A bright new day with the beams of sun had already made its appearance in the world. After a very surprising birthday party for Manik, in which he indirectly confessed his feelings for Nandini and the "little" private show by Nandini after realizing her feelings for Manik.. both ddnt even realize  how they fell asleep together, with Nandini over Manik on his bed. But the sun had different plans for today. The sharp rays couldnt let Nandini to continue her beauty peaceful sleep. Fighting against the strong rays, she finally opened her eyes, looking around to familiarize herself with the surroundings. Usually she would see the sky above her head or would hear the chirping of the birds, as she would usually fall asleep on her terrace. But when she felt hot breaths on her forehead, she slightly moved her head to find herself sleeping cozily on Manik, n Manik sleeping while holding her to himself. Seeing Manik she recalled all of the happenings of yesterday. Slowly her smile grew bigger on realizing that she started her day by seeing the face of the person whom she has fallen for..her love..her Angel..Manik.

Nan (self talk): kaise nahi samajh paai k U r the one for me.. whenever u r close to me..i dnt get my nightmares.. U give me solace Manik. I love u Manik. U r my Angel. Hero ne tumhe bheja..mere liye..n now..i wont let u leave. I will confess my feelings to u..soon.

With a bright smile, she lightly kisses on Manik's chin, making him smile in his sleep. Seeing him smiling n recognizing her touch even in sleep makes her immensely happy. She slowly unwraps herself from Manik n slowly sets herself free.

After completing her morning chores, she changes herself into her dungarees and leaves the mansion for her home to be with Abhimanyu after leaving a note for Manik.

Here, on feeling something missing from his embrace, Manik moves his hand sleepily to hug something that was occuping his embrace till now..but frowns when he hugs himself instead of that "someone". He slowly opens his eyes n looks around n then sits with a jerk calling Nandini's name.

Man: matlab ye sab sapna tha? Phirse? Wo uska mere liye show kerna..phir mere upar sojaana..mujhe apna Angel bolna.. i even felt that she kissed me. Was all of it a dream.. again? Oh God Nandini...what r u doing to me?

He rubs his hands on his face n then his eyes fall on the ceiling of his room. The entire ceiling was covered with stars n meteors..which bring a slow smile on his face.

Man (smiling): it means wo sab sach tha. Yesterday did happen.. Nandini was here..she did all that for me..Only Me. She even slept on me. But ab kaha gayi? Aur mujhse mile bina kyu? Let me call her.

He stretches to get his mobile from the side table when he notices a note placed under his mobile. He takes the note n opens it n smiles on finding it to b from Nandini.

Good Morning My Angel!

So finally u r up ha! I knew u must b looking around for me..mayb this thought even crossed ur mind that yesterday was all a dream..a beautiful dream. But Manik..yesterday was as true and real as the bright sun shining  outside. It was YOUR birthday Manik..n it had to b special. I hope we managed to make it special.
Now as for me..I woke up when this shining sun started disturbing my beauty sleep *pout*. I couldn't wake u up because u were looking very peaceful while sleeping..so tumhe jagaane ka mann hee nahi kiya. Had to leave as BB is leaving today by evening's flight n i wanted to spend some time with him.
So stop worrying n start your beautiful day with a smile on ur face..MIKKU!

P.S: Your birthday is over n so is my promise of not calling u Mikku :p
Now comeon..change that frown into a smile..cause if i called u Mikku..i even called u ANGEL..remember that ;)

See u soon

Your Angel :)

N true to her words..Manik did frown on reading Mikku in the letter..and that frown did change into a beautiful smile by the end of it.

Man (smiling): Nandini...God i so love her.. bas ab..aur wait nahi. I will confess my feelings soon Nandini..n will officially make u..MY ANGEL.

Like a typical cliché, Manik kissed the letter n started his morning chores.

Here, everyone had gathered at Nandini's place to spend the last few hours with Abhi. Soon Manik too joins them..

Man: what's up guys?

Cab: shukur hai tu aa to gaya. Itna time kaha lagaa diya tune?

Man (eyeing at Nandini): wo kal bohot time baad bohot achi neend aayi..to subah uthne ka mann hee nai kar raha tha.

Muk: to phir aap mahaashay uthe kaise?

Man: kya karu Mukti..jiske waje se neend aayi thi wo hee chali gayi mujhe akela chodke to me aur kaise so paata.

Nandini's eyes widen n she looks at Manik.

Al: matlab? Kisi k waje se tumhe neend aayi thi kya? Koun? Kiski waje se?

Everyone turn their attention towards Manik..who was looking at Nandini only. Nandini had turned red n was avoiding his gaze..

Dhr: bolna Buddy..kiske waje se?

Man: bataa du?

Cabir notices him staring at Nandini. He gets a faint idea tht mayb it was Nandini he is talking about. He gestures fab4 n Cabir smirks an evil smirk n was about to open his mouth when Manik beats him n answers their question

Man: thakaan k waje se.

All (except Nandini): what?

Man: thakaan..tiredness? Kyu..tum logo ko kya laga?

Everyone were gawking at him as if he got 2 horns on his head. They were quite sure to hear Nandini as the reason for his peaceful sleep. But Manik very smartly dodged their question.
Manik looks at Nandini n finds her giving him an i-m-impressed look..n mouths a "smart move" to him..to which Manik mouths "i was born smart".

Nan: acha leave all this. Waise u guys still ddnt tell me..where were u last night?

Cab: kyu kal raat ka gum yaad dilaa rahi hai behna?

Dhr: aur kya? Just let it b na Nandini.

Ab: haan barbie..chod na.

Nan (getting excited): ab to bilkul b nai chod sakti. Lets start with u Dhruv.

Dhr: me? Why me? Aur waise b kal hona kya tha?

Man: come on buddy.. we know tht the girls got to knw about our..ehemm...small club adventure. N just to stop us they dd all that. So how did Aliya react?

Nan: actually how did u pacify Aliya?

Dhr (looking at Aliya): emm..well..i .. i promised to take her for shopping for next 1 week without complaining.

Boys: what?

Man: shopping? Buddy..i really pity u.

Al: haww..how mean Manik

Cab: kya mean? Tere saath shopping jaana is khudke death certificate pe sign kerna. Aur Dhruv tu..thoda mard ban yaar.

Al: cabir! Dhruv is a man..

Cab: yea yea..

Nan: ok..so bhai u say..aapne Navya ko kaise manaaya?

Nav: Manaaya? Arre ye mahaashay to tayyar b nahi the maan ne ko k ye log waha jaa rahe the. Wo to jab humne inhe dhamki di k hum Nandu ko phone lagaa ke usi se daant lagwaayenge tab jaake inhu ne maana.

Nan: thts not fair bhai.

Ab: haan Cabir..arre thoda sa to manaana banta hai.

Cab: manaau..aur wo b me? Dekh Dhruv..ise kehte hai asli mard!

Man (whispering to Navya): sach me is joker ne nahi manaaya?

Navya giggles n tells Manik.

Man: haan Cabir..asli mard to tu hai. I mean aadhi raat ko hostel k saamne beech sadaq pe kaan pakad k sit ups kerna..wo b apni girlfriend ko manaane k liye..har kisi ki bas ki baat nahi..kyu?

Everyone burst into laughter.. whereas Cabir sits grumpily.

Dhr(mockingly): be a man haa?

Cab: haslo kameeno.

Nan: acha enough. Bhai..isme chupaane wali koi baat nahi hai. In fact this shows how much navya means to u. Uske khaatir aapne kisi baat ka lihaaz nahi rakha..u ddnt mind tht u were in the middle of the road..or standing in front of Navya. U did what u felt would convince her..n that really shows ur strength. I m so proud of u.

Cab (taking Nandini in a side hug): dekha..meri behn hee hai jise meri neeyat samaj me aati hai. Werna tum sab to..huh.

Man: acha babba..stop sulking. Lets hear Abhi ne kya kiya.

Cab: ye bichara kya karega..khud ko Mukti k punches se bachaate bachaate poori raat nikal gayi hogi. After all use humare group ki jhansi ki rani jo mili hai. Kyu Abhi? M i right or m i right?

Ab: well..for a change..u r wrong Cabir. Mukti ne aisa kuch nahi kiya. All she did is took a promise from me..

Al: promise?

Ab: yes..promise that i would call her everyday when i m gone. She wants to hear my voice at least once a day.

Girls: awww

Nan: u better fulfill ur promise BB. I wont take it if u break ur promise.

Ab (looking at Mukti): I wont.

Cab: are u sure ye humari hee Mukti hai? Kahi isne apne sar pe koi chot to nai khaai? Itne rough n tough mode se ye ek dum sweet n tender kaise hogai?

All (except Mukhbi n Nandini): love..

Cabir nods..n then smirks..
Waise Manik..Dhruv, Aliya , ye Madhubala..ye jab Love bole to samaj me aata hai..coz they have felt it..they r in love. But TU kaise keh sakta hai k its loovvveee..

Nan(interrupting them): chalo ab baaki baate baad me. We need to have lunch n then leave for airport.

Everyone oblige her n start moving towards the kitchen. Cabir whispers in Manik's ears:
Bach gaya saale.. lekin aur kab tak bachega?

Man: tab tak jab tak Nandini mujhe bachaane waali hai.

Winking at him..Manik goes inside..leaving behind a shocked Cabir.

Cab: ye love sach me sab ko badal deta hai..tabhi ye openly bol raha hai.

Everyone settle down to have lunch with lots of chit chats n hearty laughs. Soon it was time to leave for the airport. Nandini suddenly went quite..she wasnt able to interact much with everyone. Manik was sitting next to her..he pushed her with his shoulder to get her attention..n when she looks at him..he raised his eyebrows as if asking whats wrong..to which she just shakes her head n says nothing.

There was some strange emotion raising in Nandini..which she herself wasnt able to put a finger at. She was feeling low..but couldnt understand why. All leave together for airport in Manik's car. Manik was driving with Cabir on his side. Nandini, Abhi n Mukti were sitting in the middle with Abhi in between Mukti n Nandini. Dhruv Aliya n Navya occupied the last seats. All through the way..Nandini was quite..she was just holding Abhi's arm n was resting her head on it. Abhi asked her thru signs if she was ok..to which she gave a small smile nodding yes. She further tightened her hold on Abhi n closed her eyes..exhaling a sigh.

Finally they arrive at airport n soon it was time for Abhi to say his byes. He hugged everyone one by one.

Ab (while hugging Manik): Manik..2 saal tak me Barbie ko dhunta raha. N now that she is here n i knw what has happened..at least half of it..i dont feel like leaving her alone. But i m helpless..i have to..actually i need to go. Lekin mujhe is baat ka sukoon hai that u guys r here with her.. esp U Manik. Me tujhpe bohot bharosa kerke jaa raha hu. Plz take care of my baby girl.

Man: dont wry Abhi. Nandini has us..she has me. We wont leave her alone. N waise b uske nightmares b khatam hogaye hai..so u dnt need to worry about tht too.

Abhi (smiling sadly): nahi huwe hai.

Man (shocked): what?

Ab: haan Manik..she still gets her nightmares. Haan mayb not every night...but every other night. There is still something that she hasnt told yet. N i knw tht its something more terrible than the last one. Isiliye i need to go.

Man: isiliye u need to go matlab?

Ab: Manik..do u really think that koi b kaam meri Barbie se zyada important hoga?

Man (wriggling his eyebrows): no..not unless.. if... its for her?

Ab: u were right Manik..instead of being a coward..i need to find the reason why my Barbie has changed..why does she still get those terrible nightmares. N thts y i need to go. I need to find out. Me jaanta hu tht agar me Barbie se poochu to wo shayad mujhe bataa de. Lekin i even knw it would take a toll on her. N mayb she wudnt even disclose everything. She needs time Manik.. lekin jitna zyada time me use dunga..utne uske nightmares use sataayenge. Isliye i have to find out thru other sources. Mene kisi ko nahi bataaya..coz i dnt want Barbie ko pata chale. (Abhi turns his head to look at Nandini..Manik follows his gaze) I ddnt want to leave her alone. Isliye i asked Navya to shift to our place. But Manik..i m pinning my hopes on u. Plz take care of her. Shes all i have. I love her.

Man: me too.

Abhi turns his head to see Manik..n at same time Manik sees him. On seeing Abhi's blank face..he realizes what he said. He ddnt want to confess about his love to anyone else before confessing it to Nandini. He was about to change his statement when Abhi beats him to it.

Ab: take care Manik..khud ka bhi..aur meri jaan ka bhi.

Manik nods his head. Abhi leaves him after another hug n goes to Mukti

Ab: Mukti..i knw how u must b feeling. Abhi abhi hum couple bane n i m leaving u..i knw u r feeling sad..but i want u to knw that i m feeling the same emotion too. Its not only u who is sad..i m sad too. But i want u to understand tht i have some commitments..i have some urgent n some important works to handle..n only i can do that.  (Cupping her face) but i want something from u..till the time i m away..just take care of urself. Be happy..study hard n finish ur exams. N remember..I love U.

Muk (hugging him): I love u too Abhi. Plz take care..n dont forget ur promise. I will b waiting for ur call..everyday.

Ab: i will..i promise.

Abhi kisses her forehead n goes towards Nandini. He cups her cheeks..

Ab: barbie..me jaanta hu its difficult for u to let me go. Its difficult for me too..but bacha..u knw na agar zaruri nahi hota to me nahi jaata?

Nandini nods her head.

Ab: aur abhi to tumhare exams shuru hojaayenge. I promise..exams khatam hone tak i will b back. Phir hum dono ek break k liye jaayenge. Wherever u like. Hmm?

Nandini again nods silently.

Ab: but this time i want to give u some strict instructions. I want u to answer all my calls. I have taken ur schedule from the college..so i knw what timings u have for ur lectures. I wont call u then..but apart from that..i want u to answer all my calls. N if u ddnt answer my 5 consecutive calls..i swear i will come back to check on u. So plz..do answer all my calls..ok?

Nandini again silently nods.

Ab: if u dont feel like going home..go to orphanage..but do keep fab5 n Navya updated about ur whereabouts.

Again a silent nod..

Ab(hugging her): i will miss u barbie.

Nandini hugs him back but doesnt say anything. Abhi breaks the hug n kisses her forehead..asking her to take care. He holds her hand n goes towards the rest to bid them final bye. He takes his laptop bag n turned around to leave when he felt a small tug on his little finger of his right hand. He turns around to see Nandini holding his little finger in her grip..just like a small girl holds the little finger of her father when learning to walk on her feet.

Abhi looks at Nandini to find her teary eyed. After a long pause..Nandini said something that wrenched his heart in pain.

Nan (low voice): Don't... go..

Abhi turns back completely n hugs her tight. He felt the pain in her voice. As if she was trying to hold back her pain. But as soon as he hugs her..she sheds her tears silently.

Nan (whispering): i m scared..paapu.

Abhi breaks the hug n wipes her tears.

Ab: y r u scared bacha?

Nan: i dont knw..i feel tum chale jaaoge to sab change hojaayga. Sab badal jaayga. N i dont want anything to change. I m scared..plz dont leave me.

Abhi becomes speechless. He definitely ddnt want to go now. But he wanted to only for his barbie. Only to set her free from her past. It was like he had to choose between his barbie n his barbie. Both sides had Nandini as an option. He couldnt decide which Nandini to choose. Everyone there were hurt to see Nandini in pain. Their eyes too got misty. Manik knew why Abhi was leaving. N now even he wanted to knw the reason behind Nandini's nightmares. He knew Abhi wont b able to leave now..after seeing a vulnerable Nandini. He goes closer to them n holds Nandini's shoulders from back n turns her around.

Man (cupping her face): kuch nahi badlega Nandini. Me hu na tumhare saath. U are not alone.. i m here..always.. Abhi ka kaam zaruri nai hota to he wouldnt have left u..would he?

Nandini nods in no.

Man: he needs to go for a short time Nandini. Till then..will u let me take care of u?

Nandini nods in yes.

Man (wiping her tears): so come on..bid Abhi a bye..werna wo jaa nahi paayga.

Nandini turns around n kisses Abhi on his cheek.

Nan: all the best BB. I will pray tumhara kaam jaldi hojaay n u get success in whatever work u r going for.

Abhi hugs her tight n says:

Now m sure i will get successful..after all u wished me luck..my lucky charm. N plz..aise rona mat. U knw i cant see ur tears.

Nandini nods her head in hug. After giving her a loving peck on her forhead..Abhi finally left for departure.

Here..after abhi's departure..all made it a point to make Nandini n Mukti feel comfortable. They knew they both r missing him terribly. But what worried them was Nandini's reaction. She was all ok till afternoon..but then suddenly she got reluctant in letting Abhi go. Not wanting to stress them or let them drown in their state..they all headed towards beach..where they did their best to distract both of the girls..n even got succeeded when they saw them smiling n laughing. After dropping everyone at their places in Manik's car..they were heading towards Nandini's place when Nandini asks him to take them towards Navya's hostel.

Nav: lekin Nandu..humare hostel kyu jaana hai? Humne humara samaan le liya hai. Hum aaj se tumhare saath rahenge. Bhool gayi kya.

Nan: isliye jaana hai kyunki tumne mujhe ye nahi bataaya k warden ne tumhe 2 raato k liye hostel me rehne ko bola tha..kisi campaigning k liye. Aur agar tum ye 2 raate nahi rahogi..to wo aage tumhe koi jaga nahi degi hostel me.

Nav: tumhe kaise pata?

Nan: mene tumhari baate sunli thi phone pe..jab tum us warden ko manaa ker rahi thi. Tumne mujhe kyu nahi bola Navya?

Nav: kyunki hum jaante the tum hume hostel jaane ko bologi. Aur hum tumhe akela nahi chodna chahte. Bas isliye. Aur wo warden to..use to shuru se hee humse problem hai. Isliye wo aise nakhre dikhaaa rahi hai.

Nan: isliye to tumhe jaana chahiye. Navya..wo aage tumhe hostel me jaga nahi degi mujhe is baat ki fikar nahi hai. Coz tum mere saath hee rahogi ab se. Lekin warden pichle kai saalo se is college me hai. Kaafi saare professors ko personally jaanti hai. Wo tumhare liye aur problems create ker sakti hai. Isliye i dont want u to get into her bad books.

Nav: har baar tum sirf humare bare me sochti ho. Is baar nahi. Hum tumhe akela nahi chodenge aur ye baat tay hai. Hume koi farak nahi padhta wo warden kya karti hai. Is waqt hum tumhare saath rahenge bas. Manik tum Nandu k ghar hee chalo.

Nan: nai manik..tum hostel ki taraf hee chalo.

Nav: humne kaha na Manik..nandu k ghar ki taraf chalo.

Nan: no manik..take the route to Navya's hostel.

Nav: aur humne b kaha na k Nandu k ghar ki taraf chalo.

Man(yelling): shuttttt upp u too.

Both girls go quite.

Man: Navya..Nandini sahi keh rahi hai. Warden ko kaafi saal hochuke hai..so use tumhare liye koi problem create kerne me koi problem nahi hogi. So i think u shud go..aur sirf 2 rasto ki baat hai. Tab tak Nandini mere paas..i mean mere ghar me rehsakti hai..

Nan: me orphanage me b to reh sakti hu.

Man (disappointed): yea..right. so see..problem solved. To me tumhe abhi hostel drop kerdeta hu..n Nandini ko uske orphanage. Ok?

Nav: ab jab tum dono ne decide kerliya hai to hum kya bole..

Nan: ok bolo.

Nav (shaking her head n smiling): ok.

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Hello angels
Hru all
M extremely sorry for being so irresponsible. But all i can say is tht i have major things going on in my life..my day starts at 5am n ends at 1 am. Lots of life changing events r going on all together.
M again sorry for not being able to reply to ur comments..or ur dms..m so sorry..

Anyways..coming to the update..well..i want to warn u all tht from now on the ride will b an emotional n heart breaking one. My story revolves around a girl..a girl's will power n her strength. N that would b the main highlight of the up coming updates. All i can say is to trust me.
Hope u enjoy .
Tc 😊