~ For all the Things My hand has held, the best by far, is you. ~

An year Later.

Manik Malhotra checked into The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airpor. Cabir cried out loud excitedly. "Ah, Finally. I can't believe we'll see eachother after 1 whole year." Mukti sighed, rolling her eyes. "16 hours! Guys, it'll take 16 hours for the flight to reach here. So that means that the flight is going to land in India at around 3AM," Said Dhruv, looking at Mukti, "Can Abhimanyu Join us? I mean, only if he's good." Well, Abhimanyu fighted against Cancer with all his strength and power and today, he's a cancer survivor but according to the doctors, Cancer is not a normal disease. It may leave you but it can strike back at you anytime. Although survivors can lead long, healthy lives after cancer, they often have physical or even emotional needs that may continue for many years after being diagnosed. In this one year, Mukti along with rest of her friends, looked afer Abhimanyu and made sure he got everything he wished for. They helped him to live, to laugh and most importantly, to fight against the most powerful and dangerous disease of the world, Cancer. "Obviously he'll come. Don't worry about it, I'll manage." Said Mukti, smiling a little. "All set, then. I'll speak to Madhubala and I'm so damn sure she's gonna make her ever famous jalebis and take them to the airport." Spoke Cabir, face palming himself. "But guys," Dhruv seemed worried, "Why didn't he mention Nandini? I mean, She must be coming along with right?" No one even thought of this. Manik could've tagged Nandni too so why didn't he? Where is Nandini? How is she? It Scared them. And Most importantly, he just texted Cabir which said, Leaving for India. See you all soon! There was no clue about Nandini which was really very astonishing for them considering the fact that they went to US for her treatment only. "Guys Chill, We're just overthinking. Just be calm and stay positive. I'm sure Everything's fine." Mukti spoke in a soft and comvincing tone and everyone nodded their heads. Though Manik and Nandini were in touch with all them but Nandini's health issues, everyday doctors appointments and other work kept them occupied almost of all the time. They were living in the US with Manik's dad. Nyonika left the Space Academy and no one knows where she is now and as far is Harshad is concerned, Well, he is paying for his evil deeds. He tried calling Alya several times but then there's a limit. How much can a sister possibly bear? She was sick and tired of all his games. She went to meet him twice but the hurt he caused her and her loved ones, was too much and she just couldn't forget all that. So basically, everyone got what they deserved. As they say, people who create their own Drama, deserve their own Karma. After accepting his defeat, Harshad came to meet the Fab 5 and Navya. He aplogized to each and every person specially Mukti and Navya. He also sent a long message to Manik and Nandini and literally pleaded for forgiveness but Nothing, Nothing in the world could justify what he did With Navya and Mukti. He tried to destroy two lives, actually three. Also, considering the fact that he along with Nyonika tried their level best to Kill Nandini, None of them were able to forgive him. It was too late to ask for forgiveness and before he left the city, Mukti sent him a text on behalf of everyone which said, Karma is a Good judge and You Our Friend, are Fucked. Good luck and have an amazing life!

~ ~ ~

At around 2AM, Everyone reached the airport to welcome the two Most important people of their life. Their happiness knew no bounds and the fact that they were all about to unite, made them the happiest. They were all standing there with their eyes sticked on the gate from where the passengers were coming. They were all set to scream their hearts out and celebrate this much awaited re-union. Also, Manik never really gave a proper confirmation about Nandini's health due to which somewhere down the line, they were all afraid too. Afraid of that one Statement Manik will give after reaching. Afraid of that one news which maybe good, or maybe bad, they didn't know yet. "Sab theek hoga na?" Asked Navya, looking at cabir. She looked worried and it was evident from her eyes that she was scared. Scared as hell. And why won't she be? It was about her Best Friend. Her First Friend from Space, her moral support, her strength, her that 'someone' who made her smile in her worst times and Most importantly, Her Shoulder to cry on. "Sab theek hoga, Manik kabhi Nandini ko kuch honay desakta hai?" Said Cabir, smiling confidently. Just when they were talking, Abhimanyu cried out loud, "GUYS! Flight has landed." Now the only thing we were waiting for was, Manik and Nandini. We crossed our fingers as we saw the passengers coming out, hoping for the best, Praying that they come out together. We took a deep breath and braced ourselves for all which was about to happen. "Guys look there, vo dekho, It's Manik!" Said Dhruv pointing his finger towards a person who was struggling hard to pick up the suitcases. It was Manik. He looked at his friends, Smiled and waved them a hello but his not-so-patient friends didn't even bother about the security and ran towards him. Cabir and Dhruv literally jumped onto him causing him to fall onto the floor whereas Abhimanyu, Mukti, Alya and Navya carried his suitcases. "I missed you buddy!" Said Dhruv, highfiving him. While everyone was happy to see their friend after an year there were two people who stood there, confused and numb. Manik, Nandini Kahan hai?" Asked Navya and Abhimanyu in unison. Just when they asked this, Alya, Dhruv Cabir and Mukti looked Behind Manik and realized he was alone. Nandini was not with him and that's when it hit them, "Where is she, Manik?" They Questioned, looking tensed as hell. Manik looked confused as to what to say. He looked down, trying to avoid an eye contact with them which scared the shit out of them. "God dammit, Answer us Manik, Kahan hai Nandini?" Cabir held his collars angrily, forcing him to look at him and answer. Just then, two hands held Navya's shoulder, hugged her from behind and whispered into her ear, "Yahan hai Nandini." Hearing this, everyone immediately looked at Navya and took a sigh of relief. Nandini Murthy was standing infront of them, crossing her arms and raising her eyebrow giving the Famous 'Manik Malhotra' Smirk. Manik sure did teach her alot in this one year. She walked towards Manik and he side hugged her saying, "To what did you guys think han? Issay kuch hojata to mai khara hota kia abhi saamnay? Abtak to mae bhi mar- His sentence was cut by Nandini who kept her hand on his mouth and signaled him to stop. "Sab choro, ye khushi ka waqt hai to ye lo garma garam mazedar jalebi or apna mu meetha karo." Cabir was right. Somethings never change. "But Guys Hold on, this wouldn't have been possible without one person and that is Aryaman. He literally did all he could and this is why we're both standing here infront of you, perfectly fine." He said looking at Nandini, cupping her face and just then his cellphone rang. "Who is it?" Questioned Nandini to which he said, "Your saviour!" He picked up the call and the first thing he said was, "Don't worry Dr Aryan, we have reached india safely and hey, I'm putting you on the loud Speaker so bear the screams and crazy stuff." And as soon as he did that, everybody literally screamed, "Thankyou Aryaman! We loooooveee you." We could hear him laugh. "I Love you guys too and I miss you all!" He said loudly. "Come to India, Soon. You have another patient here." Said Cabir. "And who is it?" Asked Aryaman in a confused tone. "Navya Naveli. But for that, we would need a Psychiatrist So yeah, tell me about it." Cabir had no idea what he got himself into. He was laghing like a crazy person, open mouthed and Navya choked his mouth with handful of Jalebis. Well, Cabir asked for it! "I'll definitely come to india, when these love birds decide to tie the knot." Hearing Aryaman, Mukti and Alya started to cough purposely, Nandini could do nothing but blush profusely and Manik, well, he just kept admiring Nandini. And on that note, Aryaman disconnected the call while Cabir was still struggling hard with the Jalebis. "Come on now guys, it's time to party! We have arranged everything so shall we?" Questioned Dhruv. Manik and Nandini looked at each other and said, "NO!" Okay so this was unexpected. Looks like the lovebirds have some other plans! "Don't tell me you guys want to spend some time alone. I mean, ek saal to sath guzar kar aye ho, itna lovey dovey hona is not good man!" Complained Mukti, crossing her arms angrily. "No no! We have another plan!" Said Nandini. "And what is it?" Questioned Abhimanyu. "Look, it's been one year. Let's celebrate at the place where we all met for the first time. The place that made us what we are today." Said Manik excitedly. "You mean Space?" Asked Abhimanyu confusingly. Manik and Nandini nodded their head in a yes. "Are you nuts or have you lost it? Apna dimagh US me he bhool aye ho kia? It's 3:45 AM and we are not even Students anymore, is time college me tumhe kon aanay dega Manik?" Mukti was literally throwinh daggers at them. "Arey guys, don't forget we are The Fab 5. From forcing a guy to suicide to locking up a girl in the Dustbin, we have done it all. so what's the big deal here? Ek guard ko ullu bana kar we can easily sneak into the college, can't we?" Manik surely managed to convince his friends but he definitely made Nandini angry. "Han so what? Even we have done everything. From saving that guy from suicide to getting that girl out of that dustbin. Huh." Manik raised an eyebrow at her and gave a half crooked smile looking at her oh-so-angry face. "Acha madam. You win, I lose okay? Now shall we go Ms angry young woman?" He said, accepting his defeat and nandini smiled, hiting him playfully.

~ ~ ~

Sneaking into the college was defintely not hard for them. A little tricks here and there and bang, they managed to pull it off. "This place." Sighed Mukti. "Got us together." Abhimanyu completed her sentence just the way she completes him. "And us too." Manik looked at Nandini and embraced her in a side hug. "And Us too?" Dhruv looked at Alya confusingly to which she replied, "Maybe." She said, looking into his eye. "This place gave me a new friend, another bestfriend." Said Cabir looking at Navya and she smiled Saying, "A friend who not only gave me shelter but also made me fight back against the world." Cabir smiler back, knowing that she was talking about him. "Do you guys want to know when was the first time I felt for Nandini and Where did that happen?" Asked Manik. "Obviously!" Everyone cried excitedly. "Follow me then." Saying this, he led them to the store room of the College. "Tu humay yahan kyu laya hai?" Mukti asked, staring him angrily. "Yehi hai wo jaga." He said, crossing his arms. "What even? Hown can someone fall in love in a store room? Eww. Yahan to itni mitti bhi hai. How?" Mukti Complained. "Oh now I got it," Alya said out loud, "Did this happen when you two were locked inside the store room, jab me and bhai got you guys out?" She got that right. Manik nodded his head in a yes. "Very smart Manik very smart. So after that tu ussay dislike karnay ka natak karta tha na humaray samnay? You guys were together just after that?" Questioned Cabir, patting on Manik's shoulder. "No. I wasn't pretending to dislike her. I was fighting against my feelings for her. I just refused to accept the fact that I have started to love her and also, no we were not together after that. Friends to hum actually Diwali mein banay thay. Remember that Diwali party at my place? Madam mujhpar aa girien or bas phir kya, phasalya mujhe." Said Manik making a sad and innocent face and Nandini smiled, listening his stories. "So Diwali mein tumdono sath hue? I mean, you know like a relationship." Asked Alya, addressing Nandini. "No. Diwali mein we realized that the feelings are mutual. And about Relationships, Well, Ask him." Said Nandini, smiling a little. "I was Friend-Zoned." Said Manik, sadly. Cabir laughed like a crazy person saying, "Just Imagine Manik Malhotra like THE Manik Malhotra getting Friend Zoned." Manik gave him a deadly look and Cabir zipped his mouth. "Actually the weirdest part is, Soha ki waja se hum saath huay and Soha ki he waja se hum alag bhi huay." Nandini was right. No matter what, no one can deny the fact that Soha played a very vital role in both Manik and nandini's life. And on that note, they left the Store room and walked into their favourite part of the college, Fab 5's Jam room. "So guys, hojaye?" Asked Cabir looking at the rest of gang. "Hojaye." The rest said in unison. They all took their positions and Manik began with closed eyes, imagining all the good times he spent in this college. Be it with Fab 5 or with Nandini.

Yaaron..dosti, bari he haseen hai. Ye na ho to, kya phir, bolo ye zindagi hai.

He looked back at his friends who were playing their instruments, smiled and continued,

Koi to ho raazdaar, Begaraz tera ho yaar. Koi to ho raazdaar..

He moved towards Nandini, looked right into her eyes and sang,

Yaaron, Mohabat he to bandagi hai..Ye na ho to, kya phir, bolo ye zindagi hai?

Mukti took the mike from Manik's hand and sang looking at Abhimanyu,

Koi to dilbar ho yaar. Jisko, tujhse ho pyaar. Koi to dilbar ho yaar..

She passed the mike to Navya who continued the song keeping her hand on Cabir's shoulder.

Teri har ek, burai pe, daante wo dost..Gham ki ho dhoop, Saya banay, tera wo dost. Naachay bhi wo, teri khushi mein..

They all sang together, with huge smile on their faces which were enough to tell that today, they were probably the happiest people on the planet. They held each other's hand and danced as they sang,

Yaaron, dosti..Bari he haseen hai. Ye na ho to, kya phir, bolo ye zindagi hai..

And as they ended their song, they clapped, celebrating the best journey of their life. Everything was simply Perfect! Manik went to Nandini and whispered into her ear, "So, what do you think?" She looked at him and asked, "About what?" He smiled and said in a low voice, "About what Aryaman said, I think I'm ready for it." She smiled, understanding what he was trying to say, "You think it's so easy to get me? Well, I don't think so." Manik looked at her and Questioned, "Acha? To aur kya chahti ho tum? Tumhare liay mene kya kya nahi kiya aur tum ho ke bas." Saying this, he looked in other direction making an angry face. Nandini smiled and kissed him on his cheek within a second so that no one sees them. Manik's eye twinkled and he said, "I'm Impressed." Nandini rested her head on his shoulder and Said, "Promise me Manik, tum mujhe kabhi chor kar nahi jaogay. Hamesha meray sath rahogay." Manik smiled and instantly replied, "Promise."

"Hamesha?"

"Hamesha. Till the Stars shine & Fireflies Exist."

~ ~ ~

~ Where there is great love, there are always Miracles and To Love is to Receive a glimpse of Heaven. ~

**xxx**

And here it is. I literally feel so bad rn. Can't let you go was very close to my heart and it will always be. I can't believe this is the end. But nevermind, every story has an end and this is Can't let you go's The End. Thankyou for always trusting me, having faith in me because to be very honest, I know what a pathetic writer I was in the start of this Story but today I can proudly say that yes, I can write. :)

For all those who have been with me from the Start and those who joined this late but still showered there love, Thanks a ton!

And on that, bbye to ya'll but hey, I have started a new story in place of this called Twisted Stories and Untold Secrets. It's also a mystery filled Story So yeah, do give it a try. I hope you people support me in this new venture aswell. So let's say goodbye to this one and an Hello to MaNan FF: Twisted Stories & Untold Secrets.

Do give me your feedback regarding the epilogue. I'll be waiting :)

LOTS OF LOVE ❤