"For the zillionth time Manik.."Nandini rolled her eyes as she spoke the words out loud. "I am fine.."

"Pakka na..you are not mad at me.."Manik's words only annoyed Nandini more but still she composed herself because she knew he was really worried. "Yes Manik..I AM NOT MAD AT YOU.."

"Sure na.."Manik asked like a possessed girlfriend making her laugh "Why would I lie to you Manik..Kya faida hoga jhoot bolkar Mujhe.."

Finally he sighed and spoke "Sorry yaar..I know I am being stupid..but it's only because I am really feeling guilty.."

"Guilty.."Nandini slapped her forehead. "Manik have you lost it..you dropped me outside collage gates..ab kya tum mujhe classroom tak drop karte.."she shook her head in disbelief. "in case you haven't noticed Manik...Mai choti bachchi nahi hu..jo jani pahchani jagah pe kho jae..so relax.."

"Nandini I know I am acting like a overprotective parent who leaves his kid for the first time in school..but it's just that..."Manik stopped abruptly.

But Nandini finished his sentence. "..you wanted to meet Alia..right.."

When Manik didn't say anything Nandini's doubts got confirmed that indeed he was feeling guilty of choosing Alia over Nandini.

He wanted to check on Alia..

..whether she is okay or not..

..and for that he was supposed to reach Mukti's place where all his friends were present too.

And that's why he dropped Nandini at the gates of college and drove away just by uttering a plain goodbye.

But of course he wasn't even half way through when guilt completely took over him and he stopped the car in middle and called her up to apologise.

Though Manik didn't say all these things but Nandini knew him way to well to understand his silence.

Shaking her head she finally spoke the words out loud to set him free from the chains of guilt.

"Manik..Alia is your friend.."

"...in fact your best friend.."

"..yes..you broke up with her but does that mean you ended your friendship with her as well.."

"..you haven't said it out loud but it is quite clear in your eyes that you miss her.."

"...not only that you are worried about her too.."

"..she is your best friend Manik..why won't you feel like that.."

"Of course you should.."

"..and Manik just like my friends are life your friends are your lifeline.."

"..and if you are worried about them.."

"..if you are anxious to meet them.."

"..there is nothing wrong in that.."

"I know you think that you are a crossroad where you have to choose between me and your friends.."

"..but Manik I assure you one thing today.."

"I will never let you go through that.."

"I will never ask you to choose between them and me.."

"..because I know what significance they all have in your life.."

"..so please just stop worrying about these unnecessary things.."

"..and go to Mukti's place..spend some time with your friends..especially with Alia.."

"Break ups are hard Manik..think about the pain she must be going through.."

"..it's easier said than done.."

"She has spent seven beautiful years of her life with you..I am sure she must have seen the dreams of her future with you as well.."

"..and now all her dreams are shattered just like that.."

"You have me..but who does Alia has.."

"It's not that I am saying this to make you feel guilty Manik.."

"I am just trying to make you see her point.."

"She must be going through hell right now but still she came back because she can't stay away from her friends for long.."

"It's obvious she missed you all.."

"..and on top of that she need you all the most at the moment.."

"So Manik you are fulfilling your responsibilities towards her.."

"..not as her EX BOYFRIEND.."

"..but as her CURRENT AND FUTURE BEST FRIEND.."

"She needs you and your support Manik.."

"..make sure you be there for her when she needs you the most.."

"Knowing you I know exactly this is what you intend to do from the beginning.."

"..but you were worried about me.."

"..so I am telling you this.."

"DON'T"

"Your friends need you now.."

"Go and be there for them.."

"..it's Nandini's Murthy's order.."

Her words bring smile on his lips. He simply couldn't thank her Aiyappa anymore for sending such a pure soul in his life to take care of him. Had it been any other day he would have kept his thought to himself.

But today he just couldn't stop himself from saying the words out loud.

"Sometimes I wonder..what did I do actually...to deserve you.."

On any other day she would have blushed like a red tomato but today she couldn't give him the satisfaction of winning by not giving a solid comeback which fortunately today she had saved for herself.

"Tapasaya..ghor tapasaya ki hogi pichle janam me tabhi uske fal apko iss janam me mil rahe.."

He burst out laughing only to agree with her "Satyavachan Nandini Devi.."

"Arey wah itni shudh hindi.."Nandini was surprised and impressed.

"Just googled it.."Manik's reply made her smile "achcha Manik Baba..abhi you should go..your friends must be waiting for you.."

"Aye Aye Captain.."he agreed as he knew she was correct "..I will talk to you later..bye.."to which Nandini replied "bye.."and then she ended the call.

Nandini was on the staircase while she was talking to Manik.

She was about to step on the last stair but that's when due to her heals she slipped and lost her balance.

She was about to fall and was about to get severe injuries..

...but once again her Aiyappa rescued her..

...as out of nowhere someone held her hand and pulled her up just on time preventing Nandini from getting severe injuries.

Nandini's heart started to beat faster as covering her face with her palm she closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing.

However before she could do that she heard a very melodious voice which was laced with concern "Are you okay..you didn't got hurt right.."

Nandini opened her eyes..

...and the very next moment her eyes widened because never in her wildest dreams had she expected this person to meet under this kind of situation.

ALIA.

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**For the records ALIA didn't pushed Nandini**