While Nandini was busy in bandaging Manik's wound, Abhi took Mukti in a side hug and said, "Look they still care" . While on the other hand Mukti still busy admiring the scene in front of her absentmindedly replied "Really". Slowly realization hit her and she turned towards Abhi with a jerk. She wanted to ask him how he knows about Nandini and Manik but words failed her. He understood her state and said,

Abhi - What ....??... Why so surprised..I might have just a vague idea of the past but I am not blind enough to understand that these two people right in front us share a beautiful connection and plus last night Nandini had filled me in with a little bit of past which has made my belief even stronger.

Mukti – You are right Abhi...their connect is not limited to physical closeness, they have a spiritual soul connect far beyond our understanding...Honestly over the years, I thought it vanished, but no I was wrong..see it is still there in all its glory.

Abhi and Mukti's conversation was interrupted by Cabir who said

Cabir – Hats off to you Manik...Dude you executed your plan while here we were just thinking of how to make Madhyam pay for sins...

Dhruv – Absolutely...that was quick Manik... I mean in less than 24 hours Madhyam is at his rightful place...Well done buddy..!!

Abhi – Well if you ask me, I wasn't surprised...(everyone look at Abhi with astonished eyes)....why are you so surprised guys...We all know how protective Manik is of his inner circle... He, for sure, has a very few people who are a part of his inner circle and he shields them from all evil with all his might..!!

Alya – Shields...evil...might...Wooohooo...!!..Abhi you just painted Manik as a superhero...So dramatic I tell you..!!

Navya – Haha..true that...Also I believe even the fate was on our side this time...I mean the incidents that happened with Madhyam last night...it almost sounded like a prophecy of the doomed day he had ahead..

All this while Manik was silent, thinking of how make Madhyam suffer more while Nandini observed him very intently while dressing his wound

Manik (in his thoughts) - Huh...Protector...I don't know I am all that or not but I know I wouldn't let that Madhyam get off so easily. I would have killed him right there if everyone had not arrived. This pain he went through since last night is nothing he deserve a lot more. And I will make sure that he is pushed deeper into the hell.

Manik snapped out from thoughts with Abhi saying

Abhi – On a serious note, this is just a start, that asshole Madhyam shall not be spared..he will be punished for all the crimes he committed, for all the darkness he made my Babydoll live in..I will make sure henceforth he never gets to see the light of the day

Nandini – NO...None of you will do anything...This is exactly the reason why I never shared..you guys always go overboard with things...And Abhi you...Stop being so dramatic...!!

Navya – But Nandini how can you even think of letting him get off so easily...No that is not happening..

Nandini – Did I say that I would let him get off...No right...He will be suffer...and (looking at everyone else) if you look at it his sufferings have already started since yesterday...getting locked in the storage or in the lift...whether it was fated or (shifting her gaze to Manik) planned the bottomline is that he is suffering...(diverting her attention to the wound she was dressing)not that I am concerned about him but I don't want either of us to stoop down to his level..He is a Devil but that doesn't mean we all to should become Monsters too... You guys have to promise me that none of you would put yourself in any danger what so ever... Everyone in this room is very important to me...Please don't mess with your lives by inviting troubles...None of you present in this room is allowed to take his life for granted because it is very precious...(with this she finished the dressing and got up after securely placing Manik's hand on his lap)

Abhi – (sarcastically) And I was being DRAMATIC...Huh...!!

Nandini – Oh...Don't worry big brother you are my inspiration...!!...Anyways Navya..You don't want that asshole to get off so easily right (Navya Nods)...then don't...!! I mean help me get a lawyer who would ensure that Madhyam gets the toughest punishment...Let the law decide his fate...Help me the getting the best prosecutor for my case...!!

Navya – Don't worry..that will be done...I have already messaged my seniors..they shall contact me soon...!!

Cabir – Cool...I guess we had enough of the drama for the day...If you guys don't mind can we move ahead...the rats and elephants of have started World War 3 in my stomach...please allow me to feed them before I become the scapegoat...

Nandini – Bhukkar....You haven't changed Cabir..Have you..??

Navya – Ahh...Not even a bit...Once a cribber always a cribber..!!!

Cabir – Is there a problem..I am happy being the constant while everything around changed...Why are you guys blaming me..Blame Manik...!!

Manik – What..why me...??

Cabir – Who asked you to execute your plan in the middle of my brunch...Haan...you are the one responsible for this...!!

Manik – Really....Cabir my friend you haven't realised that you are a perennially hungry soul...the rats and elephants in your stomach are always at war...so stop blaming me for that..!!

Dhruv – Ok..Ok... I guess the deadly worm of dramatization has bit Manik as well and before the infection spread let's move ahead to the brunch table with a hope to have a normal conversation.

Manik – And the latest victim of the infection speaks (everyone laughed)...Chalo Chalo..let move fast..!!

Everyone started moving towards the dining area, just then Nandini spoke

Nandini – Ummm...MANIK...(Manik stops and turns around)...THANK YOU..!!

Manik – You are welcome Nandini..Let's go for the brunch..!!

Everyone smiled at the two liner conversation that just took place and headed towards the dining area. Cherishing their food, they all settled themselves in Mukti's room to relax. Abhi and Mukti sat on the bed resting their heads on the headboards while Cabir and Dhruv settled on the bed lying on their stomach. Navya, Alya and Nandini took the couch while Manik made himself comfortable on the seat next to the TV.

Abhi – Guys tell me something about the seven of you. I mean how you met, any incidents that you remember. I know there is a lot of history in here and it would be great if you could enlighten me a bit

Nandini looked at him with utter shock and gave him "You're unbelievable " look.

Navya – You are right Abhi. I mean you know about our lives without Nandini. I guess we should tell you about our time with her.

Alya – But Abhi I know it is not necessary still I would request you not to judge us by our past...it was our past and we would be very happy to share it with you but please don't let that affect the present.

Abhi – Don't worry Alya..I won't judge..My motive is only to know you guys better and that's about it..Also just in case I let your past come in between the present...this woman sitting right next you...my sister my mini hulk has warned me that she will break each and every bone of my body....!!

Everyone laugh while Nandini threw a cushion on Abhi

Abhi – Relax babydoll...I was just stating...and please stop beating me..you've thrashed me enough since the time I came here...Mini hulk (and Abhi got hit by another cushion but this time it was from the some sitting next to him)

Mukti – Stop calling her that Abhi..She is the sweetest cute doll (Mukti gave Nandini a flying kiss which she reciprocates)

Abhi – Taking sides already...Manik dude now that my sister is on your sister's side will you please watch my back and be on my side against them.

Manik – Sure buddy...we will make our own army to fight these mini monsters..!!

Nandini (murmurs) – Says the monster himself

Alya and Navya chuckled hearing "Monster"

Abhi – Great buddy...We would the Angels against these Monsters..!!

Nandini – TchTch...Abhi it doesn't sound right...it should rather be(Nandini pointed at her and Mukti) Angles against the (pointing at Abhi and Manik) monsters.

Cabir – Why do I feel left out in all this..!!

Dhruv – I second you Cabir...even I feel the same..!!

Nandini – Shut up Cabir...Dramebaaz...!!

Cabir – Ok Ma'am..!!

Abhi – Well that is the first..I mean for the first time I have seen Cabir being shushed like this...!!

Navya – Haha...Only Nandini can shut him up Abhi..He knows if he picks up with her he would end up losing like always..!!

Abhi – Really..!!

Alya – Not just him..I mean all the guys of our group always listen to her..they know they can't win against her..!!

Abhi – Cabir and Dhruv I can agree but I don't think Nandini can influence Manik...I mean Manik, no offense though, is probably one of the most indelible person I have come across....taming him is not possible

Dhruv – May not..but she can definitely influence him to alter his opinion rather calm him down...!!

Nandini – I never try to tame or influence...I rather try to put across what I think and let them decide and fortunately most of the times they agree...I don't force them

Abhi – Guys..I still don't

Mukti – You still don't believe right...wait I'll tell you an incident...and lets see if your option changes

............Flashback Starts.............

(Note this flashback shall be narrated by different people, their names will be highlighted in the beginning of their narration)

Mukti

It was almost 6 months since Nandini has joined SPACE. She had easily gelled up with us during these six months. I mean there was no sense of awkwardness between us but having said that the bond we shared with her was not as strong as the bond FAB5 had with each other. Nevertheless, somehow the friendship between her and Bhai had grown stronger. Somewhere we had an idea of it but we were still unaware of the depth of their friendship.

Ok so it had been a week and we were trying to get a song together but somehow we always failed to do it. Sometimes the drums didn't sound right or the guitar base went a too high or the piano notes broke the tempo. All in the all it was turning messy with every passing day. We were still ok about it since we knew that later if not sooner we would eventually make everything fall in the place and the piece will be perfect.

Cabir

We all knew that we need to be patient but our own Manik Baba was losing it. So one day Navya and Nandini too joined us in our sessions and while we were practicing and failing, Navya came up with a suggestion

Navya – Guys I think you guy should relax a bit...I mean you are stressing way too much for the composition...relax for a day and come back with a fresh mind..it will help

Poor girl...!!..little did she knew she was playing with fire.

Me – Absolutely..lets go an eat..chill out for a while and comeback with a bang

I unknowingly added fuel to the fire

Manik – RELAX..CHILL out.....seriously...wow Cabir what a suggestion...here we are trying to get things together and you are asking us to leave it

Cabir – Woah Dude.. all I meant was.....

Manik – What all you said was what...!!..Listen I know you are not able to spend some quality time with Navya but can you please spare some time from your friendly duties for a while and concentrate on practice..Navya I hope you don't mind

Me – What the hell Manik...How can you talk like that...stop it and apologise to her right away..!!

Manik – Right you would take her side right...I mean you won't see that she interrupted our jam session and you are defending her

Mukti – Bhai she didn't interrupt any session...we weren't really practicing right now

Manik- Oh yes...we weren't practicing..Bloody hell...we haven't been practicing...you know that is why...that is why we cannot create music..we are not practicing we are just wasting our time with these instruments

Dhruv – Buddy relax...why are you getting so angry...calm down...think about it..Navya's suggestion is not bad..you are stressing way too much

Manik – Oh...Now I am stressing...sorry buddy...I am sorry I didn't know everyone here is getting stressed because of me...sorry guys...sorry of stressing you..

Me – Manik what is wrong...going by your reaction I guess it is not just about Music or song not getting right..

Manik – No Cabir...it is about the song..it is about getting it right..it is because I thought it is important for all of us as a band

Alya – It is important Manik...important for all of us will you stop over-reacting

Manik –Now I am overreacting...Oh Come'on Guys..!!

Nandini – Oh Come'on Manik...Stop it right away...what had gotten into you...stop lashing out on everyone...You know they are not at fault.

Manik – Oh yes...I am the one at fault..I am the one who stresses and put pressures...I am the one who over reacts...I am the one who is senseless, obnoxious, immature...I am all of those things...I am the looser here guys...sorry for troubling you..!!

Alya

With this Manik stormed out of the room. This behavior of him was not anything new for us but he definitely took Navya and Nandini by surprise

Navya(with teary eyes) – Sorry guys...I didn't know my suggestion will boil up to this..I am sorry

Cabir – Hey relax..this had to happen..I am worried about Manik...Mukti he seems too restless..has he told you anything

Mukti – No ...not a word..but I guess something is troubling him..Dadi told me that he snapping back way too unnecessarily these days I wonder what is troubling him...Navya I am sorry for his behavior...please don't take it to heart

Navya – It is okay Mukti I understand...Sorry..but why don't you guys go and ask him

Dhruv – What have you lost it...right now he is like a mad bull on a rage..who would go and lock horns with him

Nandini – I would...

Me – Nandini..listen we know you and Manik have become great friends in a very short time but please we have been with him since ages and we know him better than that...we would suggest you to not poke him right now

Nandini – No Alya...I can't let him go like that..he needs to explain the crazy act he pulled just a while ago...!!

Cabir – Nandini listen going to him right now is like locking yourself in the den of a fiercely hungry lion...

Nandini – Bull or lion whatever it is..i don't care..he has to understand he can't treat you guys and for that matter anyone like that

Mukti – But Nandini we are used to it

Nandini – That exactly is the problem..You are used to it...you let him get away just like that..I am sorry he takes you guys for granted...but he can do that to me...I guess you have forgotten he lashed out on me as well..so if not for you guys..I have to meet him for myself..because I don't let such behavior pass that easily without any answers..

And with Nandini stormed out searching for Manik

..............Flashback Halts............

Alya – Well what happened after that, only Manik or Nandini can explain..so guys who will do the honors

Manik – I will...

..............Flashback Resumes............

Manik

I was really mad and frustrated at that point of time. I went to the terrace to relax myself. Soon I found the terrace door opening and saw Nandini walking in

Me – Nandini..Go away..I am not in a mood to talk..!!

Nandini – And why do you presume that I want to talk especially after the way you spoke with me just a while ago

Me – Really you don't want to talk..then what are you doing here

Nandini – I needed some fresh air just like other people..I was getting suffocated there...so

Saying this she settled down opposite to me at an audible distance and started murmuring not that loud but I could hear

Nandini – Monster...seriously Aiyaapa he is such a monster...look how calmly he is sitting here as if nothing happened...I mean he treated his friends so baldly...Poor souls they weren't even at fault and this guy doesn't care...He is just sitting here while right now he should go there and apologise

Me – Sorry

Nandini – Whatt...?

Me – I said Sorry..!!

Nandini – I don't need your sorry

Me – What you just said I should apologise right..that's what I am doing..

Nandini - Yes..you should apologise..not to me but to them...as far as I am concerned, explain to me why you did all that and I would think of pardoning you...

I got up and settled myself beside her

Me – I got really frustrated with the song not coming together and lashed out

Nandini – Not this but the real reason

Me – there isn't any other reason..

Nandini – You really want me to believe that...I know you better than this Manik....tell me the what is troubling you or else forget about your apology..

Me – You won't budge in ..would you...(Nandini shook her head in a NO)...Ok so the deal is my mid term results are out and I did miserable..not in all subjects but in one subject in particular...on the top of that, the professor he bashed me in front of the entire class...he said I am the biggest let down in the class...I have taken my studies for granted and have shifted my focus somewhere else...He said I have turned into a irresponsible, insincere, careless brat and that I should forget about my dream to be a good architecture because I am unworthy of it...He said my family will be so ashamed of me..!!

Nandini – May be he is right... (I looked at her with surprise and she took my hands in hers)...the way you behaved just a while ago was very "irresponsible"," insincere" and "careless" of you...Manik you believed in the what your professor said...but do you realize in the process of sulking over what he said you are indirectly proving him right...I am not talking about your studies..we all have good and bad days...and most of the people around us are always jealous and just waiting for us to commit one mistake and all our good work is conveniently flushed in the drain...!!..But the question is do such people matter and the answer is NO...thinking too deep into their words is a sheer waste of time...and in the process hurting the people who love you and believe in you is nothing a big" let down"....because they are the people who matter...they are precious but unfortunately you have taken them "for granted"...Stop before you go too far Manik...Stop before you become "unworthy" of their love and care ...because if you don't then one day you will be "ashamed" of yourself...I am sure you don't want that do...they are too precious for you..aren't they..??

Me – You are right Nandini...Why am I so impulsive....I always end up hurting people I love...I need to speak with them and apologize..especially Navya,,I have no right to talk to her like that....But before that I need to relax..Can you use your shoulder for the same

Nandini – Of course you can Monster..

I gave her an irritated look and settled my head on her shoulder while she kept caressing the knuckles on the my palm. A few minutes later she spoke

Nandini – Ummm Manik....Can I Go and speak to your friends before you do...I mean I can explain them your point of view what say..

Me – Hmm...I guess you are right...!!

Nandini – Cool I'll leave and you come after 20-25 min...Ok...!!

Me – Ok..!!

Saying this Nandini Left. As instructed by her, I walked towards the room after 20 min and when I opened the door, it was in utter chaos while Nandini was trying to calm everyone down

Cabir – What the hell does Manik think of himself. He knows how important is Navya to me..How can he speak to her like that

Nandini – Cabir..Listen to me yaar

Navya – What listen haan Nandini..You are taking his side..have you forgotten you are my friend first and then anyone else's

Nandini – Navya ...

Alya – No yaar this is not done...Manik can't lash out on us every now and then..

Dhruv – Enough of him treating us as trash...I am done I am leaving...

Nandini – Stop it Dhruv..Don't be implusive...

Mukti – What Don't be Impulsive...I think you should give this advise to Bhai...he is the one who started it...I am done too...He thinks he is the only one who cares and we are wasting our time..then let it be..We won't waste any of his time any more..

I couldn't take it anymore and said

Me – Sorry Guys

But I guess my presence or words went unnoticed as I saw Mukti packing her guitar. I stepped ahead and held her hands

Mukti – Nandini please (She looked up and found me)..Bhai

Me – I am sorry guys...I am an impulsive idiot..i behave like an idiot sometimes..but I am sorry..I am sorry for everything I said...you know I didn't mean it...it was just that I was stressed and...

Cabir – And you flushed it out on us without even realizing the impact it can have on our lives..I mean do you even realize how badly your words have affected mine and Nava's relationship

Me – Navya..I am sorry...I didn't mean any of it...please forgive me...please...I am sorry guys..please forgive me..I'll do whatever you want to earn your forgiveness....Please

Navya – You will do anything..

Me – Yes

Navya – You will have to arrange a date for me and Cabir....just the two of us...every expense shall be paid by you..

Me – Okay done

Mukti – Convince Mom dad to allow me take Mass communication for my masters

Me – Okay

Alya – Take me for shopping and bear the expenses

Me – What.. (Everyone glared at me) Okay done

Dhruv – Pay for all my lunches and dinners for a week....actually not just me but me and Cabir

Me – Dhruv like seriously..lunch and dinner for a week...

Dhruv – What too much to ask for..fair enough I am leaving then

Me – Oh wait...fine..!!

Cabir –My turn...propose Nandini infront of everyone

Me – Okay....Wait a minute....what...why would I propose her...

Cabir – Because she is the perfect match for you...she is daring enough to face you..she can keep you sane...and you would be a fool to let her go

Me – Haan so I am not letting her go..she is my friend but proposing is a little too much...besides she won't like it

Nandini – Who said I won't like it..what are you some priest or something that you can foresee future or wait a minute...are you by any chance a vampire with special powers of reading one's mind

Me – What....what the hell is going on...you want me to propose...Fair enough

I sat on my knees struggling with my words , just then everyone started laughing. I looked around and saw Cabir giving a hi-five to Nandini and I understood this was all a plan

Me – Cabirrrrrrrr

Cabir – What...its not me this time Manik Baba...it is (pointing towards Nandini) her

Then Alya explained to me how Nandini came back and told everyone that I was ready to apologise and how she and Cabir decided to make me "earn" that apology. So this was all a drama. I moved towards Nandini and held her hand

Me – Playing Games with me huh...

Nandini – Why only you have a copyright to it...

I smiled and took her in bear hug.

Me – Thank you..for making me realize what my impulsiveness would have costed me..!!

Nandini – Good that you have realized...now go to them..they are too precious to be taken for granted

Me – So are you..

Saying this I went around and hugged everyone one by one and then all of us had big group head..

...........Flashback ends............

Abhi – Well this wonder full story calls for a group hug

Everyone got up and came at the center to form a huddle. 

During the huddle

Manik (in his thoughts) – You were TOO PRECIOUS Nandini

Nandini (in her thoughts) – But you took me FOR GRANTED Manik

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 11-------

This brings us to the end the chapter 11 ... I know it is a late update but the late update bring with it a long chapter...!!

Thank You everyone for the support..!! 

That's it from me for today...See you guys..Cheers..!!