#175 in FanFiction.🎉🎊🎉🎊
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Cabir's voice echoed in the cabin. Navya felt as the the land beneath is slipping and she will collapse any moment. While mukti sighed in defeat and stepped back with a blank face.

Manik closed his eyes for a brief moment. He turned around to look back to find nandini staring at him. The feeling of pain and hurt mirrored in their eyes.

Navya darted her vision towards manik whose eyes were locked with Nandini's painful gaze. Her mind just refused to believe the truth. She wanted to speak. She wanted to protest but her vocal chords didn't support her.

Mukti sat on the revolving chair, exhausted with the drama which started from the beginning of the day. She held her head in her hands and pressed gently to reduce her stress.

Cabir too leaned on the wall, but Navya was too numb to react. She slumped herself in the couch, as her own words kept ringing in her ears.

How could she let her past over power her thinking capacities? Yes her parents had behaved immaturely in their greed and selfishness but how could she. She felt disgusted for herself. Today she proved to be her parents daughter. She wanted to just run away from everything and hide away.

Tears stung her eyes as the painful reality dawned upon her. She clamped her both palms on her mouth to control her sobs. Her own words kept ringing in her ears and she couldn't stand there anymore, so she rushed out of manik's cabin and moved to her own.

Seeing her running away, mukti and cabir remained unaffected, but Nandini felt a pang in her chest. She took a heavy step backwards and turned towards the cabin door.

But when she passed cabir, he held her wrist in order to stop her. Where do you think you are going? Cabir's harsh tone startled her. Manik was too was baffled seeing cabir's cold behaviour.

Cabir, Navya.....Navya needs us right now. Didn't you see the way she ran? Come on it was her past that made her speak such things. She will loose herself if we let her stay like this. Nandini tried reasoning cabir.

Oh really nandini! Mukti came forward she was really irritated with Nandini's behaviour. How long will you let people play with your feelings? Pehle manik ab Navya! How long are you going to let them hurt you? Mukti spoke coming in front of her.

Nandini's eyes immediately darted towards manik who was still rooted at his spot, gazing the floor. He had nothing to say in his defence. What would he even say! Nothing. The only thing he could do is stand and witness the happening around him.

Nandini could feel her anger surfacing back. She gave a light push to mukti and walked towards manik.

Manik felt nandini walking closer and his body immediately stiffened. His gaze on the floor became more strong while Nandini refused to look anywhere else apart from his face. Cabir, mukti can you leave us alone for sometime. Nandini's tone held a stern order leaving no room for any argument or discussion.

Mukti and cabir silently left the cabin. None of them felt like going and even checking on Navya. They both moved towards cabir's cabin. Cabir settled himself on his chair throwing his head back. Mukti settled on the couch with her head buried in between her palms.

A sudden knock on cabir's door broke their chain of thoughts. Running his hand through his hair making it look presentable he gave the permission to enter.

One of the editor came in with a worried look. Sir it's already past eleven-thirty, all the editors have been waiting for all of you. As soon as the editor finished cabir's eyes darted towards the watch in his cabin. He let out a sigh and stood up nodding in response to the editor, you go I am coming.

The editor turned and moved out of the cabin. Cabir looked at mukti who blinked her eyes in assurance. She settled back on the sofa while cabir moved ahead.

Manik was with nandini, and about calling Navya, not right now, who knows she might just again say something...... it's better not to talk, cabir walked out thinking all of it and entered the editor room. The two hours in this room were going to be one hell of time. With so many thoughts in his mind and so many pending projects, things are going to be tough.

Nandini pulled manik by his collars. Manik seemed to be shocked with Nandini's reaction. Wh...what are you doing? Manik fumbled. He needed a break badly. List....listen please I need time to sort myself out. Manik said moving his gaze from nandini.

Aur kitna time manik. Four years. Weren't they enough for you to get over your mother's death? Weren't they enough to get over your br..? Even before she could continue, manik interrupted her. Don't. Not a word more Ms. Nandini Murthy. Manik yelled.

Why should I stop manik? Why? Why am I being punished when I am not at fault? Tell me manik why are you pushing me away? Please let me stay with you in this time and let me heal you. Main tumhe vaada karti hoon tumhe kuch ni hone dungi. Nandini started off with an angry and frustrated tone, but as she continued, her emotions took control over her senses, which yelled at her to not let manik be alone again. She pleaded him to not push her and give her a chance, give their relationship a chance. Her grip on his collar loosened as she was on the verge of crying. The helplessness was clearly evident in her tone, while Maniks eyes moistened.

I m scared. Darr lagta hai mujhe. Manik's words shook Nandini's inner conscious.

Mujhse......mujhse darr lagta hai tumhe manik? Nandini asked in an unsure voice. She herself was not sure what she was saying. Manik shaked his head.

Nahi. Tumse nahi. Apne aap se. Apni destiny se. Meri destiny ne mujhse woh har cheez chin li jo mere dil ke kareeb thi. Ab darr lagne laga hai, kyunki tumhe nahi kho sakta main. Aur shayad isiliye maine tumhe apne aap se dur rakhne ka faisla kiya. Par shayad main galat tha.

Painful sobs escaped from Manik's eyes as he completely broke down. He fell on his knees with Nandini beside him. Her eyes were clouded with tears and she wrapped her arms around Manik, providing him comfort and support. They cried, wrapped in each other's arms after manik responded to the hug.

Destiny played a cruel game on the two innocent lovers! Was it really a cruel game or was it a test of love. Is destiny really that cruel or is it just testing the strength of true love?

Manik we will sort out everything, But right now Navya.....Navya needs us. She is as innocent as an infant. Please I can't loose her. Please go talk to her. Her voice had the calmness which helped to immediately calmed manik. He got up, wiping nandini's tears and placed his forehead on hers. A sigh escaped her mouth and she too closed her eyes.

In that very moment he took a leap of faith, for her, with her. Both of them needed the much needed closure. With time even the deepest of the scars are healed. Just a little more time was needed.

Manik.....Navya....She needs us. Nandini said parting. There was a small smile on her face. Her face had this glow which made her look more beautiful. Why won't it? After all her heart had found it's way back. Manik too had peace all over his face.

Nandini started walking towards the cabin door when manik pulled her back by holding her wrist. For a second nandini was baffled, but she calmed down when she felt his hands going around her tiny waist. Nandini too wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes in pure bliss.

After 4 painful years they were back in each others arms. The moment was the most blissful one. Feeling nandini's warmth manik couldn't help but let a few tears spill while Nandini couldn't help but snuggle more and more in to him.

He squeezed her waist in his arms while she had her fingers in his hair feeling the softness of his black thick hair. Manik hid his face in her flowy black hair while nandini rested her head on his shoulder blade. She was standing on her toes to reach his height while he had a tight grip on her lower back to support her.

Manik walked backwards dragging nandini with him and rested his hip on the table top. Nandini stood between his leg. She still had her hands wrapped around his neck while his hands were rested on her lower back.

I can't tell you nandini maine tumhe kitna miss kiya. Roz raat ko stars se baat karta raha ki shayad kisi din meri awaaz tum tak paunch jaye aur main tumhe bata saku ki how much guilty I am for hurting you. Before manik could proceed nandini placed her finger on his lips.

Manik looked at her confusingly. Will you promise me something? Nandini asked with a soft voice. Manik frantically nodded, Anything that you want nandini.

I want you to tell me the reason behind your decision. Nandini spoke with a strange determination. I will nandini. I promise I will. Infact main sabko sab kuch bata dunga. Sab kuch. And I will do anything to correct myself. Manik spoke with determined and firm voice.

He pulled nandini more closer, Aur iss baar no looking back. That's a promise. Nandini had a wide smile on her face. She hugged manik very tightly. Manik too was grinning and hugged her back. He thought of something and started kissing her neck. Nandini immediately pulled back and slapped his chest.

No hanky panky till you tell me the entire truth. Nandini warned with an angry glare. Manik made an innocent face and pulled her even more closer. Really Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra, Try me! He dared her with a mischievous tone. She pulled back and placed her palms on his chest. She gave a light push to him. Manik stood there with an all time innocent face.

Nandini sighed, You know what you were better as my Saint Topper Manik the one who would always be found studying. From the time you have turned this romantic freak you have become a headache.

Ouch! He exclaimed palming his heart. Your words broke my fragile heart into pieces. He faked being hurt. Nandini rolled her eyes at his chess comments. How much she missed all this!

Manik pulled her closer making her bang in his chest. Come on now do something and heal this broken heart. Manik said with a mischievous glint. Catching the hidden meaning behind his words nandini moved her palm and caressed his heart gently yet sexily awaking Mr. Monster Malhotra.

Nan...Nandini what are you doing? Manik kept his eyes on her face that had a sexy smile while her eyes held a lusty look. Manik gulped seeing his wife getting all turned on which in turn was turning him on.

Why Manik is it affecting you so much? Nandini feigned innocence while manik squeezed her waist and pinched it. Yes Mrs. Malhotra it's affecting me very very much. He whispered in her ear.

Nandini smirked and pushed him. Mr. Malhotra too bad romancing with your employee that too in the office cabin. Hawwwwwww what will the other writers think. Tch. Tch. Tch.

Manik rolled his eyes at his drama queen, Hogaya tumhare ab chale. My poor baby ro ro ke aankhein soojh gayi hogi uski. Manik voiced out his worry while nandini smiled seeing him treating Navya like a baby girl.

This was something she would always adore. Even during college days when manik would talk about cabir and navya there always used to be fatherly concern in his tone. She had never seen them in personal as manik always refused to show her their photos. He always wanted them to meet her in personal. When she met Navya for the first time she felt a strong pull but she recognized them only after Navya showed manik's picture.

Manik and nandini both moved towards navya's cabin. As predicted Navya was sitting on the chair crying. Her knees were curled to her chest and she sat in a very uncomfortable position on the chair. Manik sighed and moved closer to her. He kneeled in front of her chair and cupped her face.

Aur kitna rone ka irada hai tera? Manik's voice was stern yet blank. Navya sobbed more listening to his strict voice.

She was baby who needed to be shown the right path. Manik had always treated her like his daughter. From bearing her tantrums to fulfilling her wishes manik was always there for her. He also knew that navya always had this feeling and attraction towards cabir but she never voiced it out because she feared loosing his friendship.

Nandini stood there letting manik handle her. She didn't want to interrupt the two best friends. Manik looked at nandini who had a smile on her face seeing the baby Navya. Manik again turned his face towards Navya who still had her face buried on her knees. Manik nodded his head and picked up Navya in his arms who immediately snuggled in his chest and started crying.

Ab agar tu thoda bhi royi na toh main sacchi tujhse baat ni karunga. Main warn kar raha hai hoon tujhe. Listening to maniks stern voice Navya sniffed and wrapped her arms around his neck and sniffed. Manik smiled and made her sit on the couch. Nandini moved forward and passed a glass of water. Manik took it from her hands and made Navya drink it.

Man....Manik....I m so....sorry. Navya whispered and once again tears made their way out. Main tujhse naraz nahi hoon. Aur khabardar a single tear more from your eyes aur main thapad lagaoga. Manik who was kneeling on the floor in front of navya got up and sat beside her. Nandini too settled on the arm of the couch and wrapped an arm around navya's shoulder.

Manik I don't know kaise maine woh sab bola. Sacchi mere koi intention nahi tha. Navya was still crying. Manik sighed and pulled her in a bear hug. He kept rubbing her back to calm her while with his other hand he patted his head.

Main jaanta hoon Navya. Maine kuch kaha tumse. Haan main jhoot nahi khaunga, mujhe uss waqt bura laga tha lekin main samjhta hoon teri condition. Ab bas kar yaar kitna royegi. Bacchi lag rahi hai. Manik loved teasing her. She was like a sister that he never had.

Navya parted herself and slapped his chest. Manik faked an ouch while nandini hugged Navya tightly.

Tumne bhi mujhe maaf kar dia? Tum gussa nahi ho mujhse? Nandini awwed listening to navya's words. Ni hoon main gussa tujhse. Yaar tu itni cute tujhse gussa hona is impossible.

Navya smiled and hugged nandini again. I love you rasi. I love you too baby cakes.

Nandini and Navya parted apart and side hugged each other. Waise manik, thank you. Navya spoke with again smile. Hain? Thank you? Lekin kyun? Manik was confused.

Haan itni pyaari bhabhi ke liye! Navya exclaimed scratch that screamed out of excitement making manik and nandini close their ears. Girl calm down and stop screaming and jumping around like a bunny. Office hai yeh. Navya scrunched her nose at manik's stern voice.

Khadoos! Navya said making a bad face.

Hmmmm...Suna maine. Manik said sternly while nandini put her hand on the mouth to stop herself from laughing.

Tumhare sun ke liye hi tha. Navya said in an obvious tone.

Yaar Navya kabhi toh kuch original bol liya kar. Har baar kya yeh typical dialogues. Manik teased Navya by pulling her hair.

Navya swatted his hand and in return pulled his hair. Navyaaaa. Manik yelled running his hand through his hair to set it straight.

Deciding to leave the two best friends alone nandini quietly moved out of the cabin and started walking towards the lift. She was lost in her own thoughts and did not notice the sign board that said "Caution: Wet Floor." She kept walking unaware of the danger ahead. The moment she stepped on the water her foot slipped and she lost her balance.

Before her body could touch the floor. A pair of arms held her waist and supported her. Nandini whose eyes were closed due to fear opened it feeling the touch on her body. Her eyes widened in shock seeing the person in don't of her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Her blood seem to have stopped flowing while her body had started turning cold.

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How are you guys! Kem cho?
Sab theek thak? How's life?
Sab khariyat? 😆
Dekho maar na mat! I swear this is the last cliff hanger of the entire.....ummmm actually second last of the story🙈🙈
I know you guys love me too much to kill me! Nai?😉😜
And see this time it's an early update also so pls no jooti tamatar eggs etc on me. 🙈🙈
On a serious note....How's the update? ☺
OK so I have divided the update in three different parts. Part 1 is here. The remaining two parts will be merged with the further chapters. 😊
So how was the romance?
The very first romantic moment of this entire book. 😍
And how was the shock😜
Please do give your feedback.
#okthanksbye.
❤