#121 in FanFiction.🎊🎉
#4800+ words.

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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 front of her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Her blood seemed to have stopped flowing while her body had started turning cold. She couldn't believe her own vision. Was this real? Was this for true?

Her brain stopped functioning while her heart stopped pumping blood. She could feel her veins and arteries go cold and her blood freeze all over. She felt lifeless. Why was her destiny so harsh on her? One moment she was all happy and almost on the verge of getting her love back. Her life seemed to be getting normal and the very next second everything seemed to slip out of her hands.

She felt all the colours vanishing away. She was still in the hold of the person while her eyes couldn't move from the person in front of her. How can she ever forget this face. The same eyes. The same features. The same touch. The same hands. Memories once again made their way back. Flashes of the past started playing.

Nandini. She came out of her thoughts when she heard her name being called. She felt herself standing on her feet and looked away from the person to see manik and navya standing there. Navya was confused whereas manik stood there mirroring the same expression as that of nandini. Manik called her name seeing where and with whom she was.

She again looked back towards the person who stood there. As soon as the reality started to sunk in her mind she started walking backwards. Before she could walk more behind the guy pulled her from her wrist and turned her around pushing her to the opposite side.

Navya rushed towards her and wrapped her hands around nandini's shoulder. Manik walked closer towards the person. Both of them passed each other a small faint smile as if understanding the others dilemma. Nandini who was too shocked to react pushed navya's hand away and started walking away.

This time she ran for the stairs and started descending them hastily, tears wetting her face. Navya looked at manik all shocked who with eyes gestured her to go behind nandini. Before Navya could leave manik held her wrist and stopped her. No questions. I will explain everything later. Trust me once I will not disappoint you this time. Manik's voice was stern yet calm.

Navya nodded and followed nandini hue manik turned towards the person in front of him. His eyes softened. He immediately pulled him in a hug. Kaisa hai tu? Teri tabiyat toh theek haina? How was the deal? How was the meeting? Did everything go well? Aur..... Before manik could continue further the person interrupted him.

Bhai....bhai relax. Pehle toh calm down. I will answer all your questions. Lekin calm down. Aur main ab koi baccha nahi hoon. The person said with a smile and glint in his eyes.

Tu kitna bada kyu nahi ho jata you will always be my baby brother Mr. Nishchal Malhotra. Manik pulled his brother Nishchal in a hug.

Nishchal Malhotra, Younger brother of manik. Handles business with his father. Loves manik very much and respects him a lot. Manik is more like a fatherly figure to him. He has suffered a lot in his past. Has a very bad medical history. Studied in London. He is most of the time travelling for business deals. 

Bhai...woh...woh...Nandini yaha? Kyu? I mean kaise? Mera matlab hai woh toh.....Nishchal was Interrupted by manik. Tu chal mere cabin main. Hum waha baat karege. Both the brothers walked towards manik's cabin.

Cabir returned back to his cabin to see mukti sleeping with her head rested on the arm of the couch. He walked closer and clicked his fingers in front of mukti in order to wake her up. On seeing no other way he yelled her name loudly right into her ear. MUKTIIIIIIIIIIIIIII.

Mukti woke with a start and the expression on her face was priceless. Cabir broke in fits of laughter. He had to take the support of the chair to prevent himself from landing on the floor. Apni shakal.....Oh my god....you looked epic....seriously.......woh advertisement ke cartoon se bhi funny.........Ab mera pet dard kar raha hai.

Mukti was fuming with anger. First this guy woke her up and secondly he had the audacity to laugh on her. She was red with anger. Not knowing what to do she picked up the glass of water that was on the table and threw it on cabir.

Cabir's laughter ceased and he was too shocked. What the fuck! Cabir yelled gritting his teeth. Now it was mukti who was laughing clutching her stomach.

Drenched cabir was definitely a treat to watch!

Steam was fuming out of cabir's ears. He looked like a angry bull. He went closer to mukti and held her hair in his palms and pulled them tightly. Mukti winced. Aaahhh. You cockroach! I will kill you. Mukti yelled and marched towards cabir.

She gripped his hair tightly and pulled with all the force. Aaaahhhhhh! Ms. Godzilla. Stop right there before I pull away all you hair. Cabir was yelling loudly while mukti was enjoying. She didn't even for once loosen her hold on his hair. She gripped them more strongly making him yell in pain.

What he hell are you two upto? Manik's voice screeched through the entire cabin haulting MukBir. Both of them looked at manik who was standing there with Nishchal.

Cabir looked no less than any cartoon with his shirt and face wet and his hair sticking out while mukti's hair looked like a birds nest.

On the other hand manik was angry and pissed at their childish acts while Nishchal was covering his mouth to suppress his laughter. At that very moment Navya walked in the cabin searching for manik. Looking at mukti and cabir she couldn't help but burst in laughter. Nishchal too couldn't hold back and started laughing. Manik too had smile on his lips. He pursed his lips together to control from bursting out.

Navya and Nishchal were literally rolling on the floor. Mukti huffed and took a step ahead while at the exact same moment cabir decided to freshen up. The moment they started walking both of them dashed with each other and stumbled back in opposite direction.

Seeing them Navya and Nishchal laughed more while manik's shoulder were vibrating due to laughter but his lips were pressed tightly. Mukti and cabir straightened themselves and glared at each other.

Mukti started walking ahead and glared at Navya and Nishchal who were shamelessly laughing while manik stood there with a fake poker face. Cabir too followed mukti killing all three of them with his looks.

Once both of them were out of sight the three burst into laughter. It wasn't something new for them. Everytime mukti and cabir were left alone something like this was bound to happen. They were worst then kindergarten kids. And anybody who dared to step between them was bound to be crushed beneath their anger. Thus None of the three even made an attempt to talk to them.

Navya leaned herself on manik Maine bola tha na iss baar world war three for sure how wala Hai. Navya still couldn't get a grip over her laughter.
Listening to navya th malhotra brothers started laughing again.

Oh shoot! I forgot. Navy exclaimed straightening up. Kya hua? Manik asked with a smile. Woh nandini has invited all of us at her place tonight for dinner. She said she is new here and has no friends apart from us. So to celebrate her new job and also to bond more with us she has invited us for dinner.

Manik and Nishchal looked at each other. Nishchal looked towards Navya, Urrmm I don't think I will be able to come. I just returned today from the trip so I m tired. You guys enjoy I will catch up with you all later. Manik understood what he was trying to do whereas Navya moved closer with her hands on her waist and eyes narrowed.

Mr. Nishchal Malhotra I am warning you if you do not turn up for the dinner I swear I will kill you. And this is Navya Khanna's promise. Navya then towards manik. And Mr. Manik Malhotra I am warning you too that if this lazy brother of yours doesn't turn up today your entry in the writing house will be banned.

Both the brothers looked at Navya who stood their with shoulders raised high and arms folded in front of her chest. Seriously manh your are so bossy! Huh! Worst than a tyrant teacher. Nishchal commented passing a wink in maniks direction.

Manik sighed. He always wondered how come all four of them acted like kids. Indulging in unnecessary fights. Demanding for things like kids do. But nevertheless he loved all of them a lot. Beyond words could express. He loved treating them as kids.

OK enough guys. Navya I will make sure that my lazy brother does turn up for the dinner. OK? Happy now? Manik spoke breaking their cat fight. Nishchal looked at manik with a serious expression. Manik blinked his eyes as of understanding his dilemma.

OK then I m going. Tata. Navya said waving a bye to the two Malhotra's.

And where do you think you are going Ms. Khanna. Navya scrunched her nose when manik addressed her formally. She was sure he was not going to let her take half day. Think Navya think! Before this monster gobbles you up.

Woh....actually....hua yeh....woh.....Navya tried to come with all sorts of excuse but nothing seem to work.

Woh kya Ms. Navya. Manik was sure she was skipping work again.

Haan! I m going to nandini's place to help her. Navya spoke internally praying to her universeji to let her escape this time.

Oh really! Dinner raat ko hai. You can leave by six. Not before that. Am I very clear to you.

Navya made a bad face. She was in mood for some real fun. She purposely walked closer to manik and stomped on his shoe making him wince.

Pagal ho gayi hai tu. Dimaag ke screw dhile ho gaye hai tere. Baccho jaisa kya behave kar rahi hai. Manik yelled. Mujhe kaam nahi karna.

Toh aap ko kya karna hai madam. Nishchal asked wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Mujhe na ek no correction do bade chocolate ice cream ke tub khana hai along with four domino pizzas and yes not to forget Varun Dhawan ki movies dekhni hai.

Manik and Nishchal's eyes widened listening to her. Are you freaking out of your mind. Two ice-creams and four pizzas. Nishchal yelled. Navya palmed her ears. Relax baby brother. This is nothing. I can eat pizzas 365 days. Navya sighed dreamily.

Navya enough of time pass. Get going right away. I won't the draft for the upcoming two advertisements by siX in the evening or else you are not coming for the dinner. Navya widened her eyes. She immediately ran out of the cabin to get working. She muttered some harmless curses before getting started.

It was almost nearing seven. Nandini was setting the table along with Navya who was constantly complaining how manik made her work and spoiled all her plans. Nandini smiled at the baby Navya. She realised that navya did this antics as she was trying to find the parental love that she never got.

Nandini decided that she will always treat Navya as a baby no matter what. OK ok Navya I promise I will give manik a punishment for troubling my baby. OK? Navya yelled happily and hugged nandini tightly. By the way where is Rishabh Bhai?

I had called him and informed him about the dinner. He said he would be there by eight. He has some work. Nandini was now setting the plates. Navya plopped down on a chair and munched on a cucumber.

Ohhh. By the way does bhai know about you and manik? Nandini's hands stopped working and she looked at Navya. Nahi abhi nahi. I think aaj I will tell him. I m scared yaar. Bhai is going to be very angry. What if he tells dad?

Navya hugged a scared nandini. What's cooking girls? Rishabh's voice broke the trance of the two. Nandini looked at him. Bhai I thought you were coming at eight.

Nandini walked closer to Rishabh handing him a glass of water. Yes I was chhoti lekin mera kaam hogaya tha aur phir you said you had invited your friends so I thought I might as well come early. Waise what we're you two talking about?

Urrmm bhai why don't you freshen up everyone will be here any moment. And also I have something to tell you. Rishabh squinted his eyes at nandini who was looking everywhere apart from Rishabh.

Chhoti something serious? Rishabh asked with a stern voice. No bhai you freshen up we will talk once everyone is here. Rishabh nodded and went towards his room. Nandini looked at Navya with fear evident in her eyes.

Navya blinked her eyes telling her everything will be fine. Just then the doorbell rang. Nandini walked towards the door to open it. Manik cabir and mukti stood there. She shared a brief hug with cabir and mukti smilingly while passed manik a small smile.

Manik was confused. He sensed some kind of change in her behaviour but he was still unable to make out what exactly went wrong. Navya walked closer to manik. Where is Nishchal? He is coming. Manik replied non-chalantly. Navya just nodded and settled beside mukti.

Just then Rishabh walked down. He stood near nandini. Taking a deep breathe she faced Rishabh with a small smile. Bhai. This is mukti. My college friend. This is cabir. You had seen his picture. You know Navya and this....This is .....

Nandini was now unsure how to introduce manik to her brother. Manik. I know. Navya had shown his picture. Rishabh completed nandini's sentence. Manik got up for a handshake. The air around was getting thick with awkwardness.

Bhai. There is actually more to this. Nandini said. There were tears formed on the corner of her eyes. She didn't know what to tell him.

Bhai manik and me......Urrmm me and manik....We....We were in a rela....relationship. There was utter silence in the room. Tension clearly evident.

Nandini looked up to see Rishabh standing there with a hard face. Bhai....bhai woh....

She was Interrupted by Rishabh. Nandini. I hope you know that right now I m very angry after knowing this truth. Infact I don't even know whether I am angry, hurt or something else. But I just hope you do have a very strong reason behind hiding the truth. Coz if not then this is going to affect our relationship.

Nandini just nodded. Manik tried to intervene but Rishabh stopped him. I am talking to MY SISTER and I don't need any outsider to come and speak in between. Manik stepped back immediately.

He knew that right now he speaking will worsen the situation. Bhai I do have a reason. And that is exactly why I have called all of them here. Each one present here deserves to know the truth. And I promise that I will tell everything but can we please have dinner and then continue with this.

Cabir mukti and navya immediately stood up and nd walked ahead while nandini too followed them leaving Rishabh and manik alone. Manik made a move ahead when Rishabh stopped him. I just hope that you have a very strong reason on whatever has happened or else you won't be able to see tomorrow's sunrise.

Manik just nodded. He could clearly understand why Rishabh was so angry. Manik and nandini had committed a sin by hiding a very important event of their life. Marrying each other without proper permission from both the families is definitely the biggest mistake they could have ever committed.

But they aren't really to be blamed. Circumstances forced them to take such a drastic step.

The dinner passed by in a very eery and dangerous silence. Nandini was all the time looking at Rishabh's face while NavMukBir were looking at each other thinking of how to break this silence.

After the dinner all of them settled on the couches in the living room. Are you going to speak or should I leave? Rishabh asked looking at nandini. She was getting nervous and was fumbling.

Manik thought that he should speak on his behalf. If you allow me then I would like to begin with by telling you that we had no real intention of hiding it. All the while Rishabh either looked at nandini or on the floor. Not for once did he spare manik a glance.

IF YOU BOTH ARE GOING TO KEEP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH LIKE THIS THEN I REQUEST ALL OF YOU TO LEAVE THIS PLACE RIGHT AWAY.

Rishabh's voice echoed through the entire house. Nandini closed her eyes while mukti and navya who were siting next to her rubbed her palms.

Bhai.....bhai.....woh....It all began on the first day of my college......

~Flashback~

Aiyappa my first day in the college and I am late. Just amazing. I don't believe this. Nandini was running around her small apartment that her father had got for her while she stayed there. Due to jet lag and all the moving and shifting her body was dead tired.

Running out of the house with her bag in one hand, slice of bread pressed between her lips and with one hand trying to lock the door. She rushed down the stairs of her apartment building. College was at a distance of 20-25 minutes. She was already late and no taxi was available.

She started running on the Streets of London looking for a taxi. Rishabh wanted to stay with her but she managed to tell him to leave so that his studies aren't affected. Walking ahead she saw a taxi standing outside a small grocery shop. The door of the taxi was open.

Nandini immediately jumped inside. Trinity college, 4th Avenue Street please. Nandini said while munching on her last piece of bread.

Before the cab driver could tell her something someone else opened the door of the cab. The person bend Down and peeked inside the cab.

Excuse me miss, but I have already booked this taxi. Nandini turned to looked around. She saw a guy of nearly her age standing there wearing goggles on his eyes. Even though his eyes were covered she felt a weird attraction. The guy removed his goggles. It was none other than Mr. Manik Malhotra.

She nodded her head and said, Take another taxi Mr. I have already taken this.

Excused me I have already booked it. You can't just barge into someone's property like this.

For your kind information, you do not own this taxi. It's a public transport and every one can ride it.

Yes definitely I don't own it. But I have booked it and IT IS MINE.

Manik now raised his voice. Nandini got out and stood hiding the door.

But now I have TAKEN IT. Nandini too yelled in return.

Listen Ms. Whatever.....Before manik could continue.

No you listen to me. Get lost and stop wasting my time. I m.already late for my first day. So now will you.

No I will not. This cab is booked by me and I will only ride in it. So move.

Before they could continue the cab driver intervened.

One of you decide to sit or else I will drive away. And Ms. The boy is right he has booked the cab and he had got down to grab something.

Manik smirked while nandini grunted. She pushed the door in anger and grabbed her purse and walked out. In this procedure her phone fell on the seat. She stomped her foot and started walking ahead. Manik sat in the cab. He noticed a cell phone. He inquired from the cab driver and concluded that it belonged to the same stubborn lady.

Nandini was walking ahead when manik called her from behind. Excuse me miss. Your phone.....

Before he could even complete nandini interrupted him.

So now you want my phone number.I knew it. I knew it. You were one douche bag. Chasing girls for your own satisfaction.

Manik was shocked.

WHATTTT? DO YOU EVEN REALISE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?

Manik was yelling loudly while the passerby's were giving weird looks to both of them. Manik waved the phone in front of her eyes.

This phone....... Before manik could continue nandini snatched the phone and threw into the garbage bin nearby.

Is now gone. Nandini exclaimed with a smirk on her face. Manik's eyes widened in shock. He eyes kept oscillating from nandini to the bin.

His movement halted when a phone ring was heard. Nandini still looking at manik put her hand inside her purse. She started searching for the phone still looking at manik with a smirk.

On not able to get hold of her phone she now moved her eyes towards the purse and looked more deeper in it.

The phone ring got louder by each passing second. Nandini was now irritated as she failed to search for it. Suddenly she looked from her purse and towards manik. Her eyes wider than a saucer. Reality hit her hard.

The phone is hers. The phone that she just threw in the dustbin belonged to no one else but her. HER PHONE WAS NOW LYING IN A PIT OF GARBAGE.

Manik was controlling his laughter. Nandini took slow and careful steps towards the bin. The phone ring was now clear and loud. She made a disgusting face and started peeping inside the bin scrunching her nose due to foul smell.

Manik nodded his head and sat back in the taxi. Have a good day miss! Manik yelled as the cab drove away to his destination. Nandini stamped her foot and muttered abusive curses.

She again scrunched her nose and started searching for her cell phone.

Definitely a foul start!

~Flashback Ends~

Cabir and navya were laughing like crazies listening to their first encounter. Manik and nandini stood there all flushed.

Rishabh was listening everything intently. He too had a small smile on his face.

Arrey this is nothing. This is just the beginning. Unfortunately both of them dashed in the college library on the same day. And trust me the entire college witnessed the first ever tom and jerry fight. And from that day started a series of tom and jerry show. Daily a new fight. While mukti narrated all this nandini and manik sat there all flustered.

Absolutely right! They were like kids when it came to fighting. Baccho ki tarah har baat ke liye ladna. And coincidentally it always used to happen that both of them wanted the same thing. Same book. Same movie CD. They even used to fight for the same seat. Nishchal spoke as he entered the house. Manik glared at Nishchal but it had no effect.

Toh mukti aur Nishchal tumhe inke baare main sab pata hai. Rishabh asked. Ni bhaiya. I only know that there were situations that both were forced to take some serious decisions and also a little about Nishchal's health getting worst. Nothing much. Manik never wanted any of us to take any sort of tension. Infact even nandini for that matter.

Aur Nishchal tum? Nishchal was in a dilemma he didn't know what to say. He looked at manik who was looking at the flooring. Bhaiya woh....main...woh..actually..... He kept fumbling with words not able to form at proper sentence. Matlab tum jaante ho. Sab kuch. Jo bhi in hone kiya. Kyun kiya. Sab. Rishabh completed Nishchal's words. Nishchal just nodded and settled on the couch beside manik.

There was pin drop silence in the house. All were wondering what to talk and how to continue this further. The silence was disturbed when Rishabh's phone rang. He excused himself and went to pick up the phone.

Any one for icecream? Nandini asked looking at all of them. Navya Mukti Cabir and Nishchal yelled at the same time. MEEEEEEEEE.

Nandini laughed and moved in the kitchen. Mukti followed her to help her out accompanied by Navya. Both of them entered the kitchen to see nandini taking out ice creams from the refrigerator.

Nandini can I ask you something? Mukti spoke helping nandini scoop the different flavours of the ice cream.

Haan pucho na why this hesitation? Nandini smiled.

How did you forgive manik so easily? Matlab koi punishment nahi? Koi gussa? Koi ladai? Kuch nahi? Mukti asked the question that was troubling her mind since evening.

Navya too got attentive listening to mukti's question. She plopped herself on the counter. Nandini smiled. She again continued scooping the ice cream.

Mukti. Maine bhi yahi socha tha ki I will be angry at him. I will never forgive him. I will take out all the pain and loneliness on him. I will not let him come near me ever. But if I had suffered so much. Then hadn't he suffered? Wasn't he also living alone? On top of that he had so much around him? Infact he needed me the most during the tough times and yet he pushed me away thinking it was good for me. I know it was a wrong decision but to be very honest he was the one who has suffered more than me. He has gone through so much. Jab usse meri zaroorat thi tab main toh wahan thi hi nahi. Han main bohot gussa thi. But you know sometimes letting go things is always better than holding them against someone for a lifetime.

Nandini explained very politely. Navya and mukti were astounded seeing her maturity. Another person who was more astounded was Rishabh who secretly heard the talk.

He knew nandini would never do something that will harm her family. He knew he had to give her time and chance to explain. He decided that he wouldn't jump to any conclusion till he hears the entire story.

Mukti and Navya hugged nandini. All three of them walked out with ice cream cups.

After serving everyone they all again got seated on the couches. Cabir cracked a few jokes in between to keep the atmosphere happy. Mukti and navya kept talking to nandini about anything and everything. Cabir tried to initiate a conversation with Rishabh but always got a curt reply in return.

Guys I think its already too late. We can continue this later. Manik suggested. Yes. I think manik is right. Cabir said. Things were getting pretty awkward and it was best to go with flow. Haste and impatience will only spoil relations. Thank you so much nandini for the wonderful dinner. Thank you bhaiya. Cabir spoke on behalf of everyone.

All of them nodded and started moving towards the door. Mukti Navya and nandini shared a brief good bye hug. While Rishabh shook hands with cabir and Nishchal. All of them left waving a good bye. Manik and nandini shared a very short eye lock.

After everyone left, Rishabh started moving towards his room when nandini stopped him. Bhai woh..Main...aapse...woh mujhe....kuch...aapse baat karni thi. She was hell nervous. She fumbled and couldn't even speak properly.

Rishabh walked back and stood in front of her. Nandini, main jaanta hoon zaroor koi bada reason hoga. Though I m trying to join the dots and come up with something that is very logical but I am failing. I just hope that you tell me everything before it is too late. Haan main gussa hoon tujhse. Maine yeh kabhi expect nahi kiya tha ki tu mujhse kuch chupayegi. Lekin main yeh bhi samajhta hoon ki zaroor teri koi majboori hogi. But Nandini promise me tu mujhe sahi waqt aane pe sab kuch bata degi?

Bhai I promise main sahi waqt aane pe sab kuch bata dungi. Nandini promise. Saying this nandini hugged Rishabh. Rishabh hugged her back. He kissed her temple. Chhoti I love you too much to be angry with you.

Nandini smiled listening to his words. Bhai I love you too. I promise this is the first and the last time I have hidden things from you. Hence forth nothing of this sort will take place.

Both of them retired to their room for a peaceful sleep after a very traumatic and a tiring day.

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Tada! I am back with a Very dhamakedaar update!
So how was it?😁

Manan first meet? Interesting? Boring? Worst? Pathetic? How's was it?☺

So many of you were asking how can nandini forgive manik so easily? Here's the answer to you question. ☺

How many of you had expected that it would turn out to be manik's own real brother😉
(P.S. only mananishfever was able to guess it right. )

How many of you thought that Rishabh's anger was not justified. Do you think he over reacted?😮

And yes of course how did you like this new Navya. 😊
Ek dum mere jaise hai nai?😉😂

I toh love her more than any other character in the story.😍
What about you guys?

Much much much much more stuff coming up.
Stay tuned. 😍
Please do give your feedback.
#okthanksbye.
❤