Manik goes to the store room with Cabir to get the instruments. They come back with a small set of drums, a small keyboard and a guitar.

They group up and discuss the song. Neonika, Karan and nandini settled down on the bed, ready to enjoy their performance.

Amaya with her keyboard and manik with his guitar took the vocals. Amaya gave the tune and Manik started with the song.

Tujh ko mein rakh loon wahaaa

Jaha pe kahi...hai mera yakeen

Mein jo tera na hua

Kisi ka nahi kisi ka nahi

Lej ayeen jaane jaha hawaayein hawaayein

Le jaaye tujhe kahaa hawaayein hawaayein

Begaani hai ye baagi hawaayein hawaayein

Le jaaye mujhe kaha hawaayein hawaayein

Le jaaye jaane kaha na mujhko khabar

Na mujh ko pata…….

Oh--o-oohh….

Nandini was taken to another world by the magic of his voice. She could clearly feel the love behind each and every word he was singing. She always knew he was one gem of a singer, but now the rest of his band added more beauty to his voice and it was just out of the world.

Banaati hai jo tu...woh yaadein jaane sang mere kab tak chale

Inhi mein toh meri…. subah bhi dhale shaam dhale mausam dhale

Khayaalo ka sheher...tu jaane tere hone se hi aabaad hai

Hawaayein haq toh mei...wohi hai aate jaate jo tera naam le

Teri hai meri saari wafaaye wafaaye

Maangi hai tere liye duaaye duaaye

Le jaaye jaane kaha hawaaye hawaaye

Le jaaye mujhe kaha hawaaye hawaaye

Le jaaye jaane kaha na mujh ko khabar na mujh ko pata…

Nandini, Karan and Neonika stood up and started clapping for their brilliant work.

“This was just amazing. You guys are great. Let me tell you, you are so perfect as a band. Koi bhi line idhar udhar nai tha. Everything felt so perfect. I am so glad to have heard you live” nandini said.

“I feel the same guys. I know you guys already proved how great you are together, but now you guys also proved that this band is evergreen. As fresh and as beautiful as it was a few years ago” Karan said.

“So are you going to sign us all for an album?” Cabir asked as Karan owned a music company.

“Of course. I would be honored” Karan said.

“I was kidding brother” Cabir later said.

Manik signalled Nandini asking her to come to the balcony, silently crossing everyone she went to the balcony.

“I have a meeting at 2 o’ clock. I know it’s not fair. But I am sorry i couldn’t skip this one. Important hain. It’s about a new contract, and you know what it is going to be for three songs. Just imagine three back to back songs. Nandini i am very close to achieving my dream” he was super happy.

“Wow Manik. That’s amazing. Tum jao and make sure you get the contract. Consider it my engagement gift from your side” she said winking.

“Oh gift se yaad aaya, i have something for you” he said pulling a small box out of his pocket.

“I want you to wear them for the function” he said giving her the box.

She opened it to find a beautiful pair of anklets, ek dum south indian style ke.

“Wow these are so pretty. Kaha se mila yeh tumhe?” she asked running her fingers through them.

“Online dhekha tha. You like them?” he asked.

“I love them Manik, these are so pretty. Bohot achhe lagenge. Thankyou very much. And sorry mere paas tumhaare liye kuch bhi nai hai” she said making a sad face.

“It’s okay. Baad mein de dena. I will keep a count” he said winking.

“Manik nandini andar aao, let’s have lunch” mumma called them inside. Appa also joined them for lunch. Indu aunty prepared a sumptuous lunch keeping everybody’s tastes in mind.

“Mazaa aa gaya aunty aap ke haath ka khaana khaake” manik said.

“Meine bhi tumhaare taareefon ko bohot miss kiya manik” she replied.

“Toh ab se aise chutti mat lena woh bhi itne saare din” he said.

“Theek hain” she said.

Nandini and appa left to her place while the others decided to take a nap so they could look fresh for the function. Manik left for his meeting.

-----------

In the evening

Manik was getting ready with the help of his friends. Neonika was running around the house, attending the guests who had already started arriving.

Everybody seemed extremely curious to know who the lucky one is, that Manik chose.

“Mumma kaha hain? I need her to finalise my look” manik asked Dhruv who was setting his tie.

“Neeche, she is busy with the guests i guess. Bulaake aoon kya?” he asked.

“Yes please” manik said. Dhruv went down

“Aunty manik aap ko bulaa raha hai” he said.

“Ab? Beta mein bohot busy hoon guests bhi aane lage hain. Aur woh abhi tak upar hi kyu hai? Use ab tak ready ho ke aa jana chahiye tha” she said.

“Aunty aunty relax. He wants you to take a look at his attire. He says he wants to look his best” dhruv said.

That brought a smile on her face.

“Acha tum yahee raho. And attend the guests, mein bas use leke aati hoo” she said and was going upstairs when she saw Mukti and Amaya coming out of their room.

“Look at you girls. You look adorable” she said looking at them.

“Thankyou aunty” they said smiling.

“Acha why don’t you go help nandini, agar wohh ready ho gayi toh use leke aa jao, it’s getting late. Mein manik ko leke aati hoon” she said and went to manik’s room.

"Ahaan! Someone looks super cool in this kurta. White is totally your color son" she said. He was wearing a white kurta pajama paired up with a light blue overcoat.

"Here" she said helping him wear the coat.

"Perfect" she said.

"Chalo let's go. Everyone's waiting for you. Aur haan first go and see the business partners, wish them and thank them properly. Okay?" She asked.

"Mumma, you're making me nervous' he said.

"Fine. Calm down. you'll do good" she said amd they went downstairs

Mukti and Amaya left for nandini’s home.

-------

In her room

“Appa aisa nai. Put the blue one first, uske baad the gold ones and then the blue ones again” she was guiding appa who was struggling to set her bangles. She was busy, doing the final touch up. Nandini’s maid was in the living room, she opened the door for mukti and amaya. As the door was closed they couldn’t hear the knock.

“Is this right kanna?” he asked arranging them.

“Ya ya, that’s right. Sab se mota waala bangle jo hai put that in the middle, and uss se thodi si kam waali in the beginning” she said.

He was doing the same thing, but you know how bad guys are at doing these kind of things.

Amaya and mukti were adoring this father-daughter standing at the doorstep.

“Uncle, aap bura nai maanoge toh mein aap i help kardoon?” they heard Mukti’s voice.

“Thank god you guys came. Please go ahead” he said giving the bangles to Mukti.

Amaya helped nandini with other jewellery while mukti set the bangles and made nandini wear them.

“You look beautiful nandini” mukti said.

“Kanna make it fast. We are late. Neonika ji ka call bhi aaya, the guests have arrived and manik is also ready, he is waiting for us” appa said from the living room.

“Yes appa. 2 more minutes” nandini replied getting up from the chair.

“Sandals kaha hain nandni tumhaare?” Amaya asked.

“The box under the bed” she said.

Amaya took out the box. And after wearing the sandals, she is now perfectly ready to set manik's heart on fire.

“Acha, take a twirl, and I'll click a picture” mukti said

“Three..two..one” mukti said and nandini with a bright smile twirled around while mukti captured it.

“Okay let's go. Manik must be waiting for you” amaya said and they all left for the malhotra mansion.

-----------

Nandini

I could hear lot's of people speak as I stood by the doorway. Taking a deep breath, i stepped inside. The first person i could see was manik as the small stage was set right across the main door.

He was literally frozen looking at me. Am I looking that beautiful? Good job nandu.

I gave him a smile and he smiled back. Appa held my hand and walked me inside. We reached the stage and then he gave my hand in Manik's. That moment was so emotional for me. Though it's still the engagement, the scene was similar to the wedding. I controlled my emotions, plastered a smile on my face and stepped on to the dais. I could see the glares and stares at me. I was literally the centre of attraction there. No one was looking at manik.

“You don't have the right to look so pretty cherry. Mere dil ke baare mein bhi sochthi na thoda” he said holding my hand.

“Acha acha bas. I don't even look that great” i said.

“Meri aankhon se dhekho zaraaa” he was humming under his breath.

That brought a real broad smile on my face. Ear-to-ear one.

“So ladies and gentlemen, a hearty welcome to everyone who have come here to bless the young couple. It's an immense pleasure having you all. This is my daughter-in-law nandini, and this is her dad, Mr. Ram Murty. Nandini works here as an engineer and is apparently one of Manik's biggest fangirls” that made me blush.

“Manik would like to speak a few words before we go ahead with the rituals” she said.

Manik stood up and started speaking.

“Thankyou everyone for being here. It's a great day for me and nandini. And to celebrate it with you all makes it even more special. Nandini and i have been seeing each other for a while now. It didn't take me too long to realise that she's the one for me. She makes me happy in the weirdest ways ever possible. She bears my professional tantrums, she is always patient with me and my never ending phone conversations. She stays right across my house but we talk more over the phone, looking at each other from the verandah. Anyway, nandini, i love you so much and thankyou very much for being the most wonderful thing that ever happened in my life. Cheers to us... forever” he said giving me a flying kiss. Everyone clapped at their hearts content. His speech was indeed so touching.

He asked if i would want to say something but i am really bad at these things and nodded in a no.

“Okay, so time for exchanging the rings” mumma said

Appa took out the ring we chose for Manik from his pocket and mumma brought mine from the room. They put them in a plate, along with a couple laddoos.. mmmmmm mithaaiii..

Manik glared at me, “rings first nandini and then laddoo” he said.

Mumma gave him the ring.

It was a very beautiful one with a pearl on it.

“You remember that i like pearls” i said. I told him once about my love for pearls.

“Why wouldn't i? Usee din decide karliya tha meine that I'm going to get you a pearl ring for engagement” he said.

“May I?” He asked. I forwarded my hand and he slid the ring onto my finger.

It was glowing under the lights, so was I.

All the guests cheered for us and now it was my turn. Appa gave me the ring and je extended his hand.

“I couldn't decide, toh yeh appa ka selection hai” i said sliding the ring.

“Thankyou appa. It's a beautiful ring” he said the moment i slid the ring.

He held my face at the crook of my neck, pulled me closer and kissed on my forehead.

That moment, that kiss made thousands of silent promises. And i hope the photographer could get that picture right.

We fed each other the laddoo and sat down on the chairs. The guests came upto us with gifts and flower bouquets. I had a chance to meet all the people Manik works with. They were all very sweet.

We were then asked to come and dance. I am personally not a big fan of dancing and all, but manik insisted so much that i had to.

Some soft music was being played and we started grooving to the tune.

“So, you are my half wife now, and i think i can get a few extra privileges for that. Right?” He asked.

“Extra privileges?” I asked.

“Yeah. Don't you know?” He asked.

“No, would you mind explaining?” i asked him.

“Now?” he asked.

“Why? Is that a problem?” I asked.

“Not at all. Come with me” he said holding my hand and the next moment we were in mumma's room. He locked the door from behind.

“Now i get you” i said and was about to leave the room when he pulled me back. That was what i wanted too. But i was afraid to show it.

Mein tere saath mein hi rahoon

Chodoo yeh saara jahaa

“Manik” i said. My lips were trembling. He was dangerously close to me. His feet touching mine, his hands holding mine, his forehead leaned against mine.

------------------

Manik

How i wish i could tell her how breathtakingly beautiful she was looking. It was very difficult to hold myself up everytime she smiled at me.

Her smile….it makes me forget my existence. So powerful!

She wanted to know what privileges i was talking about. Iss se achha moment aur kya ho sakta hain.

Nandini knows I'm not that slow and shy types guy. If I feel like having her close to me, i will. Well that's me. It's not always easy for me to control myself. It's not like I'm demanding or something but I'm a little less accepting. I tend to convince her, atleast for a kiss. And now that she's my half wife, i guess i can do that.

“Manik” she said looking at me.

Nudging her chin up by my thumb, i made her look into my eyes. Her lips were parted, and i could hear the her breathe so clearly. Her chest rising and falling in anticipation, made me go crazy. And my most favourite part, her cherry cheeks. She was totally into it. I could clearly see that.

Hain dil ki yeh khwaahish

Ke sunn le guzaarish

Aur de de tu khud ko mujhe

Holding her by her shoulders i tried to calm her down.

“Cherry, relax” i said blowing over her face.

The blush creeping on her cheeks slowly started to cast a spell on me and the next instant, i bent toward her lips, slowly caressing them with mine. She instantly stiffened herself and a sharp gasp escaped her breathe. Clasping the back of her neck gently, i walked her toward the bed and the next moment I was laying over her, our lips still entwined.

Her fingers were tightly gripped to my hair while my hands were swiftly moving all over her body.

The moment i reached her skin under her dress, dimaag ki ghanti baji. It's our engagement and people are waiting outside for us.

But i wanted to end it in a different way. Taking a little advantage, i bit her lip and got up from over her. She was shocked. Her fingers moved to her lips and she was caressing them to make sure if there wasn't blood oozing out.

“Itni zor se bhi bite nai kiya, don't worry. Haan lipstick utar gaya sorry for that” i said winking. There was a mirror there, adjusting my hair and dress, “jaldhi bahar aao” i said and moved out of the room.

“Kaha chale gaye tum donon? Manik romance karne ke liye yahi time mila kya tum ko?” Mumma asked twisting my ear.

“Your bahoo demanded it with her looks. Control nai kar paaya mera bechara heart” i said patting my heart.

“Nautanki. Chalo ab” she said dragging me with her.

All the guests were almost done with dinner that means party has come to an end.

Nandini also came out of the room looking around not to find me i guess.

She was talking to guests in between.

I waved my hand asking her to join me.

Cabir and dhruv came to me with dinner.

“So, engagement done huh! Shaadi kab hai phir?” Cabir asked.

“Pata nai. Socha nai kuch” i said taking the plate.

“Tere contract ka kya hua subah jo meeting hua” dhruv asked.

“Dho din mein bataayenge. It's almost fixed. Unke conditions kuch change karne ke liye bola tha meine so they'll get the new contract. Agar sab theek hain toh it's on. Big one!” I said.

“Acha ham aaj raat ko nikal rahe hain” cabir said.

“Kya itni jaldi?”

“Chutti maar ke aaya boss. Kal subah se back to work” he said.

“Let's keep meeting na yaar. Ab itne baad mile hai. Aur tum inti jaldi jaa rahe ho”

“Pakka. Next time nandini aur tu aa jana kahi vacation pe jaate hai” he said.

“Good idea. We'll discuss”

Nandini and the girls had dinner together. Appa, mumma and a few of mumma's friends sat together for dinner.

And slowly in the next one hour the house was left with just the few of us.

“Okay nandni. Next time manik se kaha tha meine we'll plan a vacation” cabir said to nandini.

“Sure. Thanks for coming guys. It was a pleasure meeting you all” she said.

“We had fun too. Aur ham ne expect bhi nai kiya ki hamaari batch mein pehle manik ki shaadi hogi. Shock laga, but then after seeing you i can imagine. Pata nai itna time bhi kaise ruk paaya mera dost” dhruv said.

Nandini can't take compliments. She doesn't know how to react. Sirf ek lambi si smile deti hai.

We all shared a Group hug. Clicked some selfies and they all left.

“Kanna, it's time for me to leave too. Ab function bhi ho gaya hai toh I guess i need to go back to work” appa said. Mumma brought us all ice-cream.

“Already? I will miss you appa” she said sadly.

“I will miss you too kanna. Par jaana toh padega na” he said.

“Manik, now she's totally your responsibility. Take good care of her. I don't want to hear any complaints” appa started warning me.

“Appa. Don't worry. Aur aap yeh hindi film ki dads ki tarah aisa serious face banaake please warn mat keejiye, darr lagta hai” i said.

“Acha nandu chalo. Let's go home” appa said getting up.

She gave me a final look and they both left.

Mumma and i were sitting in the living room watching tv.

“Tum bohot khushag rahe the manik” she said ruffling my hair.

“That girl na, she's a package. She always makes me Happy” i said.

“Aur haan aap bhi kuch Kam khush nai thi. I was seeing you”

“Pata hai, everyone was telling that Nandini bohot achi hai bohot beautiful hai. And that you're lucky for having her. I felt so happy”

“Mumma. Ek baat kahoon?”

“Haan bolo na”

“Aaj mujhe dad ki bohot Yaad aayi. Kaash woh bhi aaj hote. He would have been very happy to see me become successful, find a life partner, make you happy” i said.

“Mujhe bhi aaj unki bohot Yaad aayi. He used to wonder ki tumhe kaisi ladki milegi. If you would ever fall in love. He always wanted to give you tips” she said smiling.

“It's okay. No getting sad. Aap ho na mere liye. Aur aap ke liye mein. Love you mumma...aap ne yeh din bohot special banaaya mere liye” i said holding her hand.

“Mera beta itna special hai toh uska yeh special din toh super duper special hona hi chahiye” she said.

“Acha chalo jaake so jao. You must be tired” i said getting up. I walked her to her room and went upstairs turning off the lights.

I went to the balcony, and called her.

She came to the window and picked up my call.

“I just sent you a picture. Dhekho” she said.

I checked her text and it was a picture of her feet with the anklets i gifted her

“I didn't even notice them” i said.

“Isliye picture” she said

“I love you Nandini Murty” i said.

I could see her smile. She sent me a flying kiss.

“I love you too Manik. You're my biggest blessing. You know everytime i look at my ring, it makes me feel so good about myself. I thank myself for liking you, for proposing you, for making you love me back” she said.

“Let me thank you too! Had you not looked straight into my eyes the very first day we met, I wouldn't have noticed you. Everytime you used to walk by the street, i used to fight with my feelings. You know after kirti, how it was for me”

“But I'm glad you walked upto my house, leaving your ego behind. What if you hadn't surprised me that day like that? I don't think our story would be the same. Tum aise hi misunderstanding mein mujhe hate karte honge” she said.

“May be!” I said.

“Acha chalo I'm going to bed. Bohot neend aa rahi hai” she said yawning.

“Okay! Goodnight. And let me tell you I can't wait anymore for a new morning. Don't forget to walk into my dreams until i see you tomorrow” i said and disconnected the call.

_________________________

SRK

Hello!

SRK here. So, this is how the two strangers became lifemates. I totally enjoyed being their Cupid. I kept waiting unable to do anything until they talked to each other. But yeh achha hua ki sippu ko akal aa gayi and she got them together. I hope you enjoyed this short and sweet story of a FanGirl like you all who became the LifeLine girl of her star.

See you all next time with another beautiful story.

Until then, keep loving! Coz that's the most beautiful emotion in the entire existence.

Aur haan, ek baat bataana bhool hi gaya,

Haso, jiyo, muskurao...kya pata Kal ho Naa ho ❤️