A/N : Hello everyone! I started this story during the Holiday season of 2020 so a lot of it is inspired from the Holiday feels and cheers! Hope you enjoy that!

Also, this is not just a feel good story of good old college love and romance, gear up for an explosion 'SOON-ish' ;)

Happy Reading!

A.

***

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2011

(Common kitchen, S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

Nandini Murthy

It was early in the morning, and I was up and about and not to mention ecstatic, why not, today is Christmas Eve! My own buddy Ayappa's birthday! I know, I know, it is actually the birthday of Christ, technically the 'son' of God and whatnot, but hey, a large chunk of people out there consider Him God, and I have been raised learning there is all but one God. So, technically it's my Ayappa's birthday, nah? I rushed to the kitchen to quickly make some coffee and grab a fruit and dash. I had to be at Harshad's to finish decorations before afternoon, then I had to go shopping to buy gifts for myself, and also one for Harshad. Yeah, I know it is kind of weird, but he was really nice to me and offered to celebrate together, I can't just bundle up gifts for myself under the tree and leave nothing for him, right?

I was quickly brewing the coffee when Mr. Hulk Malhotra, of last night, walked into the kitchen. I turned and casually glanced at him and when our eyes met, I smiled a little in greeting before turning back. I wasn't mad or angry anymore. Not even Manik can ruin Ayappa's special day for me. Hmph. Also, isn't Christmas, all about being generous, kind and forgiving?

"The usual?" he asked, after coming near me, pointing at the eggs. Even he wasn't acting cold like last night anymore.

"Naah, you carry on. I got to rush" I replied politely, and his face formed a slight frown.

"Breakfast with Harshad?" he asked, although I couldn't quite place the tone there.

"Deadline pressure. Christmas tree decoration" I giggled in response and he seemed amused for a moment.

"Aah, you must scram then!" he said after a few seconds, and I don't know why, I saw a mischievous glint in his eye. Was Mr. Monkey Malhotra up to something? Nope, I am probably reading too much into it. Anyway, putting my suspicious thoughts aside I poured my coffee into the mug and grabbed an apple and walked towards the door, to leave.

"Have a great day, princess!" I heard him call after me. Wait. Princess? Did Mr. Manik 'Obscenely Gorgeous' Malhotra, just call me 'princess'? Oh Ayappa, why so generous?! Breath Nandu, breath! I turned around to see him smirking at me, and it is then I realised he wasn't calling me 'princess' out of endearment, he was only teasing me, mimicking Harshad. Good one Ayappa, three cheers. Had your birthday morning laugh at my expense? Meh.

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2011

(Harshad's building lobby, S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

It had been an hour that I had arrived to find Harshad enthusiastically waiting for me, with hot chocolate on standby. I giggled like a ten year old in delight, as I ran to him and grabbed my drink; then we began decorations. I was having fun playing with synthetic cotton and putting them as fake snow on the base of the tree, when the doorbell rang, and Harshad got to the door. I didn't turn around, until and unless I heard the unmistakable voice of His Monstrocity, Manik Malhotra! Ayappa, what was he doing here now?

"Hey I grabbed us breakfast!" Manik chirped happily walking inside the lobby and settling down on the couch, eyeing me with a smirk.

"Thanks man, but I didn't know you're joining us today, did you Nandini?" he asked with uncertainty, looking at me. As usual, before I could reply, Mr. Mario jumped into the conversation, shutting me up. Argh. This is his most irritating habit!

"Oh, so now I have to take an appointment before dropping by at my buddy's with breakfast?" he challenged Harshad, and poor Harshad fell for it! Mr. Smarty Pants, obviously hadn't had enough after breaking an entry, he went ahead and offered a bag full of breakfast goodies to Harshad, implying that he served it to all of us in proper utensils, while he came sitting next to me, fiddling with decorations. It was clear, Mr. Freak had officially gate-crashed Harshad and my Christmas celebrations! Uff.

"No, not that Manik" I stopped him for the hundredth time now.

"What, won't a pretty bauble look beautiful on this tree?" he asked innocently.

"Not when it has obscene abuses written on it, Manik" I replied through gritted teeth, to which he hid a laugh, and Harshad sniggered. Boys. Yes, that's what Mr. Manik 'Absolutely Useless' Malhotra has been doing, all morning, other than surprising us with butter croissant for breakfast, along with eggnog (which I have to admit was delicious, plus we all were hungry!). Well he initially tried helping in decoration, but it took him a whole of five minutes of focussed work to realise that the tree decoration, muffins, and hot chocolate way of celebration was so not his thing. So ever since then, what did our wise man do, he started vandalising our Christmas decors. How one may ask? Well by drawing black crosses on the little elf decor's crotch area, writing obscene abuses on the baubles, painting the tiny Santa decor's beard black, to name a few. And what was worse was Harshad was actually finding this funny, and each antic Manik pulled, he doubled up with laughter. Looks like he was enjoying Manik's company way more than mine!

We took a break for lunch and after that we had about just another hours' work and we'd be done; then I could go shopping I thought happily. I wondered what to get Harshad, I hardly knew his likes and dislikes. Also, if Mr. Christmas Blooper decides to stay back until dinner, well, then I had to get something for him too, right? Wonder what I should present him with. As I was busy contemplating, I heard Harshad chuckling, and I quickly turned to see Manik promptly taking generous bites off my tuna sub. Arghhhh.

"Manik, eat your own food" I snapped at him, as I struggled to pull my sandwich away from his hand, but who could reach the top of a tree without climbing. Mr. Giant. Hmph.

"Uff, let me eat Nandini, this one tastes better!" he replied indignantly, grabbing another bite of my favourite sandwich as I glared at him.

"What will I eat then?" I demanded, crossing my arms across my chest.

"Have my food" he replied, unfazed.

I looked around to see some pizza lying in a box. Well, I am not complaining! But why did he have to gorge on my food, when he ordered pizza? I will tell you why, I have realised it off late, that Manik loves to piss the f*ck out of me. Huh.

So after lunch we were finally about to put the angel and the star on the top of the tree! I was so excited, at home I always put those on the tree at last, and it was always me, even Abhi never got a chance. I wonder who was going to do it at home this year. No Nandu, this isn't the time to be sad! Focus. So, out of politeness I offered Harshad to put it on, but he, like a true gentleman allowed me to do it, and I broke into a million dollar grin in excitement. Both the boys laughed seeing my face, but I didn't care, I was doing what I loved doing, the most! As I climbed up the reception table to stand up on it and put the star, my silly leg tripped on a pen stand lying there and I was about to fall! I didn't hit the ground as I felt a strong pair of hands clutch my waist and stopped my fall, banancing me on the table. But what was strange was, I could feel the hand on my skin and not my top. I opened my eyes to see Harshad holding me from toppling and in a hurry, without him realising, he grabbed my waist under the top.

"Relax, careful! Are you okay Nandini?" he asked me concerned, but I had forgotten to answer, as my eyes fell on Manik. His eyes were red and he was livid for a moment; and then, before any of us could comprehend, he pushed Harshad aside and reached me, he took me in his arms and pulled me down from the table onto the ground, and before I could react, he grabbed the star and the angel from me, and strung it on the tree himself, in haste.

"That's that then" he spoke with gritted teeth, as I looked at the top of the tree with a crestfallen face. This was the first year I missed doing that.

I put on my cardigan and got hold of my purse and dashed towards the door in dismay. Trust Monster Manik for ruining Christmas for me! "I am going shopping, will be back by evening" I informed Harshad, turning back, and royally ignored Manik as I left. Harshad nodded in response and Manik, his expression was vacant as he watched me leave.

Bloomingdales, 3rd Avenue 59th Street, New York circa 2011

(Women's casual wear section)

I was looking at an offwhite midi with lace work on it. It had a moderate neckline and a deep back. I quickly tried it on, and it looked perfect, it accentuated my curves in the right places but didn't make me look sl*tty. Perfect. But then I wondered where I'd wear it. This year Christmas was a small affair between Harshad, me and Mr. Plus One, so where was the scope of wearing it? Anyway, as a sworn believer of retail therapy, Navya and I have a motto, irrespective of your needs, you see a good dress, you freaking buy it! So that was that. I was gifting myself this dress for Christmas, along with a pair of bling stilettos, a couple of makeup items and new earpods (I lost the last one recently!).

Now I had to buy something for the boys. I was scratching my neck in confusion, as I entered the massive men's section and wondered what to get them. Maybe a tee, or a nice jacket? But I don't know what size they wear. Damn. Maybe a wallet? Aah too aunty-ish.

"Need some help, ma'am"

"No thanks, I will..." I was replying automatically, but wait a minute, I have heard that voice before. Of course, Manik.

"What are you doing here, Manik?" I asked him coldly, rolling my eyes. I was still mad at him for not letting me hang the star and the angel on the tree top.

"I came here to help you of course!" he replied with such casualness that felt like he was stating the obvious.

"I don't need your help, you've already done enough" I replied stiffly, before moving ahead and focussing my attention on an array of wallets lying before me.

"About that, well I'm really sorry" he replied simply, there was no mockery in his voice. I was stumped. Did Manik Malhotra, the Duke of Arrogance, just apologize before me? Wait, is this a dream, am I dreaming? Nandu, wake up! Hearing no response from me, he tried again.

"It's not my fault Nandini, I freaked out okay? Had you actually fallen from the table, you'd either hurt your head or twist an ankle or whatever and then you'd be all upset throughout the evening because you wouldn't be able to jump around and have fun. I just didn't want to see you upset on Christmas eve, especially when you worked so hard all day to make it perfect!" he said all this at one go, and one can call me an idiot if they will, but the corner of my mouth twitched to form a small smile. Ayappa! Why'd you make this man, so damn cute?

"Can you help me buy a gift for Harshad?" I asked with a small smile, indicating I wasn't angry with him anymore.

"Eh, why do you want to present him something? Do you like him?" he asked with a deadpan face. Trust this boy to misinterpret everything!

"Nothing like that, Manik. We are celebrating Christmas together, it's just a nice gesture" I replied explaining this to the concerned man child before me.

"Give him a pair of socks or something!" he replied, rolling his eyes. Seriously? Men and shopping, such a nightmare.

"Woah, that is so original. Thanks, I will figure it out myself" I replied, bored.

"What are you getting me?" he asked, sounding like an excited kid. I couldn't help smiling, but I pursed my lips and pretended to look surprised.

"You?" I asked, uncertainty in my voice. He was initially bobbing his head with a shine in his eyes, before he noticed my confusion. I bet he was embarrassed when he thought I had no plans of buying him a present. Suddenly his face fell at this realisation when he murmured a "Just kidding" before turning around and pretending to look at the items on display. Damn it, Nandu. Why'd you have to make him sad? I hate you.

After an hours' effort in shopping, Manik and I finally got everything we needed. I had bought a customised box of exotic dark chocolates for Harshad, where each unit of chocolate was an alphabet, together making my Christmas wish for him. It read: Merry Christmas, Harshad and thank-you making me a part of your celebration. You're a true friend! Nice, right? I mean it's not too personal but at the same time its heart felt. And before people get ideas, Manik didn't help me in choosing this gift, it was all my idea! I even bought a gift for Mr. I Want A Christmas Gift Malhotra, but more on that later! As I met Manik at the exit (we had decided to go back together after shopping), I noticed he had a lot of bags laden with boxes that were colourfully gift wrapped. They must be for all his friends. The same friends who are a league apart from me. Hmph.

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2011

(Harshad's building lobby, S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

It was finally Christmas eve! Yay! I couldn't help smile at each and everything I laid my eyes on. The tree was looking extremely beautiful (if we ignore the couple of abuse laden baubles, which I don't know when Manik put up on the tree!!). We ordered for cakes, lots of junk food, beer for the guys, more hot chocolate for me; we were playing carols on the loop as Manik and Harshad mostly laughed and talked about some hilarious incident at one of their Christmas parties' a couple of years back. It was good fun until after dinner when Manik decided to leave. As much as I didn't want him around me, but when he spent the whole day with us, a part of me started believing that maybe I was wrong, maybe he did choose me over his bunch of friends for celebrating this festival; guess who was epic wrong?

I was upset, and I didn't like feeling that way seeing Manik go to his friends, a place where he really belonged. Why was I here then, I could have gone home too, right? Stupid, Nandu. He even asked Harshad to join him, imagine asking the second member of a three member party to join him? What was his idea, of leaving me alone on Christmas eve? Bat shit crazy man. Thankfully, Harshad declined his invite, to which Manik seemed surprised, but soon enough he gathered his bunch of Christmas presents, that he bought for his friends, with him and was leaving for the nonstop party until New Years' thing that Harshad had mentioned to me previously; but then I stopped him. Silly, stupid Nandu. Hmph.

"Manik?" I called out just when he was exiting the lobby after bidding us goodbye. He stopped on his tracks, and from the reflection of his face from the glass lobby door, I think I saw a soft smile. Really? Nah, I think I am imagining things now.

"Hmm?" he replied turning back, there was no smile on his face.

"This is for you" I said softly, as I raised my hand with a small gift wrapped box in my hand. His eyes widened in surprise before a small smile played on his lips, as he slowly extended his hands to receive my gift.

I looked at his face anxiously as he received my gift and started unwrapping it; there was a crystal snow globe inside. The snow globe carried a tiny representation of the New york skyline inside it, against a dark blue background. I motioned for Manik to shake the globe, which he did and his face lit up at the sight of all the shimmery glitter inside the crystal that made it look like lots of stars in the dark night that was overlooking the NY skyline inside the globe! There was also a message I got engraved at the base of the globe, it read: Home is, where the heart is. It wasn't a mind blowing gift, agreed; but that night at that penthouse terrace mattered to me, it was peaceful and most importantly, it was the only time I saw Manik calm. It felt like he was at peace, like he was at home. Manik gaped at his gift silently for another few moments, before he tore his eyes away from it and looked at me.

"Thank-you, Nandini" he whispered, strangely there was this agitation in his voice that I couldn't place. Then without further ado, he promptly left. I sighed inaudibly. Maybe he didn't like my gift. Damn it, Nandu. He is Monster Manik, he isn't sensitive! I should have stuck to the idea of giving him a leather jacket only! Arghh.

After Manik left, Harshad and I decided against opening any further presents then. We decided to do it the conventional way just for the fun of it. I agreed for a sleepover at his place where we were to run a marathon of Christmas movies until morning and then after sunrise come back and unwrap all the presents, just the way it's done! Although I kind of didn't like Manik leaving, Harshad made up for it more than I thought he could. He was a nice guy, I liked him and most importantly, I realised that night, Harshad was a true friend.

After a couple of hours of watching movies, both Harshad and I were dozing in his room, all the decoration work and shopping and jumping around was taking its toll on us. I was dozing on and off when I received a text from Manik asking about my whereabouts; I was surprised, how did Mr. Social Butterfly suddenly happen to remember me, in the dead of the night? Wasn't he neck deep in alcohol and women by now? I texted back I was at Harshad's and to this there was no more response. So much for caring. I rolled eyes in exasperation as I focussed back on the movie, eventually I dozed off too I guess.

Despite Manik being a jerk on and off throughout the day, I have had a nice Christmas this year too. Oh, by the way, Happy Birthday, Ayappa!

***

After Note:

Well, how'd it go? What do you feel about the story so far? Any ideas where we're going from here? Guess, guess ;)

Be back soon :D