A quick recap - Nandini meets her long lost friends when her brother Abhi decides to marry one of them, Mukti. After some initial apprehensions, the bond shared five years before reinstates itself and the gang comes back together with Manik and Nandini becoming friends again. After several moments of being with one another and a slight push by the family and friends, Manik and and Nandini are finally hope for a "future together"
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(Chapter -27, Part 1, 3000 words, unedited, ignore the mistakes and errors)
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The clock had struck 5 and anxiousness was taking over Manik's mind and heart leaving him helpless and restless. He continued to utter curses for the client who out of all days decided to meet him today. Not that Nandini needed him but he wanted to be by Nandini's side today and therefore despite of being seated in the conference room, his thoughts wandered miles away to the city of Gurgaon where the most important girl of life was giving probably the most important exam of her life. He remembered the conversation they had last week
(Flashback – On call)
Nandini – Manik listen to me..!!
Manik – No Nandini, I will postpone the meeting..!!
Nandini – You and I both know, there isn't any scope for postponement, you will lose the contract Manik...a contract which is very important for your firm..a contract that not only concerns you but also the people who work for you...!!
Manik – But..
Nandini – Okay...Hold on...take a deep breath....Come 'on I can't hear it...A little deeper and louder....(Nandini paused the conversation and continue only once she heard him taking a deep sigh)...Good...now listen to me...I know you want to be here but tell me something even if you come here all you would be able to do is sit outside and get worried for almost four and an half hours...I know you want to come here to support me but Manik my heart is already aware of your support and trust me that takes away all my worries...I am not kidding...!!
Manik – You sure you'll be fine
Nandini – one hundred percent and plus you would call me before the exam and I would give you a call once its ends so no worries..!!
Manik – Make sure you call me as soon as the exam gets over..!!
Nandini – I will
(Flashback ends)
Manik's train of thought was broken when his assistant nudged him. He checked his cellphone but sadly even after ten minutes of the scheduled end time, there wasn't a single call or message from her. Not able to contain his worry anymore, he excused himself for a while to call her but to his dismay her number was switched off. He kept taking rounds of the corridor with his hands folded and lips praying for everything to go well. About ten minutes later, his phone rang and the caller was exactly whom he wanted to be
Manik (picking up the call) - Where were you Nandini...??...You were supposed to call me 20 min ago..!!
Nandini - Manik...!!
Manik's senses altered him as soon as he heard her shaky voice
Manik - Hey...hey...what happened...Listen it is not the end okay...relax, we will give another try...Don't cry...Don't stress yourself...nothing has changed..and nothing will change...!!
Nandini – Manik listen
Manik (not letting her finish) – No you first listen to me...wipe of the tears...drink some water...everything will be fine Nandini...you know this is why I wanted to be with you..Damn this meeting..!!
Nandini - Manik Malhotra...Stop your train of thoughts right now and let me speak..!!....(Silence prevailed for a few seconds)....Manik listen to me very carefully...I passed it Manik...I cleared the MBA entrance this time..I scored 760 on GMAT...I did it... !!
Manik – You are not kidding right but then why are you crying..??
Nandini – Because I am happy buddhu...very very happy...you know I would have hugged you so tightly if you would have been here...I don't seem to contain my emotions at the moment...Manik I can't even begin to explain how it feels like...I mean Amms would be so happy...Amma Appa would be so happy for me...and you...!!
Manik – I am so proud of you Nandini...So so proud...and don't worry I would have tightened the hug wrapping my arms around your waist perfectly...!!
Nandini – Really is that so..and then..!!
Manik – And then I would have picked you up and twirled you around...You make me so happy Nandini.. and then before I would have....!!
Nandini – Okay okay...calm down your horses mister...Since I have made you so happy, how about you returns the favour...go in the meeting room and grab the deal like you own it... What say..!!
Manik – Sure thing...I'll call you once I am done with the meeting
Nandini – I'll wait for your call..!!
Manik – Congratulations Nandini...I am delighted..Thank you for the wonderful news...!!
Nandini – Bye Manik..All the best..!!
Manik disconnected the call and continued with his meeting only to come out with deal in his kitty. It was a day when both of them achieved professional success, a day when it was difficult to distinguish if they were happy for themselves or for the other person but the bottom line was that they were happy and that was all that mattered
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Only two weeks were left for Abhi and Mukti's wedding and today Nandini was supposed to arrive in Mumbai to join the wedding festivities. She had already applied for two weeks of leave for her brother was getting married and she didn't wish to miss a single second of it. Nobody could say it was the same Nandini who, probably a year back, would avoid meeting anyone for her only contact to the outside world was her minimal activities on social network. The changed or revamped Nandini was a delight to be with and there wasn't an ounce of doubt about that.
The situation on the other coast was strikingly similar. Manik was no longer a part of the festivities for namesake, on a contrary he was the most enthusiastic of the lot, much to the annoyance of everyone else for they got too tired coping up with his expectations but no one complained and why should they for this was exactly what they wanted; their two precious souls had come back and the families and friends couldn't be happier.
The clan sans Abhi and Mukti were engrossed in an intense discussion. The absence of Mukti and Abhi was justified since the group was discussing the surprise gifts they had planned for newly-weds. Dhruv and Alya decided to gift them a weekend getaway after their wedding while Cabir and Navya opted for reservations for the first night after wedding. Manik and Nandini took the responsibility of redoing the interiors of the house Mukti and Abhi were supposed to live in. Everyone was content with their choice except Nandini.
Navya – Nandini what is bothering you..?
Nandini – Navya...I am happy with the gift...but this wedding had come in a welcome change in my life...I want to do something very special...something out of the box...you know...something that makes them so so happy but I just can't figure out what should that be..!!
Manik – May be you could gift them a memory to cherish for..!!
Alya – Ya Nandini....Like you give a dance performance at the Sangeet for them or maybe you could make a video for Abhi wherein you can share your memories
Nandini – Alya but that would be more for Abhi than Mukti...I want to do something special for both of them not just one.
Cabir – Toh we can make a skit or play of their journey from childhood till date..inputs about Abhi can come from you and Manik can tell us about Mukti...
Dhruv – And we all can also chip in with our knowledge and memories of them..!!
Manik – That is a good idea Cabir...Let us do it...What say...!!
Nandini – I think that's great...Lets come up with an interesting and engaging script...I think let us think for a day or two and then meet again to connect the memories together...Thank you Cabir...that is actually a nice thought...!!
Cabir – Well you see...I am quite talented...!!
Dhruv – of course we know that....after all you are or inhouse talented joker..!!
Cabir made a face while everyone else laughed.
Manik – Ok guys..Nandini I think we should leave, we have to go for furniture shopping today...!!
Nandini – Oh yes..let us finish it off...there is a lot more to do..Bye guys.!!
Saying this gang dispersed for their respective work. Manik and Nandini finalized the furniture for the house and headed towards décor shopping. They bought a few painting and vases before heading towards Dadi's place for dinner.
On reaching, Manik was about to step out when Nandini held his hand.
Manik – What happened Nandini..!!
Nandini – I can't think of anything special to give to Abhi and Mukti...!!
Manik – But we are doing the play right....!!
Nandini – I know Manik but play we all are doing it..I want to give them a memory that reminds them of me...Only me...Don't get me wrong I love the idea of the play and I have already started brainstorming about the possible inclusions in it...However, I might sound selfish but I really want to do something myself..!!
Manik – First of all there isn't anything selfish about this wish, second if you really wish that, I think the there is something that you can do, not just for them but for everyone else too...!!
Nandini – As in..!!
Manik – Umm...before I explain you are okay if your gift turns out to be special for everyone else too and not just Mukti and Abhi...!!
Nandini – Ya..I guess so...what is your idea..??
Manik – Nandini you could bring Music back in your life...and when I say back I mean professionally....you could record a song for Abhi's label.. and trust me when I say this Mukti would be really happy to see in the studio because this is one thing that she has wished ever since you left Music..!!
Nandini (Surprised) – Manik...!!
Manik – I know it is not that easy but isn't their happiness worth the effort you'll put in...Trust me everyone including Abhi and Mukti will be elated...Think about it...!!
Seeing Nandini lost in her thoughts, Manik said;
Manik – Nandini Take your time...you don't need to make the decision right at this moment...Come now, everyone is waiting for dinner...!!
Nandini nodded and moved inside the building.
Nandini's POV
Music... the idea of singing professionally gave me jitters... Manik is right... There isn't a better memory I could gift everyone...They brought me closer to myself... if I start singing professionally they would be the happiest... But music, rather, professional singing snatched away a lot from me... Am I really ready to take that risk..??...Manik sensed my nervousness perks of being someone who knows you inside out and therefore asked me not to stress about it but I just couldn't help myself thinking about the same.... I had a silent dinner, thanks to the thoughts that muddled my head... All I looked for was a sign... a sign that could probably propel me, act as a driving force, something that could tell me that this time the fate is on my side... the move that I have been considering as mistake all this while, I looked out for something that could assure me that the mistake can be repeated.. and just then I felt a hand slipping into mine...I turned my head to look at the owner who in turn just blinked his eyes and tightened his hold...Oh Manik...I missed you so much...!!...I smiled and got up for I had an important announcement to make..!!
Nandini's POV ends
Nandini – Abhi...How long does it take for you to set up a recording in the studio...??
Abhi – Well that depends, if the soundtrack and lyrics are ready we can do it the same day..Why do you ask..??
Nandini – Attention everyone..!!..I have to say something..!!
Dadi – What is it Nandu..??
Nandini – What are you guys doing tomorrow...No Scratch that...Put everything on hold for tomorrow morning...(turning to Fab5)...People I will send you the notes tonight...Please arrange the instruments accordingly...we would be doing a live recording..!!
Abhi – Nandu are you...??
Nandini – Abhi...it's your wedding but it has in turn gifted me with people and emotions I had given up on a long time ago...Music too was something I gave up on and today I feel it is the right time to walk back the musical lane...are you guys with me on this..??
Abhi hugged Nandini with tears rolling down his eyes. Sometimes words are just not good enough to express what we will, on those moments gestures like theses communicate our feelings.
Cabir – Of course...Why not...I think we should start practicing from today itself..!!
Alya – Absolutely...Lets grab our instruments and meet at Abhi's place..!!
Nandini – People...I want the lyrics to be a surprise tomorrow..!!
Manik – No worries Nandini...you can just hum the tune..Lyrics can be a secret...We'll play around the supporting music..!!
Dadi – All the best Nandu...Your Amms would also come tomorrow..I'll bring her directly to the recording studio..!!
Nandini – Thank you Dadi...!!
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Next morning, Abhi was pacing around the office like a maniac trying not to miss out on a single thing. The employees were surprised with Abhi's panic state for till date they had only seen the calmer and more composed side of their boss. Little did they know, that it was his little sister who was going to sing her first ever song and this fact was making him anxious to the core for he wanted everything to be perfect for his babydoll. Fab5 was busy setting up the instruments in the recording studio for as per Nandini's wish this was a live recording, just the way it used to happen in 60's and 70's with live instruments. The elder Malhotras and Murthys had also arrived for none of them could miss the opportunity to hear their angel recording live. Rishabh and Navya accompanied Nandini to the studio. The studio was ready by the time Nandini entered. Taking blessing from the elders, she headed towards the recording room when memories replayed in head like a flash, Soha getting aggressive and hitting her, Harshad trying to harm her; all these memories halted her moving steps. Abhi sensed the uneasiness but before he could step forward to support, Manik came forward and held her.
Manik – Nandini it was all in the past... You are stronger and braver than before...Donot carry an iota of worry in the recording room...Nothing wrong will happen...and just in case God forbid something goes wrong, we are right here...We won't let you take a step back...I won't let that happen...!!
Nandini – Promise
Manik smiled at the childlike demand that Nandini just placed and kissed her plam
Manik – Promise Babygirl...Now make all of us proud...Come'on the mike is waiting for you..!!
Everyone smiled looking at their bond and Nandini took the position infront of the mike.
Nandini – Before I start, the lyrics are not about self-praise....It is the way I aspire myself to be...It is the something I wish to be some day or maybe I already am
Manik strummed his guitar to play the first note and about five seconds later Nandini hummed the first note, about ten seconds later Cabir joined the party along with everyone else and around thirty seconds into the music Nandini sang the first word
Pehli Barish Ki Tarah, Dil Ko Bhigane Chali
Pehli Azaan Ki Tarah, Tujh Ko Jagane Chali
Aawari Aawari Main Puri Aawari
Aawari Aawari Main Puri Aawari
Everyone knew the beautiful writer Nandini was and the depth of her words strengthened their view. They were amazed how in just a few lines, she spoke about the importance she holds in the lives of her friends and family for just like the first rains, she came back to drench their hearts....Just like the first morning prayer, she came back to wake them up....A free spirit, She indeed is a free spirit...
Khushboo Saari Kudrat Ki, Lekar Mai Aise Phirti
Jaise Ke Khud Hu Ek Hawa Mehki
Aawari Aawari Main Puri Aawari
Aawari Aawari Main Puri Aawari
She carries around the fragrance of the God's Nature, As if she herself is the fresh breath... A free spirit, She indeed is a free spirit...
Teri Zameen, Tera Aasmaan, Dono Naya Kar Chali
Muskaate Hoton Se Yunn, Rangaat Bayan Kar Chali
She turned everything new again and the smile on her face described the colors she added to their lives.
Nandini turned towards Manik indicating that the last set of lines are probably meant for him
Rukha Rukha Dil Ka Mausam, Mai Khushnuma Kar Chali
Har Gham Har Dard Tera , Mai Ghumshuda Kar Chali
Kone Mai Dill Ke Kahin, Kamra Banane Chali
Aawari Aawari Main Puri Aawari
Aawari Aawari Main Puri Aawari
Mai Puri Aawari Main Puri Aawari
Aiming to change the dry pastures of his heart to something beautiful, fading his pains and sorrows, she has come to make a room for herself in some corner of his heart... A free spirit, She indeed is a free spirit...
https://youtu.be/FKdpv_EfUng
She was welcomed with applause as soon as she finished the song. The younger clan rushed to take into a hug.
Nandini – Guys let me breath...!!
Mukti – You know Nandini this is the best wedding gift ever...truly..!!
Abhi – Absolutely we couldn't ask for anything more..!!
Cabir – True...nothing can surpass this memory you've given us...Time for celebration guys..!!
Everyone nodded and left the recording room leaving Manik and Nandini. Manik hugged her once again and planted a kiss on her forehead.
Manik – I promise Nandini, My free spirited Babygirl is here to stay forever...!!
Nandini did nothing except tightening the hug
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It has been two days that Nandini recorded the song. Manik and Nandini were in the care heading to shop when something rather someone caught her attention
Nandini – Manik, look Navya...!!
Manik – What is she doing in a rehab..??
Nandini – Must be here for a case..!!
Manik – But yesterday only she told me that there aren't any cases for her...she had closed all of them...infact the verdict of the only pending case luckily came out a day before she had applied for leave..Hold on is that Cabir...??
Nandini – Yes and looks like he is talking to the doctor...I think we should talk to them...!!
Manik – Lets me call him
Nandini – Put the call on speaker
Manik (on Call) – Hey cabir where are you..??
Cabir – Umm Manik I am out somewhere...Can we speak later if it is not urgent
Nandini – Cabir Nandini here...By any chance is Navya there with you..??
Cabir – No she is not with me..I'll ask her to call you...Got to go..Byee..!!
Manik and Nandini came out of their car and moved to the spot where Cabir and Navya were discussing with the doctor. They waited for the discussion to get over. Cabir and Navya turned to move to their car only to get shocked seeing Manik and Nandini there.
Manik – Cabir my driver shall bring in your car to your place...both of you are coming with us...We need to talk..!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 27.1-----
Thank You everyone for the support..!!
That's it from me for today...See you guys..Cheers..!!
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