A/N : Sorry Readers for the long wait! I know you guys were waiting from 3PM. I was ready with the chapter by Friday morning only, but wasn't in a state to simply even publish today. My little nudger is getting impatient inside now, which is keeping me on my toes nowadays! 

But, I am just happy that I am being able to publish it right now, hope you folks like what you read here! There's a lot of MaNan in this chapter :)

Happy Reading!

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West Hollywood, Los Angeles circa 2018

(Nandini's Studio, Fiona Apartment, Unit 102 , 375 N LA Cienega Boulevard)

Manik Malhotra

Sometimes, some of our passionate longing towards someone, pushes us to do some foolish things. I don't exactly remember who told me this, but it kinda made sense to me when I saw Maddie abandon Soha & Roo all those years back; standing here, facing Nandini Murthy after so long without any obligations, complications & baggages, I realised all I felt in that moment for her was a pure & deep seated longing. A longing of cutting the story short & plunging into her embrace & calling it a happily ever after. I know it was a stupid thought to entertain, but can you blame one for hoping?

"Nandini" I managed to mumble as I turned around to face her. She was in a regular tee & shorts paired with running shoes. It looked like she was going out for a jog maybe. Her face held no make-up & even though I knew she must have been lonely & unhappy in the past couple of months without much support system around her, but oddly she looked more at ease now than she ever did in Maldives. Strange.

"Nandu, what is Manik doing here?" I heard Navya's cold & furious voice to realise she was still present. Nandini jerked her head towards her, I think even she had forgotten about Navya at that moment.

"Navya, woh..woh actually.." Nandini stuttered for a few seconds before realisation hit her & she said, "..I really don't know", the way her cute face clouded with confusion, I swear I could chuckle and I would if we both were alone, but at that moment Navya madam had completely forgotten boundaries as she showed no intention of letting us be!

"Manik, what are you doing here, in LA, at my address?" Nandini then asked me, turning back her focus on me now, with an unsure quivering voice.

"Umm...." I barely begun, but Navya madam just had to b*tt in of course!

"Also, if Nandu doesn't know about your arrival, who gave you her address? Mukti wouldn't of course, oh my God, it's Aliya, isn't it? That little b*t---" she only began to curse,but Nandini stopped her.

"Stop it Navya!" she said sternly & eyed towards Abir, who was uncannily quiet throughout our conversation so far. Navya seemed to realise her follies & gritted her teeth & controlled her tongue. Nandini turned back her focus on me with questions evident in her eyes. Damn it, why didn't I think of this obvious question myself!

"I will explain Nandini, but first let's bid Navya here goodbye & go up in your apartment? We have already gotten my buddy late, haven't we?" I asked cheerfully, looking at Abir, whose eyes turned the size of saucers when he remembered they were going out. My plan worked. The kid started bobbing his head in acknowledgement of the delay & started pulling Navya by her arm, but she resisted giving me another glare.

"We can reschedule, Nandu" Navya replied coldly, looking at me, as Abir whined hearing that.

"...but you don't need to, Navu. I mean I can handle it" Nandini said the last part so softly that I could barely hear it; it was meant for Navya, who still looked unsure & in no mood to back out. Even though she eventually nodded, realising Nandini wanted to talk to me alone.

"There's a nice cafe right outside this premise that has good Mocha by the way. Just saying. In case you guys don't want to go into the apartment for the talk" mumbled Navya one last time, only to meet Nandini's deadpanned face. She nodded one last time at her & glared at me mounthing 'F*cking Monster' and left. I smirked seeing her leave & there was this unexplainable childlike excitement raiding through my nerves. Nandini & I finally had some alone time after so many months. Couldn't I just turn around and f*cking kiss her senseless? Sh*t up, Manik. Control!

"Up in the apartment or the cafe?" I heard Nandini ask me & turned around to face her again. Her expression didn't give away anything. I sheepishly eyed my luggage & she smiled a little in understanding.

"Apartment it is" she replied & turned around & gestured to me to follow her.

Her apartment was nice & airy with lots of light. The huge glass sliders separating her balcony from the living room enabled ample light & greenery to seep in & brighten her soft white walls & simple furniture which had an eclectic colour palette. The place felt like home. Maybe it had the whole Nandini vibe going on, that's why I was feeling homely there.

"Nicely done up place" I complimented her, as I put down my luggage & stepped into the living room & crashed on the couch closeby.

"I see you're directly here from the airport" she spoke, eyeing my luggage with a frown on her face now, as she settled in the couch opposite; "Everything alright, Manik?" she asked, concerned.

I looked into her eyes, there was not only concern but a legit question there. What the f*ck was I doing her at her living room all of a sudden with all my luggage after travelling across the globe quite literally! I had to think fast. Damn it Soha, couldn't you give me some ideas for this!

'Err..umm..actually Nandini, I am here because of.." I tried thinking on my feet, but my brain just froze, I panicked, I didn't know what to say next, but just like that Nandini spoke for me.

"..because of a concert?" she supplied, innocently. Damn right! Why couldn't I think of that myself! Argh.

"Yeah. Yes. Right. Concert. Indeed." I muttered distractedly as I looked back at her slightly confused face. Who could blame her, I was acting like a creepy nutjob!

"Manik, is everything alright?" she asked again, this time sounding a little worried.

"Yes. Of course. Why wouldn't it be" I tried assuring her.

"Then why are you here before even checking into your hotel, Manik? Please tell me what's wrong" she asked, with worry evident in her voice. I felt happy, overwhelmed & even a little bit guilty hearing her concern for me. All was not lost, after all!

"Nandini actually...woh there is a slight bit of a..ermm..security threat for me, according to my folks who are in touch with the LAPD so my team thought it's best to keep me somewhere lowkey so I could avoid the media attention, unless the threat is checked upon & cleared. So I err..took the liberty of taking your address from Mukti hoping you won't mind me crashing at yours' for a few days?" I said, trying to sound every bit convincing. I mentally thanked Priyank of all people for introducing me to the world of Lucifer on Netflix, wherein I picked this idea from (for ones curious, it's on Season 3 Ep.17 titled, Let Pinhead Sing!)

I suppose my acting skills were marvellous, because she not only seemed convinced, she looked quite freaked out suddenly. Sh*t.

"Manik! What are you saying? Your life is at risk?!" she asked, alarmed. Although a part of me wanted to jump like a small child after he received his candy, I had to hold on to that thought for now. I didn't want to freak her out of all things!

"It's not that serious Nandini, calm down. Just following safety protocols. Don't worry, I am not under some huge threat, okay?" I told her softly, to assure her. She relaxed a little. As distracting as it may seem, but I was getting a strange kick out of seeing every little bit of worry she held for me, it kept assuring me that she cared & the feeling was exhilarating! Nandini's attention was slowly becoming my drug.

"Also Nandini, you can tell me if this makes you the least bit uncomfortable. I can look for accommodation elsewhere" I said after a while, although I didn't know what would be the purpose of my visit, if I moved out, but I had to give her the choice at least, didn't I?

"Don't worry about it, Manik. You're always welcome here" she said with a sweet smile that melted my heart immediately & I grinned back at her like a lovesick puppy. Hmph.

"So, when is the concert?" she asked after a pause. It was a logical question. She probably wanted to know how long I planned to stay, but truth was my plan was to stay as long as it took to ensure she got all the happiness in the world - my intent may be honourable but how was I to put this before her in a non-creepy way? Jeez.

"I have multiple concerts across the West Coast, with my base in LA. Might take a while. You don't worry, you can kick me out when you've had too much of me!" I chuckled to lighten the mood, it worked. Nandini laughed a little & I couldn't stop gaping at the carefree nature of her smile, where was this when I met her in Maldives or Vegas?

"No, no I won't be kicking you out." she laughed again, "I was asking because you're here alone right. I figured you won't stay for too long because you'd miss Roo...and Soha also" she replied with a faint smile. The mention of Rooh pinched me a little in the heart. I was already missing my little munchkin so much. I decided to call her in some time to check on her - I couldn't lose the princess in my quest to win the queen, could I?

"You're missing her, aren't you?" she asked me softly, as I looked at her & nodded with a smile.

"That evident?" I asked, with a sheepish smile.

"I know longing" she replied softly, as we both softly held each other's gaze. There was so much more to that statement that words could ever do justice to. As we looked into each others' eyes just as I felt a moment was building between us, her doorbell rang & we both snapped out of the trance.

"Navya" she mumbled & hurriedly got up to get the door. Great, just great! Hadn't it just been about fifteen minutes that she was gone? F*cking stalker! On second thoughts I should have sent her hunting for Harshad in Vancouver only! Hmph.

West Hollywood, Los Angeles circa 2018

(Guest Bedroom, Fiona Apartment, Unit 102 , 375 N LA Cienega Boulevard)

I was feeling better now after having a nice & long conversation with Roo. She was currently staying in Cairns with Soha & dad had flown down for company too. My little princess seemed happy but I could sense that she still missed me. We told her that daddy was away for work & would return soon, that way this wasn't going to be a big change for her; later on we decided to ease her into this arrangement. Honestly, I worried for the time when she'd realise that the 'soon' we meant is very different from the 'soon' she assumed, but I am trying to hold on & deal with it one day at a time, now.

Earlier in the day, just when I thought Nandini & I could at least consider beginning a real conversation, Navya had walked in again & then a big chunk of the day went in explaining to her that I was going to stay & Nandini was okay with that. She seemed unconvinced & had later on tried even threatening me saying she was going to have her eyes on me! I had tried very hard to not smirk. This woman was pushing it. As much as I tried not letting my inner devil out, but she was pressing all the f*cking wrong buttons!

As I sat on my bed scrolling through the 'Gram (IG) keeping up with my part of the world, I heard a soft knock on the door. I looked up to see Nandini standing there. She was wearing a peach coloured night suit with small strawberries printed all over it. I looked at her and before I knew it, I laughed. Like really, laughed heartily & felt light after a long time. It felt nice, I kinda felt strangely warm inside.

"What?" she mouthed, with a raised eyebrow.

"You look like a slightly bigger version of Roo" I replied still laughing, as I tried catching my breath. My little minion frowned hearing that & her innocent pout soon followed showing she wasn't happy being compared to a toddler.

"Excuse me?" she asked, trying to sound all lady-like & dignified, but it made me laugh even harder. I was so bad at this, damn it! Nandini soon glared at me for making fun of her petite self and was about to barge out & I realised it was my cue to stop!

"Oyi, Nandu. I am joking babah! Come sit..okay okay I won't laugh & you're ermm..not looking like Roo.." I tried saying but broke into silly giggles in between.

She first glared back with me with her adorably cute red nose & then abruptly laughed, "F*cking liar!" she mumbled and came back inside my room. I tapped my bed lightly motioning for her to sit; she sat on the bed facing me. I looked at her mesmerising eyes again & soon both our smiles disappeared as years worth of longing and intensity took over.

"Nandu..woh..actually..." I began. I wanted to tell her that Soha & I were not together, and I was so much in love with her that I felt all consumed, but I couldn't. Nyonica's words flashed in my head, wasn't I here to ensure her happiness? What if it really lay with AK? I'd hate it, I'd probably die, but I needed to know. This was Nandini we were talking about, I couldn't be selfish with her.

"Manik, before you ask about Arya's whereabouts, I thought I should tell you that, ...umm..I, I mean we..we kind of called off the wedding." she whispered looking at her palms that were resting on her lap. Was she upset that they didn't get married? I felt like a thousand stones came crashing down my stomach and it both hurt & weighed me down.

"I...I know" I managed to utter, trying not to look too crestfallen, hearing her low voice, as Aliya's words from the con-call echoed in my head - Nandini hadn't left AK, he had left her.

"How?" she asked suddenly, looking perplexed. "I mean, Navya had lied to you in Vegas, right?" she asked again.

I looked at her with forlorn eyes & sighed before replying, "That's a long story Nandu, we'd get there some day, but the point is I know that the wedding was called off, that too by AK. What I want to know is, how you feel about it." I asked the inevitable question that was lurking in the deep chambers of my heart ever since I sat on the flight here.

She looked a bit taken aback, then she looked unsure how to respond, before sighing & giving in, I realised the decision was on my favour, she was going to open up to me; in all honesty, after all these years of what we've had between us, we knew we could at least be honest to each other.

"I really don't know how I feel about it Manik...I did feel sad, lonely & maybe even a bit abandoned I guess" she murmured softly, looking out of the guest room window. My insides clenched in raw agony seeing her hurt because of AK. I wanted to shove everything to do with AK out of her system so she didn't hurt, but I was helpless, I couldn't do anything. Nandini loved AK too now, and he had the power to hurt her - maybe this is how destiny chose to get back at me for doing just this to AK so many years back? I shuddered to think how helpless AK might have felt seeing Aliya with me, loving me & him not having any damn control over it. Sh*t. The ghosts of my past weren't ever going to leave me, I guess.

"...but you know Manik, that's how I felt only initially. Over the months I realised my hurt was due to losing the amazing friend, philosopher & guide I had found in Arya, not the partner. I never looked for a partner in him anyway..I realised eventually it was for the best..for him at least. He deserves a chance to find someone who can truly love him for the gem he is, you know.." she spoke, derailing my turbulent thoughts.

I stared at her. How in f*cking hell could this little woman break & make me in one sentence? I guess my face looked really off since she giggled the next moment, reprimanding me softly, "Gosh Manik, just believe it okay, Arya is indeed a gem of a guy!"

"So..so, you're really over him?" I asked, my voice was shaking in raging anticipation; her affirmation could make my life.

"Over him?" she asked with an unsure voice & looked at me before continuing, "No Manik, I am not over Arya & I won't ever be, all my life" she replied with pride in her eyes. Why was this woman so frustratingly complicated, damn it!

"Manik, Arya was my one true friend - just like Aliya & Navya. I can't ever be over him. I need him all the time, I missed him so damn much" she spoke again, but something in that sentence caught my attention.

"Missed him?" I asked, looking at her sharply & soon her dimpled cheeks broke into a soft & happy smile.

"Yes, past tense. Now we're back. As in, not in the relationship or about-to-be-married way, but in the best-friends-forever way, you know!" she replied with a smile that I couldn't mirror even if I tried to. My rational self kept screaming at me saying they were just friends, but my silly possessive heart couldn't understand this simple, st*pid thing! It just wanted Nandu kilometers away from AK.

However, before I could ask further, a knock on my door startled us both again. I got up to get it, to find Navya standing there with suspicious eyes. I rolled my eyes in irritation, I didn't need this woman here now. She ignored my expression & walked into the room & looked at Nandini with disapproving eyes.

"I went to your room to erm..discuss something" she said, eyeing me, "..but you weren't there, so I came here to check. Come with me, we need to talk, Nandu" she continued, looking at Nandini now.

"Is it umm..urgent Navu? I mean, Manik & I were actually talking about a few things.." Nandini tried to send her off politely.

"It is, Nandini. I am waiting in your room, come fast" she half ordered Nandini as I clenched my fist in vexation at her audacity, as she barged out of the room. I turned around to look at an embarrassed Nandini looking at me apologetically. I smiled, waving my hand showing I didn't mind. She relaxed a bit.

"I guess I should get going..Navu will be waiting. You too take some rest Manik, we will catch up tomorrow" she whispered softly, getting up to leave.

"Why is Navya here, Nandu?" I asked, irritation quite evident in my voice.

"She err came to visit me for a few days, casual break..umm.. That's what she told me but I think she's here because she got to know that Arya & I are friends again & she wants to play Cupid & get us back together" she replied in an exasperated voice.

Wow. One more person playing God in our lives.

"How long is she planning to stay?" I asked again.

"A week maybe," she replied, looking at me. "..but I will ask her to not barge in on you like this and not disturb your privacy. I'm sorry for the intrusion" she replied hastily.

"It's okay Nandu, you needn't apologise if your friend doesn't know boundaries!" I replied dryly.

"I know her ways are crude, Manik, but she really means well for me. She's important to me..." Nandini replied with a willful smile then she mouthed a little 'Goodnight' and left.

Perfect. Why, epic in fact!

Here I was trying to push back all my happiness to let Nandu decide for herself what she wants, and there was Navya sitting here already deciding on her behalf and trying to pull Nandini away from me! Could I teach her a lesson, hell yes! But, would I teach her a lesson - nope. She means something to Nandini & in this lifetime, I was done hurting her loved ones. As much as I hated it, I realised, I had to talk to Navya & convince her of my intention too, just like I did for the rest of our friends & family. It was time someone told Navya Saxena that Nandini had the right to choose what she wants in life & she, like others, didn't have the right to influence her just because she could!

***

A/N : Well, how'd this go? 

Did you like the small MaNan build ups?

How many of you want to kill Navya :D ?

What do you generally feel about this chapter & what are you expecting next?

I can tell you, that next chapter is MaNan special - can you guess how? ;)

Looking forward to lots of conversation on this chapter!

Guys if you liked this story/ chapter, I urge you to please vote, comment, share it & show me some love...!

Next update on Saturday, 9th Oct.

Until then!

Much love,

A.