5:30 pm, Anjuna Beach, Goa.

I was in love! In love with the monster who had a heart of gold...Manik Malhotra! A part of me wanted to scream it from the mountaintops with joy, but the other half of me wanted to suppress my feelings. Until now, I had only read about love in books or watched movies about it. I had always rejected the idea of love as something fantastical, and ultimately something that would distract me from my goals. So I always stayed away from relationships, but it was only now that I realized that-you bump into love. You have no control over how and who you fall in love with! Manik and I had known each other for merely three days, yet I had never felt so attached or connected to anyone else even after knowing them for years. I understood that love wasn't all about hearts and flowers-it was about trust and loving someone despite all their shortcomings. I trusted Manik- I realized that I always had! Even when he was pretending to be a monster-my heart refused to believe that he could ever hurt me-and it was right! I loved every part of him, his sweet and caring nature, his outward confidence-bordering on arrogance, his mischievous playful side, his sensitive and emotional side and every other facet of his imperfectly perfect character. However, this realization was bittersweet for me...I knew that Manik cared for me...but did he have the same depth of feeling for me as I had for him? I was scared to find out the answer...

"Nandini...Hellooo..." I snapped out of my daydream as I saw Manik waving his hands in front of my face.

"What happened? Where are you lost?" He asked.

I could only stare at him in return, absorbing and recording every feature of his handsome face in my memory. His sharp jawline, his long nose, the tiny mole above the left side of his lip, and his captivating eyes which had cast a spell on me even before I had gotten to know his tormented but beautiful soul.

"Here, I hope you like French fries...it was the only thing available at the closest food stall..." He said, handing me a paper plate.

"Wow...I feel like I haven't eaten for days...so I'm just going to dig in..." He said, as he placed a bunch of fries in his mouth, and smiled in contentment as the food finally hit his empty stomach.

As I watched him engrossed in his food with a childlike glee, I could only admire him even more.

"Hey...why aren't you...eating from your plate?" He asked, his speech rendered unclear due to his continuous chomping.

I found myself moving towards him almost involuntarily, smiling all the while. He looked confused as I moved closer and tip-toed in order to match his height. I then placed a soft kiss on his cheek, surprising him even more.

As I withdrew, I could see a hint of red on his cheeks! The Manik Malhotra-was blushing! It was an adorable sight to behold!

He looked at me and gave me a small, shy smile before asking,"Yeh kis liye tha?"

"Thank you!" I replied, my eyes gleaming.

"For what...this food?" He asked, still puzzled.

"No...not for this food. For everything else-thank you for showing me the real you! For letting me in! I know it was difficult for you, but you did it anyway..." I replied, pouring out, partially, the feelings that were in my heart.

He ran his hands through his hair before answering me. "Actually Nandini, it's I who should be thanking you! It's been so long since I've performed before an audience! I can't express the joy I felt when I sang today. Whenever I've performed earlier, it was always with Fab Five. Do you realize that this is actually the first sum of money I've ever earned for myself? I earned it with my own talent, not because I was someone's son or relative! It feels so good...it's reaffirmed my faith in my own abilities, something that I'd started doubting off late..."

I clutched his hand as I said. "Manik, your performance was magical...never ever give up music no matter what..."

He gave me a gorgeous smile as he said. "Don't worry...I won't."

In the next few minutes both of us gorged on the food that we so desperately needed.

After we finished, Manik shifted uncomfortably as he said. "Nandini, I think I should give the Singhanias a call..."

However, before he could finish his sentence, I grabbed his hand and said. "Manik, can you please call them tomorrow? It's almost evening...can we please just spend one more day together? Please?"

I knew that what I was asking of him was unreasonable and selfish. But, I couldn't help it! I wasn't ready to part with him yet. I wasn't ready for what the future held for us...I was too scared to confess my feelings to him, for fear of rejection. Besides, he had more important things on his mind-and after he handed me over to the Singhanias, there was no telling when I would see him again. I just needed one more day, one more day...to create a lifetime of memories that would help me get by when he wouldn't be around-even if it was just as friends.

I half expected him to refuse, but was elated when he nodded his head in the affirmative within seconds of me asking the question. Was it relief that I saw on his face? Did he not want to part with me as well?

Nandini, stop overthinking things!

"Well, if you're going to stay with me tonight...we need more money...the two hundred bucks I earned just got exhausted since I purchased the fries..." He said with an amused smile on his face.

"Oh...what will we do now?" I asked, alarmed at our financial crisis yet again.

"Initially I thought that I'd ask Cabir to sneak some cash to me, but I've discovered this way of earning money is way more fun...you said you liked my last performance right? Well, this one's going to be even better..." He said with a smirk, taking his guitar out of its case again.

"And why is that?" I asked.

"Because you're singing with me..." He said.

Before I could protest, I found myself being dragged to the performance area.

"Manik, what the hell are you doing? I can't sing..." I yelled, as he pulled me through the crowd to the same spot where he had performed earlier.

"Of course you can...listen to this..." He said, as he started playing his guitar yet again.

I was mortified due to all the puzzled people staring at the both of us, yet the rhythm of his guitar soothed me to some extent. I hated drawing attention to myself and this was doing it in the worst way possible!

Mere Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maan Matwala Kyun Hua Hua Re
Maan Maula Maula Mere Maula
Mere Maula

Kis Taraf Hai Asmaan
Kis Taraf Zameen
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi
Ooohhhh
Jab Se Aaya Hai Sanam
Mujhko Khud Ki Bhi Khabar Nahi
Khabar Nahi
Hoooohhh
Hosh Gul Sapno Ki Mein Bandhu Gull
Aankh Kab Khuli
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi

Hoo Hoo
Kis Taraf Hai Asmaan
Kis Taraf Zameen
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi

I was mesmerized yet again as Manik started to sing and the crowd cheered him on once more. I just stood there gazing at him, until all of a sudden he stopped, moved closer to me and gestured me with his hand to sing the next paragraph.

I froze as I saw the numerous eyes that were on me all of a sudden. Aiyappa, please help! I couldn't sing in front of so many people! My nervousness was increasing by the second!

"Manik I can't..." I tried to convince him that I couldn't perform, but he cut me off in the middle.

"Nandini...look at me..." He said, calmly, as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Huh..." I said, still drowning in the stage fright I was experiencing.

"Nandini...you said you lost your music, right? But, I guarantee that your music still hasn't abandoned you! Sing, Nandini! Forget the crowd before you...sing for your own happiness...sing as if it were only me listening..." He said, with a soft expression.

His words were so beautiful...they motivated me to finally give music a chance again, no matter how scared I was!

I took a deep breath and finally started singing the next paragraph, all the while looking at Manik and shutting out the crowd as best as I could.

Aayega Woh Is Intezaar Mein
Ud Chala Dil Wahan, Sapne Jahan Mein Janu
Lagta Hai Woh Mere Kareeb Hai
Aisa Kyun Hai Magar,Dhunde Nazar Beqabu

As soon as he heard my voice, he flashed me a beautiful smile, and his eyes held...wonder, maybe? He started playing again to complement my singing.

Hosh Gul Sapno Ki Mein Bandhu Gull
Aankh Kab Khuli
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi
Hoo...

I sang my heart out and it looked like the results were impeccable. The audience applauded my effort as Manik continued the song.

Kis Taraf Hai Asmaan
Kis Taraf Zameen
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi
Ooohhhh
Jab Se Aaya Hai Sanam
Mujhko Khud Ki Bhi Khabar Nahi
Khabar Nahi
Hoooohhh
Hosh Gul Sapno Ki Mein Bandhu Gull
Aankh Kab Khuli
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi

Oooohhooo
Kis Taraf Hai Asmaan
Kis Taraf Zameen
Khabar Nahi Khabar Nahi

Mere Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maan Matwala Kyun Hua Hua Re
Maan Maula Maula Mere Maula
Mere Maula...

His expression was almost divine as he completed the song. I didn't think it was possible but, he was right! This performance was better than the previous one!

"You were amazing..." He whispered in my ear, as the crowd applauded us once again, making my heart flutter due to the compliment.

And that was all the approval I needed! For the next hour, Manik performed as many songs as he could. I sang bits of the chorus or the alto to aid him wherever I thought it was appropriate. It seemed like we were the perfect musical duo! I was so happy that I'd gotten a chance to perform with him because I knew that he'd only performed with his band before this. He helped me find my music again, and for that I would be eternally grateful to him.

Finally, when we called it a night, much to the crowd's chagrin, it was nearly eight o clock. We had earned a decent 1500 rupees which would definitely help us get through the night! And hopefully most of tomorrow morning as well!

"So now that we have some money, what do you want to do? Do you just want me to get you a room at a hotel, so that you can rest?" He asked, in a slightly dejected voice.

"Of course not, Manik! Let's do something else!" I exclaimed. There was no way I would sleep when I could spend time with him instead.

"Awesome! Because I've the perfect place we can go!" He said, excitedly.

I followed him as he walked back to the car, curious as to what he had in store for me.

The drive to our destination was short-just about a few minutes or so...but the road was uphill.

When Manik, finally stopped the car, I gasped as I saw the view outside. It was absolutely spectacular!

We were on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. It gave me the feeling that we were floating in mid-air. It was thrilling and beautiful at the same time! Exactly like Manik!

He immediately stepped out and opened the car door on my side.

I got out and moved closer to the edge of the cliff to get a better view of the ocean and the scintillating coastline of Anjuna.

After a few seconds, I heard footsteps and before I knew it, Manik was standing next to me.

"Like it?" He asked.

"I love it!" I shouted with glee.

"This is one of my favourite places in Goa. Whenever I visit, I make it a point to come here. It's so calm and tranquil here...that I come here to clear my head, whenever I have muddled thoughts. It's so amusing, so paradoxical...it shows you the calm ocean in contrast to the bustling nightlife on the beaches of Goa...it's so...so..." He stammered as he struggled to find a suitable adjective.

"You..." I immediately completed his sentence.

"What?" He asked slightly confused.

"This place is so...you. The perfect description for it. It has contrasting traits, but combined-it creates something truly magical. Just like how you put up a tough exterior but are caring and selfless on the inside..." I said, almost as if I were in a trance.

As I turned to face him, he seemed awestruck by my words.

"Wow...looks like you know me better than I know myself..." He said, biting his lip.

I was about to reply when, suddenly Manik's phone started buzzing.

He seemed utterly shocked! Well, I could understand his surprise! If he was using only burner phones, who would could be calling? Was it the Singhanias? Or worse...was it Nyonika?

The bliss I had been feeling for the last few hours was immediately disturbed! I was worried...worried for Manik!

Manik looked puzzled as he looked at the caller ID. I was dying to know who it was, but I couldn't see the screen.

"Nandini, just wait here I'll be back soon..." He said, gruffly, as he started walking away from me, before I could stop him.

Aiyappa! Please don't let it be trouble!

Manik had already been through a lot! Even though I didn't want to part with him, I really wanted his plan to succeed. But if what Manik had said about the Singhanias was right, then would they give up so easily? What if they tricked him somehow?

Aiyappa, please help us! I prayed silently.

I also had another matter that was irking me. Spending the day with him had made me realize how difficult it was going to be for me to leave him tomorrow. I was ambivalent about what to do yet again. Should I take a chance and confess my feelings? How would he react?

Aiyappa, please give me a sign to know what he's thinking!

After a few minutes, I heard footsteps again. I turned around to see Manik approaching me, but he stopped short at the car. He seemed completely dazed.

Who the hell called him?

I ran up to him, and asked in a concerned voice, "Manik, what happened? Is everything alright?"

He was stock-still, and frighteningly silent.

"Manik? Kya hua? Bolo mujhe..." I asked again, placing my hand on his chin.

He stared at me for a few seconds before replying, "No, no, kuch nahi...bas aise hi Cabir ka phone tha...koi doosre number se call kar raha tha...that's why I got confused..."

His words were completely unconvincing. The smile he was giving me failed to reach his eyes. I could feel it in my bones that he was hiding something from me, and I hated it! But if he didn't want to share it with me yet, I didn't want to press him.

"Manik, I know that something's bothering you...but it's okay, you can share it with me when you want to. I won't force you..." I said, removing my hand, and trying to hide the disappointment in my voice.

He just nodded in return. He seemed very distracted and withdrawn.

After a few seconds, he said. "Nandini, you like stars, right?"

"Yes..." I replied immediately.

"So come..." He said, as he held his hand out for me.

I placed my hand in his, unsure of what he was about to do. I was pleasantly surprised when he placed his hands around my waist and lifted me up, to place me on top of the car.

As I adjusted myself, he climbed up as well and sat cross-legged beside me.

"I love them too...they seem to be a source of light amidst the darkness in my life..." He said, in a sad voice.

"Manik, it's beautiful..." I said, smiling, and gazing at the constellation of stars before me.

"Yes...it is..." He said. I turned sideways to look at him and found myself under his intense gaze as he said these words. A blush spread on my cheeks immediately, when I realized the implication of his statement.

We stayed quiet for the next few seconds.

"Nandini?" He finally broke the silence between us.

"Haan Manik..." I replied.

He came closer and cupped my cheeks sending shivers down my spine.

"Nandini, I know that you said we should be friends...but can I, can I please...kiss you? Just once? Please?" He asked with pleading eyes.

His words shocked me. He wanted to kiss me? I was on cloud nine hearing him, but the question remained-why did he seem so troubled and unsure of himself? This Manik was alien to me. What was bothering him?

"Manik...?" I said trying to muster up a sensible reply.

He just smiled faintly and said, "It's okay...if you're not comfortable..."

Shit! He misunderstood me. I saw the urgency in his eyes as he looked at me-and it that moment I knew that I would do nearly anything to provide him comfort.

I moved closer to his face and placed a lingering kiss at the corner of his lips. He seemed to stiffen at my touch, but just like that, he knew that I had given him my consent.

He placed a soft kiss on my forehead in return. He then proceeded to kiss my cheeks on either side, and I nearly melted under his touch. Finally, as he placed his lips on mine, I felt pure bliss. The kiss was slow and tender. He applied minimal pressure on my lips almost as if they were made of porcelain, and he was frightened of cracking them with excessive force. It seemed like he wanted to memorize every square millimeter of my lips. It was the most beautiful feeling in the world.

Finally, when he broke the kiss and I opened my eyes, he placed his forehead on mine, his eyes still closed.

In a matter of seconds, I saw a small glowing object moving towards us. It took me a while to guess what it was-it was a firefly!

It slowly flew towards us and sat on Manik's hand which was still entwined with mine. I was overcome with happiness when I saw it glow brighter.

Aiyappa, thank you! I had asked for a sign and what could be a better sign than this?

My mom had always said that when there's true love-fireflies glow! And they were shining bright, right now! It meant that Manik was the one for me, even if he didn't know it himself.

It was in that moment that I decided that I would come clean to him about my feelings. I had to take the risk- I couldn't let him go without at least trying! Even if I was engaged to Madhyam, I was sure that Chacha-Chachi wouldn't let me marry into a family which suffered from such low ethical standards. I knew from the beginning- that something wasn't right, when my marriage was fixed with Madhyam. It's because fate had other plans for me-meeting Manik and falling for him seemed like divine intervention.

Manik smiled as he saw me looking intently at the firefly as it flew away from us. He caged me in his arms and made us both lie down.

I placed my head on his chest and looked up to see thousands of stars shining in the night sky.

"Manik, why do you seem so troubled?" I asked, as I heard his irregular heartbeat. I knew he was torn up about something, but what?

"Nandini, it's nothing. I'm just scared for tomorrow..." He said.

"Manik, don't worry...everything will be okay." I tried to console him.

He smiled at me, and let out a large yawn a few seconds later. I realized that he must be exhausted. It had been an eventful day for both of us, and it was important he got his rest for the next day.

"Sleep, now..." I said, using my hands to close his eyelids. "And don't be tensed about tomorrow..."

He tightened his grip on me as he closed his eyes and prepared to sleep.

Tomorrow-it would be a big day for both of us! Not only would Manik, get the proof he so desperately needed, but also, I would tell him about what I felt for him. Even if it was the last time I ever saw him, I had to do it! I was nervous, excited and scared at the same time!

All I could do was wait...wait for this night to pass. It would be a new day tomorrow, and hopefully it would be the dawn of a new phase of our relationship as well...