Both reach home and see Neyonika, Dadi, and Ishita sitting in the living room.

Neyonika: Here they come.

Both settled down and drank water.

Ishita: How was your visit to Navya?

Manik and Nandini exchanged an awkward glance. They were feeling uncomfortable to talk about it. The last topic they discussed with Navya came back to their mind.

Manik(hesitantly): It was… informative.

Neyonika shakes her head in disbelief seeing her son like this. So, she sees towards Nandini.

Nandini(sighing): She told us some do’s and Don’ts. She has prescribed me some medicine and all.

Dadi: Any precautions?

Nandini: She asked me to avoid Peanuts and soybeans because Manik is allergic to them. So, there is are high chance that the baby can be affected.

Neyonika: You don’t worry I will take care of your food from now onwards. Remember you can always come to me with any questions or concerns.

Nandini nodded in gratitude, feeling a sense of relief wash over her in the comfort of Neyonika’s reassurance. After that Raj and Vivek also joined them and they all completed their dinner and called off the day.

One week had slipped by since Manik and Nandini's visit to Navya, and the air between them had grown heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Their relationship was far from typical, plagued by complexities and uncertainties that neither knew how to navigate.

In the days that followed their appointment, Manik and Nandini found themselves retreating further into their worlds, their interactions reduced to mere glances and fleeting moments of awkward silence. Their unusual relationship had always been a source of discomfort and uncertainty, but now, in the wake of their visit to Navya, the divide between them seemed insurmountable.

Manik, ever the stoic one, buried himself in his work, using it as a shield to protect himself from the emotional turmoil that threatened to consume him. His days were filled with endless meetings and deadlines, each task a welcome distraction from the growing tensions between him and Nandini.

On the other hand, Nandini sought solace in the sanctuary of her thoughts, retreating into the depths of her mind to escape the suffocating silence that enveloped her. She busied herself with household chores and work, her movements mechanical as she went through the motions of daily life.

Their interactions were few and far between, limited to polite nods and forced smiles that only served to highlight the emptiness that had settled between them. Neither knew how to bridge the gap they had between them and so they chose instead to maintain a careful distance.

Nandini entered the conference room of the music label's headquarters with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She had been eagerly awaiting this meeting, ready to negotiate her contract and advance her music career. But what greeted her inside left her speechless – seated around the table were Manik, Cabir, Mukti, Alya, and Dhruv.

Her heart raced as she took in the unexpected sight, her mind struggling to comprehend the situation. Were they here for the same reason as her? They all were also startled to see her.

The HR manager of the label, Mr. Kapoor, greeted her with a warm smile. "Ah, Nandini, so glad you could join us. Please, take a seat."

Still reeling from the shock, Nandini managed a nod and found herself a chair at the table. Mr. Kapoor began the meeting with introductions, confirming Nandini and FAB 5 suspicions – everyone present was indeed there to negotiate contracts with the label.

As the conversation unfolded, Nandini listened intently, her eyes darting between the executives and the familiar faces seated around her.

Mr. Kapoor turned to Manik, the charismatic leader of the group, and addressed him first. "Manik, it's a pleasure to have you and your band here. We've been following your rise in the music industry with great interest."

Manik nodded, his expression composed yet confident. "Thank you, Mr. Kapoor. We're excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the label and reach a wider audience."

Cabir, always quick with a quip, added, "Plus, the thought of having our faces plastered on billboards across the city does have a certain appeal."

The room erupted in laughter, breaking the tension that had settled over them. Mukti spoke next. "We're also keen to explore opportunities for creative freedom and expression. It's important to us that our music stays true to who we are."

Alya nodded in agreement. "And we've got plenty of ideas for how to market ourselves – we're not afraid to think outside the box." Dhruv chimed in with his thoughts on sound production and studio arrangements, his words carrying a weight of experience and expertise.

As the conversation continued, Nandini found herself admiring the group's unity and determination. Despite the competitive nature of the industry, they seemed to share a genuine camaraderie and respect for one another.

Mr. Kapoor turned to Nandini, breaking her reverie. "And what about you, Nandini? What are your goals and aspirations?"

Nandini took a deep breath, steeling herself for the moment. "I... I want to share my music with the world," she began, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. "But more than that, I want to connect with people on a deeper level – to touch their hearts and inspire them through my songs."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, the room fell silent. Then, one by one, the others began to nod in understanding, their expressions reflecting a shared passion for music and its transformative power.

Mr. Kapoor smiled, impressed by Nandini's sincerity and determination. "Well said, Nandini. I believe you have a bright future ahead of you. Okay so, today I have called you guys together here because I want to collaborate with both of you. Our album will contain 6 songs. Two will be of Nandini and the other two of FAB 5."

Manik and Nandini asked in unison "What about the other two songs?"

Mr. Kapoor said, "I want you both to collaborate." And that was a shock for both of them while FAB 4 was happy with this.

"Mr. Kapoor I don’t think that it will be a good idea as we both never sing together. " Manik said trying to be as professional as he could be.

"I agree with him. I think you should think over it again." Nandini said plainly. On the other side, FAB 4 is confused as to why they are denying it.

"I have already made up my mind and discussed it with my team. Also, as you both are husband and wife you could be able to cope with each other and I have listened to Nandini’s voice so with my experience I can say that you both will be best together." Mr. Kapoor replied in a firm tone.

"Manik Nandini why are you guys thinking so much say yes, it’s a great opportunity," Mukti said slowly.

Manik and Nandini both are in a dilemma. Nandini knows that she doesn’t have any other option or any valid reason as saying no without any genuine reason would cost her career and also would be unprofessional.

Similarly, Manik didn’t find any excuse that could save him. He had to think about others too. Just because of his issues, he can’t put their career at stake as this album would be too big for their career. At last, they both agreed to it.

"Great! Then for today, this will be it. I just want this meeting to be an introductory one. Although everything is final still Mr. Rao the CEO of the label wants to listen to you guys together as in Mr and Mrs Malhotra. The day after tomorrow you both have to come here for recording. Others don’t have to come as we have already listened to you guys. " Mr. Kapoor concludes.

"You said recording, right? " Nandini asked. "Yes, you heard it right we want to release the random face of the song just for now." Mr. Kapoor replied.

They all agreed and at last, they discussed the payments and signed the contracts. With that, the meeting drew to a close. As FAB 5 with Nandini came out of the building Mukti and Alya jumped on Nandini and congratulated her. Dhruv and Cabir side hug her to which she congratulates all of them back. 

"It's time for celebration guys" Cabir screamed in joy.
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Hope you all like the chapter......

Few words for Manik...

Few words for Nandini...

Will this collaboration bring any improvement in Manan's relation???

Manan recording and singing together for the first time.... excited???

Favourite moment???

Do comments and vote...

New chapter coming soon maybe tomorrow 😉

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️