A/N : Hello everyone, I am so glad I am being able to deliver this today - I almost thought I might have to update tomorrow. 

On the Covid front, my symptoms are very mild, so no fever or cough, just dizziness and fatigue, which also comes at this point, due to the pregnancy - and hopefully in another 5/6 days when we test again, we'd be negative! The husband seems to be almost asymptomatic and our daughter is thriving at her grandparents!

Thank you for all your love, prayers and wishes, we are hopeful that the dark days will pass. 

Now, happy reading! <3

A.

***

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2012

(Cafe Xanders, S.P.A.C.E. Campus)

Manik Malhotra

It had been a couple of days since I saw her on my birthday; the way she had reacted to my touch, something inside me had become very unsettled. I was feeling angry too, I couldn't somehow digest the fact that despite caring for me, she felt so revolted by my closeness; only this time, my anger was more intrinsic than on her. I somehow couldn't feel angry towards her anymore. Her deep affection left me craving, I wanted her care, and for the strangest part, I wanted to care for her too. My feelings for Nandini were changing, and I didn't know how to react. I had seen her wounds and her strength, I wished to protect her, and for the first time in life, I wanted to be a giver. My odd sense of protectiveness towards her was overwhelming for me, and somehow it felt more right than ever.

Fine.

You win, Nandu. Hmph.

I had decided that I couldn't live with her nonchalance, her affection was something I needed from the depth of my being, and I was going to fight for it. When did I get things easy, anyway? It was decided, I needed Nandu back in my life, this time as a real friend, not a fake one. I smiled remembering all the good times we had back in the days, and a sense of joy settled in my heart as I murmured, "We'll make more happy memories, Nandu. I promise".

I was sitting in the college cafeteria, as I went about searching through my web history; when Nandu and I were together, she had used my laptop a couple of times, I was trying to trace back the web pages she searched, to see if it gave me some information of her areas of interest. I wanted to hang out with her, but I didn't know how; of course she wouldn't agree to catch up with me for coffee if I asked, but maybe if I made an offer that's irresistible?

After a while, I scratched my head seeing her searches.

Wow.

Most of her searches were for wallpapers. Ian Somerholder's to be precise - key search words being, 'hot', 'damon salvatore', 'bare body'.

Jesus Christ! How can this girl be so arrogant and so silly & stupid at the same time? Also, how do I use this info to my benefit? Damn it. Argh.

Silly, stupid, Ian Salvatore! Oops, I mean Damon whatever!

Women! Urgh.

"Nandu, you've got to give me something to begin with" I muttered to myself, but I guess I was audible enough, because I got a response to my statement.

"Stay away from my sister, Manik. Otherwise, I won't let you go easy, this time" I turned around to see the Murthy boy standing right behind me and huffing. His nose was scrunched in anger and ears were red. What on earth was he doing in the college cafe? To be honest he looked funny - the older version of me would laugh at his face and mock him, but the Manik version 2.O knew better, I didn't want to f*ck this up - neither for Mukti nor for my chance with Nandu, so I smiled politely instead.

"Hi Abhishek" I muttered, damn it, I had f*cked up his name. What could I do, in my head he was the useless Murthy boy!

"It's Abhimanyu Murthy." he replied through gritted teeth.

"Yes, Abhimanyu." I replied, nodding. What, now don't expect me to apologise, I turned version 2.O, didn't become saint Manik!

"I don't want you around my sister, is that clear? You've done enough, basis your stupid interpretation of how things are between me and Mukti. I have spared you the last time, for Mukti's sake - I won't be that generous again" he snapped again. That's it. I had got his point, he didn't need to rub it in further. As it is, the idea of not having anything to do with Nandu, wasn't sitting well with me - no matter whoever said it.

"Am I clear, Manik?" the Murthy f*cker repeated himself loudly this time. I shut my eyes in dismay - now he's had it now. There's only that much push I can take.

"You were generous, were you?" I asked, the deep seated anger in me surfaced just like that, my eyes were gleaming with the kind of mad rage that Nandu had successfully kept at bay since my birthday. The Murthy boy had to waste her effort, didn't he? Bl*ody d*uche!

"Excuse me?" he asked, coming closer to me.

"From where I see it, you were intimidated. You weren't man enough to hit back, Murthy. Had someone done something half as rad with Mukti, I'd kill him; I'd not choose to hold my girls' hand and run!" I sneered, and the guy's face turned white in anger. I felt satisfied - he had hurt me by asking me to stay away from Nandu, I needed to hurt him.

"Intimidated, huh? That's what you think? You are a fool then, Manik. A big fool. I was quiet not only because you were Mukti's brother, but also because I thought your reaction wasn't completely your fault; in that moment of anger also, I decided to be fair with you Manik, I realised you weren't taught better, you couldn't be born vindictive, circumstances made you that way; the way you think, is the way you're raised. I have seen Mukti closely and there are these small things in her behaviour that I have picked up over time - I realised you guys are a little lost, maybe love, patience and a fair chance could make you a better person! I was quiet because I had chosen to give you that chance Manik - like I'd done it for Mukti. I wasn't intimidated by you. If I wanted I could beat you to pulp at that point, for hurting my Nandu, but I didn't - that's where you and I differ Manik. That's why Mukti chose me and that is also why, you would never be good enough for receiving anything good in your life - unless you decide to change" he shot back. Again, his word blew air out of my gut. The older me would laugh at him and charge back with things that were ten times more sinful and maybe even land a few punches on his face, but my version 2.O was turning out to be too much of a softie for my liking - the Murthy boy's word stung - all I registered was, I was not good enough for Nandu, and I couldn't stomach that.

I got up from my seat and held him by the collar, "I don't need your f*cking charity, Murthy! And as for Nandu, I will snatch her out of your life, just the way you snatched Mukti out of mine. I swear I will do it, and you won't be able to do anything about it!" I hurled with my deadliest stare and before the God damn mother-f*cker could open his mouth, I pushed him aside and left the cafe.

I knew, my anger had gotten the worst of me. Now Abhimanyu Murthy thought I was out on a revenge plan, and that's why I was trying to close up to Nandu - he would of course tell her this, and Nandu? She'd hate me more - if that was even possible. How would I ever win back her trust, her care, her affection? I didn't want to lose Nandu.

Arrgh. Damn my anger, and that Murthy boy's instigation!

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2012

(S.P.A.C.E. Music Library)

I saw Nandini enter the library an hour ago, and I waited outside; I didn't want to barge in so she could claim that I am disturbing her academics too. I was sure she'd have a lot of mean things to say about me, especially after her brother dearest and I had the confrontation - but I was willing to be patient about it and tell her my side of the story - this in particular needed her to be patient too, and I didn't want to do anything to upset her before the confrontation.

As I waited for her, I saw Cabir walking by, I tried hiding from him on instinct, but as luck would have it, he caught sight of me. He stared at me for a moment, and then looked towards the library building I was facing - an evil smile cropped up his face as he walked towards me. Dear God.

"So, it's come to this now? You sitting outside her college like a love-struck Romeo?" he asked with a smirk.

"Shut-up Cabir. I just need to talk to her; explain my side of things" I replied nonchalantly, never meeting his eyes.

"Hang on, did Manik Malhotra say, 'explain'?" Cabir asked with big round eyes, faking cough along with a flabbergasted expression.

I rolled my eyes, Cabir and his drama.

"My God, this is serious now, isn't it?" he whisper-yelled unnecessarily to bring in the effect as he settled next to me. I sighed, now this f*cker would want to know everything.

After ten minutes of hearing my story, Cabir had the same expression - he looked at me blankly while his mouth was slightly hung open.

"Cabir, say something!" I finished, exasperated.

"Wait. So you want her back now?" he asked with stupid plastered on his face. Argh.

"Yes, sort of. I mean as a real friend this time" I replied, making a face.

"Friend. Sure. And you told her brother that getting Nandini back is your master plan to get even with him?" Cabir asked, confused. I nodded in affirmation.

"But that was you being a d*ck, it's not the truth, right?" asked Cabir, scratching his head now.

"Ahan" I quipped.

"Dude, are you f*cking serious!?" that's all that mother-f*cker could say before he doubled up with laughter. F*ucking sadists. I was about to retort, but my eyes fell on Nandu, who was finally coming out of the library, and without wasting any more time, I dashed towards her. I turned back one last time to see Cabir, before talking to Nandu, he was still holding his stomach and laughing. Idiot.

"Errm Nandu, Hi" I began, as I was jogging behind her to catch up. She turned around and looked a bit taken back. Her reaction was still better than I expected - I was expecting hurling abuses and maybe her famous punch?

"What do you want?" she came straight to the point, while looking down. Would it kill her to look into my eyes? Hmph.

"I ..err..I kind of thought that maybe we should watch the Vampire Diaries together? Like binge together at yours or mine for the weekend?" I stammered. Well, to begin with, I STAMMERED. Then I suggested we watched Vampire Diaries together, the chick-est it can get - bravo Manik Malhotra, Bravo. What was I thinking? I wanted to kick myself for being so lame. Now I know why Cabir was laughing. I looked at her with a mortified face. First she thought I was evil, now she'd think I am plain dumb!

"Eh?" that's all she replied, looking confused. I shook my head in embarrassment. How was I going to save my face now?

"What he means is, we all are happy for Mukti & your brother, and to make this easy for all of us, since we all know Mukti and Manik won't stay broken for life - it will make sense to start afresh. After all we will be around each other's presence for good now - common festivals, dine-ins, get-togethers etc., isn't it? So my..er I mean, Manik's point is, can we put the past behind us and make a fresh start? And what better way to do it, then break the ice with Netflix and beer? Plus, Manik was saying you love this series?" it was Cabir who spoke. Cabir my eternal saviour. Yes, he had saved my sorry a*s yet again by jumping in - what would I do without him? I swore mentally to introduce him to some hot guys I knew.

Nandini looked so confused at Cabir's proposal, that I almost found it funny. I had a hard time controlling my laughter, but I had to. We couldn't get our Mini-Punching-Ninja more upset, right?

"You both want all of us to be one big happy unit now?" she asked us, her suspicious eyes were on me now. I gulped unnecessarily, before nodding my head.

"Umm, putting it simply, yes" replied Cabir. Wow. So much for saving my a*s. F*cking idiot!

Nandini stared at us for a moment more, for assessing probably, if this was one of our sick jokes; she then pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes - I knew this couldn't be good news. Damn.

"For your information guys, although I too wish Mukti and Malhotra to patch-up, none of us will need to hang out together even then. Don't you know my brother and Mukti are here only for some more time, they are settling in the UK after that. So, if they aren't around, we don't need to hang out. So let's not plan such rubbish hereon". Replied Nandu with gritted teeth. Can someone remind her to be the old Nandu please? This software update of hers was giving me a whiplash!

"Rubbish? Yes, of course, I always thought Vampire Diaries was rubbish. How about binging on Lucifer?" and pat, came Cabir with his nonsense reply. Whatever happened to his wit, damn it?

"Shut-up, Cabir" Nandini and I said it together.

Cabir smirked his evil smirk, "Ah so much in sync, the two of you. So sweet; isn't it Malhotra?"

"F*ck off, Cabir" I mouthed, and with another careless laughter, my knight in not so shining armour left; now it was only me and Nandu.

"Sorry about that" I mumbled, looking at her. She nodded and was about to leave. I don't know why, but I couldn't see her leave. I needed her in my life. I needed the light she had in her.

"Err..please stop, Nandu" I tried again, hopelessly. Jesus Christ, no one had ever treated me like this, and her, she troubled me like it was her birth right. Strangely, I let her do it.

"What?" she asked, a little irritated, glancing at her watch.

"Can we hang out?" I asked, hopefully. There I said it. No drama, no dialogue practise, no premise setting - straight and simple from the heart.

Heart? Whatever.

"No" she replied, curtly after looking into my eyes curiously for a few seconds.

"But why? Is it because of what I did on my birthday? I'm..I'm really sorry for that Nandu, I didn't mean to, it was that moment. I swear it won't happen again" I pleaded and coaxed. I wish I knew why I felt so desperate at that point. Wait, did I actually apologize?! Holy cr*p!!

Nandini looked like she was about to argue back, but my apology seemed to shock her as much as it shocked me. She literally gawked at me - well it was tha-at hard to believe for her that I might apologise?

Wow. Way to go, Manik.

"Not just because of what you did on your birthday, Manik. You know that. Isn't there anything else that comes to your mind?" Nandu sounded mad and frustrated, while she spoke. I shut my eyes to stop my anger from flaring out, if only she had any idea,how hard I was trying to keep it together. I sighed, I had to win her back. Manik, focus.

"Nandu, I know I haven't said this to you, but I am sorry. I really am. I am sorry for all the wrongs I have done to you. I want to make things right, can you please give me a chance?" I asked once more, earnestly.

Nandini looked shocked. "I mean as a friend." I clarified quickly, lest she got other ideas! I didn't want another confusion beginning before we closed on the current one - lest she thought even that was a part of my elaborate plan to get even with the Murthy siblings!

As I looked earnestly for her response, I saw her tearing up. This agitated me. No, no, no. Everything was going wrong. It wasn't supposed to happen this way, she was supposed to smile and give me a chance, we were to be happy again, we were to be making great memories again - why were things going south! Hell!!

"Nandu please.." I whispered. A part of me wanted to hug her, but another part of me knew she'd hate my touch. It stung, but I didn't want to overstep my boundary this time. Plus it looked like her punches were strong - I saw AK the other day, his lower jaw was still red!

Nandu looked at me intensely with her lovely 'doe-eyes'. I seemed to forget everything when she looked at me that way. Shut up, Manik. Focus! "I am willing to forgive you Manik - if you're truly sorry for your deeds, I am willing to forgive you" she paused, and hearing her, I think my face broke into the largest smile my face was capable of pulling! I was about to hug her on instinct, but she stopped me. I looked at her unsure.

"Manik, I am willing to forgive you for Mukti's sake too. So she can try and forgive you. But Manik, I cannot ever forget what you did to me." she whispered, and looked up at me. I stared at her, and time seemed to freeze - is this how it was going to end? Her expression changed from remorse to shock in a moment, and I couldn't register why at the moment - it took another ten seconds, for my vision to blur. Blo*dy f*cking sh*t, were those tears, coming out of my eyes? Was I crying?! I am Manik Malhotra, I NEVER cried. What the f*ck was happening? Was Nandini Murthy capable of making me CRY?!

"I am sorry, Manik" Nandu instantly stammered, and tried coming close to me; I automatically moved back. I was shocked to see the hold she had on me, it scared me for the first time today. As I moved back, Nandu seemed to realise it, and stopped coming forward, she looked at me with remorseful eyes.

"Manik, I can't help it. I am not being able to forget what you did to me. I don't want to hurt you, trust me. I forgive you. I do. But let's end it here; let's not be friends, I cannot trust you one bit - I can promise, I will harbour no hard feelings for you; for me you will always be Mukti's brother, an acquaintance and maybe distant family once my brother and Mukti goes official. I am sorry & all the best, Manik" Nandini barely whispered. I didn't look up to see her face. I was hurt, broken and angry too. I was not used to rejection, I was not used to controlling my choler, I wasn't used to thinking for someone else before myself either - but I did all these for her. Even then I wasn't good enough for her friendship.

I know I had hurt her terribly, maybe she was justified, maybe I deserved it - but I wasn't being able to accept this punishment. Her non-acceptance was distorting me from inside, I was suffocated, I was at a loss, I just didn't know how to make it right for her. I needed help, I needed advice, but my deeds had left me alone. I didn't have Mukti to turn to, I didn't have parents to turn to, hell I didn't even have Fab 5 to turn to. I didn't know how much Cabir was going to be of help either. But if there was one thing I knew for sure, it was this - I couldn't afford to lose Nandu. I didn't know why, but I just couldn't. I craved for her in a way I didn't know I was capable of. I don't know when this happened. I was happy hating her right? When did things change? From when did Nandu mean the world to me, I didn't know. If there was one thing I knew, it was this, I wanted Nandini Murthy close to me; and I was willing to do anything for it.

Anything.

***

A/N : So guys what do you think? Is Nandini's stand fair? Do you think Manik deserves another chance? What do you feel bout Abhimanyu's ptv? How do you feel about this chapter overall?

Looking forward to your thoughts, FBs & opinions!

Next update : 15th May, 2021

Until then!

A.