....Flashback Continued.....!!!!

Nandini – I wasn't talking about SPACE's reputation..I was talking about MINE...Me walking out of my first album without any valid reason is capable of tarnishing my reputation as a singer...I was talking about that...!!

Hearing Nandini, Manik walked out of the café leaving a shocked and visibly upset Nandini. Nandini was still fixed on the couch with her gaze fixed on the café door when Cabir tapped her shoulder. She turned her attention to him. Cabir raised his eyebrow and pointed to the door, she blinked her eyes in agreement and moved out of the café only to find Manik leaning on his car. She walked and stood by his side. Silence grabbed them and just before it could turn uncomfortable, Nandini spoke.

Nandini – How long do you plan to stay angry...and for what...??

Manik – What do you mean for what...You thought I would put your reputation at stake...!!

Nandini – You know I didn't mean it that way Manik...Don't you think you reading too much into my words..??

Manik – Really...Am I...Then Why don't you explain it to me...Just a few days back you fought with me because I enrolled you in this competition and now if I am asking you to move out of it, we are still fighting. I am confused.. What do you actually want for us and most importantly for yourself I am so damn confused..!!

Nandini – Manik I was hesitant for this competition because of the timing, I mean I am in the final year of graduation and trust me this semester is very taxing, I did not wish to take up anything new at this time but that nowhere meant I do not wish to become a singer, Of course I do, I love singing and maybe someday in future I would take it up as a career option and this is why I do not wish to carry a reputation of being unreliable by backing out now.... Manik please try and understand backing out back then with you, was a safer option since many people weren't involved...if I back out now, at this stage, I would land up in the a big trouble since a lot is a stake, the even the people at Music connects would not appreciate it neither would the investors..Please try and understand Manik I have come way too far to say No.... Manik I know it is not going to be easy but with your support, I promise we will get through it... Manik please have faith in you, in me , in US..!!

Manik – Nandini...give me some time...I am too flustered to think and take a rational decision...!!

Nandini – I know...You can take as much time as you wish but please remember I won't be able to get through these testing times ahead without you around...I need you Manik...!!

Manik – Hmm..come I'll drop you home...!!

Manik opened the car door for Nandini, she looked at him before sitting in while Manik looked away. Once Nandini sat in, Manik closed the door and moved to the other side. He opened the door , sat on the driver's seat, started ignition and the silent ride to Nandini's hostel began. On reaching the hostel, Nandini waited in the car for a few minutes, with a hope that Manik would say something but her hopes shattered when she heard the car lock opening. She looked at Manik while his eyes were glued to the road. Tears brimmed in her eyes , she got off the car and walked straight to her hostel. On the way to the hostel gate, she heard his car's ignition being turned on and right at that moment her eyelids gave up as they couldn't hold back the tears. The tears met her cheeks but she didn't turn around. She knew her tears would make Manik weak and might force him to take a decision which he did not wish to and that is why she just kept walking because she did not wish emotionally manipulate him into doing something against his wish. Even before, while discussing she had categorically put across her side and had allowed him to take the call. She had immense trust in him and in their relationship and she just wanted Manik to take a well thought decision without getting burdened with any emotional drama whatsoever.

Two days went past the café incident. Manik and Nandini didnot meet in these two days owing to the fact that it was weekend and academy was closed. The only conversations they had were on messages which too were restricted to Good Morning and good night. Manik needed time and Nandini just ensured that he gets it in abundance. Two days later, on Monday noon, Nandini received a call and wide grin appeared on her face looking at the caller id..

Nandini – Hi Manik..!!

Manik – Hi...I am outside...Come out..!!

Nandini – Outside...Manik its Monday...I am not in the hostel..I am in my college..!!

Manik – Dumbo...I know it is Monday and come out of your college because I am outside your college..!!

Nandini – What..what are you outside my college..Wait up I am coming..!!

In a next few minutes, Nandini was right in front of Manik. Manik came out of his car and both of them slowly took a few steps towards each other, closer to one another. After completing the distance between them, they stood infront of each other with their footwear making a contact with each other while their bodies were busy absorbing each other's presence.

Manik took her hand in his and started moving towards the car while Nandini silently followed him. She knew that Manik had made his decision and sooner or later he would let her know. After sitting in the car, she held Manik's hand stopping him from starting the engine. Manik gave her a questioning look while she took out her phone and called someone. Manik was all ears to her conversation

Nandini – Aisha, listen can you please get my bag from the class and give it to me........Actually something urgent has come up...I have to leave for the day, I am at the gate......yes it is on my seat.....yes the red one.....thanks...I am waiting...Thanks ...!!

Manik understood and waited till Nandini's friend came and handed her the bag. Nandini placed the bag on the back seat and gestured Manik to start the car. Manik started and again the silent ride began. That was the beauty of their relationship, their silences were not haunting rather very comforting. They could comfortably share their silences with one another, their silence spoke volumes, their silence was their peace, their solace. After driving for almost half an hour, Manik stopped the car. Nandini looked around and then looked back at Manik with amazement.

Nandini – Manik...what are we doing here..??

Manik – What where else should you be right now..If I am not mistaken, you need to start off with the album thing today..!!

Nandini – yes..but..!!

Manik – I know the meet is scheduled at 2:30 while it is only 12 right now but I guess you and I both know that we need to talk..!!

Nandini – Hmmm

Manik – Nandini...I thought about the whole thing...You were right...the times ahead are definitely testing..but then we would go through that together...I promised you that I would be there with you during this whole thing and there is no way that I am backing out...Well if it would have been someone else other than that Harshad, I would have supported you right and you would have went ahead with the album (Nandini nodded), then why should we let that Harshad ruin it all...there is no point giving him the importance that he doesn't deserve...we shouldn't allow him to impact our lives and their decisions in any way whatsoever... You wanted to know my decision right... (Manik took her hand in his while Nandini looked at him with tears in her eyes) ...My decision is that you will go ahead with this album, there is no way I am letting you let go such a brilliant opportunity..Its your stage..you own it...Go and make me proud MY LOVE..!!

As soon as Manik finished, Nandini crashed into his arms. The gearbox handle was hurting her stomach but she didn't care. She snuggled more and more into him and kept crying. The intensity of the hug took Manik by surprise. He knew that the past two days were immensely painful for Nandini and somewhere he was too be blamed to it.

Manik – Nandini I am sorry yaar, I was too messed up and stretched this thing a little too far

Nandini – Manik relax...You needed time...You don't have to sorry for it...it is just that staying away from you was too.....(Nandini was at loss of words, she didn't wish Manik to feel more guilty, so instead of saying anything, she just tightened the hug)

Manik -....too emotionally draining...Nandini stop hurting yourself...(Manik forcefully broke the hug and got her out of the car, he then opened the back seat and asked Nandini to get in..post sitting in a comfortable position, he took Nandini on his lap in such a way that her legs formed an arc over his while she kept her head on his chest, Nandini kept crying while Manik patted her back and spoke),

(Imagine this position on the backseat of a car with Manik's head up)

Manik – Nandu, I know you've restrained yourself a lot in the last two days just to ensure that you donot end up putting unnecessary pressure on me...You gave me all the time I needed and I am blessed to have someone like you...

Nandini – Manik I just wanted to you take a well thought of decision, I didn't wish to influence it...!!

Manik – I understand

Nandini – No Manik..let me complete please...(Manik tightened the grip and gestured her to continue)...Manik your reaction it surprised no it actually scared me...For me, the past two days have been scary as hell...A part of me wanted to remain sane but there was another part which found this silence frightening...you know I have never been that vulnerable in my entire life...I love you Manik, I really do...I am scared to lose you rather I can't afford to lose you Manik...You know it's funny how in such a short span you've become my need, my want, my soul...I am telling you Manik, nothing is more important to me than you.. Please never, never avoid me like that.. Your ignorance hurts like hell..it hurts like hell..!!

Post this, all Manik could hear were her sobs while she snuggled more and more into him, not even allowing air to between them. Manik kept patting her back while holding her tight for he knew she was in pain but after her confession, he realized how deep-rooted her fear was. She was his strength but she herself was scared and Manik was not a fool not to realize that she needed him now, more than ever. He knew in the troubled times ahead, he has to become her strength, her solace, her comfort. He was blessed to have an angel like her in his life, someone who made him feel so important and worthy. He made a mental note of staying by her side always but for now he has to calm her down.

Manik – Nandu..

Nandini – Hmm..

Manik – What hmmm...how long do you plan to stay like this..??

Nandini – Forever..!!

Manik smiled at her pure and simple admission and kissed her hair. Suddenly a naughty idea came in his mind and he forcefully broke the hug. Nandini looked at him startled while he just cupped her face and took her lips for a kiss. She was too shocked to respond but a few seconds later she got out of the shock and responded with equal favor. Though their kiss carried the longing they felt for each, yet it was soft and gentle. They say, "A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous", this was exactly what either of them felt in that kiss, the kiss summed up the craving, the desires, the needs, the wants, the assurances, the security, the love...every emotion they wished to convey, the kiss said that all. After moulding their lips with each for like an eternity they parted, his hand lingered on her arm while she rested her forehead against his.

Manik – That was intense..Nandu sweetheart, you don't have to be scared of anything, I am and will always be with you...You said you need me but I need you too, more than you need me.. So Ms. Nandini Murthy get that straight in this head of yours I won't leave you ever, even if you wish to leave me, I won't let you..!!

Nandini – Never na..pakka..!!

Nandini asked like a child who was petrified and needed an assurance..

Manik – Never..Acha listen don't you think we should eat something before you get in there...I am starving here..!!

Nandini – Sorry I forgot, wait I have some chips in my bag..let me get them..!!

Manik – What chips...hello I meant lunch...chips are snacks and on that note I think you should not eat them, you know the oil, the presvatives..they can harm your voice box..so avoid them from now on..!!

Nandini – Really Manik...!!...Shut up..Aisa kuch nahi hain..!!

Manik – Aray seriously...it is a study, they harm your vocal chords..I am not lying..!!

Nandini – Fine..I won't have them then...ok...!!

Manik – Good...chalo lets get going..!!

Manik and Nandini had lunch in the restaurant nearby. A couple of hours later, Manik dropped Nandini to the label's office and move to SPACE. On reaching the academy, he moved straight to the Jam room only to find his friends waiting with worry written on their faces

Manik –What's up guys..??

Mukti – What's up..I'll tell you what's up..Where were you all this while...we've been calling you since 2 hours but you have neither answered our calls nor replied to the messages...Where were you lost..??

Manik – Relax sister..I had gone to meet Nandini...!!

Cabir – Nandini...everything is fine right..!!

Manik – Yes everything is fine...in fact I have just dropped her to label's office..!!

Cabir – What..so does that mean you are okay with her doing this album..??

Manik – yes...I am and why shouldn't I be....I mean I know it is Harshad and all but why should we let him influence our lives and careers and I can't leave her alone especially because it is Harshad we are talking about.

Everyone nodded in understanding. A few hours later Manik went back to label to pickup Nandini. Nandini told him about the schedule, which included evening rehearsals on weekdays and the song recording on weekend.

Two week passed in a jiffy. Manik was standing outside the label office to pick up Nandini. It had become a routine for him, to drop her to label's office after her college and then to pick her up later when her work got over. Manik saw Nandini coming out chatting with some girls. She stood just next to the gate and continued with the chatting. Manik got off the car and proceeded towards her but stopped midway listening to the talks.

Girl 1 – Nandini your boyfriend, does he come with you everyday..??

Nandini – Ye he does..!!

Girl 2 – And you are okay with it, I mean with he keeping tabs on you like that...he is always glued to you like a fevicol...Don't you feel suffocated

Nandini – Suffocated...are you out of your mind...Mind your language...I won't hear a word against him.. first of all Soha you are no one to comment on relationship with my boyfriend...and second no one has given you any right to use such language for him.. He does what he does because he loves me but wait a minute why am I even explain it to you..I donot have a single second to waste on you...!!

Saying this Nandini turned to leave. Soha felt humiliated and said

Soha – Really... Mark my words that guy is using your popularity..he is just insecure that is why he keeps following you..after all who would let go such a popular money making girlfriend...He backed out of the competition if I am not wrong...He couldn't do anything by himself.. maybe he is not talented enough or maybe the only talent he possesses is to follow his successful girlfriend like a lovesick puppy.

Nandini turned around and walked towards her, before Soha could anticipate her move, she felt a her cheeks burning with a strong tingling sensation, she looked up to meet a furious Nandini who was looking at her like a raging bull ready to slap her again.

Nandini – Not one more word about him...and if you do I shall distort your face so bad that you wouldn't be able to look at yourself for ages...and about him backing out of the competition is concerned, well he had morals that your so called winner boyfriend does not possess...so don't you dare

Saying this Nandini left the place, she halted her steps looking at Manik who was looking at her without blinking his eyes. This version of Nandini was quite new to him. He placed his hand on her shoulders gesturing her to move. They sat in the car and after a few moments of silence, Nandini spoke

Nandini – Bloody bitch...what does she think of herself..??

Manik – Why are you ruining your mood for her...who is she anyways..??

Nandini – She is Soha, Harshad's girlfriend.. she is just jealous that her boyfriend doesn't give her any attention but that doesnot give her the right to utter this shit about you..Manik I am telling you if she again tries to do or say something about you, I will kill her right there..

Manik – ohhoo...Calm down my lady hulk....do you think she will have a bone to face you especially after what you did today..!!

Nandini – I hope she doesn't because if she does, I will dig her grave right there..!!

Manik smiled at her possessiveness and took her in a side hug while driving. Nandini nuzzled up a more and they a silent ride home. Manik started telling her about his day. A few moments later, when he did not find her responding, he looked down at her only to find her sleeping. He kissed her forehead and continued with the drive. On reaching her hostel, he woke her up and she opened her eyes and looked up with an apologetic face since she slept during the time they were supposed to spend together. Manik assured her that it was okay and left for his home.

On reaching home, Manik recollected Soha's words. They had pinched him especially because it was not the first time someone was saying this to him. Eversince, Nandini started working for the album, he would hear people gossiping about him, about how has turned into a lovesick puppy, how he has become someone's shadow, some even called him spineless unworthy man who couldn't do achieve on his own. His friends they jokingly called him Majnu or Nandini's chauffer. These words did pinch him a bit but he never shared all of it with Nandini since he did not feel it was important and also he didn't wish to burden her with his troubles.

But somewhere, in some corner of his head, it was troubling him. More than being insecure of her success, he was appalled at his stagnant life. Though he knew someday, he would also strike the chord with success and whenever that happens, no one would be able to stop him or his band from scaling heights but the immobility he was facing at this time was filling him with all the negativity.

The routine of dropping and picking her continued for a month or so until Manik's semester exams made their way. One day while preparing for his exams, he forgot about picking her up. As soon as he remembered, he picked up his phone to call her only to find 10 missed calls from her, he immediately called her back

Manik – hey sorry..I forgot, I am just leaving..you wait up okay..!!

Nandini – Manik relax, I left..in fact I am about to reach the hostel...Don't stress yourself..!!

Manik – What you came alone...that too at this time of the hour...I am so sorry, I just go too busy with work..!!

Nandini – Manik...calm down...I am grown up girl...I can take care of myself...You should concentrate on your exams okay...All the best...!!

Manik – Nandini...I...

Nandini – Manik...shut up..stop thinking and concentrate on your studies..understand..!!

Manik – Hmmm...okay...Have you reached..??

Nandini – Yes I have..just paying the change to the auto guy..!!

Manik – Okay..good night..!!

Nandini – Good night..best of luck for your study..!!

Next morning, Nandini called up Manik and wished him luck for his exam. When Manik came in the evening to take her to the label, she spoke before getting out of the car

Nandini – Manik..listen you should take rest...there is not need to pick me up and drop me..I'll manage..You are stressing with your health and studies..!!

Manik – But have I ever complained

Nandini – No you haven't but that does not mean I do not understand, I have seen you toiling hard and I think you should do yourself some favor by taking rest.

Manik just hummed in response. Nandini hugged him before moving out.

Manik started his car and moved to his home. He found his hands trembling. He wasn't able to understand what it was fear or anger. Nandini's decision hit him like a jolt. He felt Nandini was zoning him out of her life. His mind was unable to decipher the reason why on earth would let go of "their" time..?? She said she doesn't want to burden him but did he ever complained of being burdened..?? Why did she ask him not to accompany her..?? The more Manik thought, the more his insecurities started to appear..Was she ashamed of him..?? Ashamed of having a not so famous boyfriend..?? Did she really think that he was doing all of this as a mere duty and that it held no other significance in his life??... May be it didn't ..May be she was tired of having the same chauffer every day. Well if that's the case he would grant her wish, he would give up on this duty without a fight..!!

While on the other hand, Nandini thanked her Aiyappa for making it so smooth. She had expected Manik to fight on this but he agreed so easily. She was happy that now Manik will be able to get some rest from his hectic schedule. She has seen him working hard since more than a month now. He was being completely ignorant of his health, he was suffering from constant headache due to fatigue, which Dadi made her aware of. He didn't showcase his troubles like he did in the past, may be because he didn't wish to trouble her but that didn't mean that all of this went unnoticed by her. She tried to talk with him in the past as well but couldn't. Last night when she went home alone she realized it wasn't that tough to manage and hence she decided to ask Manik to let go of this responsibility from his already busy schedule. She was glad that amidst all the chaos, she could help him in a little way whatsoever.

It was puzzling how a situation can be perceived in two different ways completely contradicting each other. Nandini took a decision thinking that it would help Manik but Manik's insecurities got better of him and he couldn't decipher her real intention rather he imagined the intentions behind the move to be something that never crossed Nandini's mind.

....Flashback Continued.....!!!!  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 19 (Part 1)-------

A part of the mystery gets unfolded in the 4000 words posted above...A lot is coming up...Stay tuned..!!

Thank You everyone for the support..!!

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