Hello Readers...I am back from the wedding and back with an update...This one quite big over 5000 words hoping it makes up for the lost time...I know it has been quite long since i have updated my stories...so here is the story in nutshell..

"Manik and Nandini meet 5 years after their break up...they start off with very formal yet normal conversations for the sake of their family and friends esp their cousins who have decided to marry each other but they couldn't fake it anymore, so one night in Mussorie was all it took for Manik to speak his hear out while Nandini spoke about her turmoils once they made Abhi aware of the happenings in the past...Since then both Manik and Nandini are on a mission to heal one another...Lets see how far they go with this update"

P.S - Thank you everyone who nominated this story for the awards...genuinely means a lot..!! :) :)

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It was New Years already, and the ever elegant suites of the prominent hotel in Mumbai were transformed into a chaotic mess filled with numerous hustles and bustles. The folks occupying the suites were busy preparing for the mega event scheduled for the coming day. It was the time when Mukti and Abhimanyu shall seal their bond of love with a ring. The Malhotra's and Murthy's had booked the suites in the hotel in order to prepare for the same. Though in general engagement is hosted by the bride's family, however in this case the families decided to share the expense, not just of the engagement but all the functions following it. Mukti and Abhimanyu were celebrities in their own right with Mukti being a singer and Abhimanyu owing a music label but that didn't change the fact that their parents weren't billionaires rather Abhimanyu's parents were IAS officers while Mukti's parents were professors in Mumbai University. Though their family did belong to upper middle class, yet neither Mukti nor Abhimanyu wanted to burden them with the expenses of the high society parties which they beloged to, hence they decided to distribute the finances, a move that earned them praises from Dadi and Amms since both of them felt a sense of pride with the maturity that their grandchildren possessed. Now since both families were equally responsible for the ceremony, therefore it made all the sense to work together towards making it happen and that led to booking of suites in the hotel where the engagement ceremony was supposed to take place.

Abhi along with his family was sitting on the couch in his suite, when Rishabh spoke

Rishabh – Bhaiya you realize your engagement is tomorrow and you haven't even finalized your attire...Please choose one na quickly

Yes, Abhi was finalizing his attire for the next day but this time he was taking surprisingly longer than the usual to take the final call while the rest of Murthy clan was clueless of what was going on in his mind.

Abhi – What...It is my engagement...I am taking my own sweet time...why is it bothering you that much...

Rishabh – Aray it will na...till the time you don't finalise we will not be able to finalize our costumes too...I mean me and Nandu Di, we have decided to color co-ordinate with you..but looking at your pace, Nandu Di I am afraid I will show up in his engagement wearing a T-shirt and Denim since I won't be left with any other choice.

Rishabh blurted out in the flow while Nandini slapped her forehead and rest of Murthy clan including Abhi looked at both of them with surprise since this was a completely new information for them.

Nandini – Rishabh...are you mad..It was supposed to be a secret...Now you've ruined it...Idiot...!!

Abhi – Haha...Nandu..Babydoll...you chose the wrong person to hide the secret...This one here suffers with serious indigestion when it comes keeping secrets..!!

Nandini – I know...My bad...!!

Rishabh – hey wait....you are the one responsible Bhaiya...you shouldn't have taken so much time ... Di it is not my fault.. I got frustrated with the wait...and look at him, he still not choosing. When will I choose..??

Abhi – Okay fine...let me concentrate..!!

Rishabh – Ya that's what you've been doing for past three hours.. concentrating..!!

Amms – Okay...stop you two...Nandu kanna why don't you choose something for Abhi for if he goes on like this, I think even he will show up in the engagement wearing T-shirt and Denim..!!

Raman(Abhi's Father) – Aray that would be perfect Amma...in that case both Rishabh and Abhi will be co-ordinated..!!

Amms and Supriya laughed at Raman's comment while Abhi and Rishabh rolled their eyes. Abhi looked at Nandini for one last time but found her lost in her own world. He shook his head in disappointment and grabbed a black suit from the collection displayed infront of him.

Abhi – I will wear this...final..!!

Nandini eyes shot up in surprise, she gave him Are-you-Serious look while Rishabh looked at the final choice and said

Rishabh – Bhaiya you got to be kidding me, after 3 hours you've come with this...Black...seriously...I mean it is your engagement not a formal meeting...and you anyways have a lot of black suits rather all possible variations of black suit in your wardrobe...what is the point of adding one more..??

Abhi – Because this goes with Mukti's attire...so Black it is..!!

Nandini – Are you sure Abhi...??

Abhi – Yes I am....is there anything you want to say..??

Nandini – No..nothing at all...Ummm...Rishabh now that Abhi has finalized, you too go ahead and pick up your suit..!!

Abhi – Hey wait...what about you..??

Nandini – What about me..you've choosen the easiest color..I have a dozen black dresses that I don't wear...may be I can use them now...!!

Abhi –Ok but those dozen dresses would be in Gurgaon na...here you would need to buy a new one I suppose..!!

Nandini – Not really to my good luck...I packed a few before coming here...so that's sorted..!!

Supriya (Abhi's Mother) – But Nandu...it is your brother's engagement...You should grab something new bachcha..!!

Rishabh – Yes Di...you know it doesn't happen too often that Abhi bhai is financing...come'on na let's contribute to his credit card bill..!!

Nandini – Who said I won't contribute...let's save it for later...Chalo I have some work with Alya and Navya...I see you guys in some time...!!

Saying this Nandini left while Abhi shook his head in disappointment as his plan failed. He dished out his phone from his pocket and message someone to meet in the garden. He made an excuse and moved to the garden.

Abhi was waiting in the garden when someone tapped his shoulder..

Voice – Let me guess, she didn't say anything...!!

Abhi – Not a word...can you beat that Manik...not a single word...you know once on my birthday, I got a weird looking birthday cap that she didn't like.. You know she got me out of my birthday party to shop for a new cap...Why..??...because she wanted me to look the best and the cap according to her didn't suit the occasion and more importantly didn't go with her dress...Can you believe it...??...You know..I can't believe it...It is my engagement and I chose a blck suit...the look in her eyes told me that she disapproved my choice but instead of asking me not to she told Rishabh to chose a black suit for himself and as if that was not enough, she decided not be buy anything for herself for according to her she has enough black dresses...Unbelievable..!!

Manik – Dude relax..!!

Abhi – How can I relax Manik....how...My sister who used to exercise her right on me on every little thing didn't even voice her opinion today...Manik have I lost my sister...I have lost her na...She doesn't think of me as her own na...that is why she stayed mum...!!

Manik – Look look Abhi...you are thinking too much...Dude give her the time..

Abhi – Time ya right time..You know I gave her three hours...she was getting frustrated with the wait , I could see that but she didn't budge...you know even Amms asked her to choose but she didn't...then I thought I'll choose a color she just won't approve of me wearing but she accepted that as well...I wanted her to fight..to argue but not a word Manik...not a word..

Manik – Okay..Okay relax...We have time till tomorrow...Let me figure a way out...But dude there is no way you are wearing black for if not your sister my sister will kill you for sure..!!

Abhi – Shit I am screwed...Ain't I...??

Manik – (laughing)..Oh yes..Big time..!!

Abhi – Shut up...stop gaining pleasures out of my state...

But Abhi's sentence was interrupted by a voice..

Voice – Sorry that aint happening...how can we not take pleasure when you are so badly stuck between the devil and the deep sea..!!

Abhi – Cabir....when did you come..??

Cabir – Well I was following you to the garden since I had to talk to you regarding something but then I realized my conversation is pointless in front of the discussion going on here...What's cooking guys..??

Manik – What nothing is cooking Cabir..nothing at all..!!

Cabir – Ya right...so Nandini comes here on Diwali and suddenly a few days later you guys started having normal conversations...you go all the way to Gurgaon for her birthday...and here Abhi is afraid that he is lost his sister and you are telling me nothing is cooking...do you see donkey horns anywhere on my head...No na...then how could you presume me to be a stupid idiot....I am asking once again..What's cooking...??

Manik – Woh...Nandini...she has changed...I guess you are not oblivion to the fact that she has distanced herself from everything that she ever loved...we are just trying to bring her closer to things or people she has left behind..!!

Abhi – But we are failing...failing a big time because she is not expressing at all..!!

Cabir – No Abhi...she is..she is expressing..remember Christmas party....she sang a song...for Manik...she did that only because she got a reason...there were certain things that she wanted to communicate to Manik and she resorted to Music to do that...I agree she didn't express herself this time but then that is because she couldn't see a reason to express...You are right she has started living in a shell...she broke the first layer when she got to know about your engagement, next layer was broken when she sang in the background to make her team win...since then she is been breaking the layers as and when she is getting a reason solid enough to do that....Can you give her a reason this time...a reason to break another layer...!!

Manik – You are right Cabir...A reason...and I know what that could be...Abhi don't worry...if everything goes as per my thoughts, I don't think you'll have to wear black in your engagement...!!...I'll see you guys later....umm Cabir...thanks Man..!!

Cabir – Anytime...Best of luck Buddy...!!

Abhi – Please save me I do not wish to wear black..!!

Cabir – haha...you are so scared of Mukti..aren't you.??

Abhi – Whatever...As if you aren't scared of Navya...??

Manik – Okay okay guys...I have got some work to do..byee...!!

Saying this Manik left Abhi and Cabir alone..

Cabir – Thank you Abhi for letting Manik help Nandini..!!

Abhi – Just like Nandini...he also needs a reason Cabir..!!

Cabir – You are right...you know I have a strong feeling that Manik would bring Nandini back and vice versa..!!

Abhi – True that...but I just hope in the process of bringing the other one closer to his or her happiness, they also find a way towards each other because that would be something that would make either of them genuinely happy...!!

Cabir – Amen..

Abhi – Amen..

Saying this they both left for the party hall to see the preparations only to be surprised with the argument going over there

Nandini – Manik are you crazy...Why should I go..you can take anyone else...??..Look Cabir is also here..take him..!!

Manik – Aray baba...why don't you understand...I told you na everyone is busy...Hain na Cabir...you are also busy..!!

Cabir – Oh yes...I have some work with Navya...!!

Navya – Hain...??

Cabir – Aray Navya...you forgot..I told you na Manik she will forget.. and Nandini if I go she will forget the other thing too...so I cant go..!!

Navya – But what am I forgetting..!!

Cabir – See she is still can't remember...Navya..remember the surprise...(Cabir gave her a Play-Along look with Abhi and Manik pleading her through their eyes)

Navya – Oh ya that....Shit I forgot...Sorry Sorry Cabir..ya Nandini I can't go...Sorry...You go with Manik...!!

Manik – See I told you everyone is busy...Abhi and Mukti can't go out owing to the rituals....Alya and Dhruv can't go since Alya works in this hotel and she has to look around with the arrangements while Dhruv will be helping her...Cabir and Navya have to plan the surprise so the only one left is you or do you want me to trouble the elders...Come'on yaar Nandini...we just have to pick up the stuff...It won't take much time..!!

Nandini – but why can't you go alone..I mean it is just about picking up the stuff right...you can do that alone too..!!

Abhi came into Manik's rescue..

Abhi – Aray Nandu there would be a lot things to pick up...Hain na Manik...!!

Manik – Haan...Right...plus I also need a company and you definitely are a good one at that...!!

Mukti – I also think you should go Nandini...you know..you could check things properly...I can't trust him alone with it...(Manik's face fell which didn't go unnoticed by anyone including Mukti)...O hello...I meant I can't trust you girl's dresses...I mean fits and all...don't think too much okay...You know I trust you with my life right but admit it bhai dresses are not your cup of tea..!!

Manik smiled and hugged Mukti.

Nandini – Fine I'll go...We'll leave after lunch...!!

Everyone nodded and headed toward lunch buffet. Post lunch, Manik and Nandini left to pick up the dresses. Nandini got surprised on realizing that Manik has stopped his car infront of a mall

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

Manik - Nandini Murthy this is a mall.. People generally come here to shop, eat or watch movies...Now we need to go back in about two hours so watching a movie is out of contention..we just had lunch , therefore too full to eat..So the only thing left is shopping I guess..So ya to answer your question we are here to shop

Nandini - Shop...For whom..weren't we suppose to collect the dresses..!!

Manik – Yes we shall do that too but there's time for that...before everything we need to shop

Manik - For the sister of the groom

Nandini - okay but where is she..(realizing what Manik said)..Wait shop for me..Manik you did all that drama back home for this..I told you na I have clothes

Manik - ya I know you've got stuff in abundance and right now the focus should be the on the bride and the groom but stealing a little limelight from them is not a crime..Okay..So now stop with your drama and shop..!!

Nandini – But I don't want to..!!

Manik – And why's that..??

Nandini – Because we thought of color co-ordinating our dresses but that idiot brother of mine has chosen Black as his color and I honestly have too much black in my wardrobe

Manik – So how about we change the color that idiot brother of yours shall wear..??

Nandini – Hey watch out..only I can call him idiot....but he has chosen the color....something must have been on his mind...I shouldn't influence him with my choices..!!

Manik – Nandini Murthy there is a very thin line between influencing and exercising your right..!!

Nandini – What do you mean..!!

Manik spotted a bench next to the chocolate fountain counter and made her sit there.

Manik – Nandini...there is something I need to tell you...Please think about it...!!

Nandini – What is it Manik...You are scaring me right now...Everything is fine right..!!

Manik – I wouldn't lie...No everything is not fine Nandini....You know Nandini eversince Abhi had heard our conversation on the terrace, he is drowning himself into the pool of guilt...He thinks he is responsible for your state or rather I should say he is solely responsible for you maintaining a distance from your family...You know I could have twisted and played around with the words right now but I chose not to...because at times it is very important to know the truth as it is...you know why Abhi took 3 hrs today to finalise the suit and on the top of that do you know why he chose Black (Nandini nodded her head negatively) because he wanted you to speak...he wanted you to exercise the right you possess as his sister...He could see you were disappointed with his choice but your silence disappointed him Nandini...Abhi thinks he has lost his sister...

Nandini – But Manik..

Manik – Let me complete Nandini...I too am a brother...You can't even imagine the hurt one goes through when a person receives a silence treatment from his family especially from a sister whose been your first ever friend...It hurts...I am not asking you to influence his decision but just like Rishabh you too have a right to argue and question Abhi's choices...in fact you have more right than anyone else...A sibling is not supposed to blindly follow or agree with the other one rather siblings should question each others preferences in order to assist the one another to take a well thought decision...You are right infront of Abhi still he misses you Nandini, I can see it..I am sure you too can see it..Please don't do this to yourself and to Abhi...neither of you deserve it...Make your presence felt Nandini...The feeling of being around yet not connected is miserable and painful...Don't make either of you to go through it.

Nandini – You miss Mukti...Don't you...!!

Manik – Nandini everything is not about me everytime..this time it is about you...Think wisely...I am at that store(pointing towards a designer store)...You can come there once you've taken a decision.

Giving Nandini a minute to herself, Mnaik moved to the designer store. Soon enough, he was joined in by Nandini

Nandini – (taking to the sales guy)...Can you please show me suits in the shades of blue..??

Sales guy (smiling) – Sure Ma'am...Size...??

Manik – Size is of Abhimanyu Murthy, a regular customer here I suppose...She is his sister..!!

Sales guy – Sure sir..I'll be back in a minute

Nandini – Manik you didn't have to be that rude...he was just doing his job..!!

Manik – Really since when flirting with customers became a part of his job profile...and I was not being rude..the tone is called bossy not rude...Rude is different..it is when..

Nandini – Alright, the Tonal Personality Guru...I'll take tutions from you later on...By the way he was just smiling not flirting...!!

Manik – Whatever...!!

The sales guy came in with different shades and patterns. Nandini finalized the suits for both Abhi and Rishabh. Fortunately, the exact sizes were available for both outfits. Manik and Nandini grabbed the suits and moved to the ladies designer to get something for Nandini and pick up other dresses as well. Nandini tried a few outfits and finalized on one. She realized a fitting issue with the dress she had finalized so she came out wearing the same in order to show it to the tailor so that he could alter the same accordingly. Manik was waiting for Nandini in lounge since just as Mukti said, "Ladies dresses were just not his thing". Manik looked up to have look at Nandini who was busy taking with the designer and the tailor about the fitting. After finishing the discussion, she turned around to find him looking intently at her without blinking his eyes.

Nandini – Manik what are you looking at..??

Manik – You gonna wear this at the party..??

Nandini – Yes why...doesn't look good..??

Manik – Looks perfect...Just perfect...!!

Nandini smiled and moved to the trial room to change. They waited in the lounge for about half an hour post which Nandini did a retrial of her dress after alternation. Satisfied with the work, they move back to the hotel.

On reaching the hotel, they straightaway went to Murthy's Suite. She handed over the suits to Abhi and Rishabh who opened them only to get surprised

Rishabh – Di you got the wrong suit...this is not what we are wearing...??

Nandini – This is exactly what you rae wearing Rishabh...and you too Abhi...I donot wish to have any argument on this..!!

Abhi – But I chose Black..!!

Nandini – That is because you are the biggest idiot on earth...who wears black on the engagement...I didn't say anything because there weren't any options at that time but when I went to the store I found the perfect match and it goes with my dress too...So no arguments..

Amms – Kanna you got a dress for yourself..??

Nandini – Yes amms...I had plenty black but not many blues and the dress is pretty..Chachi I couldn't find an accessory with it, Can I wear your diamond earring that I Love...they would go with it..!!

Supriya – of course you can bachcha...it is right there in that bag (pointing to wards the bag)

Nandini moved towards the bag but turned to Abhi before that

Nandini – Abhi try it once, in case it needs any alternations...we still have time..!!

Abhi (with teary eyes) – I don't need to...it is your choice...it is going to be perfect...Thank you..!!

Nandini – I am not asking you to change the suit because that ain't happening.... Come'on Abhi you can get emotional with fittings...loose or tight...you should check..!!

Abhi – I will..!!

Saying this he hugged Nandini while Rishabh too joined in. The elders had tears in their eyes. Abhi turned his head to Manik and mouthed a "Thank you" while Manik smiled in return. This was noticed by Amms who came blessed Manik who in turn hugged her. Everyone moved for their respective work after some time.

Soon it was evening and Amms along with Supriya had decorated the dress and jewellery to be given to Mukti. As a custom, the same was gift from the grooms side. Supriya wanted Nandini to hand over the same to Mukti while Nandini looking for an opportunity to speak with Mukti grabbed the one coming her way with both hands.

Nandini – Chachi don't worry, I'll hand it over to your daughter-in-law safe and sound.

Supriya – Thanks bachcha...

Nandini – Aray Chachi why are you thanking me for...What have I done..??

Supriya – Nothing...Ummm Nandini...Baccha Stay like this forever...the other version of you is very unpleasant...!!

Nandini – I am trying Chachi...Slowly and gradually I'll get rid of the unpleasant version..!!

Supriya – I know you will...Now go Mukti must be waiting

Nandini moved towards Mukti's room. She knocked at the door and entered inside since the same was already open

Nandini – So what's keeping my dear Sister-in-Law busy...??

Mukti – Nicholas Sparks and some good relaxing music..!!

Nandini – Hey you've got "Two by Two"..give it to me once you are done..have heard rave reviews of the same..

Mukti – Sure thing...but what brings you here..??

Nandini – This (handing over the basket to Mukti)....Your outfit for tomorrow..!!

Mukti – Aww..thank you..it looks so beautiful..!!

Nandini – This is not the only thing that got me here...I need to talk to you Mukti...!!

Mukti – Sure Nandu..tell me what is it...??

Nandini – What are you punishing Manik for..??

Mukti – Punishing...??...I didn't get you..??

Nandini – You are maintaining a distance from him...I have noticed it ever since I met you last year...the bond between both of you is not the same...Other must have not commented since for then it was gradual process and they might have misinterpreted it as natural....but owing to my absence in the middle I can compare before and after and trust me when I say this the difference between before and after is alarming...What has changed Mukti...Has something happened that I am not aware of..??

Mukti – No Nandini...nothing has happened...you are right...we just grew up and may be our priorities changed..

Nandini – Really Mukti ..priorities..growing up...you realise we are talking about Manik right...he is not a friend or an outsider...He is family and since when did you start prioritizing family members and even if you do family should always top your list right...!!

Mukti – Nandini...Manik...I mean...

Nandini – Manik drowning in his guilt moved away but Mukti you could have held him back and forced him to stop but no one did that...Try keeping yourself in his shoes for a while...he lost the girl he loved...he lost his parents... he lost Dadi's love... and after all this he started building a wall around him so that he wouldn't loose anything else..he started staying alone not out of choice but out of necessity since he did not possess the courage to loose anything or anyone else...so he used the reverse psychology...before anyone leaves him he started leaving and maintaining a distance and what did we do...I am including myself too in it...our actions acted like a cement that made the wall stronger and thicker than before....Think about it Mukti...whatever happened in the past is Manik solely responsible for it...I know you had some expectation out of him which he failed to meet...but have you met all the expectations that he had from you... Mukti we are not dealing with saints or sinners here, everyone in the hall is a human, never place someone on a pedestal, remember every halo has red devil horns hidden inside it..!!

Mukti was silently listening to Nandini's conversation. Once Nandini was done with what she had to say, Mukti looked up and said

Mukti – Thanks Nandini...I'll think over what you said..!!

Nandini smiled and hugged Mukti before leaving the room. Everyone met for dinner and grabbed some sleep post that to gear up for the big day.

The morning of the D-day was beautiful. It was Sunday and the engagement was in the afternoon, so everyone had a quick breakfast post which they looked out for the last minute arrangements. Manik was checking on food with Alya when the received a message from Mukti asking him to meet her urgently. He decided to finish off the work and then meet her but on the other hand delay in Manik's action made Mukti impatient. She called him up and in a wobbly voice asked to come over immediately. Mukti's voice got Manik worried and he rushed to Mukti's room.

Manik (entering Mukti's room) - Mukti you were looking for me..??

Mukti (teary eyed)- Oh yes..Where the hell were you..??

Manik - I was downstairs..Why are you crying..Is everything okay..??

Mukti - No I am not okay...Who is supposed to take me downstairs..??

Manik - Chacha will take you na bacha..Why are you crying for this..??

Mukti - But I don't want him to take me there

Manik - Then whom do you want..Tell me..I'll get the person here..But please don't cry..!!

Mukti - I want YOU to take me downstairs..!!

Manik froze on his spot absorbing the words he just heard.

Manik – Me

Mukti – Yes you....i want my brother to forgive me for all the mistakes that I have committed till date and as an act of forgiveness I am hoping if he could take me downstairs.

Manik – Forgiveness...Mistakes...I don't get it Mukti...!!

Mukti – I took away your love...I spoke such harsh words without realizing the impact they could cause...I know your relationship with Nandini was hitting a rough patch but instead of being a peace maker, I unknowingly added fuel to it...and look at me...even after all of that instead of blaming myself I blamed you...you know they say it is always easier to blame others for your mistakes and guess what I took the easy path leaving you alone on the rocky road..!!

Manik – Mukti..

Mukti – No Manik let me speak...you needed me..more than ever...but in my guilt of ruining your life I overlooked the importance of me standing by you during troubled times....I am sorry Manik...Sorry for everything I have done...I am sorry..!!

Manik – Done...or do you have more to say... (Mukti looked at him wth tears in her eyes)... When did my little sister grew up so much..haan...listen to me very carefully...whatever happened in the past...whosoever was responsible...It doesn't matter....You know why...because we cannot change it...The past has brought in changes that we cannot afford to ignore, good or bad whatever they are, the changes have stayed with us...Remember this Mukti for now and for future...we can't change the past but we can definitely mold our future for that is in our hand...Yes I missed my sister I wouldn't lie about it...I missed you a lot but that was until this moment for I know from now on my sister even if she isn't around physically she won't leave my side...Am I right..??

Mukti – I promise...your sister will always be with you..!!

Manik – Perfect..I like the sound of it...anyways I'll call the makeup artist once again, you've ruined all your makeup with this crying...!!

Mukti – Shut up Manik...!!

Manik – What Shut up...Have you looked at yourself...You look like female Dracula at the moment...!!

Mukti – Dracula...wait I'll tell you what I look like..(with this she ran behind him, after a minute both of them settled on the bed)

Manik – Gosh...My sister is back with a bang..!!

Mukti – And this time she is her to stay....Thank you Manik...!!

Manik – Chalo you get ready..I also need to change...I'll see you in an hour....!!

Saying this Manik walked out with a smile on his face. An hour later Manik entered Mukti's room to find his Dadi along with Chacha and Chachi waiting for him. He looked at Mukti and smiled

Manik – Muku I didn't know you could look this pretty..!!

Mukti – Thanks Bhai...Dad now that Bhai is here you guys can go downstairs because I have asked Manik take me there...!!

Raj (Mukti's Father) – Aray perfect...I was thinking of calling your friends for this but I guess you've already chosen the best man for the job

Neyonika (Mukti's Mother) – Absolutely Raj...Manik wait I have something for you..Hold on..!!

Neyonika takes out a box from her bag.

Neyonika – This watch goes with your suit..Will you wear it for us..??

Manik – But Chachi...!!

Neyonika – I know this is your father's watch but you see Mukti will hold your hand as she'll come down and with this watch on your hand, in a little way, Bhaiya and Bhabhi will also be a part of the moment when you hand over your sister to Abhimanyu,

Manik – Sure Chachi...!!

Saying this he wore the watch and while the elder Malhotra clan went downstairs. Soon Manik brought Mukti to the hall and placed her hand over Abhi's on reaching the stage. The couple exchanged the rings and the afternoon of merriment and celebration kicked off in style. Everyone danced, sang and enjoyed to the fullest. Soon the ceremony came to an end, the elders retired to their respective rooms while the younger clan relaxed themselves in the garden. Abhi and Manik found a moment to themselves where Manik took an opportunity to say,

Manik - With this ring, she is officially yours...Take care of my sister Abhi..!!

Abhi - I Promise Manik I will...And you take care of mine..!!

Manik - I promise..!!

Manik looked at Nandini and messaged her to meet him if she is free. Nandini on receiving the message made an excuse and left the garden moving towards her room. Minutes later Manik entered and said,

Manik – Thank you Nandini..!!

Nandini – Thank you for What...??

Manik – For talking to Mukti, I know you must have spoken with her...I can't thank you enough..!!

Nandini – It is okay Manik...You made me realise my mistake and I applied the same theory on Mukti and she realized too...So relax it is okay..!!

Manik – Nandini woh..Umm...Can I ask you something...??

Nandini – What Manik..??

Manik – Can we be friends..like you and me...Friends...will you accept my friendship..??

Nandini – Manik you know if you had asked me this a few days ago I would have chickened out but now I myself want to be your friend again...So Friends....??

Nandini forwarded her hand for a handshake which Manik gladly accepted. 

Manik - I, Manik Malhotra, despite of knowing the inefficiencies I possess when it comes to keeping promises, still promise you to be your friend forever..!!

Nandini - I, Nandini Murthy, promise you to not let you break this promise ever...!!

They stood in the balcony staring the sky for a few minutes when Manik felt a bit uneasy. He decided to go to his room but after walking a few steps he felt dizzy and collapsed on the floor leaving a shocked and numb Nandini behind.....

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 23-----

Here you go with the update...hoping it was worth the wait...!!

Thank You everyone for the support..!!

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