Manik neatly arranged the papers in the file as Nandini watched him with a scowl on her face. He was mindful of her constant gaze but consciously decided to ignore it for now. However, Nandini had enough of his ignorance as she decided to try her luck for one more time when she called him

Nandini – Manik Listen !!

Manik – Zip it Nandini...I am not agreeing to your stupid demands

Nandini – Right, So my demands are stupid now...Guess what you can keep these papers to yourself, because I am not applying for Visa and I guess you are smart enough to realize that if I am not applying for visa that means I am not going to Harvard.

Manik – Seriously Nandini, I cannot believe you can act so childish even now, you are 29 for God's sake...Mind behaving your age

Nandini – Oh !! So now I am childish as well... You know what Manik Malhotra, Let us talk like adults now...Remember the deal, let me recall that for you I will go to Harvard only if you agree to my conditions and now that you are not agreeing then I am not going

Manik – And I believe you would also recall that I just didn't agree to only one utterly stupid condition of yours

Nandini - GO TO HELL MANIK MALHOTRA

Throwing a cushion at him with full force, she stormed out of the room leaving a completely baffled Manik behind. "Did she just walk out on me", he thought stilled for a few seconds and then shrugging off his shoulders, he went back to arranging papers. He knew Nandini would come around.

Nandini, on the other hand, rush to the balcony - her favourite part of the house. She sat on the hammock, her eyes absorbed the beauty of the setting sun as she reminisced the day they discussed about her conditions. Her conditions were simple, according to her and for a larger part Manik too agreed with it except for one. He found her point of view silly while she found his objections to it pointless.

Flashback

It was two days after his birthday, when Nandini and Manik got time to sit down and discuss the conditions. His birthday was spent with his and her family showering him with love and blessings while their friends had planned a night drive followed by a day-out chilling at the resort. Manik and Nandini were dead tired after returning from the resort and straight away crashed on the bed. However, the next day when they got up there agenda was clear, they had a task in hand and they were in no mood to delay it any further. Seated in the living room post breakfast, Manik placed coffee mugs on the centre table and asked,

Manik – So Madam, what are your conditions, Please elaborate !!

Nandini – You will take care of your health, no excuses to miss on Yoga or medicines, no matter what, Deal

Manik – I agree to that

Nandini – Alright, so the first one is that you will not compromise on your work on my account, no cancelling of meetings because you need to talks me or getting so engrossed in the quest to find projects in America and paying little attention to the ones in hand

Manik – Wait a minute, how do you know I was looking for American projects

Nandini – Just how you know that I would eventually agree to go to Harvard

Manik – Ya right !! We know each other a little too well, don't we ?? (Nandini nodded with a smile) Ok Darling, I agree to that as well, however, that nowhere means I won't look out for projects based out in US but I will not make them my priority. Also, if I get a good deal I will agree to it, is that okay??

Nandini – Yes that is but remember, it has to be a "good" deal and not a "mediocre" one. You have people working for your firm, there life depends upon your decisions, please make wise ones !!

Manik – I get your point and I agree to it, what else ??

Nandini – You and Fab5 will have at least one concert in US in a year and it should be around my holiday time !!

Manik – Excuse me..What !!

Nandini – Why are you so surprised Manik ?? Just because I said you shouldn't compromise on work on my account, doesn't mean I don't want to meet you and everyone else. I have researched on Harvard's student life and have realized that there are semester breaks where people go back to meet their loved ones. There are three semester breaks generally, so in one I would come to India, in the other you guys can come for the concert and I would join you as you travel through different cities and in the third one you would visit me at the university. I am opting for a studio apartment accommodation for a reason, you don't expect me sulk in alone there do you.

Manik – I understand your visit to India, a Fab 5 concert but my visit to US, won't that compromise my work. (Manik said teasingly)

Nandini – (replied back with the same tease) You see Mr.Smarty Pants Boyfriend, you are the CEO of your firm, you are allowed a few holidays which to my understanding currently you take in fragments just as the current 3 days, but from now on your leaves will not be spilled over year rather taken in bulk. Secondly when I visit India, I would be meeting everyone and my schedule will be divided accordingly; when you guys visit US for concert again there would be everyone, but when you visit US it will be only you, It will be our time Manik.. Just us !!

Manik – You know right I love you!! You amaze me to no end Ms. Intelligently Awesome Girlfriend.

Nandini – That I am !! (pulling up her imaginary collars) So you agree ??

Manik – 100%

Nandini – Ok now the last one !!

Manik – Wait just "four"!! Here I thought there would be a long list..Phew !! Chalo, tell me the last one quickly and after agreeing to that I have some plans that involve the bed, you and me before I drop you to the airport for your flight!!

Nandini – You are crazy Manik, you know that right !! Anyways, last one is not that difficult. We would message each other on daily basis, however, video calling would be once in a week affair.

Manik – Wait...What !! There is no way I am agreeing to this, we would be talking on daily basis just as we do right now !!

Nandini – Manik, please understand currently we are in the same time zone, so it's not an issue. Once I join the university, there will also be a 9:30 hrs difference, when I wake up at 7 you would be in your office and by the time you would be free at night post dinner etc, I would be in my class which is why I am suggesting this arrangement.

Manik – Your arrangement sucks, I am not agreeing to it at all!!

Nandini – Manik, what is the issue here ?? I am not saying we would be not be in touch, we would be messaging each other, just the calls are being weekly

Manik – The issue is that a message saying "hello", doesn't explain the mood of the person typing it. The voice on a contrary just does that. Knowing that you always keep your worries to yourself, unless someone actually identifies that something is troubling you, I am sorry but I can't let you live with your worries muddling your head for day until weekend. Moreover, what about me, what if I need to speak to you, I won't wait a weekend to actually share it to you.

Nandini – You can call me whenever you want Manik, I will be there for you, Promise!!

Manik – And what about my promise to Nandini, I can't possibly be there for you if I am oblivion to the fact that you need me.

Nandini – Ok fine !! I will tell you whenever there is something troubling me

Manik – Ya right !! Just as you told me about the jitters and bad dreams you've been having in the past few months right...Just as you told me that you would be telling me this too !!

Nandini – We used to talk daily in the past two months Manik..!!

Manik – And everytime we spoke I realized something is off...I was just waiting for you to open up yourself because I knew in the worst case scenario it will only take me 2-3 hrs to reach you. But now you would be miles away, I can't take the risk of you being miles away being troubled or even apprehensive about anything for that matter. So no I am not agreeing for this, not today or tomorrow.

Nandini – You almost make it sound like I don't share at all Manik, I do and you know that

Manik – Right !! just as I have two horns on my head and you know that. Also, please don't put words in my mouth Nandini, I never said you don't share "at all", but the fact is you like to keep your woes to yourself thinking you would sort them on your own and not trouble others. So I am more that okay with the first three conditions and last one I am not in agreement with. Anyways, I think let's leave for the airport now.

Nandini – No need I can go on my own

Manik – Oh I am sure you can !! But since I am also travelling to Gurgaon by the same flight, I don't want paparazzi to click us coming to airport in different vehicles when they are very well aware of the fact that the pick-up and drop location are exactly the same. You don't want tomorrow's headlines to be , "is trouble brewing in between the singing couple", Do you ??

Nandini – Why do you have to make everything so difficult Manik ??

Manik – Because simple and me don't go well together

With that, they moved to the bedroom to pick their luggage. They looked at the bed, shared a brief look with each other and sighed before looking at the bed again, probably thinking "Hard luck this time, next time maybe"

Soon they were seated at the airport, prior to which they gave their perfect to be swooned upon couple pictures to the paparazzi. They landed in Delhi at night and about an hour later they slept with an arms distance between them.

Flashback ends

Nandini saw the sky turning dark and got up to prepare the dinner; however, she was taken by surprise when she saw Manik standing the balcony entrance with two plates of mix sauce pasta in his hands. He moved forward and passed on the plate to her while he choose to settle himself down at the wooden recliner. Nandini looked at him and found him completely engrossed in the food on his plate. She wondered if she was actually being "childish" and "stubborn".

When her parents passed away, the childishness in Nandini had also bid her a goodbye. The demanding side of her had taken a backseat and she was absolutely okay with whatever life bestowed her with or threw at her. It wasn't like she didn't ask or demanded from her Amms, Chacha-Chachi, Abhi but her demand lacks expectations. If the demand wasn't fulfilled for any reason, she felt not sense of disappointment nor was she overly joyed when she got what she wanted. Then college happened and suddenly she grew up. No more demands, no more wish lists, nothing; nothing at all. However with Manik coming, she was herself again, the child that was long gone was resurfacing. She felt disappointed when he didn't agree to her, she felt ecstatic with anything that had to do with him; she was unabashed, unfiltered; she was real with him and only him.

Nandini was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realise that post finishing his meal, Manik had moved the recliner just opposite to her hammock and now they were face to face. Manik observed her for good ten minutes before he realized it was the time to break the reverie and he called her out

Manik – Penny for thoughts madam !!

Nandini – Is that wrong ??

Manik – What is "that wrong" ??

Nandini – I was recalling our yesterday's conversation; is it wrong to try and solve your problems by yourself ??

Manik – No it isn't, trying to solve your problems isn't wrong at all for the fact is that no one but you would know it best. When I ask you to share your woes, I don't do it with an intent to solve it, rather to be aware and prepare myself for the time when you get stuck and in a state where you fail to communicate properly at least I am able to connect the dots.

Nandini – Manik why aren't to agreeing to this condition ? I know there is more to this than just me being a bit reclusive, what is it ??

Manik - Nandini, last time the major reason for our fallout was the lack of communication. I don't want to give that lack an opportunity to even think of making inroads in our relationship this time. Everything that has happened in the past can repeat except this. This communication gap has taken a lot away from me in the past and left me with regrets, including you, Mom and Dad. I just cannot afford to let that creep in once again.

Nandini – Manik you know na I am trying !!

Manik – I know that Nandini. I am not at all oblivious to certain things happening around you, certain changes taking place in you and I am overwhelmed with the effort you've been putting in. Having said that I also realise, this side of you that you are trying to change cannot switch in overnight. It is a habit that has developed over the years, it will take its own sweet time to change for better. I want to be with you in that process just as you are there in mine. I can totally relate to you; I lost mom and dad a few years back and just the loss made me reclusive too, I took my own time to come out of it with your support. I want to be that anchor in your life and for that you need to let me in the door or at least open the window so that I can let myself in when hesitation blocks the door.

Nandini – You don't find me childish, stupid or silly !!

Manik – Oh no you are all of that and much more. I find you REAL when you are with me and this "Real" you is exclusively mine

Nandini – Forever

Manik – Humesha

Just then, Manik's phone rang and news he received made him numb. Nandini saw colors fading, him turning white in shock and that left her panicked.

Nandini – What's wrong ??

Manik – It's Navya, We need to go to Mumbai now

Nandini – What do you mean by its Navya..What has happened to her ?? Who was on the call ??

Manik – It was Dhruv, he said they have taken her to the hospital, doctors say she is serious !! You lock the doors and pack in case you need anything; I'll call Varun and get the tickets booked and cab arranged.

Nandini – Get 4 tickets booked, Arya is getting the cab. He and Myra are coming with us too.

Manik look at her dazed and Nandini answered his unasked question

Nandini – Dhruv messaged on the group, Aryaman in there too..he got to know

Manik nodded and called Varun to get the tickets booked. Aryaman and Myra soon showed up and in no time they were in the cab moving towards the airport. Manik call Raj to know the details for he knew at he would be the only one stable enough to tell them. Raj told them how Navya felt uneasy since morning and the problem got aggravated quickly by afternoon. They got her to the hospital and by the time the tests were being conducted, she was unconscious. Doctors are saying there was an infection that worsened her existing condition and the tumor that was to be removed in a month's time has to be done today. Manik immediately disconnected the call and called doctor he was in touch with at AIIMS regarding Navya's case. Only Cabir and Manik were aware of this development as this was very recent and Manik knew Cabir would not be in a state to call anyone for that matter. He just wanted go there, hug his best friend tight and tell him everything will be okay. As soon as the Dr.Vats picked up the call, he immediately informed that he too is on the way as he received a call from the Mumbai hospital with the reports and he is currently studying them at the airport. Manik, Nandini, Aryaman and Myra met Dr.Vats at the airport meeting lounge and he briefed them of the complications worrying them even more

Nandini – Please tell us she be fine !!

Dr. Vats – It is a complicated case child but I assure you we will try our best. In fact I will just speak with the team in Mumbai and see the progess.

After waiting for two and half painstaking hours, they finally reached Mumbai and the drive to the hospital took another half an hour. As soon as they reached the hospital, Manik rushed to Cabir and hugged him tight.

Cabir was stoic up till then. Everyone left him alone thinking he needs his space but Manik knew he needed that hug, that assurance not only because he was his best friend but also since he has been in the exact same situation a few years ago in the exact same hospital and probably the exact same corridor. He wanted a shoulder to cry on but instead he was being everyone's shoulder. They all hugged him but in that hug they grieved their loss leaning on to Manik while he them tighter. Cabir as if waiting for Manik burst into tears as soon as he tightened the hug and Manik let him. He let him because he knew that keeping them in will make Cabir weak and at this point of time he can be anything but weak. The surgery lasted for almost eight hours, nonetheless to say they were the most difficult eight hours of their lives. Moreover paparazzi and media made it even worse. Media got to know Fab5 being in hospital with Nandini and the news spread like fire. Even in the wee hours, there were number them waiting outside the hospital to give the latest updates; God knows to whom and for that they troubled everyone from doctors to nurses to ward boys to peons to even the security guard. It was only when Abhi lost his calm and decided to knock senses out of them they got quite. Abhi made a statement on behalf of the family closing the prying eyes and also ended it with saying "I don't know who is up to watch or read this statement at 2o'clock at night but if you are please pray for her before going to bed. Do it for Cabir, for Fab5, for Nandini"

In the early morning hours, the red bulb of the OT got off and the doctors came out. They informed everyone that the tumor has been removed but the infection has spread. Though they have given her the medicine, she needs to gain consciousness soon only then she would be declared out of danger until then she is under observation and nothing can be said. Everyone prayed to almighty and hours passed. From rising sun was not setting and night was taking over but Navya was still unconscious and the danger still loomed ever darker now. Manik silently walked to the terrace and sat there dejectedly. He looked at the sky and the tears started flowing down. A hand slipped into his a couple of minutes later and he turned to look at the face which was tear stained and eyes that were stuck on the sky probably asking God to gift her best friend life.

Manik tried to tighten the grip but failed with shaking fingers and Nandini realized he was scared

Nandini – Manik she will be fine

Manik – She has to be fine. I am not strong enough to take another dead body from this hospital. This was the hospital where Dadu breath his last. I was too young to realize anything me but when Mom Dad were admitted here, the doctors said similar things. They have been given medicines but they can confirm only once the gain senses. I waited for them to gain senses, I waited to apologise to them, I waited to tell them that they are my world but the wait never came to an end.

Nandini – I waited for my parent to get back home and hug me to sleep, that wait to never came to an end. I know this throbbing pain Manik, I know it way too well that it still burns.

Manik - And I don't want Cabir to go through the same pain. He will be broken Nandini, shattered into pieces. I have seen Cabir crying, breaking down in the past few months. I am waiting for this time to get over, for Navya's suffering's to end, for Cabir's pain to end. I am waiting to tell Navya how despite of being younger to me, she is still that elder sister I never had; waiting to say Thank you to her for unlike others she didn't blame me when things got sore between us; waiting to say I am forever indebted to her for being my support in the most difficult times of my life; waiting for her to wake so that she could put me sleep by gently caressing my hairs and humming; waiting for her to wake so that I can tell her she is very important in my life and I don't want a life without her being a living part of it. And I want this wait to end as soon as possible.

Just then, they heard someone's fast breathing and turned around to see Aryaman who was panting probably because he rushed up the stairs

Aryaman – Navya has gained consciousness. She just moved her eyeballs and fingers. We've been looking for you guys. Come quickly, doctors are saying she is stable now. The medicine is curbing the infection and soon she will be fine

He couldn't contain the euphoria in his voice as his said the last part and before Manik and Nandini could react, he rushed back down. Nandini turned to Manik and said

Nandini – The wait has ended, she can hear you !!

Smiling amidst the tears, they both too rushed down as the sky twinkled with bright stars, with four of them shining the brightest.

Four stars silently blessed their children from above twinkling the brightest. They had seen their children in pain; they had witnessed Nandini's insecurities and Manik's assurance; they brightened the night sky celebrating Manik's birthday; they rejoiced in happiness when they saw their children being real with each other; and they beamed that their kids no longer had to wait anymore. It seemed like the scintillating sky was their way to tell their kids that they know it all they have been waiting tell them and their wait is finally over. It was their way of telling them though the situations they face in life at times feel like a Déjà vu but the outcome can be totally different basis how you handle it

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————end of part 29.2

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