#6 Vivah MaNan FF/PART 36-PG 17

Manik's POV

Nandini... from past two years only this name has been on my lips always. When I wake up, I wake up on her picture in my room-a small frame. When I come to office, I have a secret room with Nandini's pictures all around. My day starts with her and ends with her, but still I miss her like hell. If I wouldn't have done the mistake in past, I and she would be married, may be even we could have been parents too.

Dhruv, my Buddy is going to be father. I am really happy for him, but I can't feel that feeling. Nandini, why you left? We could have talked. It's just hurt so much Nandini, so so much that you can't even imagine.

I leaned on my chair headrest and played with paper weight while thinking about her. I searched for her like a mad man everywhere. But she was just not there. It's like she just disappeared in the air. I even went to Murthy Villa so many times. I used to stand outside of her house for hours in the hope that maybe once, once they just melt and tell me where she is. But every time they saw me, they held a remorseful face. I couldn't even force them. I know they are bound with Nandini's promise. But I will not let it go Nandini. I am not going to stop fighting for us. When you were here, I always behaved like a jerk but you, you always fought for us. And now when you just left the battle in between, I am not going to end it. I will fight for us, for our love. I promise you that.

I picked up my phone from table and called a travel agent.

"Hello?" I spoke

"Yes, Manik say?" he said generally.

"Dhavalbhai, I need one ticket for London as soon as possible." I said

"ho jayega Manik. Let me check once." He said. I could hear clicking sounds over the call. I waited for his reply.

"aaj late night ek flight he. Do you want it? You will be there in morning" he suggested.

"yeah. Fine. Book that one. Thank you" I sighed and thanked him. He smiled back and I cut the call.

I could hear my heartbeat go crazy under my chest. I put my hand on my heart and slightly rubbed it. What is happening? I rolled my eyes and thought to go home. I need to inform everyone that I am going to London.

I packed my stuff and took it along with me and instructed Soha about the pending work and told her to help Dhruv when I am not here.

It was noon, still I need to pack my bags. I need to rush. I drove to my house and went in. I found Mom and Bhabhi doing lunch there with Aarush.

As soon as he saw me he came running to me and jumped on me and hugged me. I gave in and hugged him back.

"kya hua? On lunch time you are here?" I heard Mom asking me from table. I saw Mukti Bhabhi coming towards me to take Aarush back to his food.

I broke the hug and handed Aarush to Bhabhi saying "yes, actually Mom. Me London jaa raha hu. For few days. College me ek event ho raha hai and I am sponsoring the event so need to go" I sat on the dining table in front of Mom.

"but beta. Itni jaldi? I mean kal tak to tumhara koi plan nahi tha" she asked worriedly.

"ha wo Mom, it was Dhruv who supposed to go. But you see Alia is pregnant and she doesn't want Dhruv to go. So" I explained her.

Mom expression changes to sad. I know she is sad. Sad for me. After all she is a mother, she will be worried for me.

"when is your flight?" Bhabhi asked from my side and I saw she was stuffing food into Aarush's mouth. I smiled at him and shook my head.

"late night today" I shrugged my shoulders and said.

"WHAT?" a combined scream came to my ears. I put my both hands on ears to cover it. I looked at them, they were in complete shock.

"what? Why are you screaming?" I asked them in a little annoyed tone.

"Manik, what is wrong with you? You are going today and you didn't even tell me? You have to cancel the flight." Mom nagged like a little child. I don't understand why she is behaving like this.

"why can't I go?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

I saw Mukti Bhabhi and Mom exchanging their looks to each other. I glanced at both of them and then asked again "what is it Mom? Bhabhi?"

Bhabhi was the first one to break the silence "you have to meet someone tomorrow"

I frowned in confusion, I asked "who?"

Mom stood up from her chair, came to me and dragged me with her to the living room. Mukti Bhabhi too followed us with Aarush in her arms. Mom made me sit on the sofa and then took out a packet from the side table. She put it in front of me. I sighed and opened it. I found a girl's photo inside the packet and I instantly looked at Mom.

"Mom, what is this?" I angrily stood up and throw the picture on the table.

"Manik, listen to me. This girl is really very nice. Educated hai, family bhi achha hai." She tried explaining me.

"aur ye sab aap mujhe kyun bata rahi hai?" I turned towards her, I can guess what she wanted to say.

"kal tumhe isase milna hai. I want you to settle down Manik. I want your happiness." She sobbed a little.

Bhabhi came to her side and hugged her.

I ran my fingers through my hairs angrily and said "and my happiness lies in Nandini Mom. Aapne soch bhi kaise liya ke me kisi aur ladki se... how could you Mom?" I felt dejected. Doesn't they know that I Love Nandini. I can't accept any girl other than her.

"to kya karu me Manik? Tumharai tarah yuhi Nandini ka intezar karti rahu? Manik me bhi jaanti hu ke tum Nandini se kitna pyaar karte ho. Par meri taraf se socho. You are my son. Aur 2 saal hog aye hai use gaye huye. You don't know where she is? with who she is?"

"ENOUGH.." I said furiously turning my face to Mom.

"enough is enough Mom." I spoke in a little lower tone. How could she even think that Nandini can move on? No she can't. thoda gussa hai bas, but hamara rishta, hamara pyaar khatam nahi hua hai.

"kya hua Manik? Dard hua na? Mujhe bhi dard hota hai, jab me tumhe akela dekhti hu. You need someone badly Manik." She sobbed and came near to me.

I held her arms and said very clearly to her "Mom, listen to me very carefully. I Love Nandini and will always do that. Aapke kehne par me kisi aur se shadi kar bhi lunga, phir kya Mom? I cannot give the love to her which she deserves. Doesn't it wrong Mom?"

She looked down understanding my words. I left her arms and turned towards the staircase.

"and one more thing Mom, even I have to wait for Nandini till my last breath. I will wait for her. the place in my heart and my life belongs to her, no other girl can take her place instead." I said sternly and climbed the stairs rapidly.

I could hear light sobs of Mom and Bhabhi. I can understand her point of view too. She is a mother and a mother always want her child to be happy. And I am happy with Nandini, even if she is not physically with me, I am happy because I have memories with her. lots and lots of memories. Even if I couldn't be able to find her, I will leave my life with her memories, but I just can't give her place to anyone.

8 pm in night, Malhotra Mansion

It was almost dinner time. I glanced at the wall clock. I have already packed all my bags. I just needed few clothes with me along with few files which can be needed there. I placed the bag on the bed and lied down on my back on the bed. I stared at the ceiling for some time. Again I could feel my heart beat racing on a super speed pace. I closed my eyes and only one face I can see and that is My Nandini.

I opened my eyes and took her photo frame from the side table. I caressed her cheeks over the glass and sighed.

"why I am feeling this way? Am I going to meet you soon?" I asked her, I waited for her reply. But how can she even reply. I was practically talking to her photo. I closed my eyes again and sighed.

I placed her photo inside my bag and closed it again. I heard a voice coming from my door. I turned my gaze towards the door and saw Aarush standing there with his thumb in his mouth and he was sucking it.

A smile instantly came on my face, I gestured him to come in. he walked to me slowly and I kneeled in front of him.

"hey buddy? What's up?" I asked him. But he kept sucking his thumb indicating me that he must be angry.

I smiled and asked "what happened?"

He took out his thumb out and asked sadly "you loin? (you going?)"

I went all awe on his question, I instantly engulfed him in to hug. I heard him sobbing in to the hug.

"hey buddy? Why are you crying hmm? Chachu will come soon." I said trying to cheer him up.

He broke the hug and held my hands and gave me a smile. I smiled back and asked "what do you want from there hmm?" he didn't reply.

Suddenly we heard Mukti Bhabhi calling us for dinner. I took him in to my arms and went down. I saw Dad and Abhimanyu Bhaiya already seated on the chairs. I went there and adjusted Aarush in to my lap. I know today he is not going to leave me. I and Aarush share a very good bond.

"London jaa rahe ho?" Dad asked. I turned my attention from Aarush to Dad.

I smiled and nodded "yes, have some work so."

He nodded and gave me a smile.

"but what is it? why are you going like today only? And all of a sudden?" Bhaiya asked munching a tomato slice from his plate.

"it was Dhruv, who was supposed to go, but Alia wants him beside her so I am going now" I replied taking roti and sabji in my plate.

All sat there in silence and finished food. After dinner I went to room to get freshen up and changed my clothes in to comfortable jeans and a shirt. I came down with my luggage and saw everyone sitting in living room.

"everyone here?" I asked gesturing a servant to put my luggage in the car.

Dad stood up and came to me and hugged me "I will miss you son" he whispered.

I hugged him back. Since the time Nandini left, he always cursed himself for it. he daily says sorry to me. I every time tell him not to say it again, but he being a stubborn man continued saying that.

I broke the hug and one by one everyone came to me and hugged me. Lastly Mom came and hugged me.

"I am sorry" I whispered in to the hug and she instantly sobbed.

She broke the hug and cupped my cheeks "no I am sorry. Sometimes I just forget that Nandini plays a very important role in your life"

I looked down to control my tears. Dad patted my back.

"hope you find my daughter-in-law soon. So that we could see you happy" he said with a smile. And that words instantly made me smile. After hugging session, I was about to go when I felt a tug on my jeans. I turned and saw Aarush standing there with his thumb in his mouth. I kneeled in front of him. I just forgot that I have asked him what he wants from London.

"so champ, decided what you want from London?" I saw everyone admiring me and Aarush.

He nodded his head in excitement. We all laughed on it.

"what?" I asked him casually.

"Tachi... Nandini Tachi (Chachi... Nandini Chachi)" a pin drop silence spread across the whole living room. a tear dropped from my eye. I instantly hugged him and said "yes I will bring her"

I saw Mom hugging Dad and Bhabhi hugging Bhaiya. I broke the hug and stood up. I felt a small hand holding my hand. I looked down to see Aarush holding my hand.

"I bill Play... fol you... (I will pray... for you)" his words just hit in to my heart. Why I am getting these signs? she is in London? I smiled to him and nodded my head. I glanced at my family last time and walked out of house.

Driver dropped me to airport. I completed all the procedures and waited in the lounge. I leaned on to the chair. I got a text from Dhruv too. He informed me to go directly to the college. The dean wants to see me. I closed the phone seeing Nandini's photo and leaned on the chair.

Why suddenly Aarush asked for you Nandini? Is it a sign? That is why I am feeling my heartbeat going fast? Whatever it is I am not losing hope Nandini. I will find you, even if you are not in London. Someday I know I will find you. Destiny will take me to you.

I heard the announcement and I walked towards the plane. In no time the plane took off and I looked down to the night of Mumbai. I don't know when I will return, I will come with her or I will come alone. But I have a feeling that you are there. Very near to me. Thinking about her I slept on my seat.

Next day in London, around 10 am

(guys India is ahead of London around 4 hours and 30 minutes. So if I take late night flight from India to London, I will reach in London in early morning. In India there will be time around 10 and when you reach London there will be time around 6 or 6:30. And after the landing one can take around 2 to 3 hours to clear all the procedures. I hope I am clear with the timing things. From now onwards there will be only London scenes, so don't worry)

I glanced outside of the car window to see beautiful city. Large buildings, people walking around, busy in their own life. I sighed deeply. I have missed London. It's been almost 2 and half years since I left London. I have so many memories over here. So many friends. I grinned instantly. I opened the car window and inhaled the cool breeze. It gave me an instant peace. Maybe I am at right place.

I saw driver took the right and there I was standing outside of London University campus. I had dean's number, so I instantly called him. He asked me to come inside. I told my driver to wait outside with my bag. I went inside looking around the campus. I saw students sitting there, laughing, playing, doing crazy stuffs. I smiled on my own, I too had spent two years of my life in this campus.

"so many memories" I sighed and smiled.

"Mr. Manik Malhotra?" I heard someone saying my name from my back, I turned towards the voice and I saw Dean sir standing there with a huge grin on his face. I walked to him and shook my hand with him.

"it's just Manik for you sir." I said shyly.

"haha... you became so successful, I think you deserve it." he laughed and I just smiled. I don't like my own praise.

"well, firstly congratulations, for such a big achievement." I smiled and thanked him.

And soon we were discussing the event and what has to be done in event. It was a simple event to make some fund for the orphanages who are linked with the college. Dean sir told me that this event just started last year. As I also don't remember we doing such event. He said that the batch who are right now in final terms had suggested this and they found it good so gave green signal to them. There was a two-day event, one will the selling things which will be made by students and the other day will be a show in which students will showcase their talent. I understood the whole event.

Suddenly dean sir called a name "Aryaman" because of his English accent I couldn't understood properly what he said.

I saw a guy nearly my age coming towards me. He smiled at me and I smiled back.

Dean sir turned to me and said "he is Aryaman. The brightest student of the final term. And he will be coordinating with you." I shook my hand with Aryaman. Aryaman... why I am feeling that I have heard the name before too. I saw him grinning at me.

"hi... Manik Malhotra" I told him my name. we broke our hand shake and dean sir told me "so feel free to ask anything to him Manik. He will show you the hotel in which you are staying." I nodded.

I turned towards Aryaman and asked "uhmm... Aryaman right?"

"Aryaman Khurana" he smiled at me. Aryaman Khurana... Aryaman Khurana... where I have heard this name.. where? Where?

Suddenly I heard someone calling him, he nodded at me and left saying "I'll be there soon. I have practise right now." he ran out from there. I saw his figure disappear from the end of the corridor.

"Aryaman Khurana. My Best Friend" I remembered something. He was Nandini's Best friend. Yes. I remember. So that means may be Nandini too is here. But I remember last time Nandini was angry with him. Argh...

"So Manik, want to take a tour of college?" dean sir asked me sheepishly.

I laughed and nodded in yes. Although I have seen every corner of the college, but according to dean sir, the activities going around is more important.

(Music Playing)

Suddenly I heard some music, playing somewhere, a soothing tune, very soothing.

I closed my eyes to feel the music, I abruptly asked "from where this music is coming from?"

I looked at dean sir, he was looking a little confused but he replied "it's coming from auditorium. She must be practising" he whispered last line. But I heard it.

I asked curiously "who?"

"Nandini..." he said shrugging his shoulders.

I closed my eyes again, to feel the music, to feel her presence. Yes, she is near to me, very very near to.

"can we go there? Please?" I almost begged dean sir. He firstly got very confused but lead me towards the auditorium. I knew the route, so I just ran. I couldn't wait to see her after 2 long years.

I opened the door of the auditorium and just looked at the stage. And there she was.

Kissi sham ki tarah
Tera rang hai khila
Main raat ek tanha
Tu chand sa milla

She was stretching herself as if preparing for dance. I saw her wearing a tight black legging with a light blue tank top with her hairs tied in a tight ponytail. I was just beside the stage; she couldn't see me. But I could see her clearly. How much I missed her, I can't tell anyone. She started swaying her body slowly. And I stood there numb, seeing her only.

Haan tujhe dekhta raha
Kissi khwab ki tarah
Jo ab samne hai tu
Ho kaise yakeen bhala

The lyrics were doing nothing but expressing my inner turmoil. How much I waited for this day, how much? And now when she is in front of me, I just couldn't even move. I was just glued to the floor. My all senses gave up on everything. They just concentrated on the beautiful angel who was dancing just like a fairy. I heard dean sir saying something, but my all attention was on my girl. My Girl. My Nandini. In front of me, after two long years.

Toota jo kabhi tara
Sajna ve
Tujhe rab se maanga
Rab se jo maanga
Mileya ve

She moved her body like a wave and did lip-sync of the song. Ohhh... How much I want her in my arms. As much as I want her in my arms, I want to see her new talent. I never knew My Nandini could dance so well. Like she is moving her body on a slow music just like a pro.

Tu mileya toh
Jaane na doonga main

Suddenly I saw a guy coming from her back and held her tight from the waist digging his face in to her neck. The light was a little low, so couldn't see properly. But I was burning from inside, he turned her around and pull her even closer. How dare you Mister? Leave her she is MINE. They both swayed their booties slowly on the music. He was still holding her from her waist, she was looking in to his eyes. Who the hell is that guy?

(Music Played)

He turned suddenly and jerk her a little away. I could see his face now. He is... He is Aryaman Khurana. Nandini's best friend. I looked at them again, they both were dancing on the music slowly, smile on their faces. Sometimes he pulled her close and she smiled back in answer. I felt hurt. Does that mean Nandini did you? I couldn't even think of those words. I glanced at them with anger in my eyes. I clenched my hand in to a tight fist.

Itni bhi haseen main nahi hoon yaara ve
Mujhse bhi haseen toh tera yeh pyar hai

Haan itni bhi haseen main nahi hoon yaara ve
Mujhse bhi haseen tera pyar...

He pulled her so close to him, her face was few inches away from his face. She lip-synced the songs and leaned on to him and touched his forehead with his. Their bodies still moving slowly on the song. His one hand caressed her back and another hand holding her hand. He pushed her little and she arched back till her ponytail lightly touched the floor. he leaned closed to her and placed his lips on her throat. I fisted my hands.

Ye tere mera pyar ye
Jaise khwab aur dua
Haan sach kar raha inhe
Dekho mera khuda

What hurted me more is Nandini was responding to his touch. She wasn't even denying. Instead she was smiling. Why are you smiling Nandini? Why? Was Mom right? You Moved... On? A tear escaped from my right eye. I still looked at them. They were still dancing. He rolled her and she circled around him.

Toota jo kabhi tara
Sajna ve
Tujhe rab se maanga
Rab se jo maanga
Mileya ve

Suddenly she pushed her aside. She stood just in front of me now. we were at a distance. But I knew she saw me. She stood still, numb, shocked, frozen. While I stood there with hurt, anger pain in my eyes and heart both. We both looked at each other. After almost two years I am seeing you Nandini, and what I see? You happy with other guy? Have you seriously moved on? So easily? How could you Nandini? How could you? I loved you, I still love you. But it is hurting to you with anyone else. It hurts badly.

Tu mileya toh
Jaane na doongi main

Suddenly I saw, he rushed to her and engulfed her in to hug. She came out of the trance and looked at me. She lip-synced the lined and shook her head still looking at me, still in his arms. I felt dejected, hurt, upset, miserable. They danced holding each other on the music. Her eyes never left mine. We were still looking in to each other's eyes. I was questioning her through my eyes and she was maybe understanding my pain. I don't know. She is changed. She is not my Nandini. Not Mine.

I looked down and broke the eye contact. I turned around and saw Cabir standing just beside me. My eyes widened seeing him standing there so silently. He was the one who was angry like a mad bull when he last time visited me. He looked at me with a small nod. I looked back at Nandini and Aryaman. She was still looking at me. And she was still in HIS ARMS. I couldn't take it and just walked away from there.