Hello My Crazy But Sweet Readers! 

Anyone who missed me?

I guess most of you know about the OS I wrote for the contest. If you don't know then you can check out my book MaNan OS. 

So, my  INTERVIEW regarding the same is out now.  I have kept the external link for that.

Also, also, Last But Not The Least.

MY NEW BOOK...."COFFEE STAINS" Is published.

Have a look if interested. Will be waiting for your support in that one too :)

Hope each one of you is safe in your home. Stay Home, Stay Safe :)

Happy reading!

************

Tired.

That was the only thing he was feeling after the day that passed by in a blur.

He never felt so exhausted in a long time. He just wanted to crash down in the bed and just let the darkness engulf all his senses. He wanted to be in a deep sleep away from all the things going around him.

He was completely drained of his energy. Yesterday seems like for the first time he went to Malhotra's office and it was not that bad but today just a week and he realized how difficult it is. 

It was too much to do everything. Morning classes and just a few minutes for having food and then office and the whole day just work. work. work. No one has seen him much in this one week except for Harshad as he was the one in office whole day other than that all were busy with colleges, assignments, and other things of their own.

He was not sure how his best friend and mother did that for so many years without a complaint leaving their mouth. And the respect and love he had for them just increased more with passing second.

But somewhere he knew the works he did on just his one week in office was not something he should have been given but he could not complain as he knew it was something he was getting punished for by his so-called best friend. 

His best friend Harshad made sure he does not get to rest even a second and be doing the work continuously. He even didn't get to have his lunch today while that best friend of his enjoyed the delicious pizza that he made him order. How much he was hating that his best friend knows how to rile him up to an extent that he was so exhausted to even fight back and his best friend again knew that no matter what Manik Malhotra will never object Harshad, though being his best friend, in-office cause he was there to learn and he knew this was all a part of things he had to learn. 

Hard work and patience as one of the traits that he ought to learn as Harshad quoted.

He was not just physically but mentally tired too.

One side he was hell-bent on breaking FAB5 and he had succeeded too but as Harshad knew, he was sure that it was going to be difficult to do so without Harshad not trying to mend all his mistakes.

And again, to add to the worry there was another friend circle of his, though being added recently in his life, they were already part and he was sure of it. And they too knowing about Fab5 being no more was not helping to keep him calm, not when they wanted to find what happened and how to fix it as per what he knew from Soha. 

And Soha telling them to contact Harshad was not helping at all. And he was sure Harshad without even thinking will help them but he knew something else too. 

His best friend surely has something else in mind other than bringing FAB5 together as he knew Harshad like a back of his hand, but now he was just too exhausted to even think.

So he just closed his eyes and laid in the bed waiting for the darkness to invade his mind. 

He was too tired to open his eyes when he heard the door to his room opening..

"He looks terrible ." the voice of his buddy sounded big in the silence of his room. But he could not bring himself to talk with all the soreness of his body and his heavy eyelids welcoming the much-needed sleep.

"He has been working so hard." he heard Alya who had worry laced in her voice seeing him and without even opening his eyes he was sure Dhruv was side hugging her.

"Never knew this idiot would miss his lunch." he could not even bring himself to chuckle at Cabir who after everything still thought about food.

And he felt Mukti sitting beside him on his bed. Her hands slowly caressing his forehead making him sigh. The sleep was invading him and slowly he went in the deep sleep when he heard her whisper something but he could not exactly pinpoint what.

"Don't be so hard on yourself Bhai." 

************

"Where is he?" Harshad asked while sitting in the dining table where everyone as FAB4 and Neonika was but Manik was nowhere to be seen.

"You are asking this? Really?" Cabir asked him while glaring at him remembering how tired Manik was. "What have I done?" Harshad asked casually like he was clueless.

"Harshad, you are pushing his limits all at once. Give him some time to breathe at least." Dhruv spoke with slight frustration remembering how his buddy was not even in a condition to smile.

"Dhruv. I have not even started to push his buttons." Harshad spoke like it was the fact. 

Neonika sighed seeing her children glaring at Harshad who seemed casual about everything and she knew there was something more cause more than anyone Harshad should be worried about Manik which he is not at the moment and that just makes everything more suspicious and she was sure her children noticed too.

And she was proved right when Alya spoke next...

"What are doing Bhai? There is something more to all of this." it was now Harshad who was uncomfortable. "I know you are hiding something from us and not just from us but Manik too. We know you Bhai. And I want the answers now."

Harshad knew this was the time to tell them what he was thinking. Thinking for too long for now.

"I think now it's high time he starts to live life." he said while Cabir cut him off..."With all the workload you think he will be able to do that. His mind will blast with the pressure."

This was not going good Neonika thought.

"Have your dinner first. We will talk later " Neonika ordered but this time they ignore her.

"No maa. It's time we know what's happening? Cause we know there's so much more we need to know." Dhruv too was losing his calm listening to  Harshad.

"It's okay Maa. I think it's time they know." Harshad spoke..." but after dinner. Have your food first ." but was it that easy. No one seemed to eat with all the tension building around them. Just a few morsels and Mukti left to wash her hands.

Soon all followed with the food mostly untouched. How can they with one of them is suffering and another is behaving like nothing is happening?

All settled themselves in the living room to TALK. 

///////

"So what do we do now ?" Aryaman asked to no one in particular while all looked at him like they have seen a ghost.

"Why are you guys looking at me like that?" Aryaman asked while Zubin who was sitting beside him smacked his head for asking such silly questions.

"Bandar, if we knew what we are going to do then we won't be here discussing after one week of talking to Harshad rather would have executed the plan already." 

And they all remembered the day when they talked to Soha and she asked them to talk to Harshad.

Flashback.

"Will anyone enlighten me with what's happening?" Harshad asked frustrated seeing his friends signaling each other to speak instead of telling themself.

He was already frustrated with what happened in the morning with Manik and now they are not helping at all. 

"Why are you getting angry?" and that words from Zubin worked like fuel.."Why am I getting angry? I am getting angry cause I had a really bad day starting from morning and I am in no mood to listen to anything yet I came cause you guys quoted as an emergency and here, after 15 minutes, I get with nothing." he screamed and they all flinched at the harshness in his voice.

They all have known Harshad as the calm and composed one never the angry one. But now,  he was completely different.

"Now I knew why you are Manik's Best-friend. Same anger, same lack of patience." jeff muttered more to herself but all heard it. They thought that he would explode but that seemed to calm him.

"Manik does not get angry without a reason and you cannot even know how much patience he possesses." Harshad defended Manik instantly and that was new for all of them.

"Wow..that's new. Someone is being defensive." Nandini teased Harshad who sighed before speaking.

"Not exactly defensive. It's just that no one, I mean no one gets to say anything about my best friend except me. " Harshad stated as a matter-of-fact.

"Never knew you guys are so close. We thought it was just FAB5." jeff asked and he sighed..

Only if they know what exactly is FAB5 ...he thought.

"It's complicated if I say simply but just know Manik and I know each other like the back of our hands. We have our own set of secrets too but that doesn't matter to us. TBH, we talk rarely, we mostly fight but that fight is the bond we share." he said remembering the morning incident how from teasing each other to fighting, they did all at once.  

"Fight as in physical," Navya asked while Harshad smirked.

"Yeah. Mostly the talk starts with a slap or punch but it is reduced to verbal for now. But I don't think it will last long." he muttered the last part to himself so no one heard.

"Means you guys beat each other black and blue," Zubin asked like what-the-hell not knowing Harshad could even lose his calm. Maybe they have not known  Harshad at all, he though. Somewhere others too thought the same.

"Not exactly. Something like the last fight in Student of the year. " Harshad told remembering the last time they fought and Manik's lips were bleeding and he had a cut in his cheek.

"FAB4 tries to stop you? " Arya asked while he shrugged.

"No. Never. As we start to fight or say talk, they all sit with popcorns and cold drinks and give commentary which works are the fuel to the fire. They say they don't need the cinema when we are there. Those bloody idiots." as Harshad completed all were looking at him with mouth agape.

"And Neonika mam." Nandini spoke coming out of shock.

"Maa makes sure there is first aid kit and ice pack beforehand so that later we don't have to search for it. She quotes you guys will be tired and hi-fi with other" and this came as a surprise cause Neonika Malhotra was known as someone so strict and here the way Harshad was describing her, it seemed like she was one among them only. 

"It's crazy, " Navya spoke dramatically but Harshad laughed.

"Nope. That's my Family," he said with a grin which made everyone smile.

"Then why are they not together now?" as soon as the words left Zubin's mouth Harshad became serious. He looked at each one of them.

"So this is the reason you guys called me?" he asked just to confirm though he had already guessed. And they just nodded.

"What will you guys do by knowing that?" he asked and this time Navya spoke making everyone surprised...

"The day I came here for the first time, they did my ragging, and to be honest, I was so scared. But somewhere I realized the things they did though made one scared the aftermath was good. They made sure to help their victims and give advice on how to develop self-confidence and it helps. And in my case, the one week extra in MM came as a cherry on top. Also, knowing from other students or say "FAB5's targets" we have come with somewhat the same answers about how they are bad but good at the same time. And the most praised in their friendship. " Navya took a deep breath before adding..." And I don't know how, but we share a bond different that cannot be described. So, I think being a friend, we at least have the right to bring our other friends back together. " 

"So that means you guys want to bring together FAB5?" he asked for the final time and they all nodded.

"That's not possible." saying so he stood to leave. " But why not? " jeff asked.

"Cause to solve a problem you must know the problem and I don't think anyone knows that. Do you?" he asked and that's when they realized that they just know FAB5 broke but don't know how or why?

"But you know that right. So, help us. " Arya spoke while Harshad gave him are-you-serious-look?

"If I had known the reason, FAB5 would still have been together. "all sighed hearing that. Seeing their dejected face he again spoke...

"I can still help you but I want to know how much you guys really want this. I will give u one week to find the reason for FAB5 not being together." he chuckled looking at their horrified face.

"Just one week." Navya muttered but he cut her off..." Okay fine, just tell me the exact date when they told FAB5 is over and I will help you. Otherwise, let it be." and he went away leaving them all with many things in mind.

"And we really thought he would help us." jeff muttered while Arya sat with a dejected face. Zubin was not sure what to do as he has not met FAB5 yet but since his friends are saying so they cannot be that bad. And Navya and Nandini too were in deep thought.

///////

"One week and still we didn't find a clue regarding anything. " Arya said while jeff added..

"I know right. It seemed like FAB5 was never over. They are always together. And in this one week, not once did we feel like they were distant."

"Yes, that's the point. Now I am doubting if they are really not together?" Navya spoke while Zubin shook Nandini who seemed to be in deep thought...

"What are you thinking?" he asked her while she shrugged and replied.."Harshad said it's his family then how can he be so calm about them fighting? He must have something in mind right?"

"I never thought that. That means Harshad is just trying to keep us out from all the things he has planned." Zubin  asked while Nandini spoke.." Maybe or Maybe not? We will know it tomorrow when we meet and ask him." 

Deciding to call it a night, all of them retired to their respective rooms with many thoughts running their mind.

///////////

"So you mean to say, you are intentionally making Manik work so that he has no time to think about what you have planned?" Harshad nodded to Cabir's question.

"But what is it that you have planned Bhai?" instead of replying to his sister's question he asked a question instead...

"What do you guys think about Nandini?" his question made everyone frown..."How did Nandini come in between now? " Cabir asked irritated with lack of clarity by Harshad,

"I really thought Cabir was a cupid. Tch.tch. He is not even interested," Harshad said in a dramatic way. There was silence for a few minutes and every one of them was analyzing what he said and seems like Cabir only got the answer.

"Saleeee..." Cabir jumped on Harshad ..." Kabse cha raha hai tere dimaag mein ye sab? Tune mujhe nahi bataya..Mujhe? I am hurt " Harshad sighed at Cabir's drama and punched him in the stomach to get him off his body.

"This is why I didn't tell. You overreact, ALWAYS ." Harshad said while Cabir rolled his eyes but he had that grin in his face.

"But buddy? " Dhruv spoke making everyone serious again. " He does not even like to hear us tease him with someone's name? " 

"We know Dhruv. But I think it's time he starts to live his life without any fear. Also, he does not need to know what we are thinking right? It will remain between us only." Alya suggested and he nodded not having anything to say.

"Like finally, mere saree bete settle hogaye." neonika sighed dreamily while all looked at her with mouth agape.

"What do you mean saree bete maa?" Harshad asked while Neonika looked here and there seeing Cabir glaring at her but again, she is his mother right.

"What? Don't give me that look Cabir? They all are experienced unlike you. So, only they can help you ." Cabir facepalmed when all looked at him for an explanation.

"Who is he?" Dhruv asked and Cabir looked horrified...All were controlling their laughter seeing his face.."What do you mean topiwale? What he? You should be asking who is she?" cabir said and all burst out laughing..

"OMG Cabir. you should have seen your face. " Alya spoke while laughing at his sulking face..

"So, till where did the talk reach Biraaaa?" Harshad sang the last part while Cabir muttered curses under his breath.

"She does not even look at me. Wo tere best friend ke piche hoti hai humesha." cabir muttered the last part to himself but they heard him.

"Guys, is something burning?" Harshad asked looking here and there while others agreed and cabir threw a cushion at Harshad which he caught effortlessly.

"Haslo Haslo. When you times comes then I will also laugh. " that sentence was enough to bring everyone to be silent. 

They all looked at Mukti and Harshad who were looking at them with a forced smile. There was an awkward silence which was broken by Harshad only...

"Mukti, you are silent for long? What do you think?" Mukti looked at him for a few seconds while he looked away feeling her piercing gaze...

"Why Nandini?" she asked and he sighed before turning to her...

"Our Manik does not need a friend, he needs a family, and only the one who knows the importance of family can know Manik. And Nandini exactly knows what it's like to have a family." he noticed how Mukti was still unsure and held many questions...

"What do you want to know?" he asked shifting closer to her side and she kept her head in his shoulder while he wrapped his hand around her torso...

"I don't know. I am just afraid," she confessed without a doubt. Her fears were like a part of her. 

"Nandini is also like us Mukti. She has faced a lot in life that now she fears nothing cause she has nothing to lose. She is broken too. But I know she is perfect for Manik. But before that Manik needs to know her. I am sure if he knows her he would open up. " Mukti just hmmed in response.

"What do you want us to do?" Dhruv asked while Harshad grinned..

"I guess the Treasure Hunt is  coming right?" he asked while he nodded.." And it's compulsory for each music student to join if I am correct?"  they again nodded.

"Okay. the plan starts here. I kinda changed the venue with help of Maa and now it's Mangalore where the trip and treasure hunt will take place."

"So?" Alya asked while he rolled his eyes at his dumb friends..." It's your time to play role of cupid and Manik's time to know Nandini. Not just that but it's Nandini's time to get a closure of her past." Harshad looked at their confused face and spoke...

"Mangalore is Nandini's Hometown." 

"Her past? Is it bad? " Mukti asked slowly ... " Tbh, I don't know what to say. Want to know what happened?" Harshad asked them though he already knew the answer.

"No, we will wait until she shares. I am sure she will one day." and all of them knew Mukti's instincts are always correct. All sat in silence for some time but Mukti slowly got straight and looked at Harshad...

"What is that you are hiding Harshad?" Mukti asked directly without beating around the bush.."Cause I am sure making Manik work non-stop has nothing to do with you wanting us to play cupid?" Harshad sighed knowing how stubborn Mukti can be.

"I will reply only when you guys tell me why FAB5 broke," Harshad said and it was Mukti's turn to be uncomfortable. He looked at the other trio too and saw Dhruv and Alya avoiding eye contact with him while Cabir had the same question as him. 

He sighed knowing Manik has hit the perfect spot to make them take this decision. He somewhat knew what Manik might have planned for Dhruv-Alya and Cabir but was still unsure about Mukti. Cause here only Muti was the one with whom Manik was angry while it was the other way around for others. Dhruv, Alya was angry with Manik, Cabir with all of them and only Manik with Mukti. 

So the only question that arose was...

If Manik planned this all, then why is he angry on Mukti? 

Shouldn't it be another way around? 

And why in the hell will Manik slap Mukti when he can even kill someone who hurts her?

But alas, he didn't have the answer to all of this. It seems he has to wait till Manik himself speaks which surely will take a long time cause for that FAB4 should know first that Manik is behind all this and he is not even sure if he wants them to know this cause he cannot see Manik getting accused by his family, cause it will break all of them more than they already are.

"It's late. Let's sleep. Maa and I have a meeting tomorrow."

"It's Sunday Bhai." Alya pouted. " I know Alu, but work comes first. Also, it's a holiday for Manik. I am sure you guys would like to spend some time together. He had a tough week." Harshad said and they nodded.

All departed to their rooms but Harshad held Mukti back..

"Mukti, it's time to move on," Harshad said while looking directly at her but she glared at him..

"You should not advice someone when you cannot apply it yourself." getting no reply from Harshad, she left from there.

"Why is this girl so difficult?" he sighed looking at her retreating figure..."Only if you were here star, all would have been so different. " he thought while remembering her. 

///////////////////

I know I know the chapter's kinda boring but this is needed I guess. 

What do you think this treasure hunt has in store for everyone?

Finally, the story of MaNan will start?

Who should play the role of cupid for Cabir- Navya?

Any other couples you want to see more?

Do jeff and Aryaman make a cute couple? *wink

And Nandini's past? What do you think? Is it bad? 

Your votes and comments really mean a lot. Please do vote and give your views.

Love, 

CrayButSweetreader