First of all, thank you people for the votes and comments on the last night update...Last night I was really really disappointed...that slip in the ranking was quite shocking for me..I hadn't seen a slip like that even when i was irregular and witnessing something like that especially when i have done my best to be regular came a shock to me.. Thank you Srishti, AnweshaPramanik, Salriz, Sara, Yugendhara, mamrose2308, saymimanandher, ShramidheeSharma for your comments, I couldn't reply to them for I have now deleted the part for i believe the story should have parts about the characters and not my cribbing, disappointments and mood swings..!!

A special mention to my parents who last night made me realize that somethings are not in our control and so there isn't any point sulking over it..My task is to give 100% to the story till it is completed and i shall continue doing the same...It would get the rank and response it deserves..So peace out people..!!

I do understand, it is exam time for most of my readers, wishing you all the best for your exams and hoping you will come back to story once exams gets over..!!

Here you go with final set of scenes..hope you like them..

4000 words...just finished..not proof read for i have to move on the other story..!!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------- Scene 6 --------------------------------------

Location – Nandini's Paradise, Gurgaon

Nandini's POV

Why..??...Why can't I get the nightmare out of my head...Manik is fine yet every night I am scared to close my eyes for what if the nightmare returns...Last time I had Manik but who will take care of me this time...Why am I turning vulnerable yet again...??...I tried searching online about the nightmare and the result left me baffled, accordingly to some , "to dream death may represent involvement in deeply painful relationships or unhealthy, destructive behaviors" but this new bond with Manik is anything but painful, in fact on a contrary this new start has been a boon for both of us; then another website quoted, "To see someone dying in your dream signifies that your feelings for that person are dead or that a significant change or loss is occurring in your relationship with that person." , This can't be true either, I mean my feelings for Manik can never die, I know I have a special connection with him or as Mukti calls it a "spiritual" connection with him, spirits don't die; right..!!..Therefore, I immediately negated this theory...then it struck me I hadn't actually dreamt dying for I woke up before that, what I saw was a near death experience as they call it, so I searched about it and the results for the same too left me bewildered, "Witnessing a near death experience in your dream implies that you are experiencing a relapse of sorts. You are reverting back to your old habits and ways. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you are being given a second chance or second try at something."; Okay now so this is scary..."reverting to old habits", I do not wish to go back to my old "dependent" self...I mean it is great, that today I have my family and my extended family, I mean my friends with me...but this time I want them to be my support, my strength unlike before when they were my weakness.. And "Second Chance" , its not like I do not wish to give Manik a second chance but will my family accept it after knowing what happened the first time we were together...no one except Abhi, not even Amms is aware of what all happened between me and Manik years ago..in fact no one in my family is aware of the fact the me and Manik were in a relationship at some point for we broke up before I could tell them... and today if I think of giving Manik a second chance, how will my family react to the way the first chance ended...What if Amms reject the idea...??..What if this creates problems in Abhi and Mukti's life...??..What if our friends are again torned between choosing me or him..??..What if things fail to work out this time as well..??...Like last time me and him were great when were just friends, problems crept in when we became a couple...What if something like this happens again??... Oh god..!! I am unable to think straight... I am not making any sense to my own self...how will I make sense to anyone else...??...!!

I was busy scaring the shit of me and confusing myself yet again.. when my phone started ringing... and no points of guessing, it was "Manik" on the call...I gathered myself again as I picked up the call

Me – Hey..!!

Manik – Well...Hello...what took you so long to pick up...??

(Note – the words in brackets will point out Nandini's thoughts...while the once without brackets and in bold would be what she'll actually speak)

Me – (I was preparing myself to get to talk to you)..I do not keep my phone glued to myself to answer it on the first ring (Rude Much...!! Uff Nandini,)

Manik – What's up with you...woke up on the wrong side of the bed kya..??

Me – (Woke up...haha...I didn't sleep only..beat that..!!) No nothing of that sort...why have you called...?? (pretty direct)

Manik – Just like that...thought of talking with you..!!

Me – (Oh..Manik!!...I wish you knew I am too baffled to have a sane conversation, Nandini disconnect the call before it ends up in a fight)...Umm Manik...I am kind of busy right now...Can we talk later..??

Manik – Busy...Are you sure Nandini...You are just busy and nothing else..??

Me – (Am I so transparent that everyone can guess my state just like that)...Yes why..?? Is it that only you can be busy..?? Oh wait with an architectural firm to run alongside music, you are a busy man but that doesn't mean that we are idle Mister..!!(Shit Nandini...what are you saying.. disconnect the call right away)

Manik – Well that's not what I meant...I know you can be tied up too..Sorry to bother you..!!

Me – (Now he is pissed..Kudos Nandini)...No wait Manik..Sorry...You know it is just that (No you can't tell him the truth...he will take the next flight to Delhi...think..think of an excuse)

Manik – Just what Nandini...??

Me – What..!!..yes just what..!! it is just that I was studying for the entrance bit and I just couldn't get a few problems right.. Geometry is tough..!!

Manik – Aray don't worry.. Listen if it is troubling you.. Leave it for now... We can do it together when you come here next week... You focus on other topics till then...!!

Me – (Geometry...seriously Nandini...You couldn't think of any other topic... Now when you'll go to Mumbai, Manik in a split second would realize that you are champion when it comes to geometry and then what will you say..??)

Manik – Hello...Nandini...You there..??

Me – Umm yes..!! (Wait I can No for the Mumbai visit next week...that would be perfect..!!) Manik listen I don't think I will be able to come to Mumbai next week..!!

Manik - No wait..I didn't hear you properly i guess..You are not coming here...Is that what you just said..??

Nandini - Yes Manik, that's exactly what I said..!!

Manik - But Nandini, what is the problem...I mean you come here on ever alternate weekend, so what is the problem now..??...Listen I am booking your tickets you are coming over...End of discussion..!!

Nandini –(What the hell...This Manik Aaiappa, he makes me so so angry...End of discussion seriously...!! now I don't have a say in my life or what..,No it is my life..My..) I need some time with myself Manik...Please stop dictating or taking decisions on my behalf...and this is the end of discussion..!!

And with that I disconnected the call...Brilliant Nandini Murthy...You didn't wish to fight with Manik right...Look how successfully you've achieved it...Note the sarcasm..!! Amazing..now Manik would be so pissed... but wait so am I...Why does he always take calls on my behalf..He is not my boyfriend yet and even if he becomes that ever in future, I have to make it clear to him that he can't dictate always.. Yes he can't...!!

My phone rang again and it was Manik calling...I thought he would be pissed, then why is he calling again..??...Whatever, it is I can't talk to him right now...It will just increase the conflict... Switching on the silent mode on my phone, I picked up my favorite novel and started reading it just to take my mind off the mess and soon enough sleep too took over without me even realizing it...I woke up around four hours later and lazily looked around for my phone.. The notification was enough for my eyes to wide open and sleep to fly out of the window... "20 missed calls from Manik".... Gosh..I was officially screwed for the "conflict" had now turned into a "fight"...!!

POV ends

---------------------------------------------------

A day later, Nandini got a call from Amms at night

Amms - Nandu...!!

Nandini – Ji Amms...how are you..??

Amms – I am good kanna...Are you going to Mumbai for the weekend Nandu..??

Nandini – No Amms...I have some work..Why do you ask..??.. Has Manik said anything...??

Nandini had mentally planned to kill Manik if he had spilled the beans, but thankfully Manik's luck was in his favor for Amms spoke

Amms – Manik, No ....I haven't spoken with him lately... Has something happened Nandu..??

Slapping her forehead for her stupidity, Nandini spoke

Nandini – No Amms...nothing happened...Woh actually I had informed him about not coming to Mumbai toh I thought, he must have told you..!!

Amms – Well I wouldn't be asking you the question, had he told me..!!.. Leave it, I called because I was coming to Delhi, have an appointment with the doctor..!!

Nandini – Doctor...What..Why...is everything fine Amms..??

Amms – Nandu relax...your Amms is getting old Kanna so there are a certain problems that come with old age...nothing Major...There is a famous cardiologist who is coming to India and will be monitoring patients in Artemis, Delhi so your dearest Doctor Uncle here in Mangalore, I mean Krishna, suggested that I should consult him once so, that is why...Nothing too serious to be worried about...Just a normal consultation..!!

Nandini – No worries Amms...I am here only..I'll accompany you for the consultation...Do you want me to book the appointment..??

Amms – No that Krishna would do...so I'll send you the travel details..!!

Nandini – No Amms..I'll send you the travel details...You just let me know the appointment time or rather I'll book a flight for Friday irrespective of the appointment time...What do you think..??

Amms – I think that would be great...we'll have some grandmother and granddaughter time...like old days...!!

Nandini – That sounds perfect Amms..!!

Nandini finished off her daily chores after disconnecting the call and decided to hit the bed to grab some sleep. She had not spoken with Manik since their fight, so she decided to call him but this time Manik chose not to answer the call. She realized that she had scheduled a practice test for next morning, generally it used to be Manik who would wake her up on the test days but owing to the fight, she wasn't sure this time so she kept 3 alarms just to ensure that she isn't late for the test, in case Manik forgets to call.

------------------------------------------------

Next morning around 6 her phone rang, she saw the caller id as "Manik"

Nandini – Finally you are speaking with me..is it..??

But instead of Manik's voice, she heard a clock ringing and some music followed by a chorus sound

"Wake up! Wake Up! Give yourself a Shake up!

Get your body moving....

Reach Up ! Jump Up! Give your friend a thumbs up!

It's another new Day...

Get your feet! Dancing to the beat!

Get your body moving....

Raise a Shout! Let your feelings out !

It's another new Day..."

https://youtu.be/mXVXPTyfA4c

The same music continued on repeat until Nandini spoke

Nandini – Fine I am up...Good Morning Manik..!!

But to her dismay the call was disconnected...

Nandini (looking at her phone) – Monster is really angry this time Nandini...Fine even I won't talk...Idiot...!!

Nandini gave her test and messaged the score to Manik along with a question that she was not able to solve. She then, left for her office. Her phone showed a notification around lunch, where in Manik had sent her the detailed solution with every step, like he used to before, just that this time everything he used speak was written on paper.

Nandini – Seriously Itna gussa...Uff what to do..!!

------------------------------------------------

It was Friday evening and Nandini was talking while lying on Amms lap just like old days.

Amms – Nandu...What do you think of Manik..??

Nandini – He is a good guy Amms...and over the years, the way he has matured is so surprisingly appreciative... Amms you know years back when we were in touch, he was still the nicest guy around, It was just that his impulsiveness at times got better of him...but the control he has gained over it is quite impressive..!!

Amms – So you think, that his impulsive behavior that costed you both your relationship will not be a problem this time...??

Nandini – Absolutely not...Wait Amms..how do you know that me and Manik were in a relationship..??

Amms – I know it all kanna...I know I how and why you broke up...I know that beautiful melody you play in your phone everyday was given you by Manik...I know that Harshad or Soha were not the prime reason for your album not seeing the light of the day...I know a relationship that lasted for more than an year as friends could last even for a few months as lovers...and before you ask me neither Manik nor Abhi told me anything about it...It was Manik's Dadi who told me about your relationship with Manik for she didn't wish to start off Abhi and Mukti's relationship with secrets...And I never asked you because I was waiting for the day when you would yourself talk about it...!!

Nandini – Amms..I do not know what to say...it's not like I didn't wish to tell you about it but Amms I know how much you all love me and I just didn't wish to worry you in any manner....Also Amms, Manik is a lot more than the failed relationship that we had...the time you've spend with him in these two three years would justify this statement and I just didn't wish any negativity to creep in now..!!

Amms – That goes for you as well right...!!

Nandini – Amms as in..??

Amms – Kanna you are right...Manik is a lot more than a failed relationship and so are you... Both of you have evolved over the years but somewhere this evolution has given birth to fears in your head...Aren't you scared of giving Manik a second chance...??

Nandini – I am Amms and even the dream...

Amms – Dream..are you talking about the one where you saw Manik meeting an accident..??

Nandini – Amms how do you know..??

Amms – As I said I know a lot more than you think I know...Coming to the dream, why does it scare you..??

Nandini – Amms...every dream has a meaning, an interpretation...I have tried interpreting the nightmare I had online abut it left me even more confused (And with that she explained all that she read about interpretations)

Amms – A dream can interrupted in a lot of ways Nandu...It is up to you to choose what you think would be apt interpretation...Now I will tell you why I think you got that dream...This was something that my mother told me once and later I found it in a book as well (Amms took a book out from her purse and started reading), To dream that you die in your dream symbolizes inner changes, transformation, self-discovery and positive development that is happening within you or your life...You are undergoing a transitional phase and are becoming more enlightened or spiritual...Although such a dream may bring about feelings of fear and anxiety, it is no cause for alarm as it is often considered a positive symbol...Dreams of experiencing death usually means that big changes are ahead for you...You are moving on to new beginnings and leaving the past behind...These changes does not necessarily imply a negative turn of events. Metaphorically, dying can be seen as an end or a termination to your old ways and habits...So, dying does not always mean a physical death, but an ending of something, which could mean end of dwindling in the past and embarking on some new life adventure. So what do you think about the dream now..??

Nandini – But Amms why was this nightmare about Manik..??

Amms – May be because your relationship with him is in that transitional phase, You know I generally never say this because for me forever is just a term but looking at you and Manik, I sense a feeling of togetherness and a beautiful future with a potential to last forever...!!...but sadly both of you are still stuck in the painful past and that is stopping you from moving forward despite of knowing the life that you aspire for is just a step away...Kanna sometimes in our life, we make ourselves stuck on the edge for ages waiting for that one push, one push to set things right..!!

Nandini - Amms...??

Amms - Nandini we have never forced you into anything...We won't do that even today...But think about it...Think about everything I said..!!...Also remember, life is too short to wait for the right time...you can never guess what the next day shall have in store for you...Don't wait for the right time for its you actions that define the right and the wrong time...!!

Nandini – Thank you Amms...I will definitely think about everything you said.. I wish I had this discussion with you earlier...but better late than never...right....!!

Amms – Absolutely right..!!

---------------------------------- Scene 7 --------------------------------------

Nandini greeted the airhostess before getting down from the plane. She had booked her ticket for Mumbai last weekend when Amms left. She wanted to surprise everyone especially Manik and hence kept it a secret. At the baggage counter, while waiting for her luggage, she called up Manik. Initially he didn't answer the call, but when she called for the fifth time he picked it up thinking what if she is in trouble..!!

Nandini – Dude seriously, where are you busy..??...first of all you didn't call me for 10 days if I am not wrong..oh wait you did call to wake me up with the stupid wake up song...!!..

Manik (silent)

Nandini – Hello you there...??

Manik coughed a little to make her aware of his presence

Nandini – Oh...so are we playing Prem and Nisha from Hum aapke hain kaun...oohhoo ohhooo..!!

Manik then, took a pencil and tapped it on his desk, a tap loud enough for Nandini to hear

Nandini – So we are getting innvotive now...Good I like it...Acha listen I am the airport..If you are free can you come a pick me up..Hold on..My luggage is here...Be on the line haan..!!

Nandini collected her bag and placed it on the trolley. She resumed her one sided call with Manik

Nandini – Manik are you coming to pick me up...Atleast reply, so that I can take the cab if needed..!!

Manik pressed his car horn

Nandini – Oh so you are already on your way... Angry...??

Manik remained silent

Nandini (now getting irritated)- Manik..if you are planning to stay silent, it is better you disconnect the call..!!

Before she could say anything else, the call got disconnected

Nandini – Itna gussa...Aiyappa...You saw na...I tried...Now let him come...I will also not talk to him..!!

About 40 minutes later, Nandini saw Manik's car approaching the arrival gate. Manik stopped the car after spotting her in the crowd.Nandini opened the passenger seat, only to find Abhi sitting there in all his glory..!!

Abhi – What you want to sit next to Manik..??

Nandini – No I am wondering how come you are here..!!

Abhi – Woh I called Manik as my car broke down, and since he was on the way to pick you up, I too chipped in as my car too broke down on the route...!!

Nandini – What..why didn't you take the cab and went back home..??

Abhi – Umm..woh...Haan...I thought Manik would get a good company on the way to the airport..!!

Nandini – Whatever..!!

Nandini took the back seat and for the first time the monster and the mini hulk came face to face in the rear view mirror of the car. Both had their nostrils flurrying in anger.

Abhi – Babydoll..Manik told me you are preparing for MBA entrance..??

Nandini – As if I didn't tell you..we even discussed colleges Abhi!!

Abhi – Of course we did...But I didn't knew that you were so serious about it..Anyways..!! (Abhi in his mind – today is not your day Abhi...Monster and Mini Hulk both look feisty...Rafrain yourself from teasing...will be good for your health) Did you finalise on the college..??

Nandini – Not yet, I have ISB in mind abhi tak toh..!!

Abhi – You know I think you should try in the colleges outside India as well..What do you think Manik..??

Manik - Are you asking me...??..As a friend I think i should warn you...you should ask your sister before asking me Abhi for all you know she might not like my interference in her life..!!

Abhi – Are you two fighting...??...Wait of course you are...that is why you asked me to join you Manik..isn't it..??

Nandini – Manik asked you to join...matlab your car didn't break down..!!

Manik – Couldn't you just keep it a secret Abhi..??

Nandini – Why are you shouting at him Manik..??

Manik – I am not talking to you...!!

Nandini – I can see that and guess what now even Abhi can...Thanks to you..!!

Manik – So what...I just said what you told me 10 days back..remeber...I have just rephrased your words..!!

Nandini – I didn't mean it that way Manik..!!

Manik – Cool then even I don't mean it that way Abhi..and you can guess the way I mean it by your own..Okay..!!

Nandini - Manik please enough now..!!

Manik - Exactly Nandini enough now..!!

Abhi – Alright you two...enough now...What the hell is wrong with both of you..??...Manik drop me at Mukti's place and then continue with your fight..!!

Manik nodded and headed towards Mukti's place. The 20 minute ride to Mukti's place was completed in pin drop silence. Abhi and Nandini both got down at Mukti place while Abhi moved inside the building, Nandini shiflted to the front seat. Manik resumed the drive, the silence continued to haunt the car. About 10 minutes later an idea clicked her mind and she placed her hand on Manik's which was on the steer wheel

(Nandini) Achaa ji main haari, chalo maan jaao naa

(Manik) Dekhi sabaki yaari, meraa dil jalaao naa

(Nandini) Chhote se kasoor pe, aise ho khafaa

(Manik) Roothe to huzuur the, meri kyaa khataa

(Nandini) Dekho dil naa todo

(Manik) Chhodo haath chhodo

(Nandini) Dekho dil na todo

(Manik) Are! chhodo haath chhodo

(Nandini) Chhod diyaa to haath maloge samajhe?

(Manik – making faces) Ajii samajhe!

(Nandini) Achaa ji main haari, chalo maan jaao naa

(Manik) Dekhi sabaki yaari, meraa dil jalaao naa

https://youtu.be/gacNJno30yY

Nandini – Manik I am sorry...I didn't mean to hurt you...honestly I was trying my best not to say anything stupid but eventually I did..I am sorry..!!

Manik still didn't respond and this lack of response made her eyes to tear up

Nandini – Manik, please say something...I know I said something I shouldn't have but Manik please don't be silent, please speak up...How can we think of a future together if we can't solve a simple conflict..??

The word "Future together" got Manik to stop the car with a jerk and look at her

Manik – What did you say..Future..Excatly Nandini How can we think of future together when all we do is to keep our worries to ourselves...??...You think I am stupid....Don't I know that anger or frustration was not because I said that I shall book the tickets...It was something else...I asked you...I called you again but you didn't answer...I stopped calling thinking that you will yourself share your worries with me but no...You didn't...10 days Nandini, you kept it in for 10 days and look at the irony of the situation that you are still not ready to share it with me...Is this the glimpse of the future you are talking about.

Nandini – Manik...it is not like I don't want to share but at the same time I am scared too...Okay I'll tell you what it was (and then she narrated him her worry regarding the night mare)

Manik – I knew it..I knew the anger was not on me...I knew you were trying too hard to control...Nandini I told you the nightmare wasn't anything to be worried about but you couldn't refrain yourself from stressing about it, could you..??

Nandini – Unfortunately No...But there is a silver lining Manik, I realized, rather I discussed with Amms and that discussion made me realize that the nightmare can actually be sign of the beginning of a new future with you in it...A sign of completely letting go of the past and rebuilding with new foundations..!!

Manik – You really see a future don't you...You are very serious about it..Right..!!

Nandini – Why are you not..wait you are not...How could I not see that you are not ready...Shit...Manik I...I..!!

Manik – Wait...Wait...Stop jumping into conclusions...Who said I am not ready...for all you know I might be just cross checking...!!...Nonetheless...I just have one request..!!

Nandini – To take it slow..!!

Manik – How do you know..??

Nandini – One because I am smart and two because I too feel the same way..!!

Manik – Then we are on the same page are we...??

Nandini – Absolutely...!!

And with that they hugged each other as tightly as they could..!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 26.4-----

With this, we come to an end of the final part of growing closer...

So there is a future and the future has both of them together in it...Let's how this future and when becomes the present

Thank You everyone for the support..!!

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