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THE REALIZATION

~Chapter Nine

Manik and Nandini sat on the bench in the cozy corner of the momo shop, their laughter echoing softly as they talked about the past and their shared experiences. The vibrant street lights lit up the surrounding area, casting a warm glow on everything. The air was filled with the scent of spicy momos, and Nandini's excitement was palpable.

Nandini: [taking a deep breath] "I really missed this place... it feels like a time capsule of my college days. You know, even now, I feel like that college girl who would sneak out just to get a bite of these momos." [laughs lightly]

Manik: [smiling] "I can see that. You look so much at ease here. I mean, this is probably the most relaxed I've seen you." [pauses] "I like this side of you, Nandini."

Nandini: [glancing at him, a little surprised] "You like it? I thought you might find it silly, me reminiscing about my college days like this."

Manik: [shakes his head] "No. It's... refreshing, actually. You don't have to be all business and serious all the time." [leans back, looking up at the night sky] "You're just... real here. And that's something I appreciate."

Nandini: [softly, after a brief silence] "Thank you, Manik. You know, not many people really understand that side of me. They just see me as... the serious girl with a lot on her plate."

Manik: [grinning] "Well, they don't know what they're missing."

Before Nandini could respond, the waiter came over with two steaming baskets of momos. They both glanced at the plate and smiled.

Nandini: [excitedly picking up a momo] "Here we go, the legendary momos! You’re going to love them."

Manik: [raising an eyebrow] "I’m trusting you on this one. But I’m not sure if anything could be as good as you’re making it sound."

Nandini: [grinning mischievously] "Let’s see." [She takes a bite, her eyes lighting up with happiness] "Told you! Best thing ever."

Manik followed her lead, taking a momo and savoring the flavor. He paused for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise.

Manik: [nodding approvingly] "Okay, I’ll admit it. You were right. These are... amazing."

Nandini: [giggling] "Told you! This place never disappoints."

Manik: [looking at her, his tone more serious] "You know, Nandini, you’ve got this whole... thing about you. Like you're always calm and composed on the outside, but inside, you're just like everyone else, dealing with your own share of battles." [pauses] "It’s nice to see you being real, being yourself."

Nandini stopped for a moment, looking at him, her smile softening. She wasn’t used to being this open with people, but with Manik, it felt... right.

Nandini: [softly] "Thanks, Manik. It’s not easy for me, you know, showing this side of myself. But I guess... I feel like I can be myself around you."

Manik smiled, a bit of warmth in his eyes.

Manik: [smiling warmly] "Good. Because that’s what friends do. They make each other feel comfortable, right?"

Nandini felt a warm sense of reassurance at his words. She nodded.

Nandini: [looking down at her plate] "Yeah... I guess so. I’ve never had a friend like you before."

Manik’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, his gaze lingered on her.

Manik: [quietly, almost to himself] "I’m glad to be that friend."

Just then, Nandini's phone buzzed. It was Cabir.

Nandini: [answering the phone, with a playful tone] "Well, look who finally decided to show up."

Cabir: [on the phone, jokingly] "You know, I almost had to hire a detective to find you two! Navya and I are just around the corner. You better save us some of those momos!"

Nandini: [laughing] "Don't worry, the momos will be here waiting for you, drama king."

She hung up and turned back to Manik, her eyes sparkling with a new-found lightness.

Nandini: [teasingly] "Looks like we’re about to be joined by the infamous Cabir and Navya."

Manik: [grinning, playing along] "And I’m sure I’ll be just as impressed with them as I was with you."

Nandini laughed, but there was something else in her laughter. Something she hadn’t realized before.

She wasn’t just comfortable with Manik in that moment because of the food or the familiar place. She was comfortable because of him—because of the way he made her feel like she could be herself, without any pretenses, without needing to hide behind her usual calm demeanor.

It was an unexpected feeling, and it made her heart flutter a little.

Nandini: [quietly to herself, almost lost in thought] "Maybe... just maybe, I can be happy here, with these people. Maybe things are finally starting to fall into place."

As Cabir and Navya joined them shortly after, the laughter and banter continued, but in the back of Nandini’s mind, something had shifted. The warmth in her chest wasn’t just from the momo’s or the company—it was the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter where she didn’t have to face everything alone.

And for the first time in a long while, Nandini felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

---
As Cabir and Navya arrived, the vibe around the table became even more lively. Nandini immediately waved them over, grinning from ear to ear. Cabir, ever the drama king, made a grand entrance, putting on a show as he exaggerated his search for them.

Cabir: [placing his hands on his hips as if on a mission] "I’ve searched the whole block, man! This was some serious detective work. Next time, I expect to be briefed on your location!"

Nandini: [laughing] "You’re too much, Cabir! And I thought you were supposed to be a 'detective' not a drama queen."

Navya: [giggling as she sat down beside Nandini] "Leave him be, Nandini. He’s always like this when he’s hungry."

Cabir dramatically plopped down next to Manik, who was still taking in the whole scene with amusement. He wasn’t quite used to the way Nandini’s friends behaved—so carefree, so open. But he couldn’t help but smile at their dynamic. It was refreshing, and he could see why Nandini was so comfortable with them. They had an ease about them that he admired.

Cabir: [looking at Manik, raising an eyebrow] "So, you’re the infamous Manik Malhotra, huh? I've heard a lot about you. Hope you don’t mind me observing you up close."

Manik: [smirking, leaning back slightly] "What have you heard about me? I’m just a simple guy trying to enjoy some momos."

Cabir: [laughs] "Simple guy? That’s a good one. I think the word ‘simple’ and ‘Manik Malhotra’ don’t belong in the same sentence."

Nandini chuckled at their banter, her eyes lighting up as she looked between Manik and Cabir. She had known Cabir and Navya for years, and watching Manik interact with them made her feel a sense of warmth she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Navya: [teasingly to Nandini] "So, Nandini, I’m assuming you two are getting along well, huh? Or is this just another of your ‘business arrangements’?"

Nandini shot Navya a playful glare, but there was a softness in her expression as she responded.

Nandini: [grinning] "It's not like that, Navya. We’re just hanging out."

Cabir: [mockingly] "Just hanging out? Uh-huh. That’s what they all say. But look at you two—clearly enjoying each other’s company."

Nandini’s face turned slightly pink, but she didn’t shy away from it. She couldn’t help but feel an odd sense of relief that her friends were so easygoing about everything.

Manik: [smiling at Cabir, teasing back] "Well, I guess I’m lucky I don’t have to pass any ‘tests’ to be friends with Nandini, huh?"

Cabir: [grinning widely] "Yeah, we don’t do tests here. We just judge character based on their ability to handle Nandini’s crazy side. And from what I’m seeing... you're doing well so far."

Nandini laughed again, shaking her head. It was so easy to be around her friends, and now, with Manik included, the circle felt even more complete. She hadn’t realized how much she had been missing this sense of camaraderie—this lightness in the air.

Navya: [nudging Nandini playfully] "I have to say, I’m impressed. You’ve really got a good friend in Manik."

Nandini turned her head to look at him, her heart giving an unfamiliar flutter as their eyes met. Manik met her gaze for a brief second, a soft smile tugging at his lips. It was a smile that made her heart skip just a little.

Manik: [raising his glass of water] "I try my best."

Nandini felt herself smile back, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. She had always been cautious when it came to friendships and relationships, especially when it came to trusting people. But somehow, with Manik, it felt different. Maybe it was the way he made her feel seen—like she didn’t have to hide behind the walls she had built for herself. Or maybe it was the way he listened, really listened, when she spoke.

As the conversation flowed easily between the four of them, Nandini found herself laughing more than she had in a long time. The easy banter, the teasing between Cabir and Manik, the way Navya would chime in with her own witty comments—it felt natural. She could feel the tension that had been in her body for days slowly melting away, replaced by something lighter, something warmer.

Cabir: [pointing to Manik as if making a serious declaration] "Alright, Manik, you’ve survived the initiation. You're officially in our circle. But remember, this circle is exclusive, you’re not getting out once you're in."

Manik looked at him, intrigued.

Manik: [grinning slightly] "I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon."

Nandini: [laughing and looking at Cabir] "I told you, Cabir. He’s not going anywhere."

Navya: [nodding, playfully] "I like him already. He’s got a good sense of humor."

Nandini’s heart swelled a little at that. She hadn’t realized it, but the way her friends had accepted Manik, and the way Manik had interacted with them, made her feel like she wasn’t walking this road alone anymore.

For the first time in ages, Nandini felt like she belonged—like she had a place in this world, a place where she could just be herself, without worrying about what was expected of her. She wasn’t just Nandini, the girl who had to juggle work and expectations. Here, she was simply Nandini, with friends who accepted her, with a friend who understood her.

The night passed quickly, and even as the moon rose higher in the sky, casting a soft glow over the city, Nandini felt a deep sense of contentment. She wasn’t sure what the future held, or where this new friendship with Manik would lead. But for now, at this moment, she was happy.

And that, she realized, was more than enough.

---

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