty... kaisi ho app.

Priya: I am good beta . How r u.

Manik: I am good too.(now he turned towards his mother and asked) Mom Ab main jaon.

Mother: Haaan haan ja aur Nandini ko bhi sath le ja.yahan bethe bethe bore ho jae gi.

Manik again with bad face:Mom is ko?

Mother: Haan is ko... Jao Nandu beta Manik k sath.

Nandini looked towards her mother for permission which she happily gave.

Manik came in his room and Nandini followed him.

Manik came in and moved towards his wardrobe . he takes his cloths and towel and when he turned back .Nandini bumped in with him.

Manikin anger: Tum ab yahan kya kar rahe ho.

Nandini: tum khud hi to mujhe yahan le k aye na.

Manik: Yahan tak le k aya but is ka matlab yeh nahi main jahan jaon gat um mujhe follow karo gi... Isi liye main tumhe yahan nahi lana chahta tha... But Mom meri baat nahi manti.

Nandini blabbers: Karela kahen ka ... Kitna gusa karta hai... pata nahi aunty ne mujhe is k sath kyo bheja.

Nandini : Hello Mr Karela tumhare friends haan?

Manik gave a surprised look to her on this strange question and also on this name which she gave him.

Nandini: Arey aise kya dekh rahe ho (she again called him Karela to tease him)Mr Karelaaa.

Manik in anger: Youuu.

Nandini: Ya me ... Nandini Murty... Mr Karelaaa.

Nandini was enjoying this teasing session.

Manik grab her arm in anger and said: I am Manik... don't ever call me with any other name ... Nahi tooo.

Nandini with same anger stare in his eyes and said: Nahi to kyaaa haan?

Manik tightened his grip on her arm: Nahi tooo.

Nandini: Hath chora mera nahi to main abhi aunty ko yahan bula rahe hoon.

Manik on listening this left her arm and after picking his towel and cloths left for washroom.

Nandini while rubbing her arm blabbers: Karela... Kharos... Sahi kah rahe thi aunty ... Nak chira bhi hai... Ayiappa app ko bhi itni sweet aunty ko aisa hi beta dena tha...

That was the time when her eyes stopped on a diary placed on side table.

Nandini curiously picked that diary and when she saw Manik's name on it a naughty glint came in her eyes.

Nandini after this naughty thought blabber: O to Mr Kharos ki diary hai... Ab maza aye ga... then she looked upward and said: Ayiappa app aise nahi dekho mujhe ... app ne dekha na is ne mujhe kaise treat kiya... ab thora sa badla lena to banta hai... Hai na?

She picked that diary and then left from his room.

Flash Back End

For Manik this night also passed like always in her thoughts.

In morning he left for his office very early.

He came inside his cabin and got a shock whne he saw cabir there.

Manik: Cabir tu yahan itni subha?

Cabir: Haan wo baat hi kuch aisi thi ... itni subha ana para... Aur waise bhi mujhe pata tha k tujhe ajjkal neend to ati nahi so tu itni subha hi office a jae ga.

Manik gave a sad smile to him and said: Bol kya hoa.

Cabir: Hamein ajj hi Goa k liye Nikalna pare ga... Investors ne urgent meeting call ki hai.

Manik: Haan to tu dekh le na ja k.

Cabir: Sorry bro main dekh to leta but osi time pe hum logon ka concert bhi hai... And like always tou to concert mein perform nahi kare ga but mujhe to karna pare ga na... so main concert mein perform karon ga aur tu os time me meeting handle kare ga...so ab jaldi se packing kar 11 baje ki flight hai.

Manik: what nonsense?

Cabir mockingly: Wohi puraney wali...(hehehehe) acha ab zyada bhao nahi kha aur chal jaldi kar... Mujhe wahan pohanch k preparation bhi karni hai.

Manik: Tu ja aur mujhe meeting ka time bata de main pohanch jaon ga.

Cabir with disappointed face: Ok as u wish. 5 pm pe meeting hai... time se pohanch jana ... wahan hi milen gey.terey hotel ki bookings main ne karwa di haan aur aur tujhe msg bhi kar diya hai.

Manik: Ok now leave ... mujhe kuch kam karne de abhi..

Cabir: Ya sure... bye...

Cabir left from there after this and Manik again goes on the walk of his memory lane.

Flashback

After 5 years

He again saw her on the death of his dearest Gm(Grand Mother). He loved her so so so much... She was his darling GM.

Manik was standing near the window of his room when Nandini came in.

She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and said: Manik

Manik turned back and saw Nandini there.

Manik removed tears from his eyes and said: Tum... yahan kya karne aye ho.

Nandini also with sad face replied: Main yahan apney friend k pass aye hoon...jisey is time meri... aik... aik friend ki zarorat hai.

Manik with angry voice: Nooo I don't need any friend ... he turned towards him and said: na hi mera koi Friend hai... Aur na hi mujhe kisi friend ki zarorat hai... so just leave from here.

Tears came in Nandini's eyes on listening this. She moved back and placed his diary on his bed and said: I am sorry... Os din main tumhari yeh diary apney sath le gayi thi... but sirf tumhe tang karne k liye...

Manik with shocked face turned towards her and saw her tears sticken face.

Nandini: I am sorry again k tum ne apni life k bare mein jo kuch bhi likha tha wo sub main ne parh liya. Aur wo sub parhne k baad mujhe feel hoa k mujhe aisa nahi karna chaheye tha. Now I know tum yeh jo gusa karte ho yeh sub jhota hai... U r a gem person... With pure heart just... just like a DIAMOND.

Bus isi liye main ... main tumhari friend banna chahti hoon.

Manik immediately turned towards other side and said: But I don't want to be friend with u... Mujhe kisi friend ki zarorat nahi... So just leave.

Nandini left from there with teary eyes.

After sometime Manik opened his diary and saw a small pendent and on last page something is written.He knows that it was not written by him so He curiously started reading it.

" Its Hard to wait around for something you know might never happen;

But Its Harder to Give up when you know its Importance in your life."

Manik I know Tum itni jaldi meri friendship accept nahi karo gey... But main bhi aise give up nahi karon gi.I'll wait for you.so abhi k liye yeh pendent tumhare pass chor rahe hoon... Yeh meri Gm ne mujhe diya tha.Aur is mein yeh jo Diamond hai nay eh tumhe hamesha yeh yaad dilae ga k tumhara heart is ki tarhan pure hai... aur is pure heart wale Manik se hi mujhe friendship karni hai.

Flash back End

Manik did some important meetings and then left for airport. During this time his driver brought his luggage from his home.

During flight Manik again thought for his old times.

Flash Back.

Manik came in his mother's room and saw her busy with some jeweler.

Manik: Mom app phir se yeh sub jeweler nikal k beth gayi...

Mother: Arey to aur kya karon (she very lovingly cupped his face and then kissed on his head)Ab mera beta bara ho gya hai...to is ki shadi k bare mein bhi sochna pare ga na...

Manik with shocked face: Shadiii? No ways Mom abhi se app aisa kaise soch sakti ho.

Mother: Arey kyo nahi soch sakti ... yeh dekh main ne to yeh set bhi nikal liya hai apni Bahu k liye( he placed a DIAMOND SET before Manik) and asked bata kaisa hai.

Manik with not interested look said: Acha hai Mom but I think app kuch zyada hi soch rahe ho... Mujhe abhi shadi nahi karni.

Mother: to main kaha ajj k ajj hi teri shadi karwa rahe hoon.

Manik with irritation: Arey Mom samjha karo na.

Mother: Acha acha ... chal yeh bata k koi larki dekhi kya tu ne apney liye.

Manik again with irritation: Mooommm

Mother with a laugh: Awww mera betaaa... Waise acha hi hai tu ne koi larki nahi dekhi... kyok mujhe aik larki teray liye bohat pasand hai.

Manik: Larki? Pasand? Mom main ne kaha main ne shadi nahi karni abhi.

Mother: Acha baba na karna abhi shadi but Pic to dekh le.

Manik: Mommm app ko itni jaldi kyo hai.

Mother: Tu sub Batein chor aur pic dekh... She showed him a pic from her mobile.

Manik shouted after seeing that pic: MOM yeh Nandini... No ways...

Mother: Arey No ways kyo? Meri Bahu to yehi bane gi.

Manik: Ya right... main is se shadi karon ga tab na.

FlashBack end

Manik came back to the world on Airhostess's voice.

AH: Sir what would u like Tea or coffee?

Manik: Nothing...

AH left from there after giving a smile.

Manik again went back to his past

Flash back

The hardest day of my life . When I saw my Mother on her death bed.

She with her hands called me and I moved near her.

She took a promise from me...

Mother: Manik... Beta... wada kar... K tu Nandini ko hi meri bahu banae ga... wada kar...k tu Mera aur Priya ka yeh Khawab pura kare ga.

Manik with teary eyes promised her.And with this promise she left me alone.

Nandini was there in all the ceremonies. All these days she takes good care of my house. But then suddenly she also left me with writing a note.

Manik I know k u don't like me... and u don't need my Friendship

Aur tum aisa nahi samajhna k in dino main ne jo kuch kiya tumhe impress karne k liye kiya

Yeh sub kam... main ne aunty k liye kiye aur apney os friend k liye jo hamari friendship ko nahi manta.

Manik I know k u don't like my presence isi liye yahan se abhi ja rahe hoon but remember

I will Walk Beside you when you need a Friend,

I will Walk Infront of you when u need Protection,

And I will walk Behind you when you need Support.

I will always be there for you.

Nandini.

FlashBack end

Manik takes a deep sigh and thought Nandini kahan ho tum ab...Jab mujhe tumhari zarorat hai... Jab mujhe yeh ahsas ho gya hai k tum aur sirf tum hi ho jo Meri best friend ban sakti hai... Jab mujhe yeh ehsas ho gya hai k Mom sahi thi... Meri life mein tum jaisi hi life partner ki kami hai... Jab main tumhe apni life main shamil karna chahta hoon to kahan ho tum.

Flight landed on the airport and Manik after clearance came outside and sat in a car which was waiting for him.

Car stopped infront of 7 star hotel.Suddenly Manik's heart started beating in different rythem.

Manik after controlling his heart stepped in that hotel and got the biggest and happiest shock of his life.

Nandini... His Nandini...

She was standing behind the reception counter.

Manik in happiness moved towards her.

On same time 2 more girls came on that reception and 1 of them asked: Sir how may I help you.

Manik's eyes were locked on Nandini's face. Nandini also felt his eyes on her face but ignored him.

Manik while staring her told the other girl his name and inquired about his room.

Receptionist: O sir app. Sorry I didn't recognize you... here is the keys of your room.

Nandini intentionally dropped a pen and then bent down to pick that pen.

Manik thought: Yeh Nandini aisey kyo behave kar rahe hai.

Having no other option Manik picked the keys of his room and left from there.

After this that girl turned towards Nandini and asked: Mam app yahan kya kar rahe haan... Kuch chayeye tha to mujhe bata deti.

Nandini: Nahi leena wo aisa koi zarori kam nahi tha.

Leena: Maminhe sir k sat hajj hamari meeting hai na.

Nandini nodded in yes.

Leena: Best of luck Mam.

Nandini with a smile thank you. And plzzz Mr Malhotra ka khas dehan rakhna... inhe yahan koi problem ho to tum direct mujh se dicuss kar sakti ho ok.

Leena: Yes Mam

After this Nandini left towards her Office

Nandini was the CEO of that Hotel chain.and Manik's Company was doning Partnership with this Hotel chain.

Nandini Thought

Ajj Kitne time baad dekha na Mr Karela ko... Abhi bhi waisa hi lagta hai... Kharoos...abhi bhi apney room me gusa kar raha ho ga.

On other Side In Manik's Room

Manik was walking to and fro and said: Yeh Nandini ko ho kya gya hai... Meri taraf dekha bhi nahi is ne. Itnaaa attitude... Ok so Miss Murty ab main batata hoon k Manik Malhotra kya cheez hai.

Manik thought an idea and then he called on reception.

Manik: yeh kaisa hotel hai Washroom me pani bhi nahi a raha.

Girl: Sorry for this inconvenience sir... Main abhi kisi ko thek karne k liye bhejti hoon.

Manik: Kisi ko nahi jis ki wajha se yahan ki booking hoe hai osey bhejo... kon hai yahan ka Ceo...

Girl: Sir Mam abhi yahan nahi haaan main kisi ko bhejti hoon.

Manik put down the receiver and started waiting.

1^st a service boy came and Manik sent him back.

Then the Manager came but again Manik sent him back.

Manik Thought: Nandini is Hotel mein hai to kabhi na kabhi to osey yahan bhejein ge(he didn't know that she is the Ceo )

On Manik's this type of behavior That girl got worried and then she called Nandini and told her the whole matter.

Nandini with face like saying Not Again said: Ok tum tension nahi lo main dekhti hoon.

Nandini came in Manik's room and asked : What is your problem?

Manik when saw her in his room he with famous smirk said: My problem ...Problem meri nahi is hotel k os(he pointed towards washroom) washroom ki hai..

Nandini in anger marched towards washroom and Manik he 1^st locked his room and then immediately removed his shirt and moved towards washroom.

In mean time Nandini checked all taps and said in loud voice: Yahan to koi problem nahi hai.

Manik who was now behind her gazed at her and When she saw him without shirt her heartbeat started raising.sweat came on her forehead and she said again in broken words: Yahan... to... Koi...problem...nahi hai..

And with her each word Manik came near her... Now he was just some cms away from her.

He hold her hand and placed it on his bare skin ... on his heart.and with this skin contact Both of them felt some other kind of sensation.

Manik with his husky voice replied: Problem wahan nahi yahan haan... and with other hand he turned on the shower.

Nandini who was lost in his words came back to her senses with this shower.

Nandini tried to run on Other side But Manik Hold Her hand tightly and with a smile said: ab kahan bhago gi... Nandini murty.

Nandini: Manik this is not a time to joke... Choro mujhe.

Manik: No ways aisey kaise chor doon.Pahle yeh batao k tum aise kyo gaib ho gayi.

Nandini under that shower gave a deep gaze and then while staring in his eyes said in guanine voice: Main aisey gaib hoe kyo k main tumhe mazed takleef nahi dena chahti thi... Nahi chahti thi k aunty k baad tum mujhe dekh dekh k tang ho.

Manik got a shock on hearing this answer. His grip loosened on her hand and taking the benefit of this time left from there.

Manik takes the shower to cool down his senses.

After the shower he came back to the room and from his bag he pulled out that jeweler box which his mother choosed for Nandini... ( a DIAMOND set)

Manik: Thank you Mom ... Thank you very much for choosing such a gem person for me... and don't worry ajj raat hi main Nandini ko app ka yeh set zaror doon ga.

At 5 pm Manik came down the manager of the hotel guided him towards conference hall.

Manik was eagerly waiting to finish this meeting but he didn't knew that his wait pay off in such a way.

Manik Malhotra got another sock of his life in same day when Nandini entered in purely professional dress and that manager introduced her as the CEO of that Hotel chain.

Manik forgot all his words.He was in extremely unbelievable state.

Nandini thought to break this silence so she said: Evening Mr Malhotra

Manik: Silence.

Nandini: Mr Malhotra I Think meeting start karni chaheye.

Manik came back to the world and said only 1 word: Done

Nandini: What?

Manik while staring in her eyes said in double meaning: mujhe yeh partnership manzoor hai.

Nandini looked at him... He knows the language of his eyes . so she got a lil confuse on this ...He is saying for business or...

Nandini POV

Nandini tu pagal hai obviously business k bare mein hi wo baat kar raha ho ga... friendship to terey se kar nahi saka to life ki partnership ki baat kaise kare ga... Tu sach mein is k bare mein soch soch k pagal ho gayi hai.

Nandini to Manik: Ok if agree then I think meeting ki koi zarorat nahi hai.

Manik: Hmmm

Nandini: Ok then I should leave.

But on listening this Manik hold her hand and said: Nooo. PLZZZ ab ki baar mat jao.

Nandini with surpriselooked at him and saw pleading in his eyes.

Nandini didn't like this look on his face so she sat back.

Manik: Thank you.

After about 5 mints Manik said: Nandini u wrote in your note na that u will walk beside me in all ups and downs of life as my friend phirrr... Aisey mujhe chor k kyo a agyi.

Nandini gazed in his eyes on this question and asked: Manik kya tum ne kabhi mujhe apna friend mana tha?

Manik with guilty face: Haan but tab jab bohat dair ho gayi thi... jab mujhe ehsas hoa tab tak tum chali gait hi... He with complaining eyes asked: tummm ne kyo give up kiya Nandini... Tum ne hi kaha than a k tum kabhi give up nahi karo gi.

Nandini with a sad smile: Manik main ne kabhi give up nahi kiya... na kal aur na hi ajj.

Manik with shock: What do u mean by this?

Nandini: Manik tumhe yaad hai merey jane k baad tumhare sub friends wapis a gaye they... Cabir , Mukti, Aliya and Dhruv... and then tum logon k gang mein entry hoe Navya and Abhi ki .

Manik: Hmmm

Nandini: Navya is my best friend and Abhi he is just like my brother... In dono ko main ne tumhare liye hi is gang mein shamil kiya tha.

Tumhe mujh se problem thi to main ne pani is friendship k liye apna alternative de diya but yeh tum me se kisi ko pata nahi tha...Tumhari har 1 news ,,,,,, har function,,,, har success story,,,,,, tumhari apney friends se larae ,,,,,,,,,,,,, un k sath time pass sub ki report hai mere pass... Main ne to kabhi give up nahi kiya manik ... Kabhi nahi...

Manik with lowered eyes said: I am sorry... I am sorry Nandini ( and Nandini left after listening this) Manik continue... I am I was wrong hamesha se... but plzzz aik chance de do mujhe ... Plzzz.

When manik looked upward he saw that Nandini was not there.He takes a deep breath and decided to win her back.

He immediately dialed Cabir's number and said

Manik: Cabir listen tum log abhi Concert start nahi karo gey... hour ka delay karo main a raha hoon ... aur ajj ka yeh concert memorable ho ga...

Cabir: What?

Manik: don't think too much ... main a raha hoon.

Manik before leaving for concert gave a note in reception for Nandini.

After he Left Nandini received that note in which hewrites

Nandini I know main hamesha se wrong behave karta aya hoon but I also know k Friendship mein yeh sub bhool ka friends ko dobara se chance diya jata hai... If u agree on this point with me then plz accept my apology and come on this address.

Nandini with a smile thought: Apology accept karne k liye tum se naraz hona zarori hai ... But Manik main to kabhi tum se naraz nahi hoe.

After this she also left for that venue.

In mean time Manik meet his gang members and told them that he also want to perform with them On which all became happy.

Manik called Navya and Abhi at one corner and requested them to not to tell about all this to Nandini coz he wanted to give a surprise to her.

Abhi and Navya happily nodded on this.

After 20 mints manik received a call from his security officer who told him about Nandini's arrival. Mnaik ordered him to bring her safely in special audience.

Nandini while coming there got another note from Mnaik in which it was written.

Nandini today u gave me a lot of shocks and now its my turn so be ready.

Nandini when reached in special audience rows she saw Abhi and Navya there.

Nandini with shock: Tum log yahan

Navya: Yaaa ab Cabir perform kare ga to main to yahan hoon gi na.

Abhi: But Nandu tu yahan kya kar rahe hai?

Nandini while averting eyes: Wooo wooo Manik ne note bhej k bulaya.

Navya to tease her: Ooo Manik ne Note bhej k bulaya... Matlab sub set ho gya... Tu ne osey apney dil ki baat bata di...(Abhi dialed Manik number on this point coz he want to convey her point to him)

Nandini: No ways Navya main kyo bolo... aur waise bhi I don't think k Manik merey bare mein aisa kuch soche ga.

(Manik got received abhi's call heard this line and his curiosity increases so he decided to listened further)

Navya: Awww kya socha ga ... Arey yehi soche ga k how lucky he is Nandu jaisilarki os se pyaar karti hai.

Nandini: Ya I your dreams...

Abhi also teased Nandu: Na na Nandu in Your (pointed towards her) Dreams... Hamare dreams to pahle se hi book hai... hai na Navya...

Navya with a laugh: Haaan.

Manik again got shock on hearing this confession.so he thought.

Nandini Murty Tum ne to mera kam aur bhi asan kar diya... is se pahle jo merey man mein 1% bhi doubt tha k tum mujhe inkar karo gi ab wo bhi nahi raha ... Thanks Abhi for this help... and Nandini now you wait and watch.Mnaik dialed a number and told someone to bring something from his car.

After receiving those thing... Manik with his famous smirk looked towards Nandini.

Other side.

Nandini thought but Manik ne mujhe yahan kyo bulaya hai...

On same moment she heard music voice...

She looked upwards Towards that stage but got a heart attack when suddenly from nowhere Manik came infront of her and sang while holding her hand

Main tera baby tu meri...

He traced her eyebrows while singing.

Teri aankhon mein
Main kho jaaun

He moved his face near her and sang

Saanson mein basi hai tu hi
Meri baahon mein aa der na kar

He pulled her in his arms and stare in her eyes.

C'mon I wanna take you
Up and down, up and down

He swing while taking her in his arms

Round and round, round and round
Saari raat rahun main tere saath and hang around

He hugged her and sang

GF G... GF banja meri
GF G... GF tu hi meri
GF G... GF, BF main tera tu
GF G.. meri GF G...

Nandini with difficulty lowered down his hand and moved from there

Lala... Ooh la la...
Lala... Ooh la la...
GF G G... GF

Manik Followed her and while placing his hand on her waist take her up on the stage and sang

Hey! listen!
Breakfast mein kisses
Hugs honge lunch mein
Dinner mein tu jo maange

Pleads with her eyes and his pleading eyes melts her heart.Nandini stares in his eyes

Alcoholic hai teri nigaahein
Addiction mein ho gaye hum deewane
Chahunga har pal tujhe
Day and day-night baby

He sat on his knees and hold her hand while singing

Beintehaa tujhko karta hoon pyar
Kyun ye dil mera na jaane

He standsup and moved very close to her face and kissed her eyes while singing

Teri aankhon mein
Main kho jaaun

He sing her outward and then pulled her again in his arms.

Meri baahon mein
aa der na kar c'mon
I wanna take you
Up and down, up and down
Round and round, round and round
Saari raat rahun main tere saath
and hang around

GF G G... GF be my baby
GF G G... Banja meri
GF G G... GF bas tu hi hai wo
GF G G... (hey...)

G...
G G... GF

Nandini who was very happy on this biggest surprise given by Manik... Moved a lil away from him and started showing fake attitude.

Jaaun jahaan tu hai wahaan
Pichhe padaa hai kyun

She came near him and pulled him by his color.and smiled

Banda tu achha hai
Handsome bhi lagta hai
Don't know if I need you

Manik got her answer by her face so he pulled out a Diamond Ring from his pocket and then put in her finger and sang like promising her.

While others started clapping on this proposal and Fab 4 and friends with smiled in happiness.

Jo bhi kahunga
Sach main kahunga
Banda ye saccha hai (I know!)
I'll be your Mister
And you'll be my Misses
Relation ye pakka hai (lets see)

Manik again pull her again near him and then placed a diamond bracelet in her hand while locking her eyes with his.

Teri aankhon mein, main kho jaaun
Meri baahon mein.. aa der na kar
C'mon I wanna take you
Up and down, up and down
Round and round, round and round
Saari raat rahun main tere saath
and hang around

GF G G... GF (I'm not your GF)
GF G G... GF (It's not that easy)
GF G G... GF
BF main tera tu
GF... G.. meri GF
G...

Lala... ooh la la..
Nana... na na na...
Lala... ooh la la..
GF G... GF banja meri

Hey I'll be you GF

Manik wispier in her ear: Thank you... Thank you sweetheart For accepting my love.

Nandini while encircling her arms around her said: I love you Manik.

Manik replied with extreme love filled voice: I love more than my life my would be wife.

ENTRY NO # 10

MaNan OS: Ancient Lovers!

"Ancient lovers believed that a kiss literally unite their souls, because the spirit was said to be carried in one's breath!" (Eve Glicksman)

_________________________

"Don't go..!"

"Am sorry! I have to..!"

"Can't you see the feelings I have for you!"

"I know Berry! But..!"

"You will come back right?"

"Sorry..!"

"It is announced sadly that the plan boarded from Mumbai,India couldn't make to London. It crashed in the way due to bad weather! Neither of the passengers survived!"

Tringgg tringgg!

Stupid alarm...

"Oh God!" I got up with a jerk sweating badly under the covers.

Sh!t! It was a dream again. The nightmare I was having since last 12 years. He was dead! He was no more! He bloody apologized and left. I have to move on and I will move on.

Ok since last 12 years I am ranting the same thing..

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

I jingle the keys of my coffee shop 'The Berry Coffee Shop' because strawberries were the specialty of my all the dishes. I fumbled with the lock for sometime and finally made it inside. The door chime rang as I opened it and turned on the lights. The hall immediately filled with the dim serene lights. The white metal painted chairs with matching round table covered with baby pink cloth covers were adding to the beauty. Tulips all around as it was my favorite flower. Suddenly my eyes fell on the table exactly beside the window and I inhaled a sharp breath as those eyes under the hat once again roamed in my mind exactly the same. He used to sit there since last 15 days. Unknowingly I was waiting for him today too! Maybe I was getting over my crush now..

Alass..

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

I tied my apron standing in front of the mirror and ran my fingers through my messy hair.

Arghh this Mumbai traffic not at all favorable for hair..

Then I pursed my lips to merge the lipstick I was wearing and pinched my cheeks a little to maintain the blush which was already there.

God! Why am I so nervous?

It was a normal day having something really special in it. Ok not much special but yes HE was gonna be there again for sure. I don't know whether it was attraction or something but he was so umm what should I say! I think he was different! Yes!

His eyes remind me of HIM! But he can't be him. He had left exactly 12 years ago and his plan crashed. He and his parents didn't made to the London.

My neighbor! My first and last crush!

I am Nandini Murthy! Orphan! 27 year old! Well not that old but yeah a little! I have no blood relation left in the world. Papa Mama left me alone in this world when I was twenty. So these seven years seriously I had struggled like a donkey to fulfill my needs. I had worked so hard. Papa had left money but it wasn't that enough you know! Anyways I still live for myself cuz that's me.

Yes I was telling you all about my crush. He was my neighbor. Two year older than me but he was so handsome. We never talked like that but as neighbors. We never shared what we feel for each other neither ever talked about it, but It was clear in our eyes .He used to exercise in his garden and I used to peek through my window. His dashing tattoo which he had on his broad back always made me numb. Whenever he used to smile he made my heart flutter. He used to come our house for breakfast to eat my mother's special strawberry pancakes. Strawberries were his favorite! He had so many berry vines in his garden. He used to call me Berry!

I know that's funny but that's how he was. Neither I objected nor he asked me if I feel offended on this...

And then one day I heard that they were shifting. Shifting to London forever. It made me sad I cried whole night. He had became my habit. I was a fool I know a teenager who was mad. The night before departure he came to me to say a bye and then he left. I tried to stop him but he left. His death news broke me but I survived.

I used to thought that I will get over him but today still he was on my nerves it's been 12 years I had last seen him and I knew I won't be able to see him again.

Now this stranger! Who used to come in my coffee shop. He was coming here since last 15 days and I never saw his face clearly cuz he was always wearing a black felt hat which was enough to hide most of his face. But still I never failed to miss his piercing gaze on my back. He was mysterious! A mystery man!

"Nandini! Customers are here!" Lucy, the cashier, shouted from the counter and I gave myself a final look in the mirror, taking a deep breath, I came out of the dressing room.

"Morning Lucy!" I greeted her with my ever charming voice and Lucy too smiled in response. I quickly roamed my eyes on the few customers who were there for dinner but he wasn't there yet. Disappointment washed over me and I sadly picked up the noting pad with my gel pen to take the orders of the customers sitting.

That stranger! His gaze! His gaze used to burn me! His gaze used to made me blush profusely! In start his gaze used to made me uncomfortable! But eventually I become used to it not only used but also habitual. He used to order the same food daily. Black coffee and strawberry syrup pancakes with whip cream. I was pro in cooking these two things as the strawberry pancakes was my mother's recipe and I used to serve him daily. He had never spoken a word to me! Even during ordering the things he just placed his fingers on the menu card.

So it was 11 already but he wasn't there yet. My anxiety increased and I committed mistakes in that tension. Whole day passed but he didn't come.

That was super unusual..

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

"Your stranger didn't come today!" Lucy teased me playfully when I was changing the dress in dressing room after putting a 'We are closed' board on the main door.

"Stranger who?" I love to act innocent, tying the laces of my shoes.

"Don't act innocent! The way you look at him na! I doubt that someday you will ask him to kiss you!" She was a bitch..

"Shut up Lucy! There is nothing of that sort!" I said sternly..

Liars liars! Pants on fire...

"Ahan! But I pray to God that he must come tomorrow or else you will be in coma! Cuz the tension and anxiety was on your face na! It didn't gave me good vibes!" She said in a serious tone but I was determined to ignore her.

Yes she was right. I was tensed for him. Why am I behaving so stupid for a stranger? He hadn't showed his face. I should get him out of my head! This is not right! Yes it wasn't right!!!

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

"Yes?" I asked politely as I opened the door of my flat on the call bell.

"Flowers for miss Nandini Murthy!" There was a delivery boy.

"Flowers? For me?" I asked hell shocked.

Who will send flowers to me? I didn't had any boyfriend either..

"Yes Mam! We have been asked to deliver these flowers to your apartment! Pink Tulips!" He said obediently and handed over me a bouquet of Pink Tulips.

"Who? I mean who asked you to deliver these?" I asked signing the paper and he shook his head.

"I am just a delivery boy Mam! Maybe there will be name on the greeting card! Have a good night!" He said softly and without waiting for my response he left.

This is strange. Who sent me flowers? Pink tulips were my favorite when I was a teenager! I had planted so many of these in garden when my parents were alive. I lost that house after their death!

I slumped on the couch and stared at the flowers. The bouquet was exceptionally beautiful. Then I searched the greeting card and opened it. The statement made me more confuse and a little scared too it was..

"Hey! Beautiful! Missed me?

Yours sincerely; Mystery man!"

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

"I think it's the same stranger who comes to our coffee shop!" Lucy solved the mystery next morning when I told her about the flowers.

"But how can it be possible?" I asked vividly..

"Ok let's do one thing! Next time whenever he will come you will ask him that did he sent you those flowers!" Lucy said enthusiastically clicking her fingers and I frowned..

"Idiot! How am gonna ask him? No way! Just forget it! That stranger means nothing to me!" I said sternly and she shook her head.

"You know what Nandini! Teri life me ya strawberry pancakes he banana likha hai!" She said in dismay pointing towards the batter I had prepared for pancakes and I turned my face dejectedly.

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

He didn't come today either. Now my tension and anxiety was increasing. What the hell was wrong with me! That idiot! How much peaceful I was before he came to my life but he ruined everything ! I just wish I could rip that hat off his head to see his face! Who was he!!!!

Ok blaming others for my problems was my habit.

I reached my apartment and was about to open it when my eyes fell on another bouquet of pink tulips just near my door. This time the statement made me lost my breath it was..

"I just love the strawberry pancakes you cook!

Yours sincerely; Mystery man!"

It was him I was sure now..

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

The days passed and I used to found the same bouquet everyday on my doorstep with a greeting card and there used to be few praising words for the pancakes I cook.

Aann aann not just pancakes! Strawberry pancakes!!

Why the hell he was doing all this? What he wanted? Who was he? He didn't showed up to the shop since last month. But the flower bouquet was regular..

"Let's go to Charlie's hangout tonight!" Lucy suggested as we closed the door Of the shop walking out. It was one of the famous night club in our city.

"Lucy! Am not in a mood!" I said lowly putting my hands in my hoodie pockets..

"Nandini! Come on! Us stranger pay aa kar sari dunya khtm ni hoti!" Lucy said gritting her teeth as we stood on the bus stop to wait for the bus. "You even didn't saw his face!" She reasoned.

"Will you please stop?" I tried meekly.

No I won't! Tell me what's so special in that mystery man rather than he sending you tulips everyday!" She said popping her bubble gum and I scratched the footpath tile with the tip of my sneaks boat.

"He reminds me of HIM!" I choked at the thought of him being dead..

"Him? Your 12 years long crush?" She exclaimed and I nodded weakly. "Seriously Nandini! He is dead and this mystery man! He hasn't shown you his face how can he remind you off him? You are seriously being ridiculous!" She was showing no mercy..

"Please Lucy!" I begged her to stop..

"Fine! But you are coming with me! Tonight!" She announced her final verdict and I sighed...

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

Manik's POV..

I stared at the girl dressed in red short skinny skirt when she danced with her friend on the dance floor totally drunk but still looking sober. I was here for her...

It feels so good to be back to India after 12 long years. It was hell of a task to find her. Finally I made it to 'The Berry Coffee shop'..

She remembers...

I missed her. I missed her secret gazes. I missed her giggles! Her pink flushed cheeks whenever we accidentally bumped into each other. I missed those yummy strawberry pancakes her mother used to cook for me. I was really a strawberry lover and Aunty knew it. I mostly sneak in their house with the excuse of eating strawberry syrup pancakes but my real agenda was always been to steal even a single glance of hers...

I never wanted to leave but Mom Dad they wanted me to accompany them. They left me no choice but to leave her. We were known of each others feelings but never tried to share. The relation was silent but yet beautiful. We never hanged out together neither expressed what we used to feel..

I went to meet her the night before my departure and she cried. For the first time she held my hand by saying..

"Don't go..!"

"Am sorry! I have to..!" I was really helpless..

"Can't you see the feelings I have for you!" She spoke weakly as the tears trickled down her cheeks..

"I know Berry! But..!" I said softly wiping the tears off her cheeks. Yes I just loved to call her 'Berry' cuz she was all pink whenever I was close to her..

"You will come back right?" The hope in her voice made my body shudder..

"Sorry..!" I whispered and freed my hand...

Then in the journey plan crashed but I opened my eyes in the hospital of Manchester after being in coma for more then 6 years. My recovery was more then a miracle to doctors they told me that they were almost hopeless from my side but I had someone in the world to live for and that was my Nandini. I got discharged after a month and stood doomed in the thronged alley of Manchester city. No parents! No money! The only hope for me was go back to India and get her. But it took me 6 long long painful years to come back..

The few years after that were dreadful I had nothing! I worked! So hard to earn my living and complete my studies. Now I run a small business there which gives me pretty good earning. Then finally I decided to come back and find the lost piece of my soul so here I was! Well end of my story.

Now I was back to get her! She was as charming as she used to be. I became her mystery man. I wanted to test her patience. Just for fun actually exactly after one week was her birthday so I wanted to surprise her that day only. I sent her daily, her favorite tulips. But tonight when I saw her dancing exotically on the dance floor in Charlie's hangout I felt like losing control. Whatever passion I was holding for her since last 12 years feared to escape out and reveal the real me.

Suddenly her friend hooked up with the boy next to her and she was left alone. I immediately gulped the shot which I was holding in my hand and walked closer to her. She was shaking her hips lightly and was smiling to herself, she wasn't attentive towards me at all.

I couldn't resist but to snake my arm around her waist pulling her closer. She banged in my chest and her drowsy eyes scanned my face in amazement. She was totally not in her senses. Holding her close to me I pushed her against a wall, dark corner, and she was still staring at me with unsure expressions. I stared in her eyes deeply. It felt so good to have her in my arms. I gawked at her luscious lips and she drowsily raised her hand to cup my one cheek.

"Manik...!" A whisper left her lips and my heart flutter. She remembered!

"Berry!" I whispered back and noticed wetness in her eyes. The pool of emotions she had in her eyes make me loss my control and didn't wait further to seal our lips. She gasped loudly enough opportunity for me to slid my tongue inside her mouth. She replied slowly and her hands were now pinned with the wall by mine. I kissed her madly. The passion I was holding for her since last 12 years didn't let me take a single second pause for a second I kissed her until she was collapsing in my arms. I left her now swollen lips and kissed her forehead. I needed to go! I wanted to surprise her when she was sober.

"Nandini!" Suddenly I heard someone calling her. I immediately left her and she still had her eyes closed. Before giving her anytime to register things I hide behind a pillar while her friend approached her. I peeked through the pillar to see what will be her reaction.

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

Nandini's POV..

His kiss was so intoxicating. I felt like melting away and drowned in his passion. He broke the kiss and I felt it difficult to even open my eyes and suddenly he left me. Before I could do anything his warmth was lost..

"Nandini? What are you doing here?" It was Lucy. My eyes snapped open and I stared at her. Where was he? "What? What are you staring at?" She asked with wide eyes..

"Manik! Where is he?" I asked vividly still unable to figure out what just happened..

"Manik? He is dead Nandini! What are you talking about?" Lucy said worriedly and I shook my head..

"No he was there! Just a moment ago! He called me Berry! He was holding me!" I ranted still unsure of my own thoughts..

"Nandini! There is no one! You must be hallucinating!" She said holding my hand and I jerked her hand away..

"I fu**ing kissed him and you are saying am hallucinating?" I roared pushing her away and she looked at me helplessly. "Listen Lucy you have to believe me! He was there! He was right there!!!" I tried to make her believe as tears threatened to fall off my eyes and she hugged me..

"Let's get you home Nandini!" She said lowly stroking my hair and I sobbed hugging her tighter..

Was I really hallucinating?

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

"What's the plan for birthday?" Lucy asked casually as I sipped my coffee. It's been an exact one week since I 'hallucinated' a kiss with Manik..

"Whose birthday?" I asked absentmindedly and Lucy choked..

"Your birthday of course you dumb!" She exclaimed slapping my head and I stared at her for a while..

"No plans!" I said lowly and she made a bad face..

"I wish Manik comes from heaven! Then At least you will be normal!" She mumbled under her breath and I completely ignored her comment.

Yes Manik was dead and he won't be back! I just wish this could be a lie..

Whatever happening was because of that idiot mystery man! He was the one to dug out Manik's memories which I was trying to bury deep somewhere since last 12 years...

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

'!Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly!'(Rose Franken)

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

It was 11:45 pm when I unlocked the door of my apartment. I had cut my birthday cake with Lucy and her boyfriend, Edward. They were the only friends I had! They were sweet and caring towards me. Though it was one day earlier but Edward had to leave for Dubai so he forced me cut the cake early I was least interested in cutting cakes but they were stubborn.

I walked inside my apartment and turned on the lights. Exactly near the switch board was a decor mirror. I stared at my reflection in it and touched my lips with the pad of my thumb. I was sure that I was kissed by HIM but how could it possible that he was Manik..

"Berry!" His whisper again lingered in my thoughts and I helplessly untied my hair. Pulling the ribbon off I let them fall off my shoulder and suddenly my eyes wide opened when I saw someone other's reflection in the mirror..

Mystery man?

I immediately turned and stared at his back. He still had the hat on and he was standing near the window. How did he get in? What the hell is he doing here?

"Wh-who are you?" I screamed loudly and he chuckled but didn't turned to me. It annoyed me..! Seriously offended me!!! "Who are you?" I shouted and this time sternly. But he still didn't turned. "You scoundrel!" I shouted angrily and run towards him. I grabbed his arm and with a jerk I made him turn towards me with that I pulled that 'mystery' hat off his head.

Ahhh! I wanted to do it from so long...

Wait what???

"Manik?" I spoke with wide eyes as I stared at his face. He was standing in front of him with a smirk on his face. I backed off and his smirk turned into serious expressions..

"No! It's not true! You! You are not real! Stop playing with my head! Just stop it!" I shouted backing off until my back touched the wall behind. He was looking worried now..

No! This is not real! It's a dream! It's a dream...

"Berry!" He whispered softly taking a step towards me..

"Shut up! Just go away! You are not real! Don't hurt me!!! Please no! Please!!!! My Manik is dead! Don't do this!" I shouted loudly that my throat hurt and collapsed on the floor..

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

Maniks PoV

Finally it was her birthday night. I sneaked in her house with a master key. I thought that when she will see me she will be happy and will come running in my arms but here the table turned. I was staring at a shattered Nandini who was crying like a baby and asking me to stop playing with her head.

Did I crossed my limits in teasing her?

"Berry!" I whispered softly taking a step towards her..

"Shut up! Just go away! You are not real! Don't hurt me!!! Please no! Please!!!! My Manik is dead! Don't do this!" She shouted loudly and collapsed on the floor.

"I am real Berry!" I said loudly as I reached her but she got up and tried to run. I immediately held her hand and she banged in my chest..

"You are not real!" She whispered shaking her head and looked away closing her eyes..

"I am real Nandini!" I said sternly and she pushed me away...

"Then prove it!" She yelled loudly staring in my eyes and I was taken aback by the determine tone she had.

Wait! She wants me to prove myself?

"Fine!" I mumbled and pulled off my blazer. Her gaze didn't left my eyes not even for second! I opened the buttons of my shirt. "You think am not real right? Then tell me! Do you remember this? Or is this also fake?" I said gritting my teeth and threw my shirt away. Then I turned my back to her and she gasped audibly loud.

The tattoo was still the same and real!

I didn't turned but she stepped forward and soon I felt her cold fingers traced my tattoo..

"How?" She mumbled...

"I survived the crash!" I mumbled back as soon as these words left my mouth her fingers replaced with her lips. And suddenly she had back hugged me...

"Manikkk!" She wailed loudly and her wet tears touched my bare back. I immediately turned and cupped her cheeks.

"Hey! My strawberry! Don't cry! Am back na!" tried to shush her but she wailed more loudly..

"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you so much! You have single Idea how much I missed you!" She said slapping my chest and I couldn't help but to chuckle on her cuteness.

She was still the same!

"Acha! Do you really hate me?" I asked cupping her cheeks and she shook her head like a baby..

"You know am just angry on you!" She said sniffing a little and I smiled more..

"So you liked my surprise?" I asked pulling her closer and she frowned..

"No! You almost proved me retarded in front of my friend! I was so upset! Aagy say aisa kbhi mat krna!" She said lowly and I bit my lower lip.

"Am sorry! I thought it was cool! I thought you will be happy and---!" I was ranting and suddenly she interrupted me by her words which were...

"I love you!"

I stared at her for a while before pinning her with the window..

"Say it again!" I whispered in her ear hoarsely and she breathed heavily..

"I love you Manik!" She whispered again and I look in her eyes again..

"I love you too!" The words left my lips and her eyes twinkled with a never ending happiness. She leaned forward for a kiss when I remembered that it was 12 am..

"Wait one sec!" I stopped her and she looked irritated..

"What?" She said a little annoyed..

"It's 12 am! Happy birthday!" I said lovingly and she smiled.

"Thank you!" She said ruffling my hair and again leaned forward but..

"Hey one sec!" I again interrupted her and this time she gave me a deadly glare..

"What is it now?" She was looking so angry..

"Wo! Will you cook strawberry pancakes for me daily?" I asked innocently and She stared at me with wide eyes..

"Seriously Manik! At such an intimate moment tmhy apny strawberry pancakes yad aa rahy hain?" She asked in disbelief and I shook my head..

"Wo you know--!" I tried to explain but she stopped me by placing her lips on mine.

"Shut up and kiss me!" She muttered over my lips. I chuckled twirling around with her in my arms kissing her madly and finally fell on the couch with her over me. The room filled with her giggles making me feel peace...

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

"Don't you want to touch me!?" I whispered...

"More than I want to breathe!"...

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

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

Quote

Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #11

P.S: Always Yours!

My dearest jaan,

I know you have always said that we are being pulled into a hundred different directions by our dreams, goals or maybe our family, but I know that wherever we are, I have always got you by my side..

You are in my mind, you are in my heart, and truly, it doesn't matter where we are.. I know it will always be the same, even when now we are miles apart..

But neither of us can deny this fact, that all we wanna do, is be with each other, and the thought of us together, is what I always think..

And now, my jaan, our this separation will soon turn into mere memory, a pleasant, yet enduring memory..

This correspondence was endearing beyond a combination of 26 letters, but now I promise it will be more sugary when we will be together in person..

Yes my winsome lady, I'm coming back home..

Our wait is over.. I'm coming to you my jaan.

P.S: Always yours,

~~~~~~~~~~

My dearest M,

Right now, you don't know how I'm controlling my happiness.. I want to dance, I want to sing, and I just can't wait to do this all with you, my love.

It's like catching lightning, the chances of finding someone like you.. The way you make me feel is one a million, it's so extraordinary, so special.

As I have often said, no mountains are too high, or no ocean is too wide, because together as we are, nothing can stop us.. And now I feel this distance is loosing the value of its digits, as sooner, there will be you and me, together, forever..

Who says long distance relationships don't work? We are the perfect example of it. Isn't it?

Dearest, I promise that after this 8 year long separation period, I will be the first one that you will put your eyes on.. I am dying to see you, and I am sure you are feeling the same.

I'll be the first person you lay your eyes on, on the station, it will be me, your jaan, your love, I promise my life onto that.

Our love was worth it all.

PS: Always yours,

Jaan

~~~~~~~~~~

"oh my god!! Oh my god! Alyaaa!" Nandini swirled around her sister, dancing into her own world. No instrument in this world could measure the happiness in her mind, the love in her heart and the excitement in her body, that she felt as she received his last letter.

"what happened choti??" Alya questioned with curiosity.

"Alyaaa! He's coming. He's coming backkk!" she sang to her sister with elation and Alya smiled. "I can wait no more Alya. When will this day pass by? When will the shining tomorrow arise? When will be that extra-ordinary moment...when finally, Manik and I will be face to face... After...8... Long...years..!" recited Nandini dramatically. "see this!" Nandini handed over the letter to Alya.

"oh my my!!" Alya exclaimed. "HIS WINSOME LADY, eh?!! I never knew our Manik was this romantic. But am soo happy for you choti. Finally, your THE MOMENT awaits you!!!!"

"That's true Alya! I've always wished for this. But I'm just scared that what if Manik doesn't recognize me only?! After all, he doesn't know that his 'anonymous writer' is Nandini, but its only jaan for him. He could even percept 'you' to be his 'anonymous writer' coz he called both of us his jaan! I'm just a little scared." Nandini shared the turmoil in her heart with her sissy dear and received the much needed solace.

"everything will be fine choti! You'll get what you deserve. Hmm?! You don't have to be scared. You analyze yourself...the first time when you wrote him a letter expressing all the love in your heart for him and keeping your identity a secret, he said he needed time. But look at the conditions now! In these 8 years, he himself expressed his feelings for you through the letters you guys exchanged...without even knowing who you are? Isn't that enough to tell you Nandini, that he loves you so much! He might not know who his secret writer, his jaan is...but his words hold that aura to elucidate the intensity of his love for his jaan. Trust me Nandini, nothing will go wrong. This is one moment you'll reminisce all your life."

To have a sister

is to have an extra pair of eyes

an extra pair of ears

an extra pair of hands.

Sisters show the world to one another.

Is that not true?!

~~~~~~~~~~

Finally, that time of union came. With every whistle of the day, their heart beat faster, as if it would come out out of its rib cage. Since morning, Nandini was as lovely as a squirrel, and Manik couldn't help but grin the whole time in the train, only to get weird looks from his coach-mates.

'I have been waiting for this moment since forever, I just want it to be perfectly ours.' Nandini thought, spritzing her favourite perfume.

'Today is the moment, tomorrow can wait, to some other day to be, coz today will only belong to my jaan and me.' Manik thought.

The time had arrived.. Nandini, along with Alya and Manik's family were there on the station; and nandini could now spot the train coming out of the tunnel.. It was not as is the train was approaching, but a piece of a heart was returning to complete her..

Whereas, Manik was more than impatient to finally see the prettiest face locked behind the letters..

The train came to a halt on the station, as so their hearts.. It was an unfathomable moment, yet the most awaited one.

Manik ran out of the train, and his jaan towards it. In this moment, Manik collided with someone, and could only meet the eyes of the beholder..

In that petty moment, he was lured by those eyes, as well as saw Alya, waving frantically at him..

"Hi jaan!" Alya ran towards Manik, shoving the girl and hugging Manik. "I kept my promise." She said as she pecked him on the cheek..

'How can I let Nandini have this hottie hunk.. As and if I know every detail about their so called relationship.. I can easily tell Manik that I was always his jaan, and have this hottie all by myself! My life set! This man is worth drooling for..' Alya thought all this while, whilst hugging manik..

'What? Alya was behind those beautiful letters..? The first ever reaction I had whilst I host those letters was nandini.. I have always imagined her in that scenario, and she writing those words of sheer love to me.. I know I shouldn't say this, but Alya had always acted under her age, and such courage, love and kindness was not expected.. But whatever it is, I have always been in love worth the writer, and not the face, and I accept her whole heartedly.. I love you my jaan, my alya..' Manik thought, as surprised as ever..

The only person broken was Nandini, due to much obvious reasons..

'What just happened? Everything was going perfect, I was just going to hug the love of my life, my M, and in a blow it's all shattered.. The promises we made, the love we shared is all now given to alya.. How could she.. I trusted my life upon her.. And now it's all gone.. He thinks that she is his jaan, and is too engrossed to even see his winsome lady of dreams, who is now broken and incomplete without her piece of heart..' She thought, blinking away the tears as she could just not create a scene in front of everyone..

But see, how ironical the destiny is.. The stars in which they both believed did not let their promise break.. Nandini, his jaan, was still the first person who he saw at the station..

~~~~~~~~~~

"come in!" Alya said as she heard a knock on her room door.

"Alya!" a meek voice called out to her and she immediately turned to come face to face with the person she didn't wish for.

"Nandini! What... What are you doing here?" she tried to avoid the eye contact while Nandini bore her gaze into her with hurt displaying in her eyes.

"what is wrong with you Alya?" Nandini asked with disgust but Alya shrugged it off easily.

"why did you do that? Why did you do that to me? We're sisters Alya and sisters do not do such filthy things to each other. Do they? Our relation, our bonding was too strong to break. Then what went wrong between us Alya? You've betrayed me beyond repair. And this was not expected from a trustworthy sister like you. I never shared those words of joy, pain, happiness, sorrow and all those lil' secrets with you to come up to a situation like this...where...where you'll be living your life on the expense of my identity. My own sister woul..." her words came to an abrupt halt with Alya's roar.

"yeh kya sister sister laga rakha hain... Haan? Everyone knows ki you're an orphan...and remember that Nandini, you'll always be one. I always pitied and sympathized you, and it's not my fault that you misunderstood that as my care and affection towards you. Huh!! Manik is one rich guy and has some standards, okay! And you... definitely don't deserve him. Now leave my room right away. I don't wanna discuss this anymore." Alya blabbered utter shit because of her ego while the sensitive soul Nandini silently took a leave adapting to the new changes in her life.

~~~~~~~~~~

'I never thought life could be this unworthy one day. I have loved this family to the core and respected them wholeheartedly, because they always treated me like their own. And above all, I've loved Alya but she turning out to be this egoistic was the biggest nightmare of my life. If she wanted Manik, and loved him...I could have simply sacrificed my love for her. Because this fantasy for Manik is no bigger than the respect I hold for Alya. All she had to do was come up and speak to me.

I wish I could redo things but... nothing lies with me. All I can do now is accept what is in front of me. Accept that Manik and Alya are getting 'married.'

"Nandini, bacha are you ready? The sangeet function is about to start, guests have started arriving. Come down jaldi." Nandini halted on her thoughts when she heard her mom call out. And she knew that for next few hours, she had to roam about with a fake smile put on her face and act all giddy whereas she felt not even a percent of it in her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~

"chalo na di'. Dekho sab dance kar rhe hain aur aap yahan baithi ho. This is not done. Chalo" Nandini was being forced by her cousin to step on the dance floor but she was not willing to do anything. Her life had been a mess lately, and watching Alya and Manik go all lovey-dovey in public was hurting her even more. Finally, after lot of pleadings she gave in.

The music was on full swing but suddenly, the aura softened. A soft romantic track played when everyone heard the dj. "this is for all couples in the house. A partner changing sequence. So, join in all aunties and uncles! all girlfriends and boyfriends! and let your heart sway to the beat."

Nandini was descending the stage when she felt a tug on her left hand. She turned around and came across an unfamiliar face.

"can I have this dance with this pretty lady?" he asked and before she could protest the song started. Not able to say anything infront of her family, she gave in.

A few moments later as the partners switched, Nandini collided with... Manik. Both glanced disinterestedly at their partners and it felt as their world stopped at the very moment. Eyes locked and bodies swaying together was a sight to behold. Anyone who saw both of them together for the first time could not deny the fact that they were too deeply in love. Their eyes said it all. But the poor souls were brutally trapped in the hands of 'misunderstanding'.

Manik's hands on her waist, Nandini's hands circling his neck and eyes bored into each other. They were too lost in each other and simply no way to get out now. Manik swirled her around a few times and Nandini landed her back on his chest. His hot breath on her neck and shoulders created an undeniable havoc in her whole body which was easily noticeable. And Manik, he was surely surprised to witness his such an effect on her. She, unintentionally, portrayed such emotions that he had not even felt with Alya. And here he was forced to rethink about his decision to accept Alya as his mate.

"you're looking extremely beautiful today, Nandini!" and as soon as these words left Manik's mouth, the connection between them broke. The little feelings they had developed, shattered and without saying or glancing at him, Nandini hurriedly left the hall. And Manik cursed himself for this stupidity.

'shit! What did just happen inside. No I can't let this happen. Main Manik ko apne paas aane nhi de sakti. I cannot let my feelings overpower my self-control. Get a grip! Stay in your limits! Oh... Alya...yeh kya kar diya?' she scolded herself and then broke down into incoherent sobs.

'yeh kya ho jata hai mujhe? Whenever I see Nandini, everything just feels like a big lie. This marriage, functions, Alya and my relation. Everything seems wrong but then I'm forced to think that I had always adored my anonymous writer, no matter who she was. And if that's Alya then I should merrily accept her. But this doesn't give a positive feeling. What is it?' Manik was engrossed in his thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nandini looked out of the window, as she casted her mind back to her beautiful past, time spent with his M in childhood and the fun the three best friends had.. How she could not forget the most beautiful time of her life- the letters. How he always managed to come up with new court words, and never failed to express their love in the prepossessing language ever.. And how all it shattered due to her own sister..

But it was all past now.. She was heading over to new city, leaving behind the good as well as the bad past.. All she wanted was to make new memories, cherish the older ones, and not add on to the bad ones.. Well, that's what she thought so...

"Hello pretty lady." A guy said, interrupting Nandini in her thoughts..

"I said Helloo... What's up?" He said again..

"Look girl, I think we need to introduce ourselves, it's a long long journey and I'm not the one who will just stay quiet.. So let's talk and introduce!?" That guy said, with a droopy worthy smirk.

"How.. This just cannot be a coincidence.." Nandini said, still in a fit that Manik.. Yes manik was right before her eyes.

"Manik, what the hell is wrong with you? You ought to be in your wedding Manik.. It's damn your wedding Manik.. It's not a good sight to leave the mandap..."

Nandini started her blabbering, whereas Manik just could not pay a single attention to her words, but that mouth out of which those came, that face which was stressed and so confused right now.

He just leans in and both can feel each other's hot breath... And within what seemed as a nano second, he crashes his lips upon hers in strong, but kind of a gentle kiss..

A kiss that that had been due since eight long years, and finally it was just worth it.. It didn't included swallowing each other's tongue, but surely, it was filled with passion and hunger of wanting each other, years of he wanting her, and she wanting him..

She instantly looped her arms around his neck, to pull him as close as possible, so desperate to kiss him finally..

Manik ran his hand through her luscious hair and they pulled away from the kiss, their faces centimetres apart. Manik's hands move to her face and he cups her cheeks. She exhaled and look up at him, his eyes burning into hers. She licked her lips, yearning to kiss him again and savour this moment. But she was astonished as she saw him bent on his knees, a small box in his hand.. "Mmaanikk..." Was all she could say as she took the box from his hand.. As she opened the box, to find something least expected- a letter.. Her first letter..

~~~~~~~~~~

Dearest M,

I hope that you have reached safely to the place that could be the ticket to your dreams. All the best for the 8 year long journey.

I know that you might feel weird about this letter thing, as I could have easily sent you a text, but that's the essence of it.

My feelings wouldn't have come out through a text, so I had to hand write it.

Yes M, this letter is about my emotions, my feelings..

Once in a lifetime, there's no second chance, and that anything can happen, if you take this chance.

And today, with every gut of mine, I'm gonna tell you the biggest secret of my life. My best weakness, my greatest strength. It's YOU, M. Yes, within the eyes of every god I have ever believed, I say that I'm madly, deeply and crazily in love with you my M.

And I will thank that star, who made my wish of telling this to you, come true, because it knows what it is, and what it should be.

I will never in my life ever force you to love me back, and never think that it is your fault to not revert this back, but my heart loves of you and you mean everything to me.

Yes, I have always been afraid to tell this to you, but now when I have realized that I will probably see you after an almost decade, no power in this world can stop me from celebrating my love for you.

I don't ask for anything, but I can neither deny this fact that all I wanna do, is be with you, only you.

This feeling of love is like no other, and I could never have someone as good for me as you, no one like you.

The only thing I hate about you is nothing, and I love you with all my heart, soul and body.

P.S: always yours.

Jaan

~~~~~~~~~~

"How do you know that I was the one?" Nandini simply asked, tears brimming in her eyes.. "Since the first letter I got, I was on the seventh heaven, and I always imagined you to be my jaan.. And now, I also have the full proof.." He said as he narrated the whole incident from the evening...

~~~~~( Flashback ) ~~~~~

Alya walked down the aisle, all studded with the best jewels and clothing and make up and what not. But one major thing was missing from the bride's face. The content and honour of becoming a part of someone else's life whom she loved alot. Maybe?!

She had not even crossed half of the aisle when she bursted out crying. " Alya, I promise you today, that this orphan will never cross your paths again. I will henceforth never trouble you. And all I wish for is the best of everyone's health. Take care of mom, dad, yourself and ofcourse Manik. Always keep him happy and cherish this new phase of your life wholeheartedly. I'm leaving Alya, this time forever and you are still the first and the only person I'm sharing this with. Because no one can take away the place you hold in my heart, away from you. I don't care what you say or think about me because you are still my sissy dear, my first love and no matter even if you pity me, you'll be my only sister and I will always love you Alya. Aur haan, You look as pretty as a doll. Goodbye and Goodluck!" Nandini's last words kept ringing in her mind.

Everyone came up to the bride worried with her sudden emotional burst out and almost everyone had tried their best to calm her down, but she would just not stop.

"Manik am sorry. Am very sorry. I don't know what got into me and how I became this greedy and egoistic, that I destroyed my own sister's life. I've hurt her alot and now, I feel that the pain she's enduring is probably too big to even heal. Am sorry that I've hurt all you guys so much." Alya was continuously blabbering and no individual could make out anything from her words.

"tell me clearly Alya. What happened?" Manik asked calmly but what he got as a reply left him totally aghast.

"Nandini is the one, Manik. She's your jaan. She the owner of the letters. She's your anonymous writer. You've always loved her, not me. Am sorry. She shared everything with me, every lil' happening in her life and I feel a culprit, to use her trust against her. And that poor soul, she happily sacrificed all of her for me. And now she's left. This early evening we had a talk and her last words just don't seem to evacuate my mind. I cannot do this anymore. Just leave everything and run, Manik. Run for your jaan, before she leaves. She's gone to the station so just rush. Go and get her! And don't make me feel anymore guilty. I already have enough of guilt to endure. You...just...run!" Alya pushed him out of the gate, and he wasting no more a second, ran like a maniac. Ran for his love. Ran for the positive feeling of his heart. He just ran.

~~~~~(Flashback ends)~~~~~

"So my jaan, will you give me the utter pleasure of having you forever and ever, always mine.. Will you marry me jaan?" Manik said, in a way that any girl would desire for.. That look in his eyes was worth anything in the world.. Nandini knew that it was the right thing, and he was the only one that she could give her love, soul and body to..

"Nandini, please stop crying, and reply.. Please.. My knees are hurting." He tried to act as if he was hurt, but could not look more cute..

"In every language Manik.. Yes, oui, ja, si.. In every language, in every form of this world.. I love you my jaan, for life and beyond." Nandini said, the look in her eyes reflecting the passion and admiration in his..

She was just taking the moment in, just when he slipped a ring in her third finger.. But it was not just a ring, it had a strawberry on it, instead of Diamond, Amber or anything precious..

"I'm really sorry Nandini.." Manik said as he stood and took her hands in his.. "I know it's really kiddish, and unrealistic, but time nhi tha.. And as you once wrote in our 21st letter, that how much you love strawberries, I could just give you this.. That's the first thing I could think of..." And now it was Maniks turn to blabber..

"Aawww Manik, you look so cute babyyy.." Nandini squealed, pulling his cheeks, just to earn a more cute smile from his side..

Lost in each other's eyes, they didn't even realise that the train was now far from the city..

"Oh shit Manik, how will we return.." Nandini said, but was puzzled as she got a smirk from Manik's side, signing her to look at something..

"Manik.. No.. It's an offence Manik.." None of Nandini's pleas came into use.. Manik had already pulled the chain of the train..

"Baby, I'm ready to take any chance for you... Now run.." He said.. And pulled her hand and as soon as the train came to a hault, they jumped off the train, not caring about the raging tc, or any passenger, and ran.. They were together this time, no one could catch them, no one could break them apart, no one could cause any harm to them.. They were the best team together, and forever.. And it was not just about this fleeing away from the train, but also in every phase of their lives, as it was a unspoken promise..

"Stop, stop, I'm tired.." Nandini said as she huffed.. Looking at each other, they both broke into fits of laughter.. This happiness, this laughter was not just about this victory of not getting caught, but majorly because of just being into each other's presence, this proximity was all they needed after eight long years, eight long years of being together, but so distant.. And all these thoughts lead to just the thing needed in that particular moment..

The kiss.. And this time, it was not just a tender kiss.. It was filled with hunger and roughness.. Both of them were in heaven, and they knew that they wanted it forever..

And that they knew, would never grow old, and will be fresh and wanting..

"Always yours!" A promise that they made to each other

MANAN DESTINED TO LOVE...

Manik Malhotra...

Hottie of the college, heart-throb of uncountable girls... music is his passion in his life he got everything

Parents like Raj & Nyonika Malhotra who is proud of being parents of manik

Friends like Fab5 who are one for all, all for one who can die for their friends

Sister likes Mukti who is strong but when it comes to her brother she gets emotional or weak

Best friend cum brother like Cabir... who is mirror of manik... People fondly called them Manbir they both share little too little things... Cabir knows manik very well...

Grandparents like Sashi and Savitri Malhotra... manik is apple of their eyes... being elder one manik got more attention from childhood...

Such life of manik was completely incomplete... coz he was having everything but not love of his life...

Let's see it

Manik's POV

I was studying in Space... I completed my graduation from SPACE only. Now doing my Post Graduation... today was first day of my college's last year... yes i was doing MBA & it was last year. From morning I was feeling that something is going to happen today but what i don't know?? I was getting positive vibes... I hope it will be good

Oh god... its 8:30am

I'm dead today ... Cabir's 20 missed calls...

I hurriedly took shower then got ready and went downstairs. Their mom- dad was waiting for me to have breakfast but alas I got late so I just picked apple and left from there wishing them Good morning...

Mom was shouting for me... to have breakfast...but till that I got in my car.

In SPACE Fab5 music room

I hurriedly went there I saw my lady bheem was in angry no super angry mode. Buddy and Aliya were in their romantic world. And Cabir bhukkad as always eating some chips...

I went towards them and said "Hii guys!!!!! Good Morning!!!!"

"Very very good morning bhai" mukti gritted her teeth and said. I was very frightened now

"Sorry na muku I am really sorry and for that I am ready to compensate" I said sweetly

now looking at my baby sis face I can predict that her anger level was decreased

"You will do whatever I'll say" she asked raising her eyebrows

"Yes I'll do whatever you will say, promise" I said

"Ok"

"Hmm"

Then our attention moved towards Dhruliya. Who was in their own world? Looking at them feels that I should also fall in love with someone who will also love me back...

Mukti bring them on earth by fake cough and singing...

"Alya you know what bhai said that he will do whatever I'll said" mukti said to Alya

"Okkk but then why are you sounding so happy" asked Alya confusingly

"Wait now you'll know" mukti winked at her

"Bhai listen na"

"Yes speak" I said while using cellphone

"Iwanttogoshopping" she told

"What?? Say clearly" I said

"I want to go shopping" she blasted bomb on me

"What? Why?" "I'm not coming at all" I told her directly

"bhai you promised me that you will do whatever I say" she cribbed

"Yes but shopping... No a big fat no" I said while thinking about consequence

"Yes you are coming no more arguments" she declared. And left with alya .

"Bro you are elder or she?" asked cabir.

I gave him deadly glare. He shut his mouth and run behind girls with Dhruv...

"God why me??" I complained to god and left to parking.

At shopping mall

Girls were busy in their shopping we two are like what happening here

Dhruv he was behind his girl with shopping bags

I was bored in that cloths store so I moved out.

There I saw one jewelry shop. I thought of buying something for Mukti. She is hell crazy for such stuff... she loves diamonds. So I thought to buy something of diamond which consist diamonds...

I went in the shop... oh god there were so many things of diamond now what to do???

"I want to buy something of diamond"

"okk sir but what you want to buy"

"Hmm I want to buy for my little sister but what I don't know" "please help me"

"Sure sir"

She show me some designs of pendant, necklace, ear-rings... But I don't like anything... now what to do??????

Suddenly one girl said "when you will be confuse just close your eyes and listen to your heart, do whatever your heart says... you will never regret that"

Unknowingly smile spread on my face...

I was going to turn to see her but before that my cellphone rang. The caller was none other than Cabir...

huuhuuhuu I am gonna kill him..

"Ya, hmm, I'm coming there"

and turned towards that girl but she left... my unfortunate... salesman gave me box.

"What is it? Who gave you" I asked

"Sir that mam chooses it because you were confused" salesman replied while pointing towards that girl

I opened it. It was really awesome ... I really like her choice...

I run towards her but she was nowhere seen then I saw her she went towards escalator...i went behind her I was just close to see her face but her friend made her turned in other direction I tried to see her face but no use because her smooth and silky hairs was moving... I just saw her ring in her right hand on which N' has engraved... it means her name starts with N...

okk till I asked her turn cabir came in middle with Fab 3... I lost her

"hey bro where were you?" cabir asked

"I went to buy this for mukti" I said

"ohh really bhai so sweet of you" she said and take it from my hand.

"It's so pretty bhai!!!! But bhai from when your choice improved???" she asked

"What you mean? It was always best" I said while picking her shopping bags...

Then we went food court, beach but the thoughts of that girl never left my mind I returned to home

I was thinking about whole day's event we done so much fun in this all I remembered that girl and smile came on my lips...

She was my miss unknown N'

Is I said my?? Ohh god it's getting difficult...

After that few days passed but I never forget her. I tried every possible way to reach her no use... I just know that they both are SPACE student but from which stream or section I don't know...

I told all this to fab4 because we never keep secrets. They were thinking that maybe I got mad but how can I tell without seeing her face also I felt some connection towards her...

One fine day we was seated at music room when suddenly Cabir asked me that how I know that they both are studying in space

"I saw space ID cards in their hands" I replied

"Ohh"

"Hmm"

After completing our practice we went to canteen

But I got one call so I moved out of canteen. After attending call I was returning but then I dashed with someone that someone was one girl. Before she fell I catch her. She had tightly closed her eyes she thought she will fall but no so she slowly opened her eyes...

We both were looking into each other's eyes... she was damn beautiful. Her almond shaped eyes her pouty lips her chubby cheeks... soon out trance broke she straighten herself... I was just staring her suddenly my eyes went towards her ring she was also wearing same ring

I was confused that is she is the one whom I'm searching from past 1 month

"thank you" she said

"no need of mention , but if you don't mind can I asked you something" I said

"sure" she said

"this ring is it yours?" I asked her

"yes, but why you asked" she said

"before 1 month have you select any ring one sec like this" I asked her showing rings picture

"yes but how do you know" she asked

I just hugged her tightly but then I controlled myself and asked her "when you will be confuse just close your eyes and listen to your heart, do whatever your heart says... you will never regret that"

"yes but how do you know" she asked

"because that person was me" I told her

"what??" she said surprisingly

then we introduce ourself

"Hii I am Manik Malhotra"

"Hii I'm Nandini Moorthy"

Nandini' I whispered

Then we went towards canteen there she met my friends I met her friend.

Slowly slowly we started to spent time together. She was medical student and doing her MBBS... we all used to hang together... I and nandini both were coming close with passing day... our day starts with wishing each other good Morning to end up with Wishing Good Night... sometimes we used to chat whole night...

Then comes Valentine week

Till now I realized that I'm in love with nandini

I decided to propose her on Valentine day...

Rose day

I gave her Rose... she accepted too

Propose Day

I propose her for lifetime Friendship

Chocolate day

I gave her two baskets of her favorite's chocolates

Teddy day

I gave her two teddies. one small and one big

small teddy she kept as key-chain

and big one at home...

promise day

we promised each other that may whatever happens we will never leave each other

Hug day

I gave her friendly hug with one forehead kiss..

kiss day

I gave her one sweet peck on her both cheeks in return I also got one on my cheek...

then it came valentine day

space has organized valentine party for all stream of students. it was a Couple entry. as you all know I got Nandini as Partner.

I had already decided that today I'll proposed nandini. I also told fab4 about this plan...

I was waiting for Nandini as it was couple entry. There she comes clad in beautiful red colored gown... she was looking breathtaking beautiful. for moment my breath hitched. I was just staring her. and she was blushing may be she got to know that I was staring her. I was brought by cabir from my nandini land...

at SPACE auditorium

I went towards host and told him to start plan... first it was couple dance in which me and nandini are center of attention... every guy was looking at her shamelessly so I pulled her to close me showing all boys that she is mine... only mine

slowly slowly all couple went from dance floor. there was only me and nandini... I pulled nandini towards me and make her twirl for 3 times and pulled her in such way that her back was facing my front... we both ended our dance... still we were in our trance which was broke by applauds of claps...

nandini was going to turn but I stopped her and then all lights were closed and only two focus light was on. one on me and another one on nandini.

"nandini first time we met on mall that too without seeing each other... after that we met after 1 month... then we become friends... with passing time our friendship grow... you know when I fall for you I don't know but I know that I can't live without you... nandini I love you... will you be my girlfriend??" I said

she was in tears... I thought I hurt her but her reply made me smile ear to ear

"yes manik... I love you too... and Ya I'll be your girlfriend"

I was overwhelmed. I just took her in bone crushing hug. and kissed her forehead... then we left from there...

"manik where are we going?" she asked

"its surprise sweetheart" I said she blushed crimson listening to word sweetheart'...

we come towards forest... there was one lake which was beautiful... I made some arrangements there like small couch candle lit dinner and roses...

i opened her blindfold

" wow manik its awesome"

" I hoped you liked it"

"liked?? seriously manik I loved it"

I gave her bunch of red roses and said " I love you nandini"

at the same time in sky some fireworks happened and there was written I love you Nandini'

" I love you to manik" she said while tears flowing from her eyes. fireflies started glowing... I wiped her tears and kissed on her forehead... the both eyes... then both cheeks... her small nose... I eyed on her lips and then asked her permission raising my eyebrows... she just blinked her eyes... I got permission

then both of our lips touch... at start it was slow kiss but then it become passionate

While Kissing I slide ring in her ring finger... she broke kids and looked at the ring lovingly she also slide another ring in my finger...

no need of mention , but if you don't mind can I asked you something" I said

"sure" she said

"this ring is it yours?" I asked her

"yes, but why you asked" she said

"before 1 month have you select any ring one sec like this" I asked her showing rings picture

"yes but how do you know" she asked

"because that person was me" I told her

"what??" she said surprisingly

then we introduce ourself

"Hii I am Manik Malhotra"

"Hii I'm Nandini Moorthy"

Nandini' I whispered

Then we went towards canteen there she met my friends I met her friend.

Then comes Valentine week

Till now I realized that I'm in love with nandini

I decided to propose her on Valentine day...

Rose day

I gave her Rose... she accepted too

Propose Day

I propose her for lifetime Friendship

Chocolate day

I gave her two baskets of her favorite's chocolates

Teddy day

I gave her two teddies. one small and one big

small teddy she kept as key-chain

and big one at home...

promise day

we promised each other that may whatever happens we will never leave each other

Hug day

I gave her friendly hug with one forehead kiss..

kiss day

I gave her one sweet peck on her both cheeks in return I also got one on my cheek...

then it came valentine day

space has organized valentine party for all stream of students. it was a Couple entry. as you all know I got Nandini as Partner.

I had already decided that today I'll proposed nandini. I also told fab4 about this plan...

at SPACE auditorium

nandini was going to turn but I stopped her and then all lights were closed and only two focus light was on. one on me and another one on nandini.

she was in tears... I thought I hurt her but her reply made me smile ear to ear

"yes manik... I love you too... and Ya I'll be your girlfriend"

I was overwhelmed. I just took her in bone crushing hug. and kissed her forehead... then we left from there...

"manik where are we going?" she asked

"its surprise sweetheart" I said she blushed crimson listening to word sweetheart'...

we come towards forest... there was one lake which was beautiful... I made some arrangements there like small couch candle lit dinner and roses...

i opened her blindfold

" wow manik its awesome"

" I hoped you liked it"

"liked?? seriously manik I loved it"

I gave her bunch of red roses and said " I love you nandini"

at the same time in sky some fireworks happened and there was written I love you Nandini'

then both of our lips touch... at start it was slow kiss but then it become passionate

While Kissing I slide ring in her ring finger... she broke kids and looked at the ring lovingly she also slide another ring in my finger...

We joint out forehead...

after that we had our candle lit dinner with some mushy talks...

there we laid on grass and intertwining our hands and finger together... I kissed on her hand... she moved towards my hand which was laying on side...

After that we become one most popular couple of our college... our love was an inspiration for others... we used to fight with each other... we used to annoy each other... but at the same time we used to love each other...

after 2 years

me and fab5 had completed our graduation... I was working in Malhotra industries and helping dad for business beside that we fab 5 had created our own name... we were most wanted and famous band in world. nandini and navya also completed their MBBS... both were doing their practice in one of the famous hospital... with passing time our love for each other increased... it will always increase in future also... from last two years we both were boyfriend- girlfriend...

Today was Nandini's B'day... I decided to propose her for marriage... we all had decided that today we will celebrate her B'day in one of five star hotels...

At hotel, in private hall

There were only us fab5 and Navni... I decided that after cake cutting ceremony I'll proposed her...

After cake cutting nandini were sat beside me intertwining our fingers. Suddenly I got up and said

"I want breakup nandini... I don't want to be your boyfriend"

Everyone's eyes widen in shock. They were giving me deadly glares. But I ignored it and turned towards my girl... she was shocked. Tears brimmed in her eyes. Before she can cry I went on my knees and proposed her

"nandini Moorthy I want to marry you... I want to grow old with you... I want to have kids with you... will you marry me?... will you shine for me?... will you become my better-half?... will you shared your life with me?... will you become the mother of my kids?... will you complete me?..."

I said while showing ring to her...

she was crying... our friends started hooting... she said,

"yes ... I'll marry you... I'll shine for you... I'll become your better-half... I'll share your life with you... I'll become the mother of our kids... I'll complete you"

"I love you nandini"

"I love you manik"

After our little confession and proposal I pulled her in dark corner and kissed her hard...

after that we told our family about us. They were more than happy. After official meeting of parents we came to know that her dad and my dad were best friends... on that very day our roka happened... after 2 month we got engaged and 6 months later we got married... we lived happily ever after...

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

Quote

Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #13

|| The strawberry kiss||

The snowflakes were descending from the white cloudy sky like mini angels . I sat on a bench under the tree whose branches bowed due to the load of frozen white crystals that it was carrying.The icy air whistled around my ears , my fingers and toes were numb due to cold.But the tears that rolled down my eyes felt warm against my skin.

"I won't loose hope , I know he will come back" I said to myself " Five hours are still left . I know my Manik , he is a man of words.He will have to come back for me , FOR US!"

MANIK'S POV

I held my head high as I stepped out of the train.Yesterday I had got my first salary and here I was today , in Shimla , the queen of hills , where my Strawberry...I mean my Nandini lived with her parents.My eyes were craving to see her face , my arms were aching to hold her tightly.

"Finally I have proved myself Nandini...finally!" I sighed with a huge grin as I continued to walk towards the exit " Aur ab to ye dilwala apni dulhaniya le hi jayega"

I stood by the road waiting for a cab.Snowflakes were falling gently from the sky, tickling my skin.Everything glistened , as if a fairy had sprinkled dust over the world.Colours seemed brighter against the pure white blanket of snow.

A cab stopped and I slid into it . Suddenly I felt something prick into my leg.I looked down and saw a man sitting on the foot mat of the cab.Immediately , my vision got blurred.Lastly I remember seeing that man and the taxi driver laughing at me. I held his colors and lifted my hand to punch him.But I was helpless , my eyelids were heavy and after a few seconds I fainted.

Who were they? Robbers or someone else?

NANDINI'S POV

My eyes were glued to the road in front of me .Everything seemed quieter, almost muffled.Every time I saw some movement on the road , my eyes lit up with the hope of seeing him...but it was not him.Four hours had passed and yet there was no sign of him.

If i didn't see him tonight , I might not be able to see him ever as I was leaving for London , to pursue my higher studies , the very next morning.

"He will come"I assured myself yet again, wiping off my tears with my trembling hands " He will have to come"

This place, the backyard of our college, has so much memories associated with it..Memories of Wild berry and Strawberry.Yes that's how we address each other .Manik is my Wildberry' and I am his Strawberry'.This is the place where we first met each , this is the place where we confessed our love and finally this is the place where we bade good bye to each other.These beautiful epitomes of nature have been the witnesses of our blooming love. Going down the memory lane...

*FLASHBACK STARTS*

"I...LOVE ..YOU ...MY STRAWBERRY" He confessed loudly as he knelt down in front of me with a small box of strawberries in his hand.

"I LOVE YOU TOO MY WILD BERRY" I replied with a soft chuckle.

He got up and engulfed me in a bone crushing hug.

" Why did you call me Wild berry?" He asked inquisitively still holding me tightly.

"Why did you call me strawberry?" I asked in the same tone as his.

"Because you love strawberries too much...simple"He replied in a matter of fact tone " And why did you call me wild berry"

"Because you are wild" I bit my tongue as soon as I realised what I had blurted .

He immediately pulled apart to look at me " Really , how do you know I am wild?" he teased. in a dramatic tone!

"manik" I dashed his chest playfully "It was a slip of tongue , You know I meant to say that you love wild animals"

"No No No..you clearly said" He stressed on the words " I am wild"

"Manik" I sighed in exasperation" I am going"

I turned around to leave but he pulled me back with a jerk so that my back collided with his chest "Achha baba sorry ...abhi naa jao chhod kar ke dil abhi bhara nahin" he hummed the last line and buried his face in the crook my neck as i giggled with the tickling sensation.

-----------------------------------

AFTER A FEW DAYS

"Where are we going?" I asked for the umpteenth time as he tagged me along stealthily to the backyard of our college.

"Shh..cant you stay quite for a few more minutes" He whispered as he craned his neck back to make sure that no one was following us.

We ran out of the corridor and finally knelt down on the snow in the abandoned backyard of the college.

"Why did you bring me here Manik?Lets go back ...Dont you know that Kelston's ghost visit this place often" I spoke in a horrified tone and tried to get up but he pulled me back just in time and I once again landed beside him.

"ohh shut up Nandini..Who is this Kelston now?"He flinched his eyes as he struggled to take out something from his blazer's pocket.

"Arrey you haven't heard about Kelston Manik "I looked around and whispered as my throat constricted " Last evening only Navya told me about Lord Kelston , the British Governer ,his ghost visits this place often.He asks for a lighter to light up his cigarette and goes away.Though he is harmless but darr to lagta hai naa."

"Then to its even good ...We will definitely help out the spirit of Lord Kelston" He chuckled as he showed me the contents of the packet in his hand " Cigarettes" He winked and threw a cigarette towards me which I successfully caught in time .

"Cigarette" My eyes lit up as I spoke in excietment " You seriously brought the cigarettes for me"

"Ofcourse...Didnt you demand for them ..my strawberry" He mocked "Remember!!"

"Yes I do" I replied with a grin as I recalled how he had reacted when I told him about my wish to fag once in my lifetime and forced him to fulfil this wish of mine .At that time he had bluntly refused , but I knew he will fulfil it one day.And today , finally the D-Day had come!

"So shall we start " He asked as he held up the lighter in his hand.

I nodded happily and adjusted the cigarette in my mouth .He lit it up and I inhaled it.

"Uhhhu uhhu uhhu" My eyes brimmed up with tears and I started coughing as soon as the smoke reached my lungs .

"Chiii..this is yuck" I said as soon as I threw away the burning cigarette.

Manik laughed seeing my condition .

"Bas , ho gya shaunq poora" He chuckled as he took out a box of strawberries from his other pocket"Here you go" he spoke extending it towards me " Strawberries are the only thing that you deserve to eat my strawberry" He winked and I smiled back.

As I extended my hand to pick up one from the box , he deliberately pulled back his hand.

"No..No..Not like this" He spoke sheepishly " Like this"he kept an end of strawberry in his mouth , gesturing me to bite it.

"Is that so" I asked in the same tone as his and he raised his eyebrows in concord.

My heart fluttered as his eyes moved down to my lips.I shivered with delight and closed my eyes as I moved my mouth ahead to bite the loose end of the strawberry. Our lips were just inches apart , his hot breath sending heat to my cheeks , butterflies to my stomach and taking my breath away all at the same time.

He kept down the box of strawberries and slid his hands around my waist .Our lips were just millimetres apart when I heard a voice .

"Excuse me" My eyes snapped open quickly .Panic filled my chest as my heart continued to hammer loudly .

'Lord Kelston' I murmured in a barely audible voice .My breath quickened and my limbs went numb with absolute fear.

There was complete silence as both of us exchanged glances.None of us had the guts to look up and see who had called out.

"I said get up both of you"The person instructed and we heaved a sigh of relief as we realised that this was the voice of our very own Principal Sir.

"Thank God, its not Kelston" I whispered as we got up but just before we turned around panic struck again as we realised that being caught by Principal Sir was far more dangerous than seeing Kelston.

Slowly we turned around to face Principal Sir who stood with his head taut.

"Manik and Nandini...Come to my office immediately" He instructed looking at the burning cigarette and left from there.

----------------------------

Principal Sir called Mrs. Malhotra and complained of our undesirable behaviour in the college premises.I felt my heart pounding heavily in my chest ,whole body shaking with fear.Before I could say anything I heard Manik's voice

"Sir , whatever punishment you want to give , you can give me" he spoke in a firm tone "Nandini is not responsible for whatever happened , its entirely my fault! Nandini didn't even want to go to the backyard, I was the one who brought the cigarettes and took her there "

"Is that true Nandini" Principal sir's gaze shifted towards me but my gaze was locked with manik.

I didn't know what to do or say .My brain was a complete mess at that time.It was true that I had no idea why Manik was taking me there but wasn't I the defaulter as I had asked him to bring the cigarettes.

"Why are you defending her Manik?" Mrs Neyonika Malhotra asked sternly "why are you taking the entire blame on your...?"

"BECAUSE I LOVE HER" Manik's voice was loud and clear.Tears brimmed up in my eyes with his sudden confession in front of so many people.My eyes were still locked with his ..his which were flowing with love .Love that was so pure and angelic.Love , that had given him the courage to put his reputation at stake.

I gasped to calm down my senses.He held my hand and squeezed it lightly to assure me that he will handle everything.

"Mrs. Malhotra , this is not the first time Manik is found disobeying the rules of college. Last week we found him quarreling with a bunch of boys. Ma'am this is my last warning , please handle him else we will have to take strict action against him"

----------------------------------

"What do you think of yourself Manik Malhotra? " Mrs Neyonika yelled on top of her voice as we stood in the backyard of the college once again after walking out from the Principal's office" You have fallen in love with this middle class girl!!"

"I haven't fallen in love Neyonika " Manik looked at me as he spoke " I have risen in love...Truly , Madly and deeply risen in love with Nandini"

Mrs. Neyonika was completely awestruck as she glanced at both of us alternately for a few seconds .

"No one becomes great by falling in love Manik" Mrs. Neyonika mocked at us " bahut dekhe hai tumhare jaise dil faink aashiq, sab nautanki hai jisse tum kucch dino me bhool jaoge"

She turned around to walk away but Manik's loud voice made her stop in her tracks .

"I love her and I will marry her Neyonika...get that straight in your head.Will you?"

There was complete silence before Neyonika turned back in a rage fury.

"Marry her" she clapped her hands to ridicule us " An undergraduate , good for nothing boy , who survives on his mother's wealth , wants to marry a middle class girl .Do you have an idea that how responsible one has to be take such a step.Shaadi koi bachho ka khel nahi hai Manik Malhotra . First you have to learn to earn money.Dont expect me to bear the expenses of your filthy family "

"Dont you dare " Manik gritted his teeth and raised his index finger while I held him to pacify him.

"You don't need to dare me Manik Malhotra.Infact...I dare you" Neyonika spoke defiantly " I dare you to prove yourself Manik and for that I give you 6 months and not even a single penny from my wealth. Just remember , you and your worthless father have survived on my money. I am the one who has worked hard to set up this empire.Your father was penniless when he married me.He is already dead and I am bearing all your expense but till when will I ?Go Manik go , earn something first , aur fir mujhse aa kar shaadi ki baat karna"

She turned around to leave but again stopped in her tracks.

"Yahan Shimla me tumhe sab jaante hai as my son Manik Malhotra.If you have guts then go and prove yourself outside this city " This time she showed her index finger to Manik " Else don't ever say that you are a MAN's SON"

Her last words had hurt manik's ego completely.I gulped down the lump in my throat as we saw her retreating figure.

-------------------------------------

"Dont let her harsh words affect you Manik " I tried to console him " Remember , she is your step mother.She is just trying to instigate..."

"No Nandini...I have to prove myself Nandini,Not for her but for us.Mujhe jana hoga" He replied gloomily looking at the road in front as we sat beside each other on the same bench .

I froze at my place.My throat constricted .I could hear my heart pounding near my ears, sending gushes of blood down my veins in a single movement.One fateful day and my entire world had been turned upside down.

"Jaana jaruri hai" I asked the most irrelevant question even after getting the answer.Countless tears rolled down my cheeks as my gaze was also fixed on the road ahead.

There was complete silence for a few minutes before he spoke again.

"Pyaar karti ho?" He finally turned his head to look at me .

"Sabse jyada"

"Bharosa hai mujhpe "

"Khud se jyada"

"Will you wait for me"

"Till my last breath!" I vowed sincerely and raised my head to kiss him but he shielded his lips with the back of his hand.

I was taken aback by his sudden gesture as I looked at him inquisitively.

"Not now" He spoke in a slow voice " I don't deserve this until I prove myself"

"I promise you nandini , I will come back exactly after 6 months " He cupped my cheeks and kissed my forehead " And if I don't come back , then assume that I was not able to survive"

He spoke the last bit and walked away quickly without turning back to look at his wailing love.

*******FLASHBACK ENDS*******

This bench has been the witness of my giggles and my tears.I come here daily , counting days and hours to see the love of my life.No Kelston has scared me since then.Sometimes we have to face bigger fears in life that curb such small ones.And today when the day has come , why is he taking so much time.

MANIK'S POV

I gained back my senses and found myself tied with the ropes in an abandoned barn.My head was aching badly and my eyelids were heavy with sleep.It took me few seconds to recall what had happened with me.

I fiddled with ropes in my hand and finally after struggling for a few good minutes , I was able to set myself free.

I got up and walked a few steps ahead with trembling legs.I looked around for my luggage but not even a single thing could be seen around.I rubbed my eyes vigorously to gain back my senses properly.

"Shitt" I winced in annoyance as soon as the realisation struck me that I had been annoyed. I checked my pockets but not even a penny was there.

My first salary , I wanted to place it on my Nandini's palm and tell her that I had finally achieved it. Alas!!! I lost it too.

I looked out from the small broken window of the barn.It was already getting dark.It means I had been here for almost 5 to 6 hours.

"Shit" I banged my hand furiously on the door " Nandini must be waiting , I need to get to her as soon as possible" I murmured as I limped forward.

I moved out of the barn and walked towards the road.There was not even a single vehicle on the road.Though it had stopped snowing ,but the dark clouds indicated that it could start anytime now.

I had spent all the 20 years of my life in Shimla and thankfully I was well acquainted with every nook and corner of the city.It didn't take me much time to judge where I was.

I had to walk 5 kilometres to reach Nandini.Though it would not have been difficult for me normally , but today the trembling sensations in my legs had made my speed slower.

-------------------------------

NANDINI'S POV

I looked at my watch again.It was already 8PM.

"Few minutes more" I murmured to myself " after that I am not allowed to stay out of the house"

I hung my face in dejection.My anxiety was increasing with the ticking of the clock.

Finally , it was time to leave.I got up from the bench and stepped ahead.Every step I took , left a crisp, fresh footprint on the snow and shattered my hope to see him ever again.

"Please ek baar aa jao Manik...please " I was sobbing incoherently by now but then I heard a voice that made me stop in my tracks.

" nandini" I turned back with a jerk and saw him standing a few feet away , with his arms open.

We stood at our places for a few seconds. I gulped down the lump in my throat and wiped off my tears as I took slow steps towards him which became bigger and quicker as the distance decreased.The moment I was a few steps away from him I ran and hugged him tightly.

"I knew you will come back " I spoke between my sobs as he kissed my head innumerable times " I knew you will keep your promise"

"Aata kaise nahin" he rubbed my back to console me " This wild berry cannot survive without his strawberry"

A chuckle escaped my lips as soon as I heard the word strawberry from his mouth.

------------------------

We sat on the bench and I laid my head on his chest.He told me the reason for him being late.At first I panicked but after making sure he was safe and sound , I relaxed.

"Sorry baby , I had brought a box full of strawberries for you but alas those thieves stole everything" he sighed in annoyance.

"Dont worry" I grinned " Today I have brought them" I picked up the box of strawberries lying on my side and extended it towards him.

He tried to pick one but I deliberately pulled back my hand.

"Not like this" I grinned sheepishly " like this"

I kept an end of strawberry in my mouth , gesturing him to bite the other end.

Our gaze stayed connected as he gently bit the strawberry and then claimed my lips .As soon as our lips came in contact , a shiver ran down my spine , my heart fluttered and my eyes closed.Our tongues danced in unison with each other . The atmosphere was filled with our light moans as we tasted each other.

"Strawberry kiss...finally done" He panted as he spoke after pulling apart.

"Strawberry kiss" I replied with huge grin pasted on my face.

I looked up at the sky as it started snowing again.The tiny of crystals of snow that touched my face seemed like blessings sent from the heaven.I felt as if aiyappa was also very happy on seeing us together.

"Achha nandini , vaise tell me one thing.You have been sitting here all alone in the dark...aren't you scared of Kelston anymore" He chuckled

" Manik" I punched his chest playfully " Dont you dare scare me"

"Not another dare yaar" he replied " Shall we go home and talk to your father"

I nodded and we got up to leave but then I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind.And then a voice made us freeze on our places.

"Excuse me , Can I have a cigarette lighter?"The man behind us asked!!!

Edited by mishshergill - 9 years ago

Quote

Username padhlo

@mishshergill

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

ENTRY NO #14

YOURS WITH LOVE, THE PRINCE

"Kal k exam k liye tumhaari preparation kaisi hai?" Navya asked as she stifled a yawn and got up to wash her face. She had been studying nonstop since past three hours and was in dire need of a break.

"Theek hi hai" Nandini replied in a feeble voice as she fidgeted skittishly with the pen. "Aiyappa, agar main exam mein answers bhool gayi to? Agar main fail ho gayi to? Phir kya hoga?" she mumbled to herself in a nervous voice. Though she had worked hard for her exams yet she wasn't confident about how she would perform.

"Nandu tum kab apne aap per confident feel karna start karogi?" Navya asked in an exasperated voice while she stepped out of the washroom wiping her face with a towel. "Kabhi to apne aap per trust kar liya karo"

"Hmm" Nandini hummed and went to lie on her bed. Tomorrow was the mid semester exam and she needed to top to get the scholarship to continue her studies in Space Academy, India's top 'School of Performing Arts and Creative Education' for the next semester. Otherwise she would have to return to Mangalore and then amms would kill her for wasting so much of money on her stay in Mumbai when she could have done the same for her brother Rishabh's studies. She had always been like that, rude, bossy and loveless. Despite being a woman, she had resented Nandini from the moment she had been born and had never made a secret of her thought that she considered girl child a burden.

Navya sighed as she watched her best friend lying on her bed with dejection pouring out of her in waves. It pained her to see Nandini like this, nervous, lost and distrustful of her abilities when in reality she was a powerhouse of talents. If only Nandini saw herself from Navya's eyes once, then she would see how much she admired her. With a tuneful voice that could charm any listener and a smile that could light up anybody's day, Navya had never told Nandini how much she looked up to her since she would not believe her anyway; because along with talent, Nandini possessed what many girls of her age didn't, an ice melting innocence and a tender heart that could never think ill of anybody. Otherwise why would she bear amms's intolerable behavior, a lady who left no stone unturned in making Nandini feel insignificant in everything?

Navya was well aware of Nandini's life story. They had bumped into each other on the first day of college and somehow had gelled up pretty well. It was a surprise though since Nandini was a very shy person but with time their friendship had only strengthened and now the girls were too thick to hide anything from each other. Losing her best well wishers aka her parents in a ghastly accident, Nandini had had to mature before time in order to care for her brother and survive in an environment where she had always been mocked and made to feel that she was good for nothing. From being called a bad luck for her family to a person whom nobody could love, she had experienced all sorts of abuses that had been hurled at her mercilessly. Those barbs had shattered her backbone leading her to believe that whatever she heard was true indeed and there was nothing she could do or achieve in life.

It had been nothing but the blessings of the Almighty who had finally taken pity on the lonely girl and Kishori Murthy's sleeping partner in 'Sur', the music academy she ran, Mr. Nandkishore Awasthi had accidentally come across Nandini's hidden talent when she was singing in her room secretly. He had been enchanted as her voice had weaved a magic wand of melodies around him within moments and he had decided right then there to give wind to the almost invisible wings of the girl so that she could reach where sky was the limit. Aware of the notorious nature of his partner, he had somehow convinced Nandini to get her voice recorded and had sent the audio clip to Space.

As he had expected, Nandini had been accepted instantly and in order to ensure that her amms didn't become the obstacle in her path to paddle her own canoe, he had read Nandini's acceptance letter publicly leaving Kishori Murthy with no choice but to send her granddaughter to Mumbai, the city of dreams to carve a niche for herself. But of course, being the cold calculating woman that Kishori Murthy was, she had not made it any easier for Nandini to be in peace. She had absolutely refused to pay for Nandini's education. Mr. Nandkishore had solved this problem by going an extra mile and had made Nandini give a scholarship exam which paid her full fees for the semester. Cognizant of the knowledge that Kishori Murthy would not let anything harm her public image, he had made her acknowledge in front of the cream crowd of Mangalore how proud she was of her granddaughter and would ensure from her side that she stayed comfortably in Mumbai. And so, with a bundle of insecurities, threats of amms, countless words of motivation by Mr. Nandkishore and expectations of her little brother Rishabh who loved his sister to death, Nandini had arrived to the city of illusions which was apt in pulling everybody magnetically towards itself by promising them a life of grandeur.

In her own way Navya had tried to build Nandini's confidence but it was not a cakewalk to replace a soul that had remained intimidated for seventeen years with a fresh wave of self love. The concept was too strange, unfamiliar and unacceptable for Nandini but a friend in need was a friend indeed and being the stubborn head that Navya was, she still had no intention of giving up and had vowed to herself long back that she would make Nandini realize that she was a diamond who had been born to dazzle. Making up her mind, Navya sent a text to a number.

I'm in

"Okay, humaare baad tumhaara number hai" Navya said as she handed over the token number to Nandini while they sat in the classroom with other students to wait for their turn.

They had a practical singing exam which was going to consist of three rounds. In the first round the professors were going to take a verbal test in which the students would be tested upon their knowledge of music which was going to be followed by an instrumental exam in which the students could play an instrument of their choice and would be marked on its basis and finally there would be singing, the criteria which bore the maximum weight age. Navya was sure that Nandini was going to rock it but as usual Nandini was unsure. She was sweating profusely and was fidgeting with her flute nonstop, the instrument she was intending to play.

"Now, it's Manik Malhotra" the peon's voice broke Nandini's nervous trance for a few moments as she looked up to watch the handsome hulk of the academy, a tower long boy stand up lazily while adjusting his guitar on the back. As usual, her heart skipped a beat after seeing him and she found herself unable to tear her eyes off his narcotizing profile.

Blessed with stunning looks that started from his long, lean, muscular legs to rise up to his toned physique that showed off his abs no matter whichever garment he wore, the guy was literally a walking Greek God with his strong, sculpted and handsome face. His captivating hands which consisted of artistic fingers who made the hearts of people sing irrespective of gender though of course the females were always affected more whenever he strummed the strings of his guitar, Manik Malhotra was every girl's dream albeit a far fetched one. The guy attracted girls like honey attracted bees but sadly nobody got to taste it. With his all time attitude that radiated arrogance in every movement, he was 'the one' who had it written in his stars to become an international sensation along with his friends who together formed an unbeatable and laudable music band of Fab 5. Their music was a rage on net and if the rumors were true, they already had three album deals in their kitty. Even if they didn't, the guy was uber rich to launch his own album being the only son and crown prince of Malhotra Industries. He was the one who was born with a Platinum spoon in his mouth and one of the most eligible bachelors of the country. Of course, his arrogance was linked to his all time famous anger that was no less than tsunami. Being the no nonsense kind of person, he never took anybody's fake appreciation and didn't have any qualms in telling a person on face what did he exactly think of him. He didn't bother in socializing much too. For him, his friends and his family were everything and nobody in their right mind would dare to mess with Manik Malhotra or else he would be ready to get his grave dug right there.

Despite being a girl who did not care about showbiz and did not think very highly of affluent people seeing the classic example of it at her own home where in spite of earning so well via Sur her amms refused to fulfill her tiniest of wishes and needs, Nandini had been deeply affected by Manik's persona. She could not help it, no girl could. The guy was like that! If he walked in a room full of people, faces turned automatically to look at him while he continued to make his way through them without sparing even a side glance to them. His brashness was something that made Nandini acknowledge his presence every time she saw him even though she found it over bearing. But being the meek mouse, she avoided running into him or crossing paths with him. She had done so since the first day she had seen him in college sitting with his friends in the canteen looking suave in dark blue denims, round neck white t-shirt and beige colored jacket. Besides, what was a country mouse like her in front of this city mouse? She didn't have anything in her that would make him even look at her and to be honest, she preferred to keep it that way. The guy's name itself carried the heaviness of royalty and she had no interest in getting scandalized by doing some stupid mistake.

"Ye exam de bhi q rahaa hai?" Navya's voice broke Nandini's chain of thoughts. "Waise hi Saraswatiji ne apni kripa isper banaayi rakhi hai, Lakshmiji ne ise apnaa sabse priya putra maana hua hai, Durgaji ne ise apnaa gussa aashirwaad mein diya hai. Pehli baat to ye fail hoga nahi, aur agar ho bhi gaya to kisi ko kahaan kuch pata chalega? After all, ye iske dad ka college hai"

Okay, she stayed away from talking about Manik's topic or gossiping about anybody else, but Nandini felt that Navya was being unfair in saying such things about him. True, Space Academy belonged to Mr. Raj Malhotra, India's top entrepreneur but nobody could deny the fact that Manik was immensely talented. She was not as confident about her voice as her uncle Nandkishore was but if she followed his phrase for her that her voice 'gave him peace', Manik's voice did the same for her. She didn't know what was it there in his vocal chords that always managed to sooth her nerves, but she could not not acknowledge that those chords were divine.

"Aisa kehna theek nahi hoga Navya" Nandini said in a soft voice as Manik bent to tighten his shoe laces while the girls swooned at this sight as his leather jacket stretched against his muscular back. Wow! They were not nervous about the exam but were rather busy in ogling at the son of the owner of the academy that could kick them out and finish their music career in the blink of an eye. Well, this was the Manik effect. "Is mein koi shak nahi hai that he is a very good singer. And being the student, he is just following the rules"

Navya raised her eyebrows at Nandini. "Kamaal hai" she said with a teasing smile. "Aaj to angry young man ki badi side li jaa rahi hai"

Immediately Nandini's cheeks turned red and she looked away. Aiyappa, talking about Manik was way more affecting than what she was prepared for. "Ai...aisa kuch nahi hai" she stammered. "Main to bas..."

"Haan haan hum samajh gaye" Navya said in a bored voice. "Humaari highly moralistic Nandu doodh ko doodh, aur pani ko pani bolti hai. Hum bas aise hi keh rahe the. Waise ek baat to maanni padegi. Bhale hi Manik mein attitude koot-koot ke bharaa hai lekin use wo unnecessarily show nahi karta. Plus wo aaraam se exams mein top karke scholarship haasil kar sakta hai, but despite that wo apni fees pay kar raha hai jisse kisi doosre student ko chance mil sake"

This was true. Nand uncle had told Nandini that she had scored second position in her entrance exam but still the scholarship had been granted to her since the top ranker Manik Malhotra had refused to accept it. Amms had abused her by telling her that it was in her fate to survive on other people's bread crumbs but strangely, Nandini had not felt any such thing. In fact, this act of Manik was kind of justified. Had she been in his position, she would have done the same. Though she was afraid of him and avoided him like plague, the truth was that somewhere in extremely deep corners of her heart, she respected the guy too.

"Haan, wo to hai" she agreed in a soft voice and looked at Manik again to catch one last glance at him before he left the room. However, her breath got caught in her throat when she found him looking right back at her. Intensely. Deeply... Passionately. The very air around them seemed to freeze. Blood roared in her veins and her mind lost all the ability to think as she found herself drowning in those chocolate brown orbs. They were abyssal. She had never had an eye contact with him before thanks to her precautionary ways but now, she could feel goosebumps running all over her body as the magical musician continued to stare at her without any expression on his face. Heat rose in her cheeks which somehow spread warmth in her entire body. Without breaking the eye contact, slowly, he got up and after looking at her for another infinite moment, he turned and left the room.

The moment their eye contact broke, Nandini felt as if she had been released from a steel wired trap. She let out the breath she had been holding and ran shivering hands all over her face. What had happened just now? Why had he looked at her this way? Aiyappa, why had he even looked at her in first place, that too for so long? Nandini could feel all the students staring at her as that looking game hadn't been missed by anybody. She felt so uncomfortable that she wanted to just run away from the room but her legs were still shivering from the gripping contact.

Fortunately and surprisingly, Navya didn't comment on it and after giving her a brief hug, she left for her exam. Somehow, that made Nandini feel even more exposed than before as she felt the stares of countless girls boring in her back. But Space was known for its excessive discipline, nobody dared to break the decorum and with sweaty palms Nandini waited for her turn to come. Finally the wait was over and her name got called. With jittery knees, she got up from her bench and came out of the classroom. She met Navya stepping out of the exam room looking content and satisfied with her performance.

"All the best Nandu. Bilkul mat ghabraana. Hume poora yakeen hai ki tum bahut achhe se perform karogi. Kisi cheez k baare mein mat sochna, bas apne andar k kalaakar ko take over karne do. Phir dekho kaise saari mushkile jhat se gaayab ho jaati hain" Navya's warm encouraging words gave some relief to Nandini's entangled nervous system and she passed a weak smile to her friend. Giving her one of her signature quick hugs that were short yet comforting, Navya left from there and after taking a deep breath praying to her Aiyappa not to let Nand uncle down, Nandini stepped inside the exam room.

"Ms. Nandini Murthy" a sharp voice made her look at the panel of five examiners who were looking at her with poker faces. They were neither encouraging nor scary. Apart from showcasing the musical knowledge, this exam was also about the confident body language. Merely becoming a musician was not enough. A person needed to have that aura to lure the crowd. A nervous artist could never attract an audience.

"Good morning professors" Nandini wished the professors politely while trying her level best to ignore her sweaty back and recalling all that she had prepared for this exam.

"Please step on the stage" said Ms. Seema, the professor for classical music who was sitting at an extreme right.

"Yes ma'am" Nandini said softly and took her position on the stage with a mike in front of her.

"We will start with your theory test and then..." Ms. Seema was interrupted when there was a knock on the door and a peon peeped inside. After receiving a nod of approval from her, he came inside and handed her a white envelope. Nandini watched him leave while the professor went though the contents written on it. She looked up at Nandini and said "This is for you"

"Me?" Nandini asked in a confused voice.

Prof. Seema nodded. "It says it's urgent. Please have a look at it and then we can start with your theory exam"

Surprised and confused at who would send a message for her that too right before the exam, Nandini went to the professor and took the envelope from her. On it was written, To Ms. Nandini Murthy. URGENT.

She opened the envelope while walking back towards the stage and saw a violet colored slip inside. Getting more and more anxious with each passing moment, she took it out and read the words written on it with pink ink in an extremely beautiful and neat handwriting.

The hours you spend in the library are more than I have spent with a single book in my whole life. But jabse tumhe dekha hai, library has become my second home. Mere dost kehte hain ki main paagal ho gayaa hoon aur mom dad tumhe dil se thank you kehna chaahte hain kyunki tumhaare bahaane at least I blessed the library with my presence. Tum theory test mein excel na karo, that's just impossible! All the best Nandini. I know you will rock it.

Yours with love,

The Prince

What? What was this? Who had sent this to her? Flabbergasted, Nandini checked the back of the envelope but no details of the sender were written. Then who...? It couldn't be Navya. This was not her writing and plus, why would she sign the letter as Prince. And Yours with love? Seriously? What was happening?

"Are you ready Ms. Murthy?" the voice of Ms. Seems pulled Nandini out of the whirlpool of questions and she turned to look at her.

"Yes ma'am" the message had boggled her mind so much that she forgot about her nervousness while the professors started firing questions at her. Though the message remained at the back of her mind all the time, the good luck wish of that message had given her a warm new surety about herself and she found herself answering all the questions effortlessly. With each right answer, she saw the beginning of a smile on the faces of all the professors that gave her further inspiration to do her best since so far she was going right. She did not even realize when the beginning round got over and without a doubt she knew that she had scored a centum in the theoretical level. Self appreciation, the emotion she was an alien to rose its head for the first time in her heart and she comprehended what a beautiful feeling it was to welcome yourself to the power of believing that you can perform well.

"It's time for the instrumental round" announced Prof. Seema. Once more, the ever present waves of fear and nervousness engulfed Nandini as she got ready for the new challenge. The note had helped but being new to this feeling of believing in herself, she found all her confidence draining once again.

Just then. there was another knock and the same peon entered. Nandini's heart began to crash in her chest when she saw him carrying another white envelope. Did it have a message again, for her? Shaking her head at the stupid notion, Nandini took out her flute from her bag when Prof Seema's voice nearly made her drop it in astomishment.

"Again an urgent message for you Ms. Murthy" she said.

Aiyappa, what was happening? Gulping hard, Nandini went to the panel once again and took the envelope from the professor's hand on which was written, To Ms. Nandini Murthy. VERY URGENT Surprisingly, none of the professors looked angry or irritated. Frowning at this, she opened the envelope while walking towards the stage and this time, she found an indigo colored slip of paper in it with a message written on it in white ink.

Dekha, so easily you rocked the first round? I don't know about you, but mujhe pataa tha you will do it. I love listening to you when you play the flute. Main ghanto tumhe use bajaate hue dekh sakta hoon. Your delectable lips as they move effortlessly on it, they captivated my heart when I saw and heard you playing for the first time and I haven't had a proper sleep since then. Professors tumhaare hothon ko nahi dekhenge, bas tumhaare music ko sunenge. So what are you waiting for? Do the magic...of your lips. ;-)

Yours with love,

The Prince

A deep red blush adorned Nandini's cheeks at the flirtatious yet a brightening message. She had delectable lips? Really? She could not understand what to feel, how to react. Again, who was this guy? And how on earth was he delivering such messages to her right before her performance? And why weren't the professors losing their cool with her? What was going on? Was this some kind of conspiracy?

"Ms. Murthy, are you ready?" Prof. Seema asked.

With her cheeks still red from the lovey-dovey message and a small smile that absolutely refused to leave her lips no matter how hard she tried, Nandini turned back towards the professors and nodded. Once again, the objective of that message had been achieved. She forgot her nervousness as she thought of who was he who found her beautiful and as expected, her lips flowed freely on the flute producing a perfectly synchronized mellifluous tune which promised her that she had passed the second round as well with flying colors. Experiencing the same emotion of self pride that too twice in an hour was overwhelming for Nandini. She had never felt proud of herself in anything. Winning a singing competition in school was nothing in amms' dictionary. If anything, it had only increased the mental abuse she had suffered day and night in which she had been accused of thinking too highly of herself for winning a meager contest just by luck when the thought hadn't even crossed the little girl's heart. So naturally, feeling good about herself appeared unbelievable at the moment but the sensation was so good that she didn't want to let it go.

"And now, it's the final round" said Prof Seema.

Darn her nerves for taking a three sixty degree turn! All the happiness went right out the window as the most dreaded moment arrived. Singing. In front of people. Something she had never done before. She used to sing for Rishabh in order to make him go to sleep and then for herself to let out some of the pain and anguish that accumulated in her heart because of amms's poisonous words. Music had helped her in keeping a sane mind during all these years. But now, what was she going to do? She had never done this. If only she could receive another heartwarming motivation.

And as if the wish had been waiting to be made, the door opened and the peon entered for the third time carrying a white envelope. The professors had started looking amused now. Why were they not getting irritated? Were they aware of the dallying messages inside those envelopes? Was all this a part of the set up? Was Navya behind all this? Maybe she was purposely writing the messages as a guy so that Nandini didn't suspect her because only Navya was her human diary who was aware of each and every word written in her life till now. Nandini had to smile. This was a very sweet gesture on her part. She thanked Aiyappa for gifting her with such a wonderful friend.

This time, Prof Seema didn't bother looking at the envelope.

"I'm sure this too must be for you Ms. Murthy" she said with a smile playing around at the corners of her lips.

Marveling at her friend's ability at how had she been able to convince the professors for this and arranging for the perfect timing at which the messages were being delivered and mentally laughing at Navya's ability to write such romantic messages, a trait she hadn't known Navya possessed till now , Nandini went to the professor with an embarrassed smile and took the envelope on which was written, To Ms. Nandini Murthy. SUPER URGENT.

Shaking her head at her friend's cuteness and loving her all the more for motivating her once again, Nandini opened the envelope and found a dark blue colored paper with a message written on it in light blue ink.

When I heard you singing for the first time, I finally started to believe that there was indeed a heavenly voice present on this planet, a voice I had been searching for all my life. My ultimate source of peace. The balm to my soul and my heart. Yes Nandini, that voice is yours. I remember very well, college fest mein tumne participate nahi kiya tha but you were there to help your friend with all the preparations. When you got a small break, you had gone into an empty classroom to relax and there, you had started humming eventually singing a song. Main wahin tha, classroom k bahaar. Tumhaare peechhe aaya tha aur tumhe pataa bhi nahi tha. I heard you singing and I was gone. Actually, main ghanto tumhe sirf flute play karte hue hi nahi dekh sakta balki gaate hue bhi sun sakta hai. And wait, did I just write for hours? No, the truth is, I can do this forever. I love your voice Nandini. It's one of the most beautiful creations of nature. And I would like to hear it again. Sing. For me. Tum gaaogi, aur main sunoonga. All the best.

Yours with love,

The Prince

Now she was seriously and utterly taken aback. She remembered the fest. Navya had put up a stall for selling second hand classical instruments which were still usable. The money earned from that stall was going to be donated to the kids of blind school. Not having any interest to put up her own stall and also lacking the confidence to do so, Nandini had helped her. The strain of standing on her feet for hours had finally taken its toll and she had decided to go to a peaceful place to relax her exhausted muscles. At that time the entire college ground had been a hub of people so she had instead gone in an empty classroom. Taking advantage of the knowledge that nobody would be there to hear her, she had started humming which just like always had ultimately led to singing. There was no way Navya could have followed her to the classroom since she hadn't had a moment to breathe.

That meant, that...Navya was not behind all this! There was someone else. Someone who...admired her, liked her and had gone out of his way to do all this for her. Someone who called himself 'The Prince'.

Tears welled up in Nandini's eyes at this newfound information that there was somebody out there apart from Rsiahbh, Navya and Nand uncle who liked her and cared for her, who believed in her even when she didn't trust herself and someone who admired her skills. She had always felt that Rishabh and Navya were biased when it came to praising her and Nand uncle was just a kind soul who had taken pity on the condition of the poor girl. But what excuse could she give to herself for this secret admiring stranger who apparently kept tabs on her and knew exactly what to say to bring out the best in her. Just three messages and she was feeling emotionally connected to him on a level so deep which had never happened before. And the best and most surprising part was that she wasn't even scared that this guy could be a stalker. The vibe of the messages was so cordial and positive that she was certain that this guy was definitely not a psycho.

No, he was...a loving friend.

"Are you ready Ms. Murthy?" Prof. Seema's amused voice made Nandini smile wider than before.

This time when she turned, there wasn't even an ounce of nervousness in her. She would sing, for him. He said he would be listening and she believed him. So letting all the fears out and basking in the glory of this newfound fresh feelings of confidence and appreciation, Nandini sang her heart out which, to her further astonishment won her a standing ovation from all the professors with a huge round of applause. After receiving uncountable verbal laurels that she hadn't received in her whole life but had always craved for that teeny bit of recognition for her excellence at all the levels and controlling her tears, Nandini held the three precious messages close to her heart while stepping out of the exam hall, eager to share the wonderful news with Navya.

The years of dominance had also developed in her the habit of looking down most of the time and the same thing happened when she opened the door. Well, it seemed 'The Prince' was aware of this too because of which she easily spotted another white envelope right at the doorstep of the hall. Picking it up quickly before the other student arrived and saw it, Nandini rushed to the washroom and let her tears flow for a few minutes. With them flowed out the pain she had been carrying within herself since all these years and had been suppressing in order to avoid people giving another reason to make fun of her since she had learnt the hard way that tears only attracted more hurt. But today, she was beginning to feel that she was stepping out of the cage and the first taste of freedom was deliciously heavenly.

Once she was sure that was well in control, Nandini opened the fourth envelope with reverent hands on which was written, To Ms. Murthy, THE STAR PERFORMER and took out a light green note on which a message was written in dark green ink.

You are beautiful Ms. Rock star, and so is your voice. I loved every moment of it. Haan, khada tha main baahr hi, tumhe sunne k liye. Thank you so much for soothing my soul once again. Ab ye jo smile face per pehli bar aai hai na, ise main humesha sambhaalke rakhoonga. Because you have no idea, how precious it is for me. So get ready to smile more often Ms. Murthy. Because that's what I'm going to make you do.

Yours with love,

The Prince

A wet laugh escaped Nandini's throat as she hugged the note tight to her chest. Whoever this guy was, she liked him already; a lot. How could she not, after what he had done for her? Being the naive soul, she still didn't see what was it that he saw in her that made her special for him, but for once, she did not want to think about whats, hows and whys. She just wanted to...feel, live, experience. And...she was going to do so.

"Alright Mr. Prince" she whispered. "I'm ready"

And so, a beautiful, magical, painful yet a joyful time began. Nandini found herself flooded with notes, all in different colors at unexpected places at unexpected times. Each message brought a smile on her face, each message made red the favorite color of her cheeks and each message began to build up the confidence she never had before. The changes that started taking place in her were so positive that even Nandini began to wonder how did she survive during all these years without these amazing emotions. She got rid of her habit of looking down all the time, partly because she had to keep an eye out for the notes since they could be present anywhere. She had nearly missed the yellow colored note that was kept beneath her food plate in the canteen when she had gone to have lunch with Navya on which in red ink was written:

Your smile makes my day because it shines brighter than the sun. Tumhe andaaza bhi hai, ki tum muskuraate hue kitni khoobsurat lagti ho? You have no idea how do I control myself whenever I see you smiling that way. Smile karo, per itna bhi nahi ki meri hi nazar lag jaaye.

Yours with love,

The Prince

Navya was surprised but happy at the transformation in Nandini. Her perfect moment of happiness had been when she had seen Nandini talking to a student while maintaining eye contact, something which she never did. And Nandini, she was on cloud nine, seventh heaven. For her, everyday started with new hopes of getting another loving note from 'The Prince'. She had often wondered why did he address himself that way and hoped that someday she got the opportunity to meet him and ask this question. The thought of meeting him filled her stomach with butterflies and made her heart fly in all directions. She had never had any guy friends and now all of a sudden she was receiving the attention of a guy who had not only become her best friend but was also hell romantic who made her blush whenever she thought of him. Whoever was he, he knew her inside out and she had no fears with this knowledge. He knew how to pacify her when she got upset and showered her with love and gifts to make her feel cherished. Yes, at times, even presents accompanied the notes.

Once she had received an orange note when she had become terribly upset after having a phone conversation with amms in which she had bashed her verbally left, right and center for becoming too free, on which in red ink was written.

I thought you are the master of your own life, then how can you let somebody else's words ruin your mood, especially when you know that someone can never think nicely of you? Agar doosro se khushi mile, to use le lena chahiye otherwise, let them go to hell! Next time, I don't want to see your sad face again, got it? Because seeing you sad hurts me. So smile, for me.

Yours with love,

The Prince

And just like always, the note had done its job and a beatific smile had come on Nandini's face since that note had arrived with a huge white teddy bear with an ever smiling face. For a girl who had never owned a soft toy despite badly craving for one, it was the best gift she could ever receive and she had danced like crazy after receiving it. Initially, she had been hesitant while accepting the presents because no one had never gifted her anything and whatever she had received even by mistake had always been snatched away by amms but then immediately a red note had arrived with a box of smilies with a message written on it in black ink.

Friendship mein nobody keeps an account of neither gifts nor emotions. And your emotions mean the world to me Nandini. I can't wait to tell you what you mean to me and soon, I will do that. Please don't hesitate in accepting these presents which are a token of my respect, appreciation , friendship and something a lot more for you. Giving you these small things makes me happy.

Yours with love,

The Prince

They might be small things for him but for her, they were those priceless possessions which she was going to keep safe and intact with her all her life. The rainbow of colors that he had filled in her life had never made her feel so diverse and vibrant than before.

All of this was keenly observed by one soul whose heart wasn't with him anymore. And that was none other than 'The Prince Manik Malhotra'.

Manik Malhotra.

The guy whom every girl loved either because of his looks, his voice or his status. The guy who was blessed with a group of firm friends and a very loving family. The guy who was the apple of his parents' eye who had taught him high moral values of how he should not take undue advantage of his power and that there were no shortcuts to the road to success. The guy who tried to help people in his own way without making it obvious and who was determined not to give his heart to any random girl but a special one. Having seen the deep love his parents still had for each other eve after twenty years of marriage, Manik knew he wanted the same and was adamant to have it. He was not the type of person who settled for anything less and he did not see any limit when it came to going after what he desired. The people close to him knew this thing about him very well and that was why nobody tried to stop him since he never took any decision without thinking. He was the guy who was a gem in himself and who was fiercely protective of what belonged to him.

He was also the guy who had fell head over heels in love with Nandini Murthy at first sight.

Yes, he had seen Nandini the first day she had entered in the campus of Space wearing a simple white kurti and dark blue jeans. One look at her innocent face and he had been a goner. Her hazel eyes which she always hid from everybody while looking down, her beautifully luscious pink lips that pursed whenever somebody tried to make a conversation with her, her delicate hands that started fidgeting whenever she was nervous and her long black hair which she used as a shield to hide herself from maximum people, everything had printed a permanent image on his heart, mind and soul and he knew that image was never going to fade. He had wanted to go and speak to her right away but after seeing her body language and her nervous attitude he had constrained himself from doing so.

His friends too had pacified him and asked him to be sure of his feelings before taking another step and so, he had done as they had asked and had maintained a distance from Nandini. However, he had been aware of her every movement and every activity. He had seen her trying to avoid him whenever they passed by each other in the corridor. At first, it had made him angry that why did she do this but over the time his observation had made him realize that Nandini avoided everybody. She was a lone ranger who preferred to keep to herself and considered books as her best friends. Apart from Navya who was also her roommate in the hostel, she did not have any other friend and didn't seem to be interested in making one either. He had tried to avoid her and not to think about her but she had always been there. And after deciding that he would go crazy he had finally had a heart to heart conversation with his parents who within seconds had made him realize that he had found 'the one' for him because according to his dad, if there is one person about whom you cannot stop thinking every second of every hour every day, then you had better do something about it. And doing something meant, go get your love!

Next day itself he had ordered his manager to provide him with complete information on Nandini and the same night the file had found its way to him containing even that information which he was sure even Nandini wouldn't know about herself. His heart had burnt with rage after going through her file. Reading about the abusive treatment his love had undergone all these years had actually made him cry and he had vowed then and there to put an end to all the sadness in Nandini's life. But for that, the first and foremost necessary step was to make Nandini take a stand for herself. Unless and until she would not help herself, he would not be able to help her much. So after countless discussions with his parents and friends, Manik had decided to bring his plan to action and had decided to share it with Navya.

Initially, Navya had refused as she did not trust Manik and divulging any sort of information that could lead to the heartbreak of her best friend went completely against her loyalties but after seeing no improvement in Nandini's condition and the sincerity of love in Manik's eyes, she had finally given in and had messaged him the night before the midterm exam that she was in. With all his resources ready, Manik had started playing his cards and that was the first time he had shared a complete look with Nandini. The relief and the happiness he had experienced after seeing in the eyes of his love had finally made him understand why did his parents keep gazing at each other after every few moments. Nandini was a kind hearted soul and Manik was sure that she was 'the one' for him.

Seeing his plan produce such tremendous results was way beyond awesome. The progress Nandini made under his TLC was mind blowing and filled him with pride especially at the moment when amms called her up with her usual objective to bring her morale down but instead of being the usual silent bearer, Nandini had fought back and had stood up for herself. Without caring about anything, she had given an earful to the old lady for the way she had treated her all these years and had even warned her that if she didn't stop with her tactics then she would be forced to take some actions which she would not like. Needless to say, the old lady hadn't dared to call her after that and finally, his love had broken free. Now, he was ready to confess his feelings to her on her birthday and he was sure she would say yes because he had seen the love in her eyes whenever she read those notes. She had kept each and every note with her, filling the jars with those rainbow colored chits that gave her the happiness she had never thought of. And now, it was time for the final step to make her his, forever and ever.

So, on her birthday, he showered her with messages and gifts every hour which contained of the dress she was supposed to wear for their date along with the matching jewelry and all the required accessories, all of which Manik had chosen for his life himself with love and care. He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms.

Same situation was with Nandini. She was deeply in love with 'The Prince' and couldn't wait for her birthday to arrive. This was the first time when she had been so excited for the day she was born otherwise all these years she had spent wishing she was never born since it was especially on this day amms used to make her feel even more useless. After receiving emotional wishes from her brother and Nand uncle who declared his happiness in the new her, Nandini was helped by Navya to dress up for the date which was finally going to make her see the face of her soul mate. For her, it did not matter how he looked or what he did, what mattered was that he understood her to a level nobody had before and she knew that her happy ever after lied with him. After all, he was the one who had made her believe in fairy tales.

She arrived at the venue dolled up in a knee length red dress with a diamond bracelet gracing her wrist and solitaires shining in her ears. She knew red was his favorite color and he loved to call her star since she shone like a diamond for him. Nandini saw him standing in the center of a circle made of candles dressed with romantic music playing in the atmosphere in a black tuxedo with his back towards her and her heart skipped a beat. Finally the moment had come. He was here. She was here. And they were going to be together forever.

Reaching him, she softly placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered "Prince"

Slowly, the guy turned and Nandini Murthy got the biggest shock of her life! Her prince was Manik. Manik Malhotra. The Manik Malhotra. Never in her wildest and craziest of imagination could she have thought that the most eligible bachelor of the country would be 'The Prince'.

Manik, who was enjoying the look of surprise on her face and drinking in the beauty of his love grinned and whispered, "Kya hua? Ab jo itna bolne lagi ho to phir aaj chup kaise ho gayi?"

"Wo...main...wo" Nandini fumbled. She still could not get her mind around that all this while Manik had been her secret admirer, secret supporter, secret best friend and secret lover.

Meanwhile Manik who had run out of patience after staying away from his love for so long got down on his knee and took Nandini's hand in his while holding out a huge diamond ring for her.

"Nandini Murthy" he whispered. "I have loved you from the day I saw you and with each passing day, that love has increased more and more. Now it has reached a stage where I can't keep it inside myself anymore and need you to know how I feel before I go quietly insane. I promise to love you, protect you and cherish you forever, till my last breath... Will you marry me?"

The deep intense love and the sincerity in his eyes supported by the new courage Nandini had found in herself all thanks to him suddenly made her realize that it didn't matter if it was Manik who was 'The Prince'. It didn't matter that he had hordes of girls running after him. It didn't matter he was the ultimate rich boy in front of whom she was nothing. What mattered was that he loved her and understood her. He had chosen to be there for and had helped her in meeting her real self. She had fallen in love with him without knowing his identity and after knowing him, her respect for him had increased so much more. He was not the rich, spoilt play boy whom the people usually perceived. He was a caring man who was...her soulmate.

So without wasting any more time, Nandini brought her hand in front while blushing to the reddest shade possible. Her heart soared at the jubilant smile that came on Manik's face as he slipped the ring on her finger and took her in his arms after getting up. Then without wasting a second, he crushed her in a bear hug so tight that it could almost break her ribs but she needed this closure as much as he did so she responded back with equal passion. He kept his hand on the back of her neck and slowly made her look at him. His gaze rested on her lips asking for permission and shyly, Nandini closed her eyes. Going crazy after seeing her seraphic face, Manik leaned and placed his lips on hers. The kiss was slow at first and then as time passed it got deeper and more passionate. Finally when they both could not do without oxygen, they let go of each other's mouth and Nandini embraced him.

"Why did you always sign your notes with The Prince?" she asked.

His arms tightened around her.

"Because I wanted you to believe in fairy tales and I wanted to be your prince"

He couldn't have said it any better. This time, the bold Nandini initiated the kiss and her prince Manik complied more than happily.

ENTRY NO #15

SOMETHING IS GOING TO CHANGE TONIGHT

It's the most beautiful time of the year
Light fills the street spreading so much cheers
I should be playing in the winter snow
But i'mma be under the mistletoe.

Manik p.o.v.
I wrapped my jacket tighter around my body as another cold breeze whisked through the air. Although it was somewhat nice to have that coldish feeling towards Christmas, it made one feel more in the clich of American Christmas - one I had never experienced before, mind you, but the movies made it seem magical enough.

I plugged in my earphones, turning up the volume so that I wouldn't have to listen to my best friend's nagging.

The music filled my ears as i stared straight ahead making myself comfortable in his car.Music always my favourite except books obviously. ok.. ok . let me introduced myself ... Manik malhotra. ulf 'a perfect nerd' of school.(yet full Greek god). and i was at verge to complete Thermodynamic chapters ..but this idiot drag me with him to her party... arghh.

He could have at least asked, I grumbled inwardly. He knows I detest parties, especially anything involving her. The car turned a corner smoothly, and we had reached our destination when i was busy cursing my bestie.. Cabir.

Of course, if it had been my choice.
Never mind.I sighed, pushing away the urge to get out of the car and run a few streets back home.

A sharp rap on the window jerked me out of my music-filled bliss. I opened her eyes.

"Are you coming or not," Cabir mouthed through the window, still looking abruptly cross.I sighed and got out of the car, stretching my limbs.

My eyes took in the splendor of the mansion. It was big, sure, and definitely very pretty.The only defect i mused, was its owner.

At the mere thought of her i rolled my eyes and dismissed her image from my brain. Goodness knows how much effort required to put in for tonight,i grumbled.

I tugged out the earphones which immediately releasing a blast of sound that made me wince. "Gee, d'you know what you're missing?" Cabir said with a large scowl.

I put on a thoughtful look. "Let me guess. Girls who barely wear anything despite the weather, cups spilling with spiked punch and lots and lots of sweaty people dancing?"

The biting sarcasm in my words made the scowl on cabir's face grow even larger, if that was possible.

"I made you come here so you can relax, you moron."

"Isn't that ever so thoughtful," isaid with a ever so unrealistic smile. "Well, you can go off and make out with Soha now. I'll just stand here, freeze my shoes off and relax, like you wanted me to."

"I'll just be off now," I said loudly to no one in particular, and was about to start off for home.when a well muscled hand grab my shoulder and drag me inside.

"C'mon, don't be such a wet blanket," cabir hissed, drawing me into the crowd.
"What, no smoochies and hanky -panky with Soha...?" I said mockingly, allowing myself to enter the house amidst a blast of warm air. Really, i didn't have a choice.did i?
cabir drew me deeper into the crowd of people, and I turned her head to see the exit barred with much dismay.

Oh well, I sighed.

I kept my eyes open, searching the crowd in case he bumped into that detestable figure.yet attractable .

the background sounds of the music in the room and with the conversation of other people. i was going to have a brilliant headache after this night, i thought glumly.

"Hey," cabir yelled over the blaring music. "I'll be there." He jerked his thumb towards a punch table in the middle of the room. People were hanging around, refilling their cups with
I nodded and let slip a tight little smile as he disappeared.

Great. Perfect. Now what?

"Hey, hotie. Wanna dance?" A hoarse voice sounded in my ear, and a well manicured hand grab my arm.

I realizing that the girl was drunk.and i guessed that she was probably a friend of one of the party guests.

"Your breath stinks," i said with a smile. She leaned closer, and her smile grew wider.
and my smile disappeare when she put a hand on my neck, grabbing it and jerking toward her.

"ahh...miss can u just...," i said politely to that girl freeing myself from her." mmm... wait here ..actually my friend is calling me" and i literally ran from there disappeared into the crowd... ok see I'm a good boy . and i can't take advantage of a drunk girl...but it's more seem like she was taking advantage of me.

She saw everything. From the moment he stepped onto her grounds to the moment he rejected that bimbo politely. if there is another boy in placed of him ...it didn't take a second to close that distance between their lips.
BUT he is her boy...
A small smile graced the corners of her mouth. He was attractive. She would never tell anyone that, however.

She wouldn't tell them that she also happened to have a little crush on him.

Her deep blue eyes followed his proud figure as he weaved in and out of the crowd, heading for one of the many other rooms in the mansion.
Her mansion.

I don't wanna miss out on the holiday
But I can't stop staring at your face
I should be playing in the winter snow
But I'mma be under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you
With you, shawty with you
With you under the mistletoe

Manikp.o.v.
I needed some space.
Out of the corner of my eye,i felt someone watching me. A tiny smile crossed my lips. Of course.

She would've been watching my little scene with the drunk, I guessed. She never missed anything.
Ok let me introduced "she" nandani alluwalia. daughter of college trustee. rich no doubt. hot beautiful..and i was kind attracted to her.. which i definitely shouldn't.. all this girl thing can ruin my future and mine family.too .so i try hard to stay away from her . but more i tried the most i fail... ahhh its so frustrating..

Everyone's gathering around the fire
Chestnuts roasting like a hot July
I should be chilling with my folks, I know
But I'mma be under the mistletoe

Word on the street Santa's coming tonight,
Reindeer's flying through the sky so high
I should be making a list, I know
But I'mma be under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you
With you, shawty with you
With you under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you
With you, shawty with you
With you under the mistletoe

My smile grew a little as I stepped into a cozy little study room. Finally, a room which didn't contain half-naked couples trying to get it on.
I crossed over to the bookshelves, tracing the spines of several books. When my eyes alighted on a particular title. Pride and Prejudice, I read, and my eyes brightened. It was one of my favorites. I pulled it out.

Odd, however, that it seemed to have been read many times, I thought absentmindedly, flipping through the pages. From what I knew the owner of the mansion was a single child, and her mother didn't exactly have the time to read romantic classics.

Of course, that wasn't saying that I knew her well at all, I thought, defending myself. I was merely interested.

In her, my brain said, and I scowled at the thought. Not possible.

"I daresay my books are more interesting than the party outside."

I nearly dropped the book at the voice. Pulling my pride together, I turned to the doorway.

"It saddens me greatly, but I have to agree," my voice came out light, mocking.

Her ever so gorgeous eyes laughed at me."Really? Isn't that a bit of prejudice on your side?"
Iam embarrassed, knowing that she'd noticed the cover of the book.

"Not at all,"I said pleasantly. "I would much rather keep my brains than to converse with the mindless twits out there."

The next moment I realized the opening that I'd given her.

"Pride comes before a fall, my dear boy," she said, her eyes darkening merrily with the light of laughter.

"Perhaps. Don't you have anything better to do than to pick on my faults?"I remarked calmly, her eyes beginning to glow.

"I find them very amusing."

"As do I."

There was silence for a moment as she appeared to contemplate something.

"Do you read a lot?"

"Much more than you ever could," I replied coolly

She couldn't resist. "That would be surprising, considering my grades over yours last term."

At the last moment she realized her very own mistake.

"Pride comes before a fall, my dear girl." I said tartly, but my eyes glimmered with fun.

There was something about her tonight, I realized, and the pit of my stomach tightened a little. Something was going to change.

"Prejudice never did anyone good, either," she remarked, stepping closer to me.

I immediately forgot my thoughts and glared at her,seeming not to realize our closeness.

Before I could retort, her eyes caught a glimpse of green, dangling very inconspicuously from the ceiling.

She grinned, realising what it was.

"Mistletoe,"she said softly.

I opened my mouth and closed, looking confused.
I never got a chance to think as she bent down and kissed me softly on the mouth. oh . .. she taste like winter STRAWBERRIES. which surely i want more. but she pulled away.

"Merry Christmas," she said, but her eyes held a different kind of light, one that I didn't recognize immediately.

Aye, love, the wise men followed the star
The way I followed my heart
And it led me to a miracle

Aye, love, don't you buy me nothing
'cause I am feeling one thing, your lips on my lips
That's a merry, merry Christmas

"I'm really sorry. Really -" after few second i guess she realized what she had done.

"I'm really glad you decided to feature the mistletoe," I told her before pressing my lips back against her. I could feel her smile against mine.
Do hell with the "good boy" tag.
one thing I definitely know that she will never ruined my life.
Perhaps SOMETHING WAS GOING TO CHANGE TONIGHT.
As underneath the mistletoe, for the first time...

I fell in love. or rather fell in love with a kiss.

YES LOVE... I LOVE HER...AND IT FEELS BLISSFUL..
THIS IS BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER...

With you, shawty with you
With you, shawty with you
With you, under the mistletoe, under the mistletoe

Kiss me underneath the mistletoe
Show me baby that you love me so-oh-oh
Oh, oh, ohhh

Kiss me underneath the mistletoe,
Show me baby that you love me so-oh-oh
Oh, oh, ohhh