Nandini looked at herself in the mirror as she wore her ear accessories. She had chosen an elegant figure-hugging dress. As a trustee, she had to look like it and had decided to go classy.

"Damn, you clean up well huh." Manik said, entering the walk-in closet where they usually got ready. He hugged her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Beautiful." He said, kissing her cheek.

"Thank you. You look beautiful too." Nandini said with a cheeky smile.

"I know. You can add more adjectives, you know?"

"Hmm...sublime...gorgeous, stunning, absolutely dapper–"

"Okay mohtarma, bas bas." Manik spluttered, suddenly overcome with embarrassment and shyness. It was a side only Nandini got to see; Manik being flushed or almost blushing when complimented. Whoever would believe the Monster Manik Malhotra had the ability to blush?

"You are too silly." Nandini said and reached for the necklace. She had just moved her hair to one side when Manik stopped her.

"Let me." He said and took the necklace from her. He smiled as he noticed which one it was. He had gifted it to her when they had gotten married and it had been a while since he saw it.

"Ever so beautiful." Manik said, as he gently slipped the necklace around her neck and hooked the ends together.

"No matter how old we become, you will always be my Nandu, you know? Feisty, naughty Nandu." Manik said, kissing her nape. It was nothing overtly sensual. Just a brief gesture of love and affection, of adoration and devotion.

"And you'll always be my Monster Manik." Nandini said, turning in his arms and hooking her arms around his neck.

"Humesha."

-----

They dropped their children at the Murthy's, since the event would go on for too long and none of them thought it would be a good idea to bring fussy children to a party full of adults.

"Sab preparations ho gaye?" Manik asked, as he drove to their venue. It was the college itself and the main events and performances would be on the lawn, which was big enough to accommodate hundreds of attendees. As Nandini had made sure everyone RSVP'd to the invite, she had an idea of how many people would attend.

"Haan. Aaj duper ko sab wrap up kar liya. The caterers have arrived, the open bar has been set up and the people who have volunteered to perform have also completed stage rehearsals. Lighting Cabir ne manage kar liya hai." Nandini said, checking her iPad, which she used for work purposes. Manik hummed and looked at her before snatching the iPad away from her.

"Manik!"

"Shush. Hogaya na kaam, ab bas. Now you're Nandini Murthy Malhotra, alumnus of SPACE and my wife and my date for the night." Manik said and took her hand in his before placing both on the gear.

He saw Nandini shaking her head and smiling fondly through his peripheral vision, which made him smile too.

"Kitne bade ho gaye na hum? Graduate hokar itne saal. I feel so old." Nandini said.

"As long as it's you I grow old with, all's well." Manik said, taking the turn that would lead them to the college.

"Same. I am really happy that it's you I am here with." Nandini said, and leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

"You better be. If you thought even for a second that you would come here with anyone else, that person has another thing coming." Manik said, huffing.

"Manik! Tum bhi na! Anyway, you don't scare me anymore." Nandini said, huffing in response as well.

"Does that mean you were scared at one point?" Manik asked with a cheeky grin. Nandini rolled her eyes and muttered curses under breath as she scolded him to park properly. They got out of the car and were greeted by Cabir and Neil, who were at the entrance, talking and laughing together.

"Ohho! Madam trustee ka yaha swagat hai." Cabir said, bowing to Nandini.

"Cabir!" Nandini scolded half-heartedly before hugging him. She hugged Neil as well, before asking him how he was doing.

"You look clean." Manik said, giving Cabir a hug as well.

"Oye, roz do baar nahaata hu main India main. Just because I said I didn't shower for one week in Canada once–" Cabir defended himself, and all three of them shook their heads. 

"Yes cabir, I know how cold it is, so cold that your bal–" Manik said and Nandini pinched him before he could finish the sentence.

"Don't you say what I think you were going to say! Manik, be nice and decent please." Nandini hissed under her breath.

Manik rolled his eyes and looked around before spotting Mukti and Zubin walking towards them.

"Guys! Tum sab aagaye! Kitne mast lag rahe ho yaar!" Mukti said, and slapped Manik's ass before hugging him. Manik shrieked while everybody laughed at Mukti's silliness. They had always been playful like that.

"You need to stop slapping my ass in public." Manik hissed, looking around to see if anyone saw Mukti doing that.

"Chill Malhotra. Nandini uptight hai, tu kabse uptight bann gaya?" Mukti asked and blew a kiss in Nandini's direction when the latter playfully glared at her.

"Itne saal ka influence hoga hi. You know, he was talking to his kids in Kannada the other day. Mujhe toh itna bada shock lag gaya yaar. Nandini ne yeh Punjabi munde ko puri tarah fusion bana diya hai." Cabir said, and slapped Manik's back.

"Can y'all stop slapping me for fuck's sake. I am gonna be red all over." Manik complained.

"Tere shakal se match karna chahiye na body ko. Dekh kitna laal hogaya hai yeh." Cabir teased and Manik complained again, not at all wanting to be the one who got harassed by the twin devils.

"Stop bullying Manik!" They heard someone speak and turned to see Navya standing there, her hands on her hips.

"The Khuranas are here!" Zubin said and stepped forward to hug Aryaman and Soha while Navya hugged Nandini and Mukti.

"Tum kabse Manik ke side pe chali gayi? Why do you want us to not bully Manik?" Mukti asked.

"Taaki main bully kar saku! Oye Monster, hug nahi karoge?" Navya asked with a frown and Manik shook his head in fond exasperation as he hugged her.

Nandini laughed looking at the sight in front of her. Almost two decades ago, the two were on opposite sides, with Navya being one of Manik's victims. And now they were hugging like they have been best friends all their lives. Time really did change.

After hugging each other and catching up, they waited for Alya and Dhruv, who only arrived until it was time for all the other alumni to come.

"Yeh dekho, Alya is fashionably late." Aryaman said, waving at Alya who was walking with Dhruv, her arm around his.

"Guys! Y'all are here!" Alya said and hugged everyone as well, who were all mindful of her growing baby bump. She was five months pregnant now, and she'd grown quite a bit, thanks to her yet-to-be-born twins.

"This is so amazing. To be here, all of us together." Alya said, and dabbed her fancy handkerchief on her eyes, growing emotional within the drop of a hat. Dhruv sighed and handled his pregnant wife and her mood swings as they walked in through the familiar corridors.

"Wow, this looks amazing." Aryaman said, looking at the blown up group photographs of the students that had studied along with them, hung up on both sides of the halls. They pointed at them and reminisced about their old times.

"Oh my god, remember that? I didn't know yaha ek picture bhi click hua tha." Mukti said, pointing to the picture of their performance at the top of the hill in the forest, back when Fab 5 and NH3 were forced to perform together with the instruments they found. Manik and Nandini looked at their younger versions looking at each other and couldn't help but wonder how different the things had been, all those years ago.

"Oh my god, it's so embarrassing. Look at how I am glaring at Nandini and Manik." Alya said, pointing to herself in the picture. Dhruv laughed and kissed the back of her head.

"And see how we've ended up now." Dhruv said, patting her belly. Alya laughed and wrapped her arm around his again as they walked ahead.

"Oh my god, I wonder what happened to Rose?" Cabir muttered and Nandini and Navya shared a knowing look.

"Rose? Who is that?" Neil asked, in confusion.

"Cabir's fake girlfriend, when he was pretending to be straight." Mukti said, rolling her eyes.

"Cabir and straight? I still can't believe you thought Cabir was straight." Neil said, laughing.

"Hey, we don't have a gaydar like you do!" Mukti said, pouting.

"Hmm, fair enough." Neil said and wrapped his arm around Cabir, who was pretending to sulk.

"Look, that's us  at Musicana opening night." Manik said, pointing to the picture which had all of them singing and dancing to Disco Deewane. Manik had his arm wrapped around Nandini and both of them were lost in their own world.

"Forget gaydar. Tumhaara straight radar bhi work nahi kar raha tha. How did y'all not know something was up with these two?" Zubin asked, pointing to the picture which Manik and Nandini had been admiring.

"These two were quite sneaky ha sometimes. So passionate that it almost looked like they hated each other. Hume kya pata inka itna angst chal raha tha?" Navya asked.

Like that, they walked along the corridor, discussing the photographs which featured them. And then, they reached the lawn, which was all decorated with lights, lamps and soft music was playing.

"So sexy yaar! This looks so so good! Good job all of you!" Alya said, feeling awestruck at the beauty of their college.

"Guys, time to hit the bar. Sorry not sorry." Aryaman said and dragged Neil and Mukti to the bar.

"Piyakkad saale! Mujhe bhi leke jaao!" Cabir said, and tagged along with them.

"So typical." Manik scoffed and wrapped his arm around Nandini's waist as they walked ahead.

"Manik, are you sure Cabir will be alright?" Nandini asked, as soon as they were away from all of their friends.

"Don't worry yaar. Maine dono Cabir and Neil se baat kar liya. They don't mind, pata hai na." Manik said, caressing her cheek.

"Still, it's like a blast from the past. I know I would hate it if Trilok Chaurasia came here." Nandini said, biting her lip.

"I think that Pandit and Raghav are very different people. He wasn't a fucking predator at least, even though he had flaws of his own." Manik said, scoffing.

"Shh, calm down. No Pandit talk. Only happy things." Nandini said, as soon as she sensed him getting stiff at the mention of the man who had kidnapped her and had planned to do god knows what with her.

"Fair enough." Manik said and leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

-----

The party was in full--swing, and almost all of the invitees who had confirmed their presence had arrived. Nandini looked at the Principal and nodded before patting Manik's arm.

"It's time." Nandini said and smiled when Manik wished her good luck with a kiss.

As Nandini got on stage, the entire venue erupted into cheers, encouraged and initiated by Cabir and Navya. Nandini laughed as she adjusted the mic.

"Good evening to our Principal, our ex-trustee, our dear teachers and all my fellow ex-SPACEites." Nandini said, to garner the attention and immediately all conversations ceased and everyone looked at her.

"My sincere gratitude to all those who made it today. It wouldn't be the same with your presence. I would also like to thank Mrs. Raichand for granting us the opportunity to come back together again and recall our history at SPACE and relive all those moments that we cherish to this day. I know that I do for sure. I have met many people that I consider to be a very important part of my life, and I am sure all of you do too." Nandini said, and everyone cheered and raised their glasses, looking at the friends or family they found at SPACE.

As Nandini spoke about the college and what all their beloved alma mater has achieved in the recent years and some of the renowned artists that the college has produced.

"Alright, now for the real reason we are here. My good friend Mukti and technically my senior," Nandini said, pointing at Mukti, who was sipping her drink, "suggested the idea of organizing a reunion and all of us were like, why not? It took a few weeks to properly plan the event and a couple of months to make it happen, but here we are. All of us, back together. And what's better is that some of y'all reached out, saying you would like to put together some performances, so without much ado, let's get started!" Nandini cheered and came offstage, leaving the stage for the performers. She joined her friends and hugged Manik.

"Look." Manik said, pointing towards a man, who was standing alone, away from the crowd.

"Raghav Sir." Nandini whispered, and looked in the direction where he was looking. He was looking at Cabir whispering in his husband's ear, both of them smiling and sharing sweet looks.

"Do you think he moved on?" Nandini asked.

"I think he has. The look on his face...it's not longing. It's happiness. He seems to be happy that Cabir has found his person. Besides, I heard that Raghav has been seeing someone nowadays." Manik whispered.

Nandini looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"Have you been spying on all of us?" She asked.

"..."

"..."

"We'll talk about this later." Nandini said with a sarcastic smile and turned to look at the band that was performing.

"Oh my god! Cabirrrrrrrr!!!!!" They heard a loud whisper and turned to see a woman, very...interestingly dressed.

"Rose?" Cabir whispered and stepped forward to hug Rose, a very confused look on his face. Nandini and Navya tried to not laugh as they looked at Rose crushing Cabir in a tight hug.

"Wow, I didn't know she was considered a SPACE alumnus." Mukti said and hugged Rose too, who looked eager to greet everyone as if they were best friends back then.

"Oh my god, Dhruuuuuvvvvvv!" She shrieked and tried to pounce on Dhruv but was stopped by a finger pressed against her forehead. It was Alya.

"Ahem. Hi Rose." Alya said, her voice and expression both icy as hell.

"Hi Alya...and hey Dhruv, oh my god, you're still so cute! I watch your dance videos religiously! I even learned all the choreography, y'know?" Rose said, trying to come close to Dhruv again.

"Thanks Rose, glad to..." Dhruv said but one glare from Alya shut him up.

"Wow, didn't know Dhruv had a fan too." Zubin said, trying to muffle his laughter.

"Woah Alya, you are pregnant? COngratulations!" Rose said, staring at Alya's very obvious bump with wide eyes.

"Yes, with Dhruv's children. Dhruv, my husband, and the father of my daughter too." Alya said crisply, watching Rose's expressions change in a matter of seconds.

"Wow...Dhruv you moved on?" Rose asked sadly.

"Moved on?!" Cabir mumbled, totally amused.

"Excuse me? When was he into you?" Alya asked, ready to fight. Dhruv chuckled nervously and pulled Alya back.

"Baby, look, they're performing one of your favourite songs. Hey Rose, please excuse us. It was nice to see you. Okay, bye!" Dhruv said and dragged Alya again, who had just stepped forward threateningly.

"Damn, a pregnant Alya is ferocious. By the way, I am Aryaman. Nice to meet you, Rose." Aryaman said, trying to be nice to Rose, who looked all forlorn.

"Oh, hi. Aryaman? That's such a classy name!" Rose said, her mood suddenly better again.

"Hai na! Itna elegant ke humaare naam ko add kar diya humne. Navya Aryaman Khurana! Nice na?" Navya asked, coming between the two of them and placing her left hand on Aryaman's chest to show off her ring.

"Wow." Nandini muttered, thoroughly impressed.

"Yeh sab tumhara plan tha na?" Neil asked Nandini when he saw her poor attempts to hide her smile. In response, Nandini made a face that clearly looked like she got caught red-handed.

"Hey, you guys have pranked me so many times back then! Navya and I just wanted to return the favour, okay?" Nandini said, defending herself with a pout. "Mujhe kya pata tha Rose Aryaman ke saath bhi flirt karegi?" She said, looking at Navya, who looked pretty much like an embodiment of Maa Kaali.

"Her plan of joining you in pranking us backfired on her, hahaha!" Mukti said with a laugh.

Just then Nandini spotted someone familiar and sought the person out by tapping on their shoulder.

"Yes?"

"Oh my god! Shahid, is that you?" Nandini exclaimed excitedly, seeing her old friend.

"Nandini, damn yaar! After so long!" Shahid said, equally surprised and glad to meet Nandini.

"Oh, is that your plus one?" Nandini asked with a teasing smile, looking at the woman beside Shahid. She was happy to see Shahid being settled and happy.

"This is my wife, Shalini. We have been married for five years now." Shahid said and wrapped his arm around his smiling wife.

"Shahid and Shalini, such a nice pair! I am really happy for you! Navya! Yeh dekho!" Nandini pulled Navya in and introduced Shalini and Navya to each other.

"Shalini, these two are the reason why I could meet you and marry you. Remember, I told you these two saved me from making the stupidest mistake of my life?"

"Oh, wow, thank you Nandini and Navya! Shahid talks about you two quite a lot! Actually after I came to know what a miserable time Shahid had all those years ago, right here, I thought we shouldn't come. But Shahid said that you two would be here and he really wanted to come meet both of you." Shalini said while Shahid rubbed his neck shyly.

"Aww! Just a call and we would meet you anytime! We are old friends yaar, no need for formality. Haan bas Navya US main rehti hai, but she's just a text away! We should definitely catch up!" Nandini said.

"Yes yes, definitely. Also, I see you managed to tame that Monster Manik huh? Whoever thought that was a possibility?" Shahid asked, teasing Nandini.

"It's been a crazy journey honestly! Like I said, we should definitely meet up!" Nandini said. Just as they were chatting with each other, they heard Zubin speak.

"What's Harshad doing up there?" He asked, looking at Harshad get on stage.

"If he creates a scene, I will actually bury him alive." Manik cursed under his breath.

"Guys! Calm down, Bhai isn't up to anything! Seriously, he's grown up now." Alya said, irritated.

"Achha, achha, calm down. Look you cannot blame us for being sceptical haa. He has a bad track record of coming up on stage and doing the most terrible things." Cabir said, scoffing.

"Trust me, I have approved of everything that happens on stage." Alya said and urged them to calm down.

"Hey guys, Harshad here." All of us turned towards the stage to see Harshad standing alone.

"Most of you must have known me from back then, I was quite famous, or I mean, infamous." Harshas said, chuckling. Some people could make out the nervousness in his voice.

"Anyway, I just want to apologize for the harm I have caused to people in the past, people that I still interact with, but I know that I made their lives miserable while we were students."

Nandini shared looks with manik, who shrugged in response. She walked closer to the stage, followed by Navya, Shahid and Shalini.

"Back in 2014, I formed a band with Nandini, Navya and Shahid. We were called NH3." Harshad said and Manik pursed his lips to control his laughter while Nandini glared at him and nudged his elbow with hers.

"We had some good times and some bad ones. But ever since I heard of the reunion, I could only think of one thing. Remember our Musicana performance? It was kind of a disaster night."

"Kind of?" Cabir scoffed.

"Actually, it was pretty bad for many of us. I am sure many people close to me hold really bad experiences. While I am sorry for that, I would like to make some amends. Nandini, Navya and Shahid, can you join me here? Maybe we can perform again, and try to make good memories one last time?"

Everyone turned to look at Nandini, Navya and Shahid. Manik found himself looking at Nandini, still feeling guilty of breaking Nandini's heart right before her performance and indirectly sabotaging it. Navya balled her fists, trying not to remember the night she had spent with Harshad, which had led to some dire consequences in her life.

"Nandini, Navya, Shahid. Go for it." Cabir said, with an encouraging smile.

"But Cabir–" Nandini started but Cabir held her hand.

"It's time we move on. This is the best opportunity for all of us. Cabir and I have forgiven him, and Navya has forgiven him too. Yes, we have our issues with him, but time to let that go and just enjoy the night as it is." Mukti said, patting Navya's arm.

Nandini looked at Manik, who had a small smile, as if to encourage her.

"I would be more than happy to replace the memory of your heartbroken face caused by me and see the happy smile on your face instead." Manik said, and nudged her towards the stage too.

"Navya? Shahid? What do y'all think?" Nandini asked.

"I better get onstage before I overthink this and regret it." Shahid said and climbed the stairs, turning back at the last step to urge them to join.

"Nandini, chalo. We need this closure." Navya said and smiled, and Nandini felt relieved seeing that it was her genuine smile.

"Okay. Okay, let's do this." Nandini said and held Navya's hand as they joined Shahid and Harshad onstage. The instruments were ready for them and they took their positions. Harshad sent a smile in her direction and Nandini smiled back before turning to make eye contact with her husband.

"The last time I sang this song, I had one of the worst times of my life, and I was going through a heartbreak. I couldn't sing at all and thankfully Navya took over. I think it was meant to be. She owned the stage that evening." Nandini said, looking at Navya and sending a flying kiss.

"I am over the heartbreak now, it's been years. We were really silly back then, weren't we? Taking on the burden of the world on our shoulders, thinking we knew better? We could have just taken life as it comes, and enjoyed it. Nevertheless, let's seize this opportunity and make better memories from now on and not live to regret this life we have gotten. SPACEites, this is for you." Nandini said and gestured to her stage mates to start.

Kuch khwab dekhe hai, kuch rang soche hain
Ab maine kal apne tere sang soche hain
Iss raah mein jab bhi, tu saath hoti hai
Kisson ke panno si har baat hoti hai

Harshad sang and circled all three of them while he played the guitar. Nandini smiled at the crowd swaying to the music, and even though it was a sad song, everyone seemed to be immersed into it.

Rooh jo huyi mein fida, toh pal mein uthi koi sada
Ke dil se hua judaa judaa, toota main iss tarah
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua

Nandini moved along too, swaying to the calming beats. She looked at Navya and smiled, happy to see her best friend performing happily and freely, without the burden of her past weighing in on her. Shahid seemed to be at peace too, having moved on from the bad memories that the college had given him. Nandini smiled and took a deep breath before coming up front and started to sing her part.

Tere mudne se suraj udh gaya
Teri roshni ke saaye mein main dhoop si khili
Mera aasman bhi chota padh gaya
Mujhe jab se hai baahon mein teri panah mili

Nandini managed to sing her part successfully this time around, even with a soft smile on her face. She looked at Manik, who was looking at her fondly, as if she was his whole world. She knew she was, he had told her multiple times.

Woh thehri teri adaa adaa, ke ruk bhi gaya mera khuda
Toh mujh pe ye asar hua, toota main iss tarah
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua

Kuch khwab dekhe hai,
Kuch rang soche hain,
Ab maine kal apne...

"You planned this?" Mukti asked Alya, who was snapping her fingers along to the song.

"Hmm?" She asked, as she wasn't paying attention.

"Harshad told you about this?" Mukti asked again.

"Hmm, yeah. He said he would not cause trouble and promised me. I was like, we are all old enough, so I gave him the chance. Dhruv was doubtful but I pushed for it and he came around." Alya said, shrugging.

"Hmm, maybe it's for the good. Nandini had told me that this dummy had broken up with her right before the performance. What a douchebag move, Manik." Mukti scolded.

"It wasn't a break up, okay? We weren't even dating. It was just something weird and I dealt with it like an idiot and she has forgiven me for that so can we, like, not talk about it?" Manik said, frowning.

"Uff, chill out Grumpy." Alya said, pinching his cheek.

Teri khushbu mein bheegay khat mile
Tere rang ki siaahi se likhe, padhe sune
Teri baaton ke woh saare silsile
Meri dil ki kahani si suni kahin bune

"Such a soulful voice. I am glad she has her closure now." Neil said, looking at Cabir.

"Hmm. This Reunion was a good idea. It was a good closure." Cabir said and looked back at Raghav, who was watching the performance, proud to see his ex-students doing well.

"Good to know." Neil said, holding him close.

"Hmm. I love you." Cabir said and reached for his husband's hand to kiss it.

Main kar na sakun bayan bayan, ke chup si huyi meri zubaan
Yeh dil mehmaan huya huya, toota main iss tarah
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua

"While planning this event, I was thinking, why is Fab 5 not performing, but you know what, I think our Musicana 2015 performance was a good closure. I think it would be better to leave it at that, what do y'all say?" Mukti asked, looking at her ex band mates and forever family.

"Yeah, I think it's their time to shine. We had our good times. And you know what, I knew Nandini had her regrets about not being able to perform for her band that day. I am happy to see her happy and feeling fulfilled. One burden off her chest at last." Manik said, seeing Nandini standing beside Navya and swaying.

Kuch khwab dekhe hai, kuch rang soche hai
Ab maine kal apne tere sang soche hain
Iss raah mein jab bhi, tu saath hoti hai
Kisson ke panno si har baat hoti hai
Roor jo huyi mein fida, toh pal mein uthi koi sada
Ke dil se hua judaa judaa, toota main iss tarah

Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua
Sadka kiya yun ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jaha, deedar hua

All four of them came closer to the audience and bowed before getting down.

"Thanks Harshad. I am glad we are over our pasts." Shahid said and hugged him before joining his wife.

"Yeah, thank you. I am definitely at peace now." Nandini said and looked at Navya, who smiled at Harshad and went to Aryaman. Harshad nodded and excused himself, going to the open bar to spend the rest of the evening. He had his closure and was ready to move on.

-----

The reunion had been a success, and everyone, though tired, were happy and emotional after spending time at their campus after so long, catching up with each other after having lost contact for years. Alya and Dhruv excused themselves, citing Alya's pregnancy as the reason for leaving early. After some hugs and cheek kisses, they left.

Navya decided that she wanted to go for a drive along the streets of Mumbai after being in the US for too long and wanting to eat kulfi at Marine Drive and Aryaman, Soha, Cabir and Neil were ready to join them. Mukti and Zubin decided to go home, opting to go home to their pet dog Bruno.

Manik looked at Nandini, who was coming back from bidding goodbye to the crew. She looked a bit tired but seemed to have a different vibe. Something about her felt like the night was still far from being over.

"Nandini?" He asked, as she held his hand and led him to a path which definitely wasn't leading to their car.

"Nandini, where are we going?" Manik asked, frowning but letting Nandini drag him.

"Wanted to show you something." Nandini said and they reached the store room and Manik looked at Nandini in confusion.

"Nandini?"

"This is where we had collaborated for the first time, and I remember feeling butterflies." Nandini said and Manik walked in slowly, noticing jars with electric lamps in them, artistically placed around the room.

"You had screamed your lungs out after seeing a mouse." Manik said, chuckling at the memory.

"Shut up, Manik. They're disgusting, you know that! Anyway, chalo!" Nandini said, and tugged at his sleeve again. She led him to the canteen, which was lit with fairy lights.

"This is where we have fought so many times." Nnadini said, leaning on one of the tables.

"I remember you being out of your ass and me trying to sober you up." Manik said, shaking his head. Both of them chuckled at the memory.

"I remember, when we were planning the whole baiting Harshad thing, we shared a sandwich and Alya said—"

"Shared khane mein se jo last piece khata hai, they get a handsome husband/beautiful wife." Manik completed her sentence.

"She used to say the cheesiest things na?" Nandini said, palming her face at Alya's silly beliefs.

"But was she lying in our case?" Manik asked, pulling her closer.

"No. No, she wasn't." Nandini said, placing her head against Manik's chest.

They walked out of the canteen hand-in-hand and walked idly, and Nandini stopped again.

"This is where we had our iconic mud fight. And right there, I punched you for the first time ever." Nandini said, pointing to the open area a bit farther away.

"You're the craziest person I have met, Nandini. Truly. Whoever knew, this tiny human would enter my life like a wrecking ball and fuck shit up like you did?" Manik asked, throwing his head back in laughter. "I got obsessed with you so bad. I still am obsessed, if you ask me." Manik confessed, raiding her hand to his lips and placing a kiss on her palm.

"You made my life chaotic as well. Before you, I had a very normal, stable, a bit uneventful life. I have no regrets." Nandini confessed too, and they walked ahead.

"Now, where to?" Manik asked, holding her close.

"A place where our story came together."

"Interesting. Lead the way, lady." Manik said and let Nandini drag him.

Just as they neared the final spot, the iconic staircase, Manik let out a gasp, seeing the helium balloons hanging off the ceiling, the long strings having many pictures of the two of them attached to them.

"Oh, wow." Manik said, flipping to see each and every picture. Meanwhile, Nandini tinkered around with something in the dark corner.

"Manik." She called out, and had Manik's attention right away.

"This is the place where we have had many arguments, sweet moments, where I realised that your touches ignite a spark in me. Here is where we've sat many times, lending a shoulder to cry on or just to enjoy the quiet." Nandini spoke while trailing her finger down the railing.

"This place has a lot of memories, huh?" Manik said and climbed a few steps, as Nandini took a step down. Just then, something in Nandini's eyes twinkled, and she turned her back to him. She let herself loose and free fall.

"Nandini!" Manik cried out

Shuru hoon tumse hi aur
Khatam bhi tum pe hi main
Rahungi hamesha

Nandini, who had closed her eyes just before she had let herself fall, opened them to see a worried Manik.

"You caught me." She whispered, as Manik steadied her and let her stand up straight.

"Of course I did, dummy. Whatever possessed you to do that, god!" Manik huffed, straightening his blazer.

Hum jo mile, toh aisa lage
Jugnu main bhi hai taare base

"Manik, tum mujhe kabhi bhi neeche nahi giraate."

"Obviously. Even if we are 80, old and wrinkly, I will never let you fall down."

"And what if you fall down while catching me? What about your bones?"

"They'll be a good sacrifice, if it means you would be safe." Manik said and leaned his forehead against hers.

Saari khushi uss pal main basi
Jis pal main dikhe teri woh hasi

"Manik."

"Hmm."

"Tum rahoge na mere saath? Even when we have to bid goodbye to our kids when they leave for college or if we are old and wrinkly? Even if our bones are brittle?"

"Haan."

"That's all I want to hear." Nandini said and backed away before dropping to one knee in front of Manik, whose jaw quite literally dropped. He watched with wide eyes as Nandini held a velvety box in her palm.

Dhaara ho jaayega taara
Saath agar na ho hamara

"Manik, we've been together for almost 2 decades, and I know I will have you with me for a couple more. I love you and I love whatever you have done for me and with me. We have been married for twelve beautiful years and there have been moments where I wanted to kiss you, make love to you, but also smack you."

"Same." Manik said, and both of them chuckled.

"And yet, I consider you as my person and I only want you, no one else."

"Same." Manik said, and sounded a little choked. Nandini bit her lip, seeing Manik's eyes get teary and hers too.

"When you proposed to me then, I thought, "Oh, he proposed before I could!" But, I loved your proposal so much, and I didn't really want to upstage it."

"Appreciated. My feelings would have been hurt." Manik joked and Nandini giggled.

Hum mile toh pura hoga
Tara mera aur tumhaara

"So, when I was with the ladies, wondering what the hell I should do for our 12th wedding anniversary, Alya said, "Get married! Again!" And I thought, why not!" Nandini said, imitating Alya. Manik laughed and stepped closer.

"And for a wedding, there has to be a proposal! And I thought, why don't I give it a shot, and just go for it? Ask you to be mine all over again?" 

Pyaar nahi toh gham aur khushi
Dono main hi kuch lagti kami

"You never have to ask." Manik whispered and pulled her up before placing his hand on hers.

"Marry me, Malhotra." Nandini said, her voice coming out a bit broken as she was controlling her happy sobs.

"I will, Murthy." Manik replied and watched Nandini slip a ring around his other hand's ring finger.

Tu paas hai toh ehsaas hai
Ke saath rahega hamara
Hamesha!

"I love you not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you." Nandini said, pulling Manik closer by clutching his blazer.

"Ditto." Manik said and tipped her chin up to look into Nandini's eyes.

"What we have, have had, or will have, is for hamesha and forever, Nandini." He said, and kissed Nandini deeply, by wrapping his arm around her waist. She kissed back wholeheartedly, and smiled into the kiss, relishing the moment.

"Humesha and forever, Manik."

Shuru tumse hi aur
Khatam bhi tumpe hi main
Rahunga hamesha

They went to the terrace, to spend some time under the starry sky and enjoy their married-and-engaged-yet-again status. Manik had wrapped Nandini with his blazer as it was a bit breezy and Nandini's dress exposed her back and arms.

Just then, something shiny appeared in the sky, which grabbed their attention right away.

"Falling star." Manik remarked in awe.

"Make a wish, Manik." Nandini said, already joining her hands to wish for something.

"Alright."

'All I want is for Manik to stay healthy and happy and with me and our children.'

'I cannot imagine my life without my three lifelines and I just want them safe, sound, and happy, that's all I need.'

Shuru tumse hi aur
Khatam bhi tumpe hi main
Rahunga hamesha

Both of them looked at each other after watching the falling star fade away among the clouds. Nandini clasped his hand between hers and scooted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. Manim kissed her forehead and rested his head on hers and watched as the city lights and the starry sky bore witness to their love all over again.

Little did they know, somewhere in the world, fireflies were glowing in celebration of their love, all over again.

~The End~

Author's note -

THE JOURNEY IS OVER!!!!! It's honestly bittersweet! I know I was very slow towards the end but life gets in the way y'know?

Anyway! I appreciate each and every one of you! I see your likes. I see your comments. I don't reply because life's been hectic, but I do see them! So I am aware of how many people appreciate this story and I just want to tell y'all, that I appreciate all of you. Thank you for sticking till the end and encouraging me to write.

Keeping this fic unpublished in my google docs for three years had been bothering me a bit, so one day, I just decided to go for it and publish and I had no idea it would be so well-received. Thank you, truly.

I love all of you and I hope you have an amazing 2022. Make sure you enjoy what's left of this year and have no regrets.

With much love and many hugs,
ash <3