Hello Fam. :)

Happy Reading...

Kitchen, Murthy House

Manan asks kaka to take rest. Manik offered Nandu to prepare dinner and hence they ended up in the kitchen with Nandu sitting on the counter and Manik chopping vegetables.

Nandu(informs): Manik, mujhe bhi khana banana aata hai.

Manik(dramatically): Of course, you know. You are perfect. Lekin apne haath ka khana tumhe khilane mein jo khushi milti hai woh tum kya jano, Nandu babu.

Nandu nods her head in disbelief. After some time, when Manik looks at Nandu, he finds her staring at him.

Manik(amused): Kya dekh rahi ho?

Nandu(chuckled): I am thinking about you.

Manik(surprised): Mere bare mein?

Nandu(adored): Tum Mukti ko handle karte ho, Abhi aur mujhe sambhalte ho. You have been the bestest friend anyone could ever ask for and the perfect son, any parent would be proud of. Just the perfect person I have ever met. I always wonder, how can someone be this perfect.

Manik(smiled widely): Maybe the reason behind me becoming this perfect person is You.

Nandu(puzzled): Me?

Manik(staring into her eyes): Nandu, the only perfect person I have ever known was you. The girl from school I had a crush on. In all these years, even when you weren't physically in front of me, you have always been there on my mind, in my thoughts. Back then, I just had one wish. If at all I will meet you in future, I didn't want you to hate me for all my bad habits. And hence, I changed. I changed till I felt I could be somewhere near your standards.

Nandu(confused): But now when you finally met me, didn't you realize I am not any perfect person?

Manik stands in front of her and cups her face in his hands.

Manik(rubbing her cheek with his thumb): You are my perfect person as I am yours. Nandu, our imperfections define us. With you beside me, I can achieve everything. My life seems easy and sorted. When I am beside you, you feel the strength, the support, and the understanding. We both complete and complement each other. You can teach me about stars and your fictions. I will teach you how to interact with people. We will together make music. If at all there are fights, I know you can slap or punch me which I am damn sure you won't. You can rather complain about it in your diary and leave a hint. I will read it and we will solve the issue as soon as possible.

Nandu gets emotional and hugs him tight. With still in the hug, Nandu mumbles.

Nandu(confessed): I love you, Manik.

Manik breaks the hug abruptly.

Manik(excited): What did you just say? Do you realize that's the first time you have uttered these words directly to me?

Nandu(hesitant): I always live in the fictional world. I don't believe in humans. I always felt they will change. Circumstances make the relationships complicated. I was scared. Even when I have loved you, I never wanted to share my life with you. But now I am not. Even if things change later, I would be happy I gave a chance to this relationship. Manik, I want to live and enjoy every moment with you. I want to treasure our every moment together.

Manik(assured): I won't promise, I won't change. I can't promise a happily ever after like your fictions. There will always be ups and downs. But I will promise a "happily ever by your side".

Nandu had tears in her eyes. Wiping them, Manik spoke further.

Manik(confessed): You don't have to worry about the moments, Nandini. Be free and we will create memories together. Even if you push me any day, I will keep coming back to you using my infinite chances. If I push you someday, just smile for me and hug me tight. Trust me, I couldn't take a step away from you after seeing your smile.

Nandu gives him a wide smile and nods. After having dinner, they settle on the bed in Nandu's room. Manik was sitting with the support of the headrest while Nandu was leaning on him and playing with his fingers.

Manik(breaking the silence): Movie dekhna hai?

Nandu(with a wide smile): Nahi. Everything is so perfect. You and I, it all feels like a beautiful dream. With you, even these silences are comfortable. I don't really have to engage myself in conversations and just simple things with you are precious.

Manik(teased): Kya baat hai? The introvert Nandu is talking so much? Where's my old Nandu?

Nandu(chuckled): Even the introverts talk with people they are comfortable with.

Manik(winked): Who knows this better than me? You always surprise me. I guess I could handle any introvert with this experience.

Nandu(frowned): But you aren't going to handle anyone else other than me.

Manik(smirked): Why do I feel jealousy here?

Nandu(pouts): Of course, I am.

Manik(chuckles): Nandu you don't need to. I am all yours.

She smiles.

Manik(abruptly): Arey, I forgot to give you this.

Manik hands her a key.

Nandu(confused): What's this?

Manik(informed): This is a spare key of our tree house.

Nandu(surprised): Our?

Manik(hugging her tight): Yes, ab se woh hamara hai. Whenever you feel like going there, you can go. I will get you the map tomorrow. Mujhe batane ki zaroorat nahi hai. Haan, if you want to have some alone time with me, you know I am always ready.

Nandu punches him lightly making him smile.

Manik(confessed): Acha Nandu, do you know something? I haven't ever read any book till now.

Nandu(teased): I wonder how did you even live without reading any book.

Manik(lifting her chin up): Let me ignore the tease in your voice. But Nandu, you are my favorite book. With every new page, I fall harder for you.

Nandu(lovingly): And you are my favorite reader. With every page's turn, you make me fall in love with you little by little until I am totally yours.

With a never-ending smile on their lips, they fall in slumber in each other's arms.