(A/N: Hello babies! Thank you for all the support and love. I hope this chapter gets you in a happy mood, I know we've come a long way, but things are meant to end. :) I'm glad you all have been a part of this. All your support means a lot!)

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It was the afternoon of Manik's last examination. Everyone in college was organizing a graduation party for their batch that evening. We went on fundraisers, on small campaigns, grouped ourselves for some performances and got drinks arranged too, with the money we'd collected from the other students, their families and alumni. They'd made the event a couple-entry event and were setting up some fun stalls around. All the juniors were contributing as much as they could.

The large ground behind the college campus was decorated with sashes, lights and chairs. The set up was just perfectly formal yet very gratifying.

Manik and I had come back home, to freshen up and go together-couple entry after all. Manik was rummaging through the little closer in our flat, trying to find an outfit to wear.

He held two sets of clothes in front of him, placing each one over his frame briefly, and then shrugging it off in dismissal. I had already picked my outfit. It was a royal blue full length dress with lacey patterns over the meshy fabric, forming my sleeves and covering my waist. I sat on the dresser and began putting make up on.

Manik was still confused. He resorted to the next best advisor. "Nandini, yeh wala pehnu ya yeh?" I looked through the mirror to see him considering two suits that complimented my outfit. One was royal blue, the color of my dress and the other one was a darker shade of it, closer to black.

"Kuch bhi, you look hot in anything." I remarked while fluttering my eyelashes after the mascara I'd applied. Manik was smirking. He took slow steps towards me, tossing both the outfits on the bed.

"Oh really? What about... without anything?" The last part of the sentence he whispered into my ears teasingly while pulling out a pendant for me to wear, fastening it behind my neck.

With a sly smile, I touched his cheek as he breathed into my skin. I turned around a little bit, pecking his lips briefly while he closed his eyes and rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Even then you're hot." The statement came out to be a breath. He picked me off the chair, holding me bridal style and looking at us in the mirror. I looked too, hanging to him and admiring us.

"Perfect na?"

"Always." I giggled, placing a lip imprint below his collarbone. He gripped me tighter, feeling the moment. We were interrupted by the doorbell. "Acchha tum ready ho jao, I'll be back." He put me down slowly, adjusting his vest after. He chose the tux that was of the same color as my dress. After spraying some deodarant on, he began buttoning his shirt.

I unlocked the door to find my parents, my family at the doorstep. Shit! I was taken aback. "You won't invite us?"

"Yeah... I mean, welcome." I opened the door fully, adjusting my hair to occupy myself, distracting me from the dilemma. They took a seat and before I could question further, "Nandini... idhar aana ek minute? I need help." I gave a quick scan at my family, who seemed to be casual about it.

"One minute..." I escaped into the room, shutting the door behind me. Manik was trying to decide whether he needed to wear a tie or not. "My parents are there." I muttered under my breath. Manik seemed to not care.

"Batao... Kya hua?" He smiled at me very profusely. From behind him, he pulled out a fabric strip.

"I don't know how to wear this." It was a tie, that he didn't know how to tie. Oh God! What was he going to do in London all alone?

"Why can't you ditch it?" I was very distracted, eyeing the door every two seconds. I knew I was going to be in deep trouble. But Manik had other issues. He shook me to senses.

"Are you sure I'll still look handsome without it?" His very innocent expression made me smile.

"You always look handsome. Okay now let me go." I dabbed his chest, still eyeing the door. He smoldered, pulling me into his body. 

"Okay, tell me you're coming to London with me."

"What? Manik, you're going there for an audition." I thought he was asked to come alone. Also, Manik would definitely not work if I was around him. The distance was going to be torturous but worth so much in the long run.

"What if I get it? You don't think I'll get it?"

"No no, you will, you definitely will."

"Then I'll be alone? You'll leave me like that only?" He was making it so much harder for me. I wanted to be with him too. I was thinking I'd fly over and surprise him if he gets the audition. First he needed to clear that. 

"Manik, tum... dekho Amma and Appa are outside, kya sochenge?" My divertions didn't help either. It only got him more clingy to me.

"Yahi ki... two lovers are spending time together." His fingers were doing magic on my body. I squirmed and giggled, trying to distance myself.

"Manik... Manik, leave me. Manik, choddo!" My screams were getting louder and happier. It was the sound Manik wanted to hear. It made him so happy to see me so happy.

"Say you'll come with me." He was hell bent on persuading me to a point, I was actually persuaded. Even I wanted to be with him. If I flew over to London with him, I wouldn't have to stay away from him, or be questioned for anything at home, at college, or anywhere.

"Manik!"

"Tell na? Just 5 words." His hands were hugging my waist, pressing me to his body. Ahh, the proximity! I did my part to tease him.

"I won't come with you." He held me tighter, like I couldn't deny his proposal.

"Then I'm also not going."

***

My parents had come over to give me something. It was a small package and a conveyance of their happiness in letting me live my life the way I wanted. They only tried protecting me, but they didn't learn that Manik and I had grown to be so important to each other.

Manik was pretty impressed too. He didn't think my parents would be convinced with just one conversation with his mother. After all, the previous time he tried to approach them, they denied his entry. He tried to persuade them but nothing worked. Nyonika Mom easily got his work done for him. No wonder he approached her.

"Appa, I'm sorry for everything I've done but... I love your daughter, truly." It was the sweetest confession he could make. He held my hand, to emphasize on the genuinity. He was really one of a kind. Appa and Amma smiled back. "I really love her."

As a family, we all moved to the college venue. In the end, Manik anyways ditched the tie! We assembled in the hall, and occupied the colonies designated for the students. I saw Navya there, but I didn't bother. Not worth my time. Cabir stuck around Manik and I, which neither of us minded. Mukti and Dhruv stood at a distance.

Cabir looked uncomfortable with Navya's presence. "Sun na Manik, main abhi aaya." Manik held his arm stiffly.

"Nahi, tu kahan jaa raha hai? You're staying here, that's it. We... we aren't leaving you alone." I nodded, put some sense into him and told him to hangout with everyone else. Fab 4 had some reconciliation, after Mukti started crying that Manik was going to leave.

Everyone was certain Manik was going to get selected. He'd go to London, get a job, and settle there. I'd have to be stuck here, with judgemental people until my exams at least. I was really making serious efforts to stay closer to Manik along the days. I wanted to enjoy the moment, even if it was just temporary. Manik and I were forever, evidently.

"Manik... we're all going to miss you so much." Dhruv was sad. Cabir put up a straight face. It looked like they were falling apart. A friendship that thick was breaking, and I was the one to start it off. I hated myself for that. Maybe if I hadn't come into Manik's life, everything would've been a lot better for him at least! My life has become beautiful after him.

All our fights, the pain, the hate, the anger, it all just was a byproduct of our love for each other. He meant so much to me, just so much. Manik Malhotra, 6 months ago that name meant nothing to me. He managed to shake my life up in ways nobody could.

To be continued...

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(We've come to the end of this story. One more part's left. It has been a beautiful journey, with a long ass break, which I apologize for. Kinda messed up the last few chapters after that :( All your votes and comments make me very happy. Please continue supporting me on Illusions and other stories <3 much love FAM!)

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PART-2

(A/N: Hey! This is kind of important. I'm super emotional for several reasons. So this is the last part of this story and the reason being deteriorating response. I have a few great ideas (not dramatic really) but I just don't feel like writing it anymore. Like it disappoints me to a great level when so many of you vote but hardly a few people comment.

Really inline commenters have my heart <3 I cannot stress on that importance :')

I believe in two-way interactions because that can literally strengthen bonds between people and as a writer, that bond motivates me to great levels, you really cannot imagine. If you don't like it also, maybe you can let me know, a little less harshly and probably suggest too. It'll be very helpful to me. I'm just disappointed, I'm sorry I got too verbal here. Enjoy this part, tons of love your way!)

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A woman appeared on stage to address the gathering. Manik smiled proudly, while I gaped at him.

In a very short span of time, Manik had become my strength and weakness. He was a living example of how some sudden twists and turns could shape another person's life. I didn't need to mention, I was just as important to him.

What would I do without him?

"Hello graduates, students, alumni, and all the guests that've come to witness tonight's event! Without you, This event couldn't have been possible!" Her warm smile made everyone nostalgic. For a moment, I felt like how Manik must've felt on his Sangeet night.

I felt a hand graze mine slowly, fitting into the spaces of my fingers and clasping it. He'd known me enough to realize I was staring at him, and that too very intensely. The feeling of parting with him had settled in me. Even if it was for a short while, it just... I couldn't come to terms with it.

With a compassionate smile, and baby tears in my eyes, I held the hand that held mine gracefully and protectively. Manik is my everything.

"Here's to the memories we've all been a part of! Video, please?" The crowd clapped as the lights went dim and Manik smiled beautifully. It was hard for Nyonika Mom to come to terms with the fact that her son was growing up to be an independent man. Indian parents are like that and he did everything he could to encourage her and cheer her up.

There was a big group of people in the middle of the school ground, one row behind the other and heads peeking in between. They were all super happy. Their hands were in the air, as they all jumped in unsynchronization. "We are the batch of 2017!"

There were loud claps in the audience, and also some hoots! I gently pushed my body into his, and he threw a protective arm around me. Was this going to be easy for him, living without me?

Cabir appeared in the frame, holding a guitar, behind which Manik had hidden himself. "Humaare gaane sunne ke liye duniya tadapti hai!" Mukti squealed on the video, and they all played some tunes. Everyone from the Music department smiled.

The frame blended into a few students dressed in formals and supposed long lists of bills. "How do you know where exactly money goes, if it weren't for us?" The commerce team hooted like crazy. The event was overwhelming for a lot of us.

Then appeared a few B.Ed students from different fields, grouped together to do a little dab. "We've been taught to live. Now, we'll live to teach!"

"Who said Arts is only performing?" A painter in the background was zoomed in on. He smiled then, as his troop appeared.

"But beyond all this..." It was the turn of the seniors from the Science department. They all huddled, everyone of them and crouching with their arms around each other's shoulders, the camera zoomed out.

"WE..." The first set, the commerce batch to the left screamed and then hopped to their feet.

Then followed the second batch-Arts. "ARE..."

"FAMILY!"

I couldn't stop smiling, and I didn't think anyone could. They were just so touched. Everyone was. A few people took the mics and spoke.

"Juniors, only advice to you, enjoy your moments when they last! You're never doing an undergrad again! Live the moment!" We cheered for them, and I leaned in to peck Manik on the chin. It was the most discreet I could be, because even in the dim lights, the seniors were the limelights.

Then came Cabir. "And yes, fail mat hona! Because yeh khushi jo dikhaa rahe hai, zaruri nahi asli ho!" He frowned as he was pushed away by a chirpy Dhruv.

"Cheers to you all!" Someone else said and one loud beat played, as if the person punched the camera off. The lights came back on again, and I was on the verge of crying.

Someone from the crowd ran up to the podium. "And and... seniors... we have something for you too!"

A tune played, as the college junior choir team made their way onto stage. "We aren't sure if you'll like this, but here goes!" Strings on the guitar were strung.

"You've been the guiding light, through thick and thin. You've always supported us like nobody ever has; you are our mentors, throughout our life. We're sorry this is over, but this is not the end. We'll begin, from where we part, to create a future and build our path! We owe it to you! We love you, and we'll miss you!" The last line came more as a scream than part of the song. Manik had tightened his hold around my body, almost expressing his pain.

With a comforting gaze, I stood on the tips of my toes, pecking his lips. He took that same moment to blend his on mine, caressing them with care. We must've gotten a few looks but neither of us could care anymore. "Manik... I love you." That kiss just pushed me off the edge.

I sobbed into his chest, while he cuddled into me tightly. I was lifted off the ground for a moment as he sunk into my neck. "Nandini, I'm going to miss you so freaking much!"

"Nandini, we're sorry." Mukti and Dhruv softly whispered, not intending to break our moment. Nyonika Mom came on stage again, wiping tears of her own and putting out a confident smile.

"Come on guys, no tears! Let's lighten the mood, yeah? Music please..."

He tugged my hand gently, pulling me close to him. The intensity of love was all I could feel. We both knew there would be a time we'd meet again, and that's in the near future, but it scared me to realize he was actually going.

"Manik... jaana zaruri hai?" His face was devoid of any pain, which bothered me because being the clingy man he was, he wouldn't readily let go.

"Tum chalogi mere saath?" His expressions were steady and it was more like he was under control of himself.

"Nahi." He nodded.

"Theek hai."

I gripped his hand, questioning his confidence about the situation. "Mujhe choddkar tum jaaoge?"

"Tum yahi chahti ho na?" Finally his eyes were teary. Not that I was happy about him crying, but I was glad he was at least reacting.

I was in tears, no denying it. Literally blobs of salty water were making their way on my cheeks. "Tumhe pata hai main kya chahti hoon?"

"Hmm..."

He glided slowly with the music, pulling me into him, staring at our hands, my hair, my eyes, and everything he'd miss for a while.

"Humaare paas bahut time nahi hai, Manik." He breathed a sigh.

"Live in the moment, Nandini." He repeated the lines from the video, with a smirk. In my head, all I said was 'Manik, I love you so much you'll never know. I have to let go, for you, for us, for us to meet again, in a few days.' Without even realizing, Manik had lured me close to the stage. I was so lost.

"And there's one person I see in the crowd still crying..." It was Dad's voice, but my focus didn't shift from my man's. "Mrs. Nandini Malhotra..." I turned my head in one swift motion, making my hair flip off my shoulders.

"Would you like to come on stage and announce the news?" I gave Manik a soft, painful look and then made my way to the stage.

"Hey... everyone. Most of you know me, and I know there aren't very pleasing memories we've had. Today I'm here for someone who's special to me. A man who's taught me what life really is, and what love really means." My voice was cracking; I was trying my level best to not break down. I brushed the tears away with the back of my palms, smiling.

"I'm very emotional today, because Manik over there, who we all know is a Music student... is leaving..." I couldn't simply utter another word. It was too much, but I had so much to say. "...to London... for an audition."

A loud sob echoed in room through. "...and I couldn't be happier for him..." I covered the mic to prevent any embarrassment. Who was I kidding? I didn't want him to go away from me. I was being selfish if I wasn't happy for him, but the truth was just that. I wasn't happy. Yet, I was happy because Manik needed it, and Manik's future was important to him, to me, and to us.

Love is selfish. The one you love is the only one you want. That's how it works. Not always do you get what you want though, and that's when you have to let go, because if it's meant to be, it'll always be. I bit my lip as hard as I could, consoling myself.

Sniffing, I gathered some courage from him, not to mention, crying Manik Malhotra. "...so Manik Malhotra, even if everything between us started with a lie, and even if what I spoke here just now was a lie, I want you to know you deserve the world, and I'm always there; I have your back, Manik." I repeated the words from the other day, when I needed him and he said that to me. In mild reminiscence, Manik smiled amidst the tears.

"You and I... there's more to go. We'll... I'll miss you, Manik." I raised my hands up in the air, helplessly wailing for him. He ran across the stage in two steps, lifting me off my feet yet again in his embrace. Everyone in the audience was applauding, and I really didn't know why. Maybe they all realized how much Manik meant to me.

"I love you so much sweetie, more than anything in this world! Stop crying, please?" His words made their way through my hair, into my ears.

"Nandini... Nandini... I feel obligated to stop you right there! Manik, maybe you've punished her enough!" Rakesh Dad smiled from behind and I caught Manik's facial expressions changing.

"Come on, Dad, don't ruin it please!" What punishment? Oh... Like a hopeful child, anticipating her favorite toy, I sniffed, looking into his eyes.

"Nandini Malhotra, I have a surprise for you!" He sneered, grabbing the envelope out of his father's hands. I looked like a mess, I didn't need a surprise unless it said Manik didn't have to go to London-which I knew wasn't happening.

I hesitantly slipped the envelope out of his fingers, tracing the edges and rethinking. Dad made his way to the mic.

"On this occasion, I'm proud to announce that Nandini Malhotra has been chosen to do a Study Abroad Exchange program, as a reward for her consistent hardwork. This is a proposal to complete the rest of her education with one of our partnered colleges from London!" My jaw dropped and so did the envelope. I couldn't believe my ears. I was going... to London? With Manik?

We got loud cheers, yet again! My happiness knew no bounds. I was crying yet again, happy tears though, in my father-in-law's chest. As he pat my head proudly, I withdrew, making my way to Manik after touching his feet and thanking Aiyappa!

Manik was literally grinning. I was about to scold him and punch him until I gave up and hugged him, but his finger pressed the tip of my nose, stopping me. "No drama this time!"

I nodded, almost blushing. I couldn't help. It was the best thing I'd heard all my life, after 'I love you, Nandiboo!'

"This'll be better than Melbourne, in fact, the best because... we're making this new life worthwhile!"

***

Manik and I were wearing the same clothes, a checkered shirt, distressed-not ripped-dull blue jeans and white converse. My hair was secured in a high ponytail over which a red Ferrari cap sat, while Manik's Ferrari cap was just turned to the back of his head. I made him wear his Ray-Ban shades and I wore my pair too.

We literally screamed couple goals!

We'd made it to the airport, with one of my earphones in his ear and the other in mine, as I scrolled through his phone for good music. Manik pushed the trolley that had our luggages with me caged between those arms, holding our passports and visas ready.

"Madam, ladies this way." I lifted my shades over my head, gave her a quick judgemental look and then raised my eyebrows at Manik, to see him smirking.

"No."

The lady was annoyed and honestly, which airport attendant is nice? They have a problem with everything, right from cutting queues, which are genuine to humming out loud, which she really cannot question.

Her glare was supposed to threaten him but guess what? Manik has some attitude too, and can't stand when others show him theirs. "Arre... bola na nahi, now I'm not leaving!" One of his arms dropped to my stomach, possessively claiming me. For some reason, I was on his team to piss her off.

Cabir was watching from the airport entrance, sighing. "Abhi tak Mumbai border cross nahi kiya, aur inka shuru ho gaya hai!"

The airport attendant ignored us and went away, after which I threw my head back into Manik's chest, tilting it to see him. "I'm so excited, boyfriend!"

"Me too, girlfriend!" He displaced his shades and winked. That was a secret for now.

"Bye guys!" Cabir waved hysterically, hoping we'd acknowledge them but we were busy elsewhere, right?! Manik just gestured his hand, with a smile. Mukti blew a few flying kisses.

"Yo, bro! I'll see you guys soon!" Cabir pointed at me and winked. Whoa!

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(And that last scene had to be added because... it was cute, I liked writing it. Thank you all for being part of this journey! I'm overwhelmed, and this story remains very dear to me! Drop in your feedback or suggestions (if any) and votes, :') I'm sorry for having bothered you all with sudden outbursts and everything. You deserve better tbh. I love you all anyways.)