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Murthy house

Abhimanyu slept on Nandu's lap, thinking about Mukti, with her fingers still in his hair. He was disturbed by a call. Waking up, he glances at Nandu and found her sleeping, keeping her head on the bedrest. His mobile buzzed again and he noticed Mukti calling. Frightened, he cut the call but before that Nandu woke up.

Abhi(afraid): Nandu, see Mukti's calling me.

Nandu(frowned): Abhimanyu, why the hell are you cutting her call. Just answer the call, idiot.

Abhi(nervously): Mujhe darr lag raha hai.

Rolling her eyes at him, she calls her.

Call

Nandu(worried): Hello Mukti. Are you fine?

Mukti(surprised): Nandu, tum? Sorry to disturb you this late. I was trying to call Abhimanyu but why isn't he picking up his mobile? Is he sleeping?

Nandu(concerned): Mukti, we were waiting for your call. Abhimanyu is with me and he isn't sleeping. But are you fine? Manik told you left....we were worried for you.

Mukti(softly): Yeh Manik bhi na. Listen, Nandu yaar, I am fine. Can you pass on the mobile to Abhimanyu?

Abhi(stammered): Muk..Mukti

Mukti(sternly): Abhimanyu, I want you here by morning. We need to finish off something here.

Abhi(whispered): Mukti, just give me a chance to explain, please.

Mukti(softly): Abhimanyu, go sleep. It's too late now. We will sort the things in the morning. Goodnight.

Call Ends

After the call, Abhimanyu goes in a daze.

Nandu(shaking him): bhai?

Abhi(lost in his thoughts): Nandu, kal kya hoga?

Nandu(assured): Bhai, we will sort things out. Stop worrying? She doesn't sound like she's angry with you.

Abhi(restless): You don't know her, Nandu.

Nandu(patting his head): Bhai relax. Sleep now. You need energy for tomorrow.

He closed his eyes, holding her hand tight while she ruffles his hair and drifts to sleep.

Morning

Abhimanyu couldn't sleep for a single minute and was tossing and turning the whole night. Waking up, he pecked Nandu's forehead and left for his room to freshen up. Coming down, he saw Nandu sitting in the living room, all ready and scrolling through her mobile.

Abhi(raising an eyebrow): Nandu, tu kahin ja rahi hai?

Nandu(smiled sarcastically): Haan bagal mein shadi ka invitation aaya hai. Main nachane ja rahi hun. Wanna join?

Abhi(concerned): Babydoll, tu puri raat theek se soyi nahi hai. You go and rest. Main baath karke aata hun na.

Nandu(gritting her teeth): You didn't think I will let you go through this alone. Did you? If yes, Abhimanyu, I will kill you.

He nods in a no scaredly.

Nandu(glared): let's go. We are getting late.

Malhotra Mansion

Mukti asks everyone to assemble in the living room. She was pacing to and fro while everyone was patiently waiting for her to talk.

Alya(confused): Mukti, are you fine?

Navya(concerned): Haan, tum raat ko dinner bhi karne nahi aayi. Manik ne kahan you were tired.

Cabir(yelled): Oh no.

Everyone turned towards him and gave a questioning look.

Cabir(emotionally): Mukti, kahin tu pregnant toh nahi hai? Dekh Shadi ke pehle yeh sab nahi chalega haan.

Mukti glares at him and looks towards Manik.

Manik(chuckles): Chill Cabir. She is waiting for someone else to come. Haina Mukti?

Mukti looks down and just then they hear Nandu and Abhimanyu coming inside.

Cabir(impatiently): Acha, tu Nandu ka wait kar rahi thi? Dekh woh aa gayi. Jaldi bata. I am hungry.

Navya(glared): Cabir, shut up.

Cabir(meekly): ok.

Taking a deep breath, Mukti speaks.

Mukti(in a low tone): Guys, I have something to confess.

She goes towards Abhimanyu and stands beside him, holding his hand while he was gaping at her in shock. Everyone was confused with the things happening before them except Nandu and Manik who had a small smile on their faces, guessing the situation.

Mukti(nervously): I have known Abhimanyu before I shifted to Bangalore. We both were fond of races and used to participate. We became friends then. But lost contact after that. I met him after years through Cabir. (Taking a deep breath) We are in a relationship for few months. I never believed in love, I never trusted people so, I had asked him to keep our relationship a secret. He is nowhere at fault in all this.

Though addressing everyone, she didn't break her eye contact with Manik, as if explaining him. When they were trying to process the things, Manik walked towards her. Abhimanyu who was still in shock was sweating badly, seeing Manik coming towards him.

Manik(gravely): Never ever hurt her otherwise I won't even try to stop myself from breaking your bones.

Abhi(disbelievingly): Matlab tu maan gaya? Tujhe koi problem nahi hai? You won't be punching me again, right? Pehle hi bata de. I need to prepare. Tere punches mujhse handle nahi hote.

Manik(amused): Mukti ke punches handle hote hai?

Abhi(absent-mindedly): Haan unki aadat ho gayi.

Mukti and Nandu chuckle at him.

Manik(laughs): Punch toh main tujhe marunga hi saale.

He hugs him tight, to which Abhimanyu reciprocates. Breaking the hug,

Manik(whispers): Keep her safe.

Abhi(sincerely): I will. I promise with every breath of mine.

Manik smiles at him and glances towards Mukti. Patting her cheek, he said.

Manik(grins): Bola tha na maine tujhe, you will find me beside you always.

Mukti nods smilingly and hugs him. Breaking the hug, Manik looks at everyone's shocked faces.

Manik(chuckles): Guys, change these looks and at least say something.

Alya and Dhruv come to Mukti and hug her and Abhimanyu.

Dhruv(happily): Abhimanyu is a nice guy. I am happy you chose him. I am happy you finally gave him a chance.

Alya(squealed): You both make a cute couple.

Navya(warned): Abhimanyu, pehle hi bata rahe agar Mukti ke aankho se ek bhi aansu dikhe na hume, tumhe iss duniya se hata denge.

Abhi(promised): Never.

Cabir glares Mukti.

Cabir(accusingly): Tune mujhe nahi bataya. Mujhe? Mere se Manik jyada ho gaya na tujhe ab. Priorities change Mukti. I thought even if the whole world breaks my heart, you will support me. But aaj tune woh sab jhoot sabit kar diya.

Mukti(glares): Abey joker, maine Manik ko bhi aaj hi bataya sabke saath. And for your information, my priorities didn't change. Manik will always be my priority.

Cabir(whined): Manik, dekh ise. Yeh hamesha aise hi karti hai.

Manik(teased): Cabir, don't even try to come between us.

Mukti hugs Manik and sticks her tongue at him, teasing him.

They all hug the couple. Manik pulls Nandu and Alya pulls Navya into the hug. Breaking the hug, Abhimanyu gives a nervous smile to everyone and makes Mukti sit on the sofa. Holding her hands, he speaks.

Abhi(emotionally): Mukti, everyone agreed. See if you want to break-up with me now, just say it.