12-The STAR meets the SUN
The relationship between the people who were right now busy connecting and sharing was a lot more than just friendship. They had shared closeness which was difficult to understand but an absolute bliss to watch. They parted their ways but life and the passing time had brought them back together. In that coming together, the respect and love they held for each other was surprisingly palpable and apparent while their differences seemed to be superficial and irrelevant.
.............Manik's POV.............
They say time flies with good company, soon it was dinner time and we all headed towards Nandini's home for dinner as Amms had invited us. I was a little skeptical of going to her place, purely because of our history but couldn't disrespect Amms by declining her invitation, so finally agreed. We received a warm welcome at her place. Her house was small but its aura was quite overwhelming. I couldn't help but admire the simplicity and calmness of her abode which was oozing with positivity. My admiration spree was broken by Cabir's voice
Cabir – Wah yaar Nandini...your house is really beautiful, I am impressed.
Alya – Absolutely Cabir..Nandini your place is quite warm and cosy...the one with At home wali feeling..
Nandini – Thank you guys....I am glad you liked it...Honestly the warmth and coziness you guys are talking about is because you all are here...
Amms – Chalo baatien bahut ho gayi...dinner lag gaya...chalo sab aa jao
Nandini – Sorry guys my dinner table is a little small to accommodate everyone...
Mukti – Oh come'on Nandini...don't be so formal....It is okay
Navya – Yes...what's gotten into you...you were fine sometime ago...and now you are back with your Sorry's and Thank you's..relax...chill..!!
I looked at Nandini and sensed her being uncomfortable...Is my presence Making her uncomfortable..?? Come'on Manik you are thinking way too much...But I am sure there is something that is troubling her but what is it ??....Ever since yesterday, why do I always feel she is hiding something....why do I feel that she is wearing a mask to cover her real self..??.. I need answers...DAMN....I wish things weren't that complicated between us Nandini... I wish I could still hold your hand and drag you out and bug you with my doubts till the time you clear them all...But I have lost that right...I have so many questions but ALAS I cannot ask them...!!
I was still in my thoughts when I heard Abhi arguing with Amms
Abhi – Why Amms...Why this sudden plan...?? You could have informed me before
Amms – Kanna...We wanted to but didn't the time..we were so busy with the shopping today
Chachi – And this thing came up all of the sudden...it suited well too so we agreed
Nandini – One minute..Agreed on what..what is going on..??
Abhi – Yahi ki Amms, mom, dad and rishabh are leaving for Mangalore in an hour..!!
Nandini – Whattt...when did this happen...and why so suddenly..Amms everything is fine na..your music school and everything...what happened in Mangalore...kuch hua hain kya...yeh achanak se kyun..itni jaldi..kya baat hain Amms...aap chup kyun hain bolon na...!!
...I want to shout out " Well she would Nandini..if you let her speak" but restrained myself...Why...well everyone knows why..but with Nandini's behavior my suspicion had turned even stronger...I had never seen her this restless...never...anyways coming back silence engulfed the room for a brief moment after Nandini had finished speaking but soon everybody bursted out laughing....Nandini realized that probably we all were laughing at so she made an irritated pout...Amms took her in a hug and said
Amms – Oh Kanna..since when did you begin to talk non stop...anyways answering your question...there is nothing wrong in Mangalore...everything is fine..
Nandini – Then why Amms......
This time chacha spoke
Chacha – because beta...we have to get a few stuffs from Mangalore. Actually while shopping today, your chachi came up with the idea of giving a Mangalorean touch to the gifts..
Mukti – That is a great idea Mom...!!
Chachi – Exactly that is why we decided to go to Mangalore and finalise on the souvenir at the earliest so that they are ready well in advance .
Abhi – Fine everthing Makes sense but why do you have to go tonight, you can go tomorrow as well
Me – Exactly Amms, travelling at night will not be good for your health too..you can go tomorrow morning by the first flight..I'll books the tickets right away
Rishabh – Manik Bhai...the direct flights to Mangalore are at very odd timings and plus we are not even going to Mangalore right now...I don't know what is the fuss all about
Abhi –What now you are not going to Mangalore...but Amms said they are going to Mangalore...What is going on
Manik – Relax Abhi...Rishabh care to explain
Rishabh – Sure...so the deal is I have an important presentation tomorrow which I had completely forgotten about, so I had to leave either by today or tomorrow early morning..I told Mom about it and just around that time she had her Eureka moment (Chachi glared at rishabh)...I mean that gift plan and all...so these guys decided to come with me to Mumbai, stay in Mumbai for a few hours...May be meet Bhabh's family (Rishabh calls Mukti Bhabh's) and then leave for Mangalore by an evening flight
Cabir – Fair enough..!! but that still doesn't explain why you all have to leave at night..you can leave tomorrow morning as well
Chacha – Beta if we leave tomorrow it will all become too hectic for us..If we leave tonight, we'll reach Mumbai by 1 or 2 max and then we can relax...even this idiot (pointing at Rishabh)will get some time to prepare well...plus we will not be in a hurry too and will be able to spend some quality time with our in-laws as well..so everything seems sorted
Nandini – You are right Chacha...everything seems sorted...by the way Rishabh at what time is your flight..??
Rishabh – At 11
Nandini – It is still 8:30...let me prepare some snacks..it might help during the journey
Rishabh – Di relax it is just a two hour journey...plus everything is available in the flight...don't bother..!!
Nandini – Fine then I won't bother...Amms Chacha Chachi...Any help required in packing..
Chachi – Na Nandu...everything's done ...tu relax kar..!!
Nandini – Cool then
...Saying this Nandini left...my eyes followed her as she disappeared in her room...there was tinge of sadness and melancholy in her voice when she said the last few sentences...it seemed like she wanted to convey something but restrained herself from doing so at the last moment...the girl who was always crystal clear on what she wanted in her life, seeing her struggling with her emotions was disheartening to watch...I couldn't take it anymore and went to her room...as expected I heard the washroom tap running..I stood outside the washroom waiting for her come out..in about 15 min she came out and looked visibly surprised on finding me there...She probably wanted to ask me what I was doing there but I was busy reading her face...her slightly puffed eyes and red nose were a clear indicator of the fact that she was crying in the washroom...Even after all these years it pricked my heart..I had lost all the patience and was about to ask her just then Abhi entered
Abhi – What the hell yaar...I still can't believe they are leaving so soon..Hey Manik, what are you doing in here
Me – Who I wanted to the washroom so..
Abhi – So you are standing outside the washroom
Nandini – Abhi I was in the washroom
Manik – toh I was waiting...let me just wash my hands and I'll join you
Abhi – Nandu..were you crying..??...you eyes are a little red
..Abhi's question alerted me... since I hadn't closed the washroom door..(well who closes it just to wash hands any ways )I could clearly hear them
Nandini – Who something went in my eyes so I rubbed it..may be that is why
"Well you couldn't have gone more obvious with the excuse Nandini...try searching for newer ones"...I thought
Abhi – Oh... saying this Abhi dejectedly sat on the bed
"..Wait...What...he bought it....Common Abhi your sister is lying...ask her why is her nose red did she rub that as well.."
Nandini – What happened Abhi..Why are you so upset..??
Abhi – As if you don't know..our crazy family yaar...how can they just decide..they should have informed us na..how can they leave like that
Nandini – Abhi Stop making such a big deal out it...dude people always leave...I mean anyone who comes will go too it is a universal law...Anyways they were leaving tomorrow morning...what difference would a night make..??
Abhi – But still they should have told us before deciding
Nandini – listen Abhi..everyone has their own life and they are entitled to decide for themselves...and this is not even that big a decision that we should make fuss about...plus they told us now na..
Abhi – (getting up)..but it is still unfair how can you be so cool about it (And he left the room)...
Nandini (murmured) – Because life itself isn't fair Abhi...and I have learnt not to have your high hopes...
May be she was unaware of my presence in the room..because when she turned around she looked visibly shocked and left the room immediately may be to avoid any of my questions
...So Nandini Murthy..I was right....i was right all along...you are affected with Amms decision but you will not show it...you always told me that one should never hide their emotions but looks like you've forgotten you own rule..I'll deal with you later but let me first talk to Amms..thinking this I went out to speak with Amms
Me – Amms can I have a word with you..??
Amms – Sure beta
Me – you too Chacha chachi..
They all followed me to a corner and I started
Me – Amms I know it is not my place but can you guys please talk to Nandini before leaving..like spend time with her only..she looks a bit upset but since she is not as expressive as Abhi she wouldn't show it..so if you could spend time with her..it would be great..!!
Amms – You have all the right to say what you just said Manik, you are a part of the family now..but has Nandu said something to you..
Me – No Amms..she hasn't..as I said Nandini is not very expressive...I just kept myself in her shoes..i mean if my family was meeting me after 2 years I would want to spend some time with them before they leave...so I just thought..
Chacha – You are right Manik...Amma this thought never crossed our minds..lets go and speak with Nandu..
...With that the Murthy's excused us to have some family time while we all relaxed in the living room...after about an hour the elders along with Rishabh left for the Airport..we all wanted to drop them but they refused saying it's already late and we should rest...They left and we all occupied the living room...Abhi came up with a game "Speak what's on your mind"...The game was pretty simple....it was actually a variation spin the bottle...so basically the bottle placed on the table is spun and whoever, the bottle points at when it stops spinning has to speak whatever is on his/her mind...but since all of us were singers...we all decided to twist it a little more and make it "Sing what's on your mind"...We also had Abhi's guitar for background music..Finally the game began and the first one was Dhruv
Dhruv – so what's on my mind...hmm..ok the song that kind of defines it is
Mujh se hi aaj mujhko mila de, dekhoon aadaton mein tu hai ke nahi
Har saans se poochh ke bataa de, Inke faaslon mein tu hai ki nahi
Main aas paas tere aur mere paas..tu hai ke nahi..tu hai ki nahi...
In labon pe jo hansi hai inki tu hi hai wajah,
Bin tere main kuch nahi hoon mera hona bewajah,
Dhoop teri na pade to dhundhla sa main lagoon,
Aake saansein de mujhe tu taaki zinda Main rahoon
Main aas paas tere aur mere paas..tu hai ke nahi..tu hai ki nahi...
Dhruv looked at Alya while singing the song...I knew they had some issues and maybe I should speak with him before they take a serious turn...Anyways..after singing Dhruv spun the bottle and it stopped at Navya..
Navya – Whats on my mind..hmm...Cabir this one is for you...
Aashiqon mein jiska title Titanic..Oo aashiqon mein jiska title Titanic
Muaah kinara dikha kar ke dooba de gaya
Jhalla, mera aashiq jhalla wallah
Mera balma jhalla wallah, Mera jhalla wallah wallah aa aa..
Humne samjha tha golden jublee jise..Haaye samjha humne golden jublee jise
Oh Woh tu matinee dekha kar ke chuma le gaya
Jhalla mera aashiq jhalla wallah
Mera balma jhalla wallah, Mera jhalla wallah wallah aa aa..
Kya batayein jisko sanam maan kar shab bhar mare
Haye jis ko sanam maan kar shab bhar mare
Woh kameena subah hote phurrr ho gaya
Jis ko mohabbat ka teacher kehte rahe
Woh phateecher ik lesson mein fail ho gaya
Kaske jean pant gentleman jo bane,Raat bhar payjaame se ladta raha
Hum jagate rahe dil jalate rahe, Woh jamhaai raazai mein lagata raha
Jhalla mera aashiq Jhalla Wallah
Mera balma jhalla wallah, Mera jhalla wallah wallah aa aa
As soon as Navya stopped singing everyone bursted out laughing while Cabir's face carried an irritated expression
Cabir – Koi fayada nahi Law-shaw padhne ka...tum rahogi Madhubala hi...chalo lets see who's the next bakra or should I say Bakri
The bottle stopped on Mukti
Mukti – Well I am getting married..so there is a lot going on my head this one is for you Abhi....i don't think I have ever expressed my feelings so in a true Punjabi style...I'll explain the meaning too
Heer Heer na akho odiyo, Main te Sahibaan hoye,
Ghodi leke aaye le jaaye, Ghodi leke aaye le jaaye,
Le jaaye Mirza koi, Le jaaye Mirza koi,
Well to begin with, I am not heer rather I am Sahibaan who is found her mirza in you
Naal naal tur na te vith rakhna
hadd rakh lena wich dil rakhna,
chhanve chhanve paawe assi teri parchhawe tur na
Ohde je hi main te o Mirza mere varga
Abhi I wish that in our life I always see you walking with me without any distance in between,
In case you mark a boundary, keep the heart in between since I have to walk under your shade only..as you are just like me...
Heer Heer na akho odiyo, Main te Sahibaan hoye,
Ghodi leke aaye le jaaye, Ghodi leke aaye le jaaye,
Le jaaye Mirza koi, Le jaaye Mirza koi,
As soon as Mukti finished...Abhi took her in a bone crushing hug
Me – Very well Mukti....guys who's next...let's find out...it was Alya
Alya – I shall straightway start singing...so here it goes
I never promised you a ray of light
I never promised there'd be sunshine every day
I'll give you everything I have, The good, the bad
Why do you put me on a pedestal?
I'm so up high that I can't see the ground below
So help me down you've got it wrong
I don't belong there
One thing is clear , I wear a halo
I wear a halo when you look at me
But standing from here , You wouldn't say so
You wouldn't say so if you were me
And I, I just want to love you
Oh I, I just want to love you
I always said that I would make mistakes
I'm only human and that's my saving grace
I'll fall as hard as I try , So don't be blinded
See me as I really am
I have flaws and sometimes I even sin
So pull me from that pedestal
I don't belong there
One thing is clear , I wear a halo
I wear a halo when you look at me
But standing from here
You wouldn't say so
You wouldn't say so if you were me
And I, I just want to love you
Oh I, I just want to love you
Hearing Alya sing, I made a mental note of speaking with Dhruv and her before it gets late
Me – And let's move straight to the next contender...so lets spin..
The bottle stopped on Abhi
Abhi – Well since my girl gave me such a heartfelt dedication, it my turn now..Muku this is for you
Haan hasi ban gaye,Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan, Meri zameen ban gaye
Haan hum badalne lage, Girne sambhalne lage
Jab se hai jaana tumhein, Teri ore chalne lage
Har safar har jagah, Har kahin ban gaye
Maante thhe Khuda, Aur haan wahi ban gaye
Haan hansi ban gaye, Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan , Meri zameen ban gaye
Pehchaante hi nahi ab log tanha mujhe
Meri nigaahon mein bhi hai dhoondte wo tujhe
Hum the dhoondhte jisey wo kami ban gaye
Tum mere ishq ki sar-zameen ban gaye
Haan hasi ban gaye, Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan , Meri zameen ban gaye
Next up was Cabir
Cabir – Well you know what I am thinking..I am thinking
Chowk Chandani, Chaudhary dhaba
Raat din yahan shor sharaba
Aadha hai non-veg, Aur veg hai aadha
Spasht kijiye kya hai iraada
Chahiye naan ya roti, Chahiye raan ya boti
Manga lo Ram kasam kasht ho jaaye
Thodi biryani bukhari, Thodi phir nalli nihari
Le aao aaj dharam bhrasht ho jaaye
De kitchen se aawaaz chicken kukdu-ku
Teri bhook ka ilaaj chicken kukdu-ku
Yehi kehta hai aaj chicken kukdu-ku
Teri bhook ka ilaaj chicken kukdu-ku
Everyone laughed out loud and said together "ALL TIME BHUKKAR"
The only people now left were me and Nandini. I was just hoping that somehow I get to sing before Nandini..and may be the Gods too were on my side..the bottle stopped at me and I said
Me – Guys I have a lot of questions going on in my mind...trust me a lot...so with song I want to say what I think and believe
tu koi aur hai, jaanta hai tu
saamne is jahaan ke, ik naqaab hai
tu aur hai, koi aur hai, kyun nahi wo, jo hai
This song was for you Nandini. Nandini, I know you are someone else and you know that. I now your wear a mask in front of this world....you are someone else but why aren't you what you are Nandini? Why?
tu jahaan ke waaste khud ko bhool kar
apne hi saath naa aise zulm kar
khol de wo girahein, jo lagaaye tujhpe tu
bol de tu koi aur hai, chehre jo odhe tune wo
tere kahaan hain..
Nandini please donot forget yourself for the world...Please stop hurting yourself...open those ties you have tied around yourself.....Please speak up, that you are someone else....these faces that you wear,they are not yours..
saamne aa, khol de sab, jo hai dil mein bol de ab
saamne aa, khol de sab, jo hai dil mein bol de ab
Please come out of your shell, open up...Please say whatever is there in your heart..please
tere raaste, khwaab hain tere
tere saath jo umar bhar chale
o inhein gale lagaatu kaun hai bataa
o.. khol de ye gireh..
Nandini your paths are your dreams which have been with you all your life....pleaseembrace them....tell them who you are....open these ties...Please
tu koi aur hai, teri naa hadein
aasmaan hai.. khayaal hai..bemisaal hai..
tu mauj hai, tu raunakein
chaahe jo tu, wo hai
Nandini please realize you are someone else,,there are no limits for you, you are sky, you are a thought,
you can't be matched...you like are a wave, you like are brightness....you are what you wish you are...!!
....And with that I finished the song..there was absolute silence in the room and before the silence becomes uncomfortable Cabir spoke
Cabir – Wah Manik Baba...that was awesome...got all of us thinking..
Abhi – Absolutely Manik, we are recording this song once we go back...this is going to be a blockbuster..Wow..Brilliant stuff man..!!
Mukti – So Now only Nandini is left....so Nandini wat are we waiting for..Com'on..!!
Nandini – yes...I am ready...just a sec
Well I'm going home, Downhearted and hoping
I'm close to some new beginning
I know there's a reason for everything
That comes and goes
But so many people are looking to me, To be strong and to fight
But I'm just surviving
And I may be weak but I'm never defeated, And I'll keep believing
In clouds with that sweet silver lining
Most days I try, My best to put on a brave face
But inside My bones are cold and my heart breaks
But all the while, Something's keeping me safe and alive
But so many people are looking to me, To be strong and to fight
But I'm just surviving
And I may be weak but I'm never defeated, And I'll keep believing
In clouds with that sweet silver lining
And I won't give up like this, I will be given strength
Now that I've found it , Nothing can take that away
But so many people are looking to me, To be strong and to fight
But I'm just surviving
And I may be weak but I'm never defeated, And I'll keep believing
In clouds with that sweet silver lining
Nandini's song partly answered my question but many were still left unanswered..We all chih chatted for a couple of hours before everyone got tired and went to sleep....I tried but sleep was far away from my eyes..so I decided to move to the balcony...this was the beauty of Nandini's house...I felt "at home"...Not just me everyone else too felt free to roam around everywhere, every nook and corner of the house felt our own...surprising but true..Anyways when I moved towards the balcony I found Nandini on the hammock....why is she up so late ...was Aryaman's talk about her turning into an insomniac true..GOD Nandini was have you gotten yourself into..!!
I grabbed the couch next to wall and looked out ...watching stars were my favourite hobby while she did it occasionally..My mind travelled to the past when for the first time me and Nandini watched stars together..
.........Flashback Starts............
Manik – I clearly remember...It was March of 2009 when one fine night Nandini called me
Nandini – Manik...where are you..??
Me – At home why..??
Nandini – I want to meet you right now..I am waiting for you..come fast..!!
Me – Nandini are you alright...its past 11...it;s very late ..you go and sleep we will meet tomorrow
Nandini – Manik I said na..Now means Now..come fast and haan bring your Car...I am waiting..
Me – Aray but...
...By the time I could say anything else she had disconnected her phone..I grabbed my jacket and car keys..left a note for my parents and headed towards Nandini's hostel..on reaching her hostel I called her and ask her to come downstairs...she came and did a "Bhoo" from behind...she tried to scare me, I found it funny instead and started laughing...next thing I know she climbed over the car roof and asked me to join...I too climbed and lied behind her..After a few minutes of silence I spoke
Me – Nandini ...like seriously you've called me here to watch stars at 11 in the night
Nandini – Who actually stars shine in the night Manik so I couldn't do this with you during the day
Me – Not funny Nandini...now tell me what is wrong..out..out with your secret now
Nandini – Manik...today is parent's death anniversary...12 years back on this day, they met with that accident which took them far far away from me
Me – Shit Nandini..I am sorry...I didn't know...aur tumne pehle kyun nahi bola..??
Nandini – Bas Mann nahi kiya..abhi kiya toh bol diya...Manik I am scared..i am scared of being left alone...you know na I am scared of Darkness (I nodded) it is because it brings loneliness along...I am scared of being lonely...(just then she started crying)
Me – Shhh...why are you scared...hmm...I am right here with you na...and I promise you..i will never leave your side..we will be together always...
Nandini – (looked at me with her hope filled teary eyes) Always...??
Me- Yes always ...Ms. Nandini Murthy you are stuck with this monster forever now...Sorry but you don't have a way out..
Nandini – I don't want a way out..I am the safest with this monster..you know why... because the monster is not scared of the dark
Me – But do you know why the monster is not scared of the dark (she nodded No)..because he always has his "Shining Star" right next to him..
Nandini – Shining star...what's that..??
Me -...Shhh..it is a secret...I can't tell anyone
Nandini – Not even me
Me – Sorry but no...but you don't worry..your monster and his shining star will always be together and fight the darkness for you..
Nandini – Thank you Monster...!!.
.............Flashback ends............
......Manik's POV continues......
I was smiling to myself recalling the past memories when my ears caught a sound saying "Thank you"...I looked around and found Nandini looking at me..
Nandini – Sorry to disturb you but thank you
Me – It is okay Nandini..I did what was needed...you don't need to thank me again
Nandini – I am not thanking you for what you did to Madhyam...I already did that...but I am thanking you for what you said to Amms (I looked at her surprised)..Don't be surprised, I saw you taking with Amms and few minutes later we all had a family time...I am not that stupid not to realize what caused it..so thank you for that..!!
Me – You are welcome...umm By the way Nandini..listen we both are related now...no matter what we cannot change it...nor either of us would want to change it...but let's accept there is lot of awkwardness between both of us
Nandini – Hmm..you are right Manik...and before this awkwardness becomes too apparent I think we should find a way out to be around each other without any sort of discomfort.
Me – yes and for that I think we can start by talking with each other...I mean if not as friends or anything just as two normal people
Nandini – Absolutely...any which ways we do indirectly communicate what we feel so how about we use direct to and fro exchange of words to communicate...
Me – yup...so here's to a new beginning...(I took my hand out for a handshake and she gladly accepted)
Nandini – To a new beginning...hey wait look its Dawn already..
....I looked out and the view was mesmerizing...the stars were twinkling while the sun was making it way through...Both the sun and the star were lighting up the sky together..!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 12-------
This brings us to the end the chapter 12 ... So finally the star and sun met...In case you guys wonder please refer to chapter 10 I had mentioned how Nandini was Manik's "Star" and Manik was Nandini's "Sun"...!!
Guys...the chapter is a little long due to songs...but I didn't want to split the chapter in two parts neither skip this songs and hence this ended up being one long update...sorry if you found it too long...the songs used are mentioned below
Dhruv - Tu hai ki nahi (Movie - Roy)
Navya - Jhalla (Movie - Ishaqzaade)
Mukti - Heer (Movie - Jab Tak Hain Jaan)
Alya - Halo (Single, Singer - Bethany Joy Lenz)
Abhi - Hasi (Movie - Humari Adhoori Khahani)
Cabir - Chicken kukdu-ku (Movie - Bajrangi Bhaijaan)
Manik - Tu koi Aur Hain (Movie - Tamasha)
Nandini - Sweet Silver Lining (Single, Singer - Kate Voegele)
Also considering my work commitments I guess I would be able to give you guys only 2 updates in a week...Sorry for that but I do promise those two updates will be long enough to do justice to the pace of the story..!!
Once again Thank You everyone for the support..!!
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