In the bus 

Yash-" Ruhaan gaadi dheeme kar... NEHA HAATH DO JALDI !!!!!" she ran as fast as possible while the goons were nearing.

" CB / Bhabhi / NEHA /CUTIE faster !!!" They all were shouting. Neha neared the door and kept her hand on Yash's while he pulled her with a force and got inside making her collide with his chest, both their hearts beating faster in fear and relief.

Ruhaan sped up the bus and they managed to escape just in time making everyone sigh in relief and MaNan hugged each other tears rolling down from their eyes.

Sharanya-" THIS WAS THE CLOSEST ESCAPE."

Yash who had held Neha her right hand and his other hand was on her waist while he lifted her up, looked at her when she lifted her head. Neha removed her hair from her face along with the saree pallu which was irritating her. Yash was still staring her and his eyes gave away how scared he was and the relief which was slowly spreading his face.

Neha-" Thank..." Before she could say thanks Amaya came running towards her, behind her all the other girls. 

Amaya- "CBBBBB!!!! Tu theek hai na? Kya hua tujhe?" She pulled her by her shoulder hugging her but distanced her the next moment when she heard her wince in pain. 

Neha-" Aaahhhh." Yash who panicked hearing her wince. 

Shar-" Kya hua cutie?" Sharanya was by her sister's side in a jiffy. 

Neha-" Woh mera left foot I guess it got twisted while we were running. Actually wahan ek pebble tha which I didn't notice while running and uspar lagke chot lag gayi."

Nandini-" Neha yeh choti si chot nahi hai. Wait you sit here first tumhare foot mein laga hai na chot." Nandini was about to get up from her seat but Manik held her shoulder asking her to sit and himself got up making Neha sit beside Nandini.

Manik-" Now what? Where are we going by the way? Tum log bus mein kya kar rahe the?" He asked looking at Ruhaan who was driving. 

Shar-" Haan na tumko 8 seater car laane bola tha hamne tum log 18 seater mini bus le aaye?" She asked Manvi who looked at Amaya.

Manvi-" Yeh bus CHORI KI HUI HAI." Her words made all the 5 people shout.

" WHAT!!!! WHY!!"

Manik-" Tum ladkiyon ko itna chori karne ka shauk kyun hai? Pehle credit card chori and ab seedha bus chura liya?" He held his head looking at the girls who laughed thinking that yes they have stolen a lot of things. 

Manvi-" Rockstar Malhotra ham toh sirf yeh choti choti cheezein churaye woh bhi aapke hi help ke liye, par aap jo itni ladkiyon ka dil churate ho uska kya? Hamne aapse kabhi pucha? Nahi na so keep your mouth shut." Her comeback made Manik mum with his eyes wide open while Nandini laughed nodding her head while Manik pouted and sat just opposite to Nandini.

Then Amaya told them that what happened with their car and how they took a revenge from that driver by stealing the bus. 

Manik-" Thank you to you all who helped me save Nandini. Tum log nahi hote toh pata nahi kya hota. But now I have to confront our culprit and end this once and for all." Manik was getting back to his Monster mode as he looked at Nandini who was laughing right now but her cheeks held the dried tears. 

Neha-" You don't worry Manik ham wahi jaayenge but for now we need to head home first. Nandini and we all need to change. Chacha, chachi aur Rishab bhi pareshaan honge na. So first let's meet them and then we will take you to that Shakuni." She told Manik the plan while Ruhaan was driving the bus and they were back into the city now. 

Nandini-" Chacha, chachi... Woh log kitne pareshaan honge. Unke paas kaun hai?"now she got worried looking at Manik.

Amaya-" Don't worry Nandini, Cabir, Navya aur Suharika hai wahan to take care of all. And main message bhej di Sumi ko that we all are safe and will be reaching soon." 

Nandini-" Who will catch them? Tumne kya bola that the rescue team will be here?"

Shar-"Why fear when M6 is here? You will get to know Nandini." She smirked looking at her girl gang. 

*********************

Nishant and Mr. Choudhry were a mess. With all the smoke lingering in the air it was suffocating them. Nishant was shouting for his men from whom some went behind MaNan while some were trying to control the smoke. 

Choudhry-"YEH KYA THA MALHOTRA!!!! KAISE YEH SAB HONE DIYA TUNE? WOH CHORI KAHAN GAYI?" He roared at him when he finally managed to open his eyes. Nishant was stunned and didn't had anything to say. How did these people find him and moreover how they escaped from under his nose. 

Nishant-" Choudhry ji, mujhe nhai pata, main sach bol raha hoon mujhe nhai pata tha aisa hoga. Mere aadmi gaye hai unhe pakadne aapke kuch logon ke saath woh ladki aa jayegi." He tried explaining him but stood numb when he saw Choudhry taking out a gun aiming at him.

"Aanhaan... Chaoudhry ji usko maarke kya hoga? Ham batate hai yeh kaise hua?" 

They turned towards the door from where the voice was heard only to find the entire team of police officers and some other officers but what caught Nishant's eyes was the person standing between them. 

.

.

.

.

.

Nishant- "Shantanu Mittal?" He asked looking at Shantanu who was dressed in an all black outfit and had a gun in his hand. 

Shantanu-" Yes, Shantanu Mittal or you can say Officer Shantanu Mittal. My Jagdhir Choudhri you and your entire mafia clan is under arrest. Human trafficing ka shauk hai na tujhe ab teri trafficing karenge bohot bhagaya hai tune sabko khudke piche, ab aur nahi. Finally we caught you." His expression went from smirk to a hard neutral face while he motioned his team to arrest everyone. 

Choudhry was about to run away but Shantanu fired on his left leg which made him fall on the ground holding his leg while Nishant stood still. They were about to arrest Nishant when Shantanu stopped the officer. 

Shan-" Aap hamare saath aaiye Mr. Malhotra. There is a lot of things to talk with you." He held him by his neck while his gun was still pointed towards Jagdhir Choudhry. 

After everyone was stuffed into the police van Shantanu met the DCP. 

DCP-" Well done Officer Mittal, you proved it once again that you are truly the best RAW agent. Iss mafia ko pakadna aasaan nahi hota. He is the most wanted Mafia who is a link to others like him. Ladkiyon se zabardasti shaadi karke unko foreign bechna iska kaam tha. You managed things quite well in this 4 months. But I'm still stunned that Mr. Malhotra was in contact with him. What should we do with him now?" He shook hands with Shantanu who gave him his ever sweet smile and gave a bow.

Shant-" Come on sir, this is my job and I'm proud to be able to serve my country. My main motive to come here was this only and some personal stuff too. And about how I manage this so  things get easy for me because of my innocent face and my acting of being a dumb person but active businessman." He winked at the DCP who laughed nodding his head. 

Shantanu-" Sir, I would like to take Nishant Malhotra to my den as there are a lot of people waiting for his arrival. Manik will have a talk with you he has a right to know why this bastard did what he did. I know this will be going against our ethics but it's needed." He asked for his permission

DCP-" I know Shantanu, okay just because it's you asking me I will let you take him but make sure Manik controls his anger."  He patted his shoulder while Shantanu again shook hands with him. 

DCP was about to sit in the car when he stopped. 

DCP-" Wait a second where is your detective partner? I know usske wajah se hi you people reached here." He asked in a straight serious sound but his eyes had teasing look which made Shantanu blush a bit. 

Preethi-" Main yahan hoon sir, see this guy is so unthankful, khud saara credit le raha tha but you remember me. Thank you sir." She came from behind as she was busy talking with Manvi who called to inform that they were going to Murthy house first. 

Shantanu-" I'm not unthankful, it's you who keeps vanishing so not my fault right." he teased her earning a smack from Preethi. DCP sir laughed seeing them and then bid audie to both of them. 

Preethi-" So Mr. RAW agent, let's leave to your DEN baaki sab freshen up hoke aa jayege. We need to do something with this Shakuni first. Also MaNan are gonna get a shock after knowing your real identity. I'm so excited for that." Shantanu laughed listening to her and took her with him towards his car where at the back seat Nishant was roped up and kept with his mouth sealed.

************************

Murthy House

Chacha Chachi were in the hall along with Navya and Cabir who were trying to console them. Late night when Navya and Shuharika came home Chachi was surprised to see them but when they told about the entire matter it came as a shock for both the Murthy couple and Rishab. Chachi was crying as well as praying while Chacha tried calling Manik who assured them that he will bring Nandini home safe and sound. 

Right now even Cabir was home who told them that M6 and Manik have gone to get Nandini and they will come soon which brought some relief to them. 

Navya-" Chachi Chacha ji please kuch khalijiye, acha pani toh pi lijiye Manik aur Nandini aa jayenge. Aap tension matt lijiye." Navya came with some water and sandwich as it was around 6 am now and no one had anything also Chacha and Chachi were crying from so long. 

Chachi- "Nahi Navya puttar, mere se kuch nahi khaya piya jayega jabtak main apni bacchi ko naa apne samne dekh loon. Aa rahe hai na woh, tab dekhungi main. Waheguru raksha karna mere bacchon ki." She was chanting some mantras while tears were still rolling down her cheeks.

Navya looked at Cabir who blinked his eyes gesturing her to not force her. Chacha ji was sitting right there staring at nothing in specific. Suharika who looked at them with moist eyes didn't know what to do. She then remembered that Rishab was not there so she went to search him. 

Rishab was in Nandini's room standing in the balcony with his hands on the railing and looking up in the sky. He was lost in his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder which he knew who it belonged to. 

Rishab-" Why always my family Sumi? Why always things have to go wrong with my family? First Amma Appa left us and now this happened with Nandu Di. Look at me I can't do anything for her but sit here being helpless." With each sentence his hold on the railing tightened showing his white knuckles. Suharika held his hand loosening his hold. 

Suharika-" Listen to me now, look here life mein problems aati hai as God tests us. We can't always have happy days right there needs to be sad one's too so that we don't take things and people for granted. And jo acche hote hai unke saath kabhi kuch bra nahi hota and Nandini ke satah toh uske Aiyappa hai to protect her. And Rish, you are not at fault,you don't need to be guilty that tum kuch nahi kar paa rahe. Tum yahan ho because you need to look after Chacha and Chachi. Manik gaya hai na Nandini ko laane he will get her here safe." She tried making him understand while he nodded his head. 

Rishab-" Can I get a hug?" He asked her slowly  with his eyes moist and his shoulders slumped down. Suharika just wrapped her arms around him while his hold on her waist tightened as he rested his head on her head closing his eyes trying to gain some strength. Suharika caressed his back as she heard his heartbeat. 

Suharika-" Ab neeche chale? Tum Chacha ji ke paas baitho he needs it now, though he is not saying anything and trying to be strong he also needs some support na." She broke the hug after sometime and wiped some of the tears which were on Rishab's cheeks. 

Rishab-" Thank you Doctor, thank you for being here." He gave her a small peak on her forehead as a thank you gesture while Suharika's heart fluttered with his small gesture and then they both left the room. 

********************

Outside the House 

The bus came to a halt and Ruhaan turned back to see all of them have dosed off. MaNan were sleeping hugging eachother while Manik had wrapped his stole around both of them. Behind them were Sharanya and Manvi sleeping who had kept their head on each other. Parallel to MaNan's seat in the front were Amaya and Neha, Amaya had kept her head on Neha's shoulder while Neha's injured leg was on the front seat which was just opposite to her. What caught his attention was Yash who was sleeping sitting right there with his right hand kept near Neha's leg so that it doesn't slip from the seat while she is asleep. A small smile came on his face seeing the poor lover boy who had no chance of having a love story with Neha. Karan who was sitting right beside him got up at that time and saw the bus has stopped. 

Karan-" Ruhaan bus kyun roki bhai? Ghar pahoch gaye kya ham?" He asked rubbing his eyes while Ruhaan gave a sarcastic smile. 

Ruhaan-" Good morning Karan, Haan haan, pahuch gaye Murthy house. Mujhe tum sab bus driver banake aaram se sogaye na. Aur tum samne baithke so gaye aise kaun karta hai? Tujhe dekheke mujhe neend aa jaati toh?" He mocked at him while yawning. 

Karan-" Sorry yaar, main jaga hua tha re par pata nahi kab neend aa gayi. Chal koi nahi tu jaga raha na and ham apne destination bhi pahoch gaye so all is good. Chalo sabko jagate hai." Karan got up and moved to wake everyone while Ruhaan also joined in. 

Manik when got up and looked at Nandini who was snuggling close to him which filled Manik's heart with calmness and love. He slowly caressed her cheeks and kissed her temples. 

Manik-" Nandini wake up Jaan. We have reached home." Nandini woke up with a smile adoring her face because of his kiss and opened her eyes to get drowned in his chocolate brown eyes. 

Manik-" Good morning." 

Nandini-" Good morning Mani." 

They were lost in each other that is when they heard a shout from behind. 

"You fucking idiot !!!  Aise kaun uthata hai?" The turned to see Manvi shouting on Karan while he gave her a hard glare. 

Karan-" Mind your words Miss Manvi I'm your boss don't forget that. And it was you who was not waking up so I just gave you a sight push to wake you up. Stop exaggerating like I pushed you out of the bus."  He rolled his eyes and said in a I-don't-care-way. 

Manvi- "Ohhh hello Mr. Ugly duckling Boss, I didn't know that tumne KabTak news channel ka ek branch iss bus mein bhi khol raha hai. Well tum hoge yahan boss but main yahan job nahi karti. So yeh boss- giri kahin aur dikhana." She poked him on his chest while he fumed in anger. While Manik was stunned. He felt like he is seeing another version of him and Nandini. After all even Nandini use to shut him up like this with her witty comments. He leaned towards Nandini and whispered in her ears. 

Manik-" Yeh sab Murthys itne fierce hoti hai kya? Always up for fighting and tame monsters?" Nandini laughed slowly listening to him while still rubbing her eyes. 

Nandini-" I don't know wait let me ask Manvi only. Par yahan pura M6 hi aisa hai Manik not only Manvi and I really am proud of my girl gang." 

Manik-" YOUR GIRL GANG?  Tum insab ke saath kab mili? Dekho yeh bohot khatarnaak hai, you don't get close to them tumhe bigad dengi yeh Jaan." His face turned pale imagining Nandini and M6 together against him. He will be doomed. 

Nandini-" You see Malhotra this is what I call 'Murthy style revenge' for all your past pranks on me." She slowly tiptoed and peaked his jaws winking at him who looked stunned. 

Manik * Inhone bigad diya meri Nandu ko* 

Amaya and Neha also woke up by the commotion and heard Manvi shouting at Karan while he was about to say something more. Amaya in an instance got up to move towards her dear Shona while Neha also in a haste got up and shifted her injured leg which got collided with Yash's hand. 

Yash- "Aaram se lag jaati abhi tumhe. Apne injured foot ko aise jerk matt do sprain badh jayega." He slowly told her while Neha kept staring at his hand while he removed in a jiff giving her space. 

Sharanya and Amaya tried distancing Manvi from Karan as she was about to launch at him and the same was with Karan whom Manik and Ruhaan were holding. 

Manik-" Can you both stop it. We need to get down and head home and Karan this is not the way you wake anyone up. Manvi you also should not shout like this. Chalo dono chacha and chachi wait kar rahe honge." he said in the Monster tone which made everyone quiet and nodded their head. 

Manik went towards Nandini and picked her up bridal style while at the back all the girls were hooting.

Nandini-" MANIK !!!! Kya kar rahe ho put me down. Main chal sakti hoon." She blushed but eyed Manik to put her down who shook his head left and right. 

Manik-" I know you can walk but why strain your legs when I'm there at your service my QUEEN. I can lift you like this and move" He winked at her peaking her cheeks making her widen her eyes while she hid her red face in his chest. He started getting down from the bus while all the girls were admiring them. 

Amaya-" Hayeee, Manik is life partner goals yaar. By god agar mere ko aisa partner nahi mila na toh main na instantly kabaadi wale ( Ragpicker) ko bech dena hai usse." Hearing her everyone laughed while Ruhaan started coughing hysterically. 

Neha-" Kya hua itna kyun khaas rahe ho? Honitus laau tumahare liye yaa corona test karane bheje tumhe?" She glared at him making Amaya smirk looking at Ruhaan who was having hard time controlling his cough. 

Shar-" Chalo let's go abhi kitna kaam hai yaar. Pehele toh yeh saari kholungi main kitni itchie hai yaar yeh. Acha sunn Cutie tu na sambhalke utarna, chadhane mein toh kisi ne help kardi utarne mein dhyaan dena." She went away winking at her sister who gave a tight lipped smile to her and gave a I-will-see- you look.

Amaya-" Aree main hoon na, I will help my CB. Chal CB you hold my hand and climb down slowly." Amaya instantly came towards Neha who gave her a bright smile and hugged her squealing. 

Neha-" Hayeeee meri Ami ek tu hi hai mere liye meri Jaana chal. You don't worry main hoon an tere liye why do we even need anyone else." She said this looking straight at Ruhaan who was staring at both the girls.

Manvi-" Ooo meri pyari Ammu Di and Bhabhijaan chale? We are getting late." She jumped towards Amaya and held her other hand and they also got down. 

Karan-" Kya dekha tum dono ne inn ladkiyon mein? I don't think tum logon ka koi chance hai inke samne. Happy single life buddies." He patted both Ruhaan's and Yash's shoulder and got down. 

*****************************

Hello People!!!!!!1 

So how did you find the update??? 

Shantanu is a RAW AGENT.  Surprised !!!! Shocked!!! Well if you remember I had mentioned in his character sketch that there is something more about him which you will know soon. So here it is. 

Aren't MaNan the cutest and the most amazing. (I know this answer )

Some words for our 2  lover boys. Keep sympathising with them aise hi rahenge dono *wink*

Karan and Manvi banter?

Suharika being Rishab's support. (Need to tell Nandini right?)

Finally what will happen in Shantanu's DEN?

Batayenge, Batayenge !!!! Itni bhi kya jaldi hai. Will see you people soon 

Till then take care and be healthy. 

Happy Bhogi/ Lohri and Makarsankranti to all our readers. 

Your crazy writer duo,

Neha and Sharanya