~ Till the Stars Shine & Fireflies Exist. ~

Note: The entire chapter is in Manik's POV.

After facing so many problems and going through so many hardships, I was finally sitting beside Nandini, in my room. At the end of the day, this is what Matters right? Home is where your heart is and the love of my life was sleeping infront of my eyes and I could do nothing but admire her adorable face. However, Nyonika had made all the arrangements and a private Nurse for Nandini was also present. Things were going well untill Aryaman called me and informed about the final step of Nandini Case, the operation. Since Aryaman has a very good reputation and also, he is a very well-known Doctor in the U.S.A, he insisted me to go with him to the U.S.A along with Nandini. "Manik, we should not take a risk. I know this is difficult. You people have your exams next month and this is about your life but we certainly cannot deny the fact that Nandini's case is not easy. Luckily, She didn't fall in that Trap of Nyonika and Harshad warna tou we can't even imagine how much those wrong Medicines would have harmed her." He was right. Aryaman came into our lives as an angel disguised as a devil. He was not only her savior, but mine too. He saved My Love, My Life. "Can we Leave after a Month? I don't Mind failing My exams for her but I know she will insist to stay till our Finals. I know her!"

"No, we can't. Things are under control right now and it would be better if we leave within a week. She is weak right now Manik, Travelling would be difficult for her unless you're not with her. You know she's better when you're around." My heart Sank into the Stomach hearing his words. "Fine, I'll call you in an hour, kay?" He hmmed and I Disconnected the Call. The cook came inside with a bowl of Soup in his hand. "Baba, Ye inkey liay." I took the bowl and instructed him to leave. I kept my hand on her head and gently massaged it. I could see she was feeling relaxed. I smiled looking at her and the next minute, she started Smiling too. She must be seeing a happy dream! I murmured. "All My Happy Dreams have you in it, Mr Malhotra." She said, winking at me. "Smart Han, So you were awake." I complained. She raised her eyebrows at me and said, "How Could I sleep without you?" And the next minute, she bit her lower lip in confusion. That didn't sounded right! I leaned towards her giving the naughtiest smile as possible, "Ahan," I began, "So does that Mean you want to sleep with me? Good Going Ms Murthy, I'm impressed by this sudden change in your mood." She face palmed herself and said, "No, I mean..I was worried about you!" Yeah right. I smiled like an idiot. Sometimes, I really used to wonder What did I do to deserve this little bundle of joy? My small little world! "Acha Acha, Stop Sharmana and Have this soup. Open your Mouth!" I ordered, litterally shushing her mouth by filling it with the soup. "MANIK!" She shouted, pushing me away, "It's damn hot!"

"So what? Even I'm hot." I said, patting on my own shoulders. She kept Staring me as if I was some clown or a comedian. "What? Aise kia dekhrahi ho? Aj kia kuch extra hot lagraha hun?" I questioned, checking out myself. "Manik," She said Calmly, putting her hand on my shoulder, "Are you Fine? I Mean, your jokes..they are way too lame today. Not that they didn't use to be before, but, aj kuch zyada he lame batein karhay ho tum Manik." I kept looking at her, open mouthed. I smiled a little and she bursted out with Happiness. She was laughing and I was watching her laughing her heart out. What a perfect view! If only, I could pause the time and Save this in my heart forever. This was the first time in my life when I was so scared of losing someone. Then again, Nothing in my life has ever meant so much to me. Just when I was admiring her, My Phone rang and Cabir Flashed on the screen. "Nandini, I'll just be back. You have this, okay?" I ordered, this time angrily.

"Han Cabir, bol?"

"Harshad got arrested!" He declared. A smile automatically appeared on my face listening to this.

"Finally!"

"You won't believe what Happened!"

"Tell me about it. Kaisa kara Nyonika ne ye? I Mean he got arrested, on which basis?" I knew that Nyonika had contacts and she can do anything but getting someone arrested, that too, without any reason, is impossible!

"She accused him of Hacking her laptop which had the Final year's Exam Papers in it. Can you believe that?" Okay so honestly, I never thought she would get him arrested like this. Now, this was unexpected.

"And one More thing," Began Cabir, "Urti urti Khabar ai hai that Mrs. Nyonika Malhotra has resigned as the trustee of S.P.A.C.E Academy." I literally jumped out of excitement. Unbelievable! I was astonished to the core. Well, Nyonika had to do that but this was too quick!

"Did you see her in the College?" I questioned in a low voice because Nandini Murthy had her eyes on me. God!

"Yes. Harshad ko arrest karatay waqt I saw her. And listen, How's Nandini?"

"She's good. I'll call you in a bit. I need to discuss something with you." And on that Note, I disconnected the call. I looked at Nandini and she was continously smiling. "What?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "Mr Manik Malhitra, Stop bossing around me, Okay? There is nothing between us. YET." She said, stressing on the word 'Yet'

"What do you mean?" I questioned moving towards her.

"I mean, abtak to na tumne kuch kaha hai aur naa he maine. So.." I smiled. I understood what she wanted to Say. "Kya Nahi kaha?" I Teased her, pretending to show as if I didn't understand. "Jo bhi Kehna hota hai." She was hell nervous and this was clearly evident from her hesitation to speak up. "Kia kehna hota hai Nandini? Mujhe kuch Samjh nahi araha." She glared at me for a while, crossed her arms and finally spoke in a defeated tone, "Nothing Manik. Kuchnahi kehna hota hai. Now go, I need to sleep. Go now!" A smile formed at the corner of my lips as I realized she was so damn pissed. "Okay then, you sleep. Mae bahar jakar X-Box khel leta hun." I could see her throwing daggers at me but still, I remained Calm and walked away quietly. As soon as I shut the door and came out, I started laughing. This is so much fun! Miss Nandini Muryhy, Haven't you ever head about 'Expect the Unexpected?' I'm Sorry to make you feel that Nothing's gonna happen but Isi me to maza hai.

I called Cabir and asked him to add the Fab 5 in the call. "Mukti kahan hai? Why isn't she a part of this Conversation?" I inquired, on not seeing her name in the conversation. "Wo, Mukti is at the Hospital. With Abhimanyu. She says she has hope and She believes that her Love will Help Abhimanyu. It will give him a reason to fight against this. It will give him a reason to live, She wants to be his strength, Just the way you are Nandini's Strength, Happiness and the Ray of Hope."

"Okay." I said, smiling a little. It feels good to hear such things from your friends. To see that they actually look upto you as a person, as a lover.

"Mujhe sirf itna batana tha that guys, you have 5 days. We have just 5 days to do everything."

"Everything?" They asked in a voice laced with Confusion.

"I hope you all remember that we have our final exams in a month. Right?"

"Yeah. What about it? 5 Days ka kia matlab hai?" Asked Alya.

"Start preparing for the Exams. 1 month nahi, you have 5 days left." My statement left them stunned.

"What the hell! How? Why?"

"I have to leave for U.S.A along with Nandini for her Operation. Mera to theek hai but I don't want her to sacrifice her exams. I don't want her to blame herself for me sacrificing my studies."

"Islye tu humay bakra banayega? Humara kia? Hum itna sab 5 din me kese prhengay?" Cabir was damn worried.

"Humey 1st Aanay ke liay nahi parhna, bas itna parhlo kay pass hojao."

"Wo sab to theek hai buddy but tu ye karega kaisay?" This was the most important question.

I smirked. "Meri pyaari maa, Nyonika kab kaam ayengien?"

"But didn't she resign?" Asked Alya.

"She's serving the notice period."

"Smart Move, Manik!" Cabir laughed over the phone.

"After that, I have to do another important thing."

"Now what? Ab kia karna hai tujhe?" They asked in unison.

"I have to Propose Nandini. I want her to know that she's all that I want and All that I need. I want her to know She's my everything. I want to Propose her in the best way possible. I want to make her mine, Officially." A tear escaped my eye and a smile formed on my face as I said that.

***xxx***

So here goes the Second last Chapter! Now that the Story is coming to an end, I want to thank each one of you for reading this. For encouraging me to write. This story wouldn't have been possible without your support, your love and your encouragement. ❤ Just, Thank You!
Also, Kindly do have a look at the MaNan TS - A Week to Forever. And also, after this story ends, I am thinking to start a new FF in place of this. Please do tell me if you are interested! :)

Lots of Love,

Saba ☺