Here you go with the update...

pani_possible...long ago, you had once requested for a jealousy track, right now when I working on scenes, it fitted in perfectly...hope you like my interpretation..!! :) :)

@khadija_f... a little more of care coming up...Hope you like it

Disclaimer - The next part would be the last in the scenes category...let me know in case you've any special requests..!!

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---------------------------------- Scene 3 --------------------------------------

Weekend had knocked on the door and Mukti had indulged herself in a telephonic conversation with Manik

Mukti (on call) – Manik where are you...??

Manik – Mukti...I am in an ad shoot..!!

Mukti – Shoot...but today is a holiday..??

Manik – I know my dear sis...Actually I got a call from the brand for a special request..the sequence to be shot is a part of their campaign...and due to some changes the campaign has to GoLive in the coming week..so had to shoot today... Don't worry I'll be free by dinner..!!

Mukti – That you will have to be...Aray since tomorrow the elders too shall join, we thought of having some time together as a gang before heading for the dinner....infact everyone is here except you...!!

Manik – Ohho...No worries...You guys enjoy, I'll join you as soon as I get free..!!

Mukti explained Manik's unavailibilty to the gang. Just when their grim expressions could change the happy mood, Cabir had his " Eureka" moment. He called up Manik,

Manik (picking up a call) – Haan Cabir...sorry yaar I won't be able to come...Have explained to Mukti...The shot is ready I have to go..I'll talk to you later...byee...!!

Cabir – Hello Manik...wait..listen...!!

But before Cabir could say anything, Manik disconnected the call

Abhi – Did Manik just hang up on you...??

Cabir – He did and he's gonna pay for it..!!....How dare he hang up on me...!!

Navya – You sound like a nagging girlfriend right now and Manik hung up for unlike you, he had some actual work to do..!! (Cabir made a grumpy face while Navya rolled her eyes while laughing at him)

Dhruv – Good one Navya..Nonethless, Cabir, why did you call Manik at first place...??

Cabir – Umm, Nandini listen can you please get a me a glass of water,

Nandini – Sure Cabir..!!

Navya – W...(Before she could say anything, Cabir stopped Navya by holding her hand)

Nandini – Haan Navya...you were saying something..!!

Navya – (puzzled not knowing what to say)... Can you get me a glass too...I too am feeling thirsty..!!

Alya – Ya actually me too..

Mukti – Count me as well..!!

Dhruv – I too won't mind a glass of water...

Nandini (turning to Abhi) – Don't you need it as well Abhi...??

Abhi (making a puppy face) – only if it isn't much of a trouble..!!

Nandini – Absolutely not...!!...I wonder how come you guys are suddenly behaving like wanderers in a desert...Anyways I'll go and get water to quench your thirst...!!(Saying this she left and everyone turned to Cabir with questioning eyes)

Cabir – Okay people listen to me very carefully... Remember we have to make them realize about their feelings, knowing them I am sure they must have realized it already, but a little more push won't harm anyone right..!!

Abhi – Cabir what are you hinting at..??

Cabir – Let's take Nandini to the shoot...!!

Mukti – And what good would that do..!!

Cabir – If I am not mistaken, the shoot that Manik is on right now, is the same he was discussing with us on Monday, remember Dhruv...!!

Dhruv – Oh the campaign that has to run on our portal too, "Summer love" I think that is the name...(remembering something) ...hold on that means, he is shooting with Ariza..!!

Alya – Ariza...that's good na, it is not the first campaign that Manik and Ariza are doing together.. they get along well I guess..!!

Abhi – Oh no..that's just a perception, in reality that woman clings on to him like a honey bee...Manik would be so pissed till dinner, he just hates the attention..!!

Cabir – That is exactly why I think we should be there, to ensure that Manik doesn't reach the point of frustration and

Mukti – and the clingy girl might make Nandini jealous...!!

Cabir – Smart Mukti..!!

Abhi – Guys wait...I really believe...Manik and Nandini aren't the "feel jealous" kinds..!!

Navya – Exactly... even 5 years back, being jealous was never their thing..they were too comfortable and secure in that sense..!!

Cabir – True that...what we are not taking into account is the fact that the years of separation has turned them in insecure souls esp for each other, which in general is a big setback but can work right for our plan..!!

Dhruv – Its like turning one's weakness into strength..!!

Mukti – Momentary strength Dhruv...we would not want their insecurity to prolong..!!

Abhi – It is a vicious cycle Mukti, their insecurity will make them jealous, which in turn could bring them closer to each other and their closeness would result in fading away of the insecurity..!!

Mukti – Hmm..I guess you are right..!!

Just then, Nandini re-entered the scene...

Nandini – Who's right..!!

Mukti – Umm...Cabir...he thinks we should go to Manik's shoot...and we all agree..!!

Nandini – Okay.. By the way Abhi Amms called, she would be landing here tomorrow morning, so please ensure to send someone to pick her up otherwise she'll be really angry..!!

Abhi – I know...I forgot the last time and she got really pissed..!!

Soon enough, everyone left for the shoot. Entry in the shoot location wasn't tough for Manik's PA Varun has already made arrangements for Cabir had informed him beforehand. Manik was pleasantly surprised to see his gang for the shoot, especially Nandini. He introduced them to everyone and occupied a corner to sit and relax with them. Just then the director entered with Ariza,

Director – Manik, can we discuss the next shot...!!

Manik – Sure, Is it okay if my friends hang around with me while you are discussing it..!!

Director – I don't think that would be an issue until they don't let any information about the shoot leave the sets..!!

Cabir – Don't worry, you can trust us with the secrecy...!!

The director kept explaining Manik the shot, wherein he and Ariza had to do a little bit of Salsa and Tango. The choreographer told them the steps which were pretty simple, concentrating on eye contact, simple in sync body movements and more importantly highlighting "closeness", the mere mention of "closeness" got Nandini's eyes to shoot up in surprise. She controlled her expressions, keeping in mind her surroundings. Though, Manik was too engrossed with the dance to notice but the momentary display of emotions did not go unnoticed by the couples sitting next to her who gave each other a virtual hi-five.

The shoot resumed in about half an hour, since both Manik and Ariza were quick learners and hence they picked up the steps quickly. However, they had to give a few retakes sometimes on Manik's but most of times on Ariza's insistence, and this increased Nandini's irritation. After about ten retakes, the shot was announced as okay by the director. However, while watching it on the camera screen, Ariza spoke

­Ariza – I think we should do it one more time, the chemistry isn't coming out too well

Nandini (speaking softly in Abhi's ears) – What is wrong with her, the shot is perfect...!!

Abhi – She is a perfectionist I guess..isiliye must have suggested a retake..!!

Cabir – or maybe she doesn't want to lose out on the last chance to stay close to Manik for this is the last shot..!!

Abhi – Manik ka jaado chal gaya...is it cabir..??

Cabir – Seems like it..look at them they seem to be engrossed in an "intense "conversation...!!

Nandini murmured to herself making faces, unaware of the fact that her friends have their full concentration on her words

Nandini – Perfectionist...Jadoo...intense...MY foot..!! (A little Louder)... Abhi listen

Abhi (plastering his expressions into serious ones) - Yes Baby Doll..!!

Nandini – I am waiting outside near the beach...let me know when this gets over...I'll join you..!!

Cabir (chipping in) – But why Nandini...It is so much fun here...you'll miss out on the crazy madness involved in ad making....Stay here..you'll enjoy..!!

Nandini – No Cabir...I had enough "Madness" for the day, plus I shall have dinner with you soon, toh let's save the rest for then...Right now, I need "Peace and Calm" which the waves of the sea shall give me..So Bye..See you soon..!!

Saying this she left leaving the gang with a smirk on their faces. They shifted their attention to Manik who was still busy in convincing Ariza that the shot was perfect and there isn't any need for a re take. Soon, Cabir and Dhruv too came in to rescue Manik, their opinion mattered for they being one of the clients who would be running the ad stills on their portal. The discussion lasted for another fifteen minutes post which the informal strategy discussions were held for another fifteen minutes.

Fab5, Navya and Abhi, then left the shoot.

Manik – Guys, where did Nandini go..??.. I was talking to Ariza when I saw her leaving...Is she okay..??

Abhi – I hope so..she just went away without explaining much, I think you should go and talk to her...she said she would be at the beach..!!

Manik – Went away...??...Just like that..!!..Wait I'll call her...!!

Cabir – I think you should..but wait before that how about you bring Nandini to the hotel for dinner while we all leave..You've got your car right..??

Manik – Yes I Do...you guys push ahead, I'll bring her along..!!

Saying this Manik left the gang to join Nandini. He tried calling her but she chose not answer his calls. Soon Manik spotted her sitting on the beach, he rushed to her but finding her lost looking at the horizon, he quietly sat next to her. After waiting for about fifteen minutes, he spoke

Manik – Hey you okay....Why did you leave all of the sudden..??

Nandini - I was feeling uncomfortable.

Manik – Why...Are you fine...??

Nandini - Manik I was feeling out of the place and why are you here...Go na..Go and talk to the girl you were dancing with

Manik - Aray baba the shoot's done so why would I talk to her now

Nandini - because it's been an hour that the shoot got over and you've been here only for 15 minutes so I am presuming you were talking to her only na for the rest of the time

Manik - That toh.....Wait Nandini Murthy are you jealous (Nandini looks up) ...Of course you are...But wait a minute why are you jealous..??

Nandini - May be I am...No wait...I am jealous, you know Manik, ever since I left the place I was pondering over the reason for irritation...Hmm you are right...I was jealous...!!

Manik – Nandini Murthy..have you forgotten what jealous means, how can you be so casual about it..??

Nandini – No Mr. Malhotra, I know exactly what being jealous means...and the reason why I am so casual about it is because from now on you are not working with her anymore..!!

Manik – Any why do you think I would do that..??

Nandini – The reason should be that you are uncomfortable by her interference but as your comfort hardly matter to you, so I'll give the reasons, her behavior puts me off, I do not like you getting that close to her, she is too nosy and bosy at the same time and more importantly everytime I'll see you with her, I'll be upset...You want me to be upset..??

Manik – Not in this lifetime..!!

Nandini – then don't work with her...I don't like her and there is no other civil or dignified way to say that..!!

Manik – Okay Madam but just for the record...you don't need to feel jealous of anyone...that's just my work..I don't even meet these people outside work..Okay..!!

Nandini – Okay..!!

After spending a few more minutes at the beach, Manik and Nandini left for the dinner. The car ride to the hotel was quite since both of them were lost in their thoughts

Nandini's POV

Today, when Manik was dancing with that stupid model, I felt a pang of hurt in my heart... Manik is right I was jealous...there isn't any point denying that, it was so evident...and probably that is why I didn't deny it either...I love this feeling, no not being jealous, but this feeling of having a say in Manik's life and being so vocal about it..But wait Jealousy comes in only if someone is insecure, Am I still insecure of Manik..??...No I am not...No No.. Absolutely not...and I hope Manik doesn't take it that way... Then maybe I just didn't like the idea of someone being so close to Manik and maybe once our relationship strengthens, this would not make me uncomfortable..!!

Manik's POV

Nandini was jealous...Oh my God..!!...It took me a moment to believe it but that look on her face, that look said it all...I know she is not insecure about me...it is just that our bond is still in the formative stage and though I have succeeded in building that trust somewhere, a corner of her subconscious is still in doubt...But this won't deter me...I have to refrain myself from taking this as negative... This is a step forward Manik...Nandini wants you close to her and all you need to do is to strengthen this bond with her...Focus on making this bond so strong that jealousy just can't creep in even if it wishes too...!!

POV ends....

---------------------------------- Scene 4 --------------------------------------

It was an important Thursday morning. The day marked hearing of Madhyam's case. The entire gang along with elders had flew down to Nandini's place. By then, Mukti and Abhi had filled in the elders including Amms and Dadi about Madhyam's deeds. Though Murthy's were initially upset with Nandini but they couldn't stay mad for long more because they knew that their daughter needs them today more than ever. Everyone except Nandini and Navya were having breakfast in the hall when the two have them entered the scene busy with their conversation

Navya - You really want to go there Nandu..??

Nandini - I do Navya...I want to witness Madhyam getting punished for his sins.

Nandini's Chacha – Wait what's going on..??

Navya – Uncle, Nandini wants to be the witness for the case..!!

Amms and Dadi (together) – We knew it...

Amms – And that is why we are here to support you...!!

Manik – Nandini it is great that you wish to do this...But till now you aren't involved in the case as such... and Madhyam has done enough frauds that would make him rot in jail for ages...!!

Nandini - Manik I want him to get punished for ALL the crimes he has committed, all of them...And I won't hide when I am not at fault

Dadi – That is like my brave daughter...!!

Manik - okay then let's go..!!

Everyone moved to the court where Navya informed the prosecutor of Nandini's decision. No doubt, Nandini's statement made the case against Madhyam stronger than before. Moreover, Nandini had all the emails and messages sent by Madhyam stored in her phone which were then presented as proofs along with the recording in which Madhyam confessed his sins to Manik. The judge announced a 10 year jail term to Madhyam and also gave a restraining order as a part of the verdict according to which whenever he is out of the jail, Madhyam should never be spotted in the same city as Nandini unless and until Nandini approves it, failing to follow the restraining order shall be a punishable offence.

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Outside the courtroom, everyone hugged Nandini and applauded her for her bravery. Amms moved to Manik and placed her hand on his head

Amms – None of this would have been possible without you Manik...!!

Manik – Amms, you don't need to thank me...the recording...

Amms (spoke before letting Manik finish the conversation) – I am not talking about Madhyam's confession, that any of them would have done, I am talking about instilling the courage in Nandini to come out in open..that only you could manage

Manik hugged Amms while everyone looked at them with smiles on their faces. Dadi too moved towards Manik and kissed his forehead.

Dadi – Manu I am proud of you...!!

The statement was enough to make his eyes teary

---------------------------------- Scene 5 --------------------------------------

On the long weekend in April, Nandini flew down to Mumbai again. The gang made it a point to stay next to each other as much as they can but owing to Nandini's job in a different city, they only had weekends to spend time with her. So whenever they got an opportunity, they made it a point that she is with them. Delhi-Mumbai was frequent route for air travel and hence it made it easier for them. It was a Good Friday weekend and there wasn't any chance of Nandini not coming over. Nandini flew down on Thursday evening and this time she was staying at Cabir's place.

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(Nandini was on a call with Manik)

Nandini - Manik how long will you take..??

Manik - I am just 15 min away Nandini

Nandini - okay come soon.. We'll talk once you are back

Manik - Wait no talk na... Anyways when I reach home, the teasing army of our friends won't let us talk, they'll just keep teasing us.

Nandini - True that I wonder what's gotten into their heads...They tease us about anything and everything..!!

Manik - So let's talk now

Nandini - But Manik you are driving..!!

Manik - Don't worry i'll be careful..!!

Nandini - No we shouldn't take any risk..!!

Manik - Shit Nandini...Hold on..!!

Nandini - Manik..Manik

But all she heard was collision sound as the line went blank

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"Manikkkkk"....Nandini shouted as she woke up from her sleep. She immediately took her phone and dialed Manik's number but the call went unanswered. She dialed again but the response remained the same. Meanwhile, her shout woke up Cabir and Navya as well who rushed to her room. As soon as they entered, they panicked looking at her condition. Nandini was sweating and constantly dialing someone on phone. Navya rushed to her and wiped of the sweat bands

Nandini – Navya....Manik...

Navya – Haan Nandini...what happened to Manik..??

Nandini – Manik ...car...call...phone...!!

Navya – Shhh...you must have seen a nightmare...relax..!!

Nandini – He is not answering his phone..,!!

Cabir – Nandini listen to me...Manik has a meeting today in Pune, he would be on the way back or would have reached home and slept..Relax...I am sure he is fine..!!

Nandini – Then why is he not answering...look I tried so many times but he hasn't answered..!!

Cabir – Ok wait let me try...

Saying this Cabir went to his room to call Manik who did not answer. He left a message informing Manik about her nightmare. He went back to Nandini's room only to find her wearing her slippers

Nandini – Cabir...he didn't answer right...I have to meet him now...!!

Cabir – Nandini listen..!!

Nandini – Please cabir I have to...please

Nandini broken state brought tears to Cabir and Navya's eyes. They nodded in agreement and drove to Manik's house. On reaching his house, Nandini rang the bell continuously until the door got opened with a sleepy Manik on the other side. Before Manik could react, Nandini flung into his arms and clutched his t-shirt as tightly as she could, taking Manik by surprise. Manik asked Cabir who mouthed "nightmare" and left with Navya after asking Manik to take care of her. Manik closed the door and tried to break the hug which resulted in Nandini tightening the hold.

Manik (Still in the hug) – Nandini, what happened..??

Nandini – Manik I saw....you...you were driving...we..we were talking, I asked you to..to disconnect but..but you didn't listen...and then (she pushed herself more into him)...

Manik – then what..??

Nandini – then I...I heard a sound and the line..line went b...blank...!! (She broke into louder sobs)

Manik – Nandini...shh...relax it was just a nightmare...Acha look at me..!!

Nandini nodded her head in denial.

Manik – Nandu...please...acha wait (her forcefully broke the hug) and soon her feet left the ground and Manik took her in his arms. She rested her hand on his shoulder while, he moved to his room. Manik sat on his bed and made her sit on his lap. He kept swinging his upper body back and forth and caressed her hairs from time to time, saying "I am right here" every time. He did the same till her breathing got even. Finding her asleep, he carefully shifted her to the bed without breaking her sleep. He wiped off the last drop of sweat from her forehead before placing a warm kiss on it. He lied down on the couch right opposite to the bed ensuring the whenever she wakes up, she finds him right in front of her. He kept looking at her, not realizing when sleep took over.

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It was Saturday morning and Dadi has invited all of them for a breakfast at her place. The gang was waiting for Manik and Nandini while Cabir was filling them in with the details of the events that happened on Thursday night. Everyone was surprised to know and more so since they had spent the entire Friday together, but neither Manik nor Nandini spoke about it. They could see Nandini being gloomy and a bit distracted while Manik staying with her all the time but they couldn't understand the reason.

Abhi – Cabir, why didn't you tell us this yesterday..??

Cabir – Manik asked me not to, Nandini was very upset and somehow Manik was able to bring her out of it, so he asked me and Navya not to remind her of it..

Navya – And yesterday she was there with us all the time, so we stayed quite...!!

Dadi – Everything happens for a reason, Nandini and Manik together in that state would bring them closer too..!!

Cabir – I guess you are right Dadi...!!

Abhi – Now even universe is conspiring to get them closer..I hope either of them proposes the other one soon...It would be...

Abhi's words got halted as he heard Manik speaking from behind

Manik – It would be what Abhi..no tell me...what are you guys doing...Thank God Nandini isn't here for if she was , then she wouldn't have like it...!!

A voice – But why...??

Manik turned around to see Amms with Abhi's parents at the door..

Amms – You didn't answer me Manik...Why..??

Manik – Because she is not ready Amms...You wouldn't know but

Amms – I know everything Manik...even before Abhi did...Your Dadi told me the history between you and Nandini the day we came here with Abhi and Mukti wedding proposal...As angry as I was with you for doing all of it to Nandini, I knew that if there was someone who could heal her, it was you guys... and now that you have successfully done it, then why delay the process..??

Manik – Have I been successful Amms..really..??

Dadi – What do you mean Manik..??

Manik – Dadi, we all came back to Nandini's life but the only person she got the nightmare for was me..do you realise what it means...It means that Nandini is still scared of losing me..Somewhere a part of her sub conscious still thinks that I will leave her...She isn't really sure of me yet...

Abhi – Manik..she just needs a push..

Manik – Abhi let me complete...I donot want to force Nandini into anything...there is a slight difference between forcing and pushing someone, if today I go out there and propose her, she wouldn't say no but it wouldn't be the heartfelt yes either...

He then moved to Amms and Dadi

Manik – Amms I want to be someone Nandini can bank upon for anything, I donot want her to live with a doubt that her actions might result in me going away from her...I want to be her strength and not the reason for her fears...and trust me Dadi whenever that happens, I wouldn't think for second more before making her mine for forever...

❤❤❤❤

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 26.3-----

With this, we come to an end of the part 3 of growing closer...I seriously genuinely hope that you all love the update...

Do let me know if you are with Manik or not...??

The response received to the previous update was brilliant...For the first time I crossed 100 comments for an update in a week of it getting published...that has never happened to me before...So I am happy...!!!

Thank You everyone for the support..!!

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