A/N : So we are back to reading Nandini's POV for the last time now. I hope you like what you read! This chapter has the much awaited Nandini - Soha confrontation, so watch out! :D

Also for all those who missed Cabir, you folks are in for a treat! :D

Happy Reading!

***

Los Angeles International Airport, LA circa 2018

(Near the International Departure Lounge)

Nandini Murthy

Yes, that's right, it's me.

I felt like every human in the airport was judging me. They were silently asking me, how was this a prudent decision & how'd I unlearn everything that life had taught me up till now, to pack up my bag & leave for Australia just like that?

Wait.

Hold on to that judgment.

Jeez, I can already smell it on everyone.

I am not moving to Australia permanently, okay? Just took a short while off. Ermm..er about a month-ish?

Okay, judge me, but the month I spent with Manik stayed with me like my dearest memory of life & after he left for Cairns I felt like I was having withdrawals. I know, I asked him to go. I mean, what could I do? I knew he was pining for his daughter every minute but he never shared that with me. Maybe he thought I'd not understand? It is not his fault, he wasn't around me, the time when my parents were around, right? I was my Appa's little princess & even though I never showed it later with my Chacha being around, but deep down I always missed dad as a kid. So, this father daughter bond wasn't unknown to me & I honestly got it. I only wished Manik would share how he felt with me, but a part of me understood, he was not hiding his emotions from me, he was just trying to do the right thing by me. Eventually, it hit me too, I loved him right, and I knew that he was suffering. I had to let him go, I had to fight against my insecurities & trust Manik; he had been fighting for the both of us for all the time he was with me in LA. I thought I was used to staying alone anyway, I'd manage it once he was gone.

However..

However, this time was different.

Very different.

I thought in about a week's time, I'd settle down with not having Manik around all the time. Of course, he would keep in touch all day, texting me sweet nothings throughout the day & murmuring, whispering soothing things to my ears at night till I fell asleep, but even that was not enough. It was only after he left that I realized, how badly, I craved for him. Every freaking inch of me wanted every freaking inch of him!

So, after a week, when all I could think about was Manik, I had decided to try taking one day at a time. What all did I do, before Manik walked in through my doors & changed life for me? I did have a life without him, right? Of course, I had Aliya, Navya, Arya & Abhi too! I had decided to try & bring back the old schedule in life, I really did try catching up with my girls, & even while talking to them, they couldn't hold my attention for long. My mind would keep wandering back to what Manik was doing, was he missing me? I get it, I am no teenager, but come on, love has stayed aloof from me for so long, that now when I had it for a while, more than satisfying me, it increased my thirst for it!

I hung out with Arya too, and even though we were both a bit reluctant at first but, in sometime we found our happy groove. To be honest, the only person who could temporarily draw my attention off Manik & this constant need for him, was Arya. I knew in my heart that it was unhealthy to long for Manik this badly, it was not something, I was letting Manik know. What if he freaked out and ran away? No, Nandini. Happy thoughts! Manik isn't running anywhere!

I could keep hanging out with Arya to get used to not having Manik around but honestly, it didn't seem fair. I feared, what if my closeness to Arya led him on again? Also, I knew for a fact Manik too wouldn't be too comfortable knowing that Arya was keeping me busy these days! Men, I tell you. Phew!

To be honest, the only reason Arya could keep my focus off Manik was because I shared that kind of a comfort level with him. Arya was easy, he made me smile, he knew me in and out & most importantly I felt safe with him. I spent such a large chunk of my life with him that falling back into a Manik-less life where I spent time with him, seemed like a modus operandi for me.

Although I still continued hanging out quite often with him & eventually, we both found our new groove of friendship without complications, but after a month & half even that wasn't helping! I realized Manik was not a habit of mine that could be replaced with an older one, he was neither a friend nor competing for the same spot in my life as Arya, so despite all the insecurities he ever faced with him, even Arya couldn't take my attention off Manik for long.

By the time we hit two months and Manik had a calendar so blocked that he couldn't even plan a visit in LA for the next three months, I realized I wasn't going to be able to stay away for much longer. I would need to visit him soon. Trust you me, I didn't want to overwhelm him, I tried, I still tried to stay in LA for longer, hoping he'd be able to make some plans, but it was getting difficult as more time passed.

The winters were coming again, and with a history of depression on me, I knew I didn't do well in winters. Over that, even Arya was hardly available nowadays, Ayappa knows what kept him so busy & low-key? He would stay distracted even when we hung out, let alone keeping in touch otherwise & even though initially I thought it might have to do with a girl, I soon realized it wasn't. I wasn't going to push him, he could tell me when he felt comfortable about it.

So one fine autumn morning when I woke up sleep deprived, sullen faced, missing Manik terribly because he was performing in some concert in some part of the globe & was so busy for the last seven days that he couldn't take much time out for me, I realized, it was time. I couldn't take it any longer, I needed to see him, his face, his happy smile when his eyes found me in a crowd; I needed him close, my happy place. Once I had finally taken the call, there was no looking back, I made a quick call to Aliya & Arya and told them I was going! Aliya was damn excited & suggested I surprised Manik & didn't tell him of the trip beforehand, but Arya sounded a bit unsure. He even tried coaxing me into postponing the plan, but when we girls pressured him into telling us what's wrong, he just flipped saying,

"Whatever, it's not like you will never know"

Something was amiss with this man, this was so not Arya. What did he know about Manik that I didn't? I almost fell into a spiral of insecurity again, but I held on. I was going to visit Manik, right?

Anyway, after Aliya & I decided to let Arya be for a while, my girl helped with all the bookings & connected flights, while I packed & worked doubly hard to ensure my leaves were used as holidays as I planned and not working from a remote location!

So here I was, waiting at the departure lounge of LA Int. airport, waiting to take off for Australia, and land right into the arms of the love of my life!

Mr. Manik Fiance Malhorta, here I come!

Hilton Hotel, Cairns, Queensland circa 2018

(Nandini's Deluxe Room)

I sat on my queen size bed, resting my head on the head board, keeping my eyes shut. There was a massive window with curtains wide open, that let the bright sunlight from outside, filter into my room and fall on my face, turning the black insides of my eyes seem bright and radiant. I was soaking in the summer; away from the wintery northern hemisphere I already felt better, alive. I could see why Manik longed for coming back, Cairns did that to you, the place made you relax; maybe it was the salty sea breeze or the general mirth in the air, the place reeked of life.

I had reached here in the morning & quickly called Manik's manager to ask him when they were coming back. I wanted to go & receive him in the airport & see the look of surprise on his face. Imagine my surprise, when his manager sounded really distracted at the information & mumbled something like, Manik's return had been delayed, due to some confidential personal engagements.

Excuse me?

I tried telling him that I was Manik's fiancee & he could tell me where they would be, but being the hardcore professional he was, he didn't budge. Wait, I hope he wasn't going to travel to LA to surprise me, while I waited for him here? Damn! Ayappa, what joy do you get out of making a mickey of me? I slapped myself mentally for the 'surprise' idea and requested his manager to convince Manik to come to Cairns & not go to LA if that was where he was going on this confidential detour. However, apparently, that was not where he was going. I almost entered panic mode, this uninformed, distanced Manik seemed too familiar for my liking. He was like this, before our break up in S.P.A.C.E. too, remember? Ayappa, no. I won't be able to survive if he did that again this time.

I sat on the bed, as flashes of our evening in the Elysian Park, Angel's Point at LA, rushed before my eyes.

{Flashback to the time when Manik proposed her for marriage}

"Nandini Murthy, will you promise to marry me & be my wife forever?" I flinched hearing what Manik had said & looked at him down on his knees proposing to me. It must have been an awkward few seconds wherein I lay frozen & Manik didn't know what to do, whether to continue staying on his knees, or to get up and repeat his question.

"Nandini, you can reject me, I'm not forcing you; but I promise you I will stay here right by you, convincing you to marry me, and until you agree, I won't go anywhere; not even if I'm dying to meet Roo" he whispered again, and that broke my reverie. His confession was honest & his promise showed how much he was committed to this, to 'us'. My memory took me on a quick sojourn to that auditorium in S.P.A.C.E. where he had asked me out & I had rejected him before everyone that mattered to him, thereby butchering his reputation. I hated myself at the moment for doing that because in my heart of hearts, I knew he was genuine that time - however, there was so much anger in me because of all his actions from the past, that the evil in me had overtaken my heart & in there my love for Manik. You know, even while dumping him that day, at that very moment I was regretting it, but my anger let me go on anyway. Did I know standing there, that, even after that shameful hour, there'd be a day where he'd go down on his knee for me again, as a redeemed man, who rediscovered himself, just so he could love me? Did I deserve this love?

"Nandini.." I heard Manik's voice again. It was shaking slightly; was he nervous?

"Yes, Manik" I whispered back at him. He looked up at me with glittery eyes for a moment, before his face clouded with confusion.

"Err..Nandu, was that you beckoning to my call, or was the 'yes' an answer to my marriage proposal?" he asked with shallow breaths.

I giggled for a few seconds, before holding his hand and pulling him up on his feet. I looked directly into his eyes and whispered, "Are you done with all your philandering desires for life, Manik?"

Manik looked at me with an anxious face, that fell in a moment as he replied, "You still think I'm not serious about you, Nandu?". He sounded heart broken.

"Just answer my question" I whisper-commanded him.

"Of course. Don't you know that already?" he asked, sounding hurt.

"Manik Malhotra, are you ready to finally come home, then?" I softly whispered, bringing my lips close to his. His eyes that reflected hurt uptil now, softened with my question and physical proximity.

His eyes slowly found my lips and he looked at them longingly, before replying, "I never had a home Nandu, I didn't know how it felt like to have one. You gave me one, but I was too unworthy to hold on; I let you go and soon thought I'd lost my home for life; but today if this is not a dream & I am indeed lucky to get a second chance at coming home to you, all I can say is hell yes..! I am ready to come home and stay here forever"

"Manik.." I whispered & before I could say more he captured my lip for a passionate kiss that assured me that the rainbow had appeared finally on our part of the sky.

"So, soon-to-be Mrs. Malhotra, how do you want to do this?" he asked & I laughed...

Tring, Tring.

I quickly opened my eyes to realize that the intercom in my hotel room was buzzing. I frowned before answering it, wondering who'd want to reach me here?

"Hello.." I spoke cautiously.

"Love is crazy, I know. How else can we justify Nandini Murthy traveling across the globe to be here at Cairns?" came a teasing response and it took me only a few moments to realize who it was!

"Cabir, where is Manik? What confidential trip is he going on? What's going on, haan?" I rained all my inhibitions down on the poor man at one go.

"Perfect. So far, I was given the charge of handling one love-sick puppy; now his lady love has purchased my subscription too. Perr-fect." he drawled, not really answering any of my questions.

"Cabir, shut up! Don't try the Priyank wala drama, it suits him, not you" I snapped back in anguish.

"Ouch. Of all people, I'd thought you'd be the last one to punch me where it hurts most. Priyank & I, we, er..we're not dating anymore.."he mumbled back, losing the chirp in his tone. Damn!

"Sh*t! Gosh, Cabir, I am so sorry. I had no idea. I didn't mean to hurt you. You guys were so good together, what happened? You know what.." I began, in a soft apologetic tone, when he cut me short with a snigger.

"Another quality of a love-sick puppy, always so vulnerable & not to mention impatient" he replied silkily, the tease in his voice was back.

"What do you mean?" I asked, unsure.

"We aren't dating, Nandini; we're engaged!" came his happy reply.

"What the actual f*ck?! Why would.." I began again to be cut by this mor*n!

"Just to check how deep in 'lou' you are, Nandini. By step 5 you lose the last shred of rationality you see; we're getting there in full force. Also, just so you know, Manik is already there" he continued with his deranged humor that made me laugh & got me mad too!

"Cabir, you're pathetic" I laughed.

"Oh thanks for your best wishes by the way. I will pass it on to Priyank too" came his mischievous reply.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I was going to..nevermind..congratulations Cabir! You and Priyank are love!" I sang happily.

"So, why is 'bhabiji' staying at Hilton, isn't Manik's plush condo comfortable enough for you?"

"Eww Cabir! Bhabiji?! Also, this was supposed to be a surprise for Manik, how'd I go to his place knowing he isn't even in town yet!" I defended myself childishly. Cabir somehow reminded me of my bond with Abhi back in the days; I realized I missed this banter. Nowadays Abhi and Mukti are completely MIA and for some reason ever since their wedding & our conversation, Abhi seemed to distance himself from me.

"Or maybe you'd still go to his place had he actually told you his address! Sh*t, you guys are getting married & he hasn't even told you where he stays? What skeletons is he hiding in his closet?" Cabir teased me again.

"Cabir yaar, help me nah" I finally gave in.

"Yes, call me in reverence and I shall help you. When in trouble, remember Cabir baba" he replied dramatically & I rolled my eyes.

"Cool, pack your stuff if you've unpacked anything yet, and come down. I'm waiting for you" he added in a matter of fact voice.

"You're here? Why are you calling me then, come up nah? Also, are we going somewhere?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, to Sydney" he replied.

"Why?" I asked, more surprised.

"To visit the opera & enjoy an evening appreciating art" came his reply.

"Huh?"

"Uff, you are so lame. I'm moving you to Manik's place, you dum dum!" he replied, flatly this time. I froze. Manik's apartment wouldn't have Manik I know, but it would still have Soha & Roo, was I ready for this? Suddenly I was having cold feet.

"Oh I love him, but what do I do about his wife-like friend & daughter?" Cabir mimicked my thoughts on the call, to bring me out of my reverie.

"Cabir, please. This is really.." I didn't know what to say.

"Weird for you? I get it. Trust me, meeting them in Manik's presence won't make it any easier. Manik's manager told me you're here & his dad & I think it's better if you, Soha & Roo meet before he comes into the picture. We were expecting you soon, anyway. It will give you all a chance, to make a start without his overbearing presence. You guys will really know what's the vibe like, before Manik tries painting an utterly rosy picture which may or maynot be true. All we're saying Nandini, is you guys need to find your dynamics, independent of Manik's interference, to be on the same page.'' This was the first sensible thing out of Cabir's mouth since he called. I sighed.

"I don't know Cabir, this is too complicated." I murmured.

"Come on Nandini, you didn't fly all this way to chicken out at the last moment, did you?" he asked, sharply.

"Well.." I began.

"Or are you having second thoughts about Manik, after really coming here & seeing his reality. Remember Nandini, Manik must have felt as overwhelmed when he went to LA, plus you guys weren't even talking properly then. He stayed on & made things right, he accepted you; all of you with that new life" Cabir probed.

"Of course not Cabir. I'm not having second thoughts. It's just that Soha & I have always started off on the wrong foot, since S.P.A.C.E. and I'm not sure what she thinks of me; I'd rather meet her when Manik is around. Also, I know how accepting Manik has been of me & I am willing to do the same for him, it's just that, I don't think I'm brave enough" I whispered, bringing out my insecurity.

"Manik altered his entire being to find your love & you cannot find a little courage?" Cabir sounded disappointed & it hit me sharply.

"I am ready to do whatever it takes to be with Manik & stay in love" I said with renewed determination.

"Now we're talking!" came Cabir's prompt & teasing reply!

"Huh?"

"Come down in ten, or I will blow your surprise before Manik" he was back to being a d*ck.

"Jerk" I hissed & hung up.

Very well then, Soha & Roo, here I come. And Ayappa, please send Manik over, soon? Please nah.

24 Warren Street, Palm Cove, Cairns, Australia circa 2019

(Manik's Living Room, Poolside Villa)

"Come Nandini, don't be so damn awkward! Make yourself at home. This is soon going to be home after all" Cabir chatted lightly, after I followed him into the living area & laughed; Manik's butler took charge of my luggage.

"Maám, let me show you the guest room" the butler's voice interrupted Cabir and my chat & just as I was about to nod, Cabir burst out laughing. Both Manik's butler & I looked at him frowning, when he said, "Guestroom" and doubled up in laughter again.

"Sam, please take maám's stuff to Manik's room" Cabir corrected the butler as he looked a bit uncomfortable at the command; he was quiet nonetheless.

Sensing his discomfort I spoke, "Sam, please take my bags & put them in the guest room, not Manik's room" I requested. I didn't think it was a good idea to move into his room even before he turned up. As mentioned earlier, I didn't want to freak Manik out.

"Seriously? Nandini, you guys are engaged to be married" spoke Cabir before giving Sam a hard glance. Poor Sam gulped and mumbled, "Actually, I've been told by Soha maám to not let anyone into Sir's room in his absence without her permission"

Wow. Authority, much?

"Arre, Nandini. Soha is just paranoid about Manik's music scratches. She thinks everybody is after them & would leak them, so she keeps a close watch in his absence. Don't take offense now!" He salvaged the situation, but he didn't look me in the eyes when he spoke this time.

"None taken" I replied in a small voice before turning to Sam. "Sam, you can put my stuff in the guest room thank you. I will move into Manik's room when he's back." Sam nodded and left as Cabir peered at me with curious eyes.

"What?" I asked.

"Poor Manik, I sense turf war here, soon" he muffled his lopsided grin as he whispered to himself, "Thank-God, I'm gay!"

We both were quiet for a bit, him texting someone on the phone from the couch opposite, as I spent the time looking around Manik's airy living space overlooking the sea! Did he own a private beach? Damn!

"So, where's Soha?" I asked, after some time. Cabir looked up from the phone and smiled wickedly. "You wanna check out the competition, huh?"

"Soha's never been my competition" I replied smugly, only to hear a different voice responding to it. I looked towards the foyer, and saw Soha walking in wearing a sheer sarong that was loosely clad over a rather flashy monokini that flaunted her perfect figure. Damn, why'd I have to love pasta so much, Ayappa?!

"We seem to agree somewhere" was her reply as she walked in confidently & nodded at me smugly after scanning me from head to toe, as if judging if I was worthy of this posh architecture they called home.

"Aah my two favorite ladies are finally under one roof!" I heard Cabir's sly voice, teasing us.

"Liar. I am your only favorite, I know. Don't lie to our guest. This would be Manik's line, had he been here right now" drawled Soha's cold, unwelcoming voice.

"Aah, this seems like the perfect time for my exit! Nandini, make yourself at home. Soha be nice!" Cabir suddenly spoke very fast & before I knew it, he quickly hugged us both & dashed out. If I'm not mistaken, I think I heard him heaving a sigh of relief as he sprang out of the villa.

Now Soha & I were alone, with her studying every tiny muscle movement on my body. The air was thick around us & I was so bothered that I felt I was mildly sweaty in this amazing air conditioned room.

I finally looked around & met her eyes. "Hi" I mouthed rather awkwardly. She smiled at me in a strange, evil way, as if she understood how awkward I was & wasn't going to do anything to make it any more comfortable for me. If I didn't believe this with such conviction before, now I do.

Soha hated me.

"So, I will just be in my room..freshen up and rest a bit" I said after a few seconds of awkward silence.

"You mean, our guest room?" she said with challenging eyes. I was mentally prepared to take some bit of heat from her, but I wasn't ready for the 'our' which referred to her & Manik. Manik was mine. Only mine.

"No, I mean Manik's guest room. You don't stay here, right? You only come here to babysit Roo when Manik is out?" I gave it back politely with a smile. Her eyes flashed with choler for a moment, before she smiled back at me with hidden rage.

"Manik & I split our responsibilities in a very functional way when it comes to our daughter, yes." she replied, acidly.

"Oh you mean, Manik's daughter, whom you.." I began but Soha finally lost it.

"How dare you, Nandini." she growled.

"What, I was saying, Manik's daughter, whom you love like your own" I replied sweetly. Two could play this game. Soha looked at me rolling her eyes.

"I will retire to my room now" I said & turned to leave. We had had enough for starters. As I started walking towards the guest room, Soha's voice stopped me.

"Nandini" she called me.

"Yes?"

"Listen, we can't continue this. We need a fresh start" she said, gulping her hate down. I looked into her face; did I see insecurity there? What was she afraid of, losing Manik or Rooh? Why was she eager to deal with peace, when I was the one that needed it more than her?

"I agree. We need a new start" I replied with a small smile.

"Let's wine by the balcony in the evening?" she asked, as politely as her rude face allowed her. I nodded with a smile. With that she disappeared to some unknown part of the condo, while I moved to my room to freshen up. Wow. Not bad Nandini Murthy. First evening in Australia, and my calendar is booked for wine time with Soha. I must call Aaliya!

{In the evening by the balcony}

"Hey I hope you like cabernet, this one is all Australian and amazing" spoke Soha nicely for the first time, as she poured some red wine in my glass.

"Hmm..it's amazing" I agreed after inhaling it and sipping it a little & rolling the liquid in my mouth. Soha smiled. We both sat quietly watching the waves before us and sipped our wine for sometime, when I decided to break the silence.

"Where is Rooh, I haven't seen her around" I asked.

"She's staying with her grandfather for a few days. Uncle was feeling a bit peachy with everything..you know" she replied casually.

"All well?" I enquired genially, but she looked at me stumped.

"You don't know, no one told you?" she looked like she'd burst out laughing in delight.

"Told me what?" I asked, a little miffed this time. I did feel Manik was behaving a bit weird. No matter how busy he was, he always called me.

"Well, I am not the right person to tell you this; you should wait for Manik, he will tell you when he thinks it's time" she replied, clearly enjoying the moment of my ignorance. Argh Manik! I nodded quietly and looked away.

"Listen Nandini, I..am sorry, I don't mean to make you feel little, it's just that, if Manik didn't tell you anything, he might have a good reason for it, so I don't think.." she tried again, politely this time.

"Hey I get it. I trust Manik" I replied with more confidence than I felt.

"Good. Good to know you trust him." she mumbled looking ahead.

"Soha" I called her suddenly without thinking this through & she looked at me. Now I had to speak, it was too late to retract.

"Are..are you okay with all this?" I asked softly.

"All what?" she asked quietly, not meeting my eyes.

"Me & Manik, us getting together. I mean I know how you feel about me" I whispered & looked at her. She turned to look me in the eyes & held on for a bit, maybe she was figuring out what to say? Even though I didn't know at this point what answer I was expecting from her, I asked anyway.

"I..I don't know how I feel to be honest Nandini. I agree, I did have reservations against you & rightfully so; but Manik is important to me & I trust him. If he thinks he can trust you, I want to trust you too - but I know how blinded Manik can be by you, so I still do hold some reservations. Although I am open to learning more about you, seeing you & eventually building that trust on you based on my experience, before I can be fully okay with this, I suppose" she replied honestly, and for the first time I appreciated her.

"I know this will take time to build, but I want you to know, I love Manik & I will never leave him" I whispered, but I don't know if this came out of me as an assurance or as my possessiveness towards Manik. Soha was too sharp to not sense this.

"Is that an assurance or a warning?" she asked, testily.

"Depends on how you wish to receive it" I replied, diabolically.

"Why'd you want to know if I'm okay with you guys, how does it matter to you?" Soha asked me now, looking at me curiously.

"I just want us to be smooth for Manik" I replied, choosing my words carefully.

"Can I ask you one more thing?" I asked, as she nodded with a smile.

"Why do you care so much about Manik?" I couldn't help asking her this.

"..what are your theories?" she asked with a smirk.

"I don't have any, I want to know the actual reason, rather than assuming" I replied curtly.

"Well..Manik is the father of my child; whatever happens to him, directly affects Roo & thereby me; that's why I care. How does this hold for a valid reason?" she asked me, with a mysterious smile, as if she was gauging me with my questions.

"Depends upon how true this reason is" I quipped, sipping more wine.

"It's a very true & legit reason, Nandini" she softly smiled at me. I tried smiling back, and nodded; however my insecurities were getting the best of me - or maybe it was the wine?

"Is this the only reason?" I asked again, my voice sounding weary.

"Only time will tell, Nandini. You have to wait" she replied, in a whisper, drawing a long breath.

"Why can't you tell me now?" I asked, forgetting to mask the bitterness of my voice.

Soha turned to look at me with curious eyes, "..because I had granted you just one more question & you asked two" she replied silkily. Just like that her b*tch mode was back. Ayappa, I just didn't get this woman. How was my Manik such good friends with her. More than friends, isn't that what he called her?

"Just so you know Soha, I have reservations about you too. I'm also trying to trust Manik's belief on you" I retaliated at my b*tchy best. She laughed it off like a child's scare.

"Are you now? I wonder why. I never broke Manik's trust like you did. I wonder why you can't trust me with Manik. Nandini, are you insecure?" she asked, with a twisted smile. Damn, I hated this woman.

"Manik raises Roo as his own & has lived with you for years; even then he came to find me - I don't know, should I be insecure?" I replied with sass this time. Soha flinched at my response, but covered up fast; with one long glance at me, she whispered, "It was a decent start Nandini, but let's not push it. Goodnight"

I nodded & she walked away disappearing into the long corridors. As I watched her walk away, I somewhat figured out that this was how we were going to be - hot & cold. I only wished Manik & Roo was not too affected by our dynamics.

Ayappa, please send Manik here fast & whatever information he is withholding from me, please let that not be life altering for us!

***

A/N : So how was it?

Please answer the following questions for me :)

1. What do you think about Nandini's decision? Any thoughts on Aryamann?

2. What do you make of Cabir?

3. How did you find the Soha - Nandini confrontation - it's just the beginning, how's the trailer? You like the hot-cold dynamics?

Please write back to tell me how you feel about this chapter, and I will try answering all your question through the story :)

Next update on Sunday (29th Jan)

So long,

A.