Two weeks later...

7:00 pm, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore.

"Yes...Chachi. Main ab nikalne hi wali hoon. Don't worry." I said in assurance as I finally finished packing my bag.

"Tu jaldi aaja waapas. Anyway, Doctor ne bola hai ki tujhe abhi bhi rest ki zaroorat hai!" Chachi exclaimed over the phone.

I said with a sigh. "Chachi, if I lie on the bed for one more day with nothing to do, main depression mein chali jaungi! I'm completely fine. And I've already missed too many days of work!"

"Haan...haan, pata hai. Har waqt kaam karti rehti hai. Okay, tu jaldi aaja ghar...aur sun, yahaan wahaan mat jaana, seedha ghar lautna, please Nandu." She requested.

"Okay Chachi. I'll be back as soon as possible. I promise." I said, sincerely.

I finally cut the call after bidding goodbye to her and slung the bag over my shoulders.

As I walked out, I realised why Chachi was being so persistent. Her worry was justified. Especially due to the whole kidnapping ordeal...and Manik...

Manik. The name brought equal parts of joy and frustration within me. It had been a whole two weeks...two weeks since I'd last seen him...since I'd last spoken to him...since I'd last felt his touch...

The last thing I remembered before I lost consciousness at the Singhania home, was Manik's teary eyed face as he tried to put pressure on my wound. I knew I'd acted rashly when I lunged in front of him to save him from the bullet, but I couldn't help it. The thought of losing him was too much to bear...I had to protect him...I had to...

I winced slightly as I walked down the stairs. The wound had scabbed over nicely, but it still hurt a bit. In fact, the doctor had advised me to take rest for nearly a month! However, I decided that I'd already missed work enough over the last few days. Fortunately, my supervisor at ISRO had taken my predicament into consideration and been generous enough to grant me leave for all the days I was with Manik.

Well, it's not my fault that I was kidnapped, so I guess it's fair enough. I wasn't going to ruin things for myself by revealing the whole truth to them.

When Chacha-Chachi had finally arrived in Goa, at the hospital where I'd been admitted, I still hadn't woken up. When I opened my eyes, all I could see was joy and relief in their eyes. I felt so guilty for putting them through such a difficult situation. And they weren't even a little angry with me. They were just happy to have me back. The way Chachi hugged me...I'd imagine that's the way mom would've hugged me if she were alive.

After the family reunion, it had finally dawned on me that Manik was nowhere to be seen. That's when Chachi informed me that a boy named Cabir had left a message with them before leaving the hospital. Apparently, Manik had been arrested by the police due to the kidnapping case that Chacha-Chachi had filed against him. My stomach had dropped immediately when I realised that I wouldn't be able to see him.

Chachi's voice was full of such contempt as she spoke of him, and I couldn't bear it for very long.

"That Fab Five gang-Humne kaha unko immediately yahaan se jaane ke liye!" Chacha shouted.

"Finally, woh Manik Malhotra jail pahunch hi gaya. Ab use wahi sadne do! Aise criminals ko saza milni hi chahiye!" Chachi said aggressively.

"Chachi, please! Woh criminal nahi hai..." I'd exclaimed instinctively.

I still remember the utterly flabbergasted look that Chachi had given me upon my outburst. When I tried to explain things to them, they  didn't believe me. They seemed fairly certain that I was delusional, and brought me back to Bangalore as soon as possible.

I wanted to go to the police station to meet Manik, but they didn't let me. I was too physically tired to protest, and I decided that once Nyonika's trial started, the truth about Manik's innocence would come out automatically. The only lone piece of good news I'd got was that Amms was getting in touch with Meenakshi aunty in order to comfort her despite the whole ordeal.

After coming back to Bangalore, I'd tried to repeatedly convince Chacha-Chachi to drop the case that they'd filed against Manik. I tried to convince them that he wasn't a criminal...that he was just desperate...and when it really boiled down to it, all he'd done was protect me.

Manik had spent the last few days in a low security prison. His lawyers were evidently struggling to bail him out due to the kidnapping charges. As I lay in my bed each night, all I could think of was whether he was alright. I hoped and prayed to Aiyappa that the conditions at the jail weren't inhuman. However, two days ago, on the third day of Nyonika's preliminary trial, Manik had been officially acquitted of nearly all charges against him-his father's murder, assault on a public servant and so on...

When news of his acquittal became public, Chacha finally heeded my request and took me to the police station to take the FIR complaint back.

And finally, yesterday morning, there were huge headlines on the front page of every newspaper-"MANIK MALHOTRA A FREE MAN".

My heart had immediately leapt with joy after reading it, and I waited the whole day to hear from him.

I had been staring at my phone throughout the day. However, the call never came. I knew he didn't have my number. But I knew that if Manik truly wanted something, he had his ways to get it!

I was very upset and angry at the end of the day, and decided that I wasn't going to wait around for his call! That's one of the reasons I came back to work early, to distract myself from thinking of him.

And it had worked like a charm. I'd successfully noted the results of a number of test devices, and it felt really good to be back at the centre. Until now...

Just as I climbed down the last step of the staircase at the main entrance, I felt two hands cover my eyes rather harshly, blocking my vision altogether.

I immediately acted on instinct and nudged the person hard in the gut, and yelled aggressively. "Get off of me!"

The old Nandini would have probably screamed in fear, but a lot had changed in the last few weeks...

"Oww! Why on earth did you do that?!" An uncannily familiar voice echoed behind me.

My heartbeat sped up as soon as I heard it. Could it really be him? I wondered to myself.

I swallowed and turned around to see Manik with his face all twisted from the blow I'd given him.

I immediately scanned his face, his arms and the rest of his body in order to make sure that he wasn't hurt in any shape or form, upon spending the last few days in jail.

I thanked Aiyappa silently in my head, when I realised that he was in one piece. My next urge was to hug him as tight as I could, and never let go...

However, I wasn't going to let him think that he could ignore me for more than a day and get away with it!

"Manik! What are you doing here? Do you even know how worried I've been? Ek phone nahi kar sakte the? Haan?! Tell me!" I ranted, as I inched closer to him in a rather intimidating manner.

He seemed slightly alarmed at the extent of my anger, but a smile cropped up on his face eventually.

My heart fluttered slightly upon seeing it and I could sense myself melting...

"That was a good shot. I'm proud..." He said, smirking slightly as he moved closer to me.

"Well, I guess it's one of the side effects of spending so much time with you-improved self -defence skills!" I declared, giving him a fake smile.

"Really? Then, I guess we should spend some more time together..." He said seductively, as he snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to himself.

I gulped slightly at the move and struggled to stop my cheeks from turning red.

"Manik, I..." I was about to speak, when he placed his forefinger on my lips and stopped me.

"Shh...Nandini. I know you're mad at me, but I can explain everything. I want to show you something. Will you please come with me?" He asked, in the sweetest voice possible.

I wanted to say 'yes' in an instant, but I remembered my conversation with Chachi.

"Manik, I promised Chachi I'd be home soon. I can't..." I tried to explain.

"It's okay, Nandini. It'll just be a few minutes and I'll drop you home after. So?" He asked, his eyes filled with hope, just like that of a small child.

He looked so adorable like that!

"Okay." I finally caved.

His eyes shone brighter as he let go of my waist and clasped my hand.

He then guided me towards the lawn area of the ISRO centre, puzzling me slightly.

When we finally reached the middle, I looked up to see the stars shining up in the sky. I smiled as it reminded me of that night we'd spent on the cliff...a delightfully happy memory, before things had swung out of control...

"Nandini. I know I didn't call you, but it's because I was busy..." Manik said, making me face him once more, momentarily forgetting the stars.

"Busy doing what?" I asked rather sharply.

"My father's funeral...there was a private ceremony. I had his body retrieved from the morgue. I had to do it Nandini...I had to...especially after the way I left him, when I ran like a coward..." Manik said, as his eyes became slightly foggy.

My insides burnt with guilt as I listened to him. I'd been so selfish! Manik had been going through so much alone, and all I cared about was a stupid phone call.

I immediately closed the distance between us and engulfed him in the tightest hug I could manage. My wound hurt slightly, but I didn't care...

"I'm so sorry, Manik. I'm sorry for yelling at you...I'm sorry for having misjudged you...I'm sorry..." I apologised incessantly trying to lessen my own guilt.

"I'm sorry I didn't call..." He said, as he pulled me closer in his embrace and dug his nose into the crook of my neck, sending slight shivers through me.

We stayed like that for several seconds. When he finally withdrew, I cupped his face in my palms and asked. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine. It was a small ceremony. Only a few of my father's closest friends attended. And of course Fab Five. I wanted to keep the media out of it altogether. Besides, I think his soul can finally rest in peace, since his killer is finally paying for her crimes." He said, with a bittersweet smile.

"Manik, you're finally free! I'm so happy for you." I said, in a voice filled with joy.

His expression went from happiness to that of pain and worry very quickly as he pulled me into a hug yet again and said. "And I'm happy that you're alive and here with me! I said this once while you were unconscious, but I'll say it again. Promise me, you'll never do that again! You'll never risk yourself to save me!"

The pain and helplessness in his voice made my heart melt.

I pulled back slightly and looked into eyes.

"Wouldn't you have done the same for me, Manik?" I asked him, bluntly.

He looked a little perplexed for a moment but spoke up soon after.

"Yes, but..." He tried to say, before I cut him off.

"But nothing. If you're afraid to lose me, then know, that I'm afraid to lose you too. So let's not make promises to each other that we can't keep." I said with a tone of finality as I caressed his cheek.

He smiled slightly at my answer and looked at me until his gaze fell upon something else in the distance. His smile grew bigger upon seeing it.

"Look there." He said, pointing to the North corner of the lawn.

I turned around to see the lawn illuminated by countless fireflies, which were flying in our direction. Their glow only brightened upon coming closer!

I raised one of my hands up in the air and attempted to catch one, but my reflexes weren't good enough.

However, since Manik was the human equivalent of an electric pole, he was able to catch one after a few attempts and brought it close to my palms for me to hold.

I smiled as I finally set it free.

"I know you like stars and fireflies. So, this seemed like the perfect place to say what I have to...Waise...Nandini, you never told me why you're so fascinated with them...the fireflies I mean." Manik asked, his expression curious.

I smiled wide as I answered. "Manik, Mom kehti thi...that when there's true love, the fireflies glow. And see, they all are glowing!"

It was only after the words slipped out of my mouth that I realised that I probably shouldn't have said them. I'd promised him that I'd never pressurise him into confessing his feelings if he wasn't ready and I'd meant it. I didn't want him to feel guilty...

I looked at Manik expecting him to be slightly distressed by my statement but all I could see was a heart-warming smile on his handsome face.

I watched in confusion as he took a step closer to me and went down on his knees.

My throat ran dry as I watched him retrieve a small box from the pocket of his blazer.

"Nandini Murthy, I know we started off on the wrong note, but every moment I've spent with you is very precious to me." He declared, his eyes passionate.

I gulped as he opened the box. Was it really...a ring?!

I heaved a small sigh of relief as he finally put an end to the suspense and pulled a beautiful silver bracelet with a trinket attached to it.

As he tied it around my wrist gently, I admired its simplistic sheen. It was simple and non-flashy, just like me.

"I believe that we're like a musical tie. Two notes which always have to be played together, and can't be separated. I believe that we're connected...by destiny...or by love. Yes, Nandini. I'm finally strong enough to say it out loud. I love you Nandini. I love you so much, that my heart burns for you when you're not around. I love you so much that all I want is to protect you and care for you until the day I die. I'm yours, mind, body and soul. So Miss Murthy, despite all my flaws, will you accept me as your boyfriend?" Manik asked, with a sheepish smile.

A tear slid down my cheek as he finished his short speech. Who knew that someone who'd been so scared to confess his feelings earlier could articulate them so magically?

I wasted no time in bending down and placing my lips on his. He responded almost immediately despite the initial surprise and kissed me back, as a lovely warmth spread across my chest. His fingers ran through my hair softly, and the tenderness of the kiss made me smile.

When we finally broke apart, I whispered to him."I love you Manik."

He smiled in return and asked cheekily. "So, is that a yes?"

"You still have a doubt?" I asked, with a giggle.

"Yes. I think I should kiss you again to seal the deal." He said, proudly.

I expected him to lean in and attack my lips once more but he surprised me by placing a lingering kiss on my forehead.

"Nandini, can I ask you something?" Manik asked in an amused tone.

"Yeah." I said, slightly puzzled by his polite behaviour.

"What did you think was in the box?" Manik asked, chuckling slightly.

My face immediately grew red at his question. I was utterly embarrassed at the ludicrous assumption I'd made.

"I thought it was...it was..." I stammered.

"A ring?" He completed my sentence for me.

"Yes." I admitted, barely able to look into his eyes.

"I knew it! From the look on your face, I could tell!" He chuckled.

"Nandini, I know you don't want to get married right now. I know how important your career is to you, and all I want right now is for you to focus on getting your dream job . Besides, I don't want to get married now either. We're young. We have all the time in the world. What matters is, we're together, no matter what the relationship between us is formally labelled as." He said, as he slid a lock of hair behind my ears gently.

"But Manik, what if it doesn't work out between us? You'll be in Mumbai and I'll be in Bangalore...You have your music and business to handle and I have my job...and let's not forget, convincing Chacha-Chachi is going to be a mammoth task!" I exclaimed, suddenly worried by all the things which would act as hindrances to our relationship.

"Nandini. I know the odds are stacked against us. But we'll make it work. I'll come to visit Bangalore whenever possible. It's time to put Dad's private jet to good use! Dad had showed interest in investing in the city anyway...and Chacha-Chachi-if I was able to win you over, convincing them will be a piece of cake!" He said, making my worries disappear.

"Manik!" I said as I hit him lightly on the shoulder for his comment about me.

He laughed and said. "So, Nandini, how about we get you home? Your Chacha-Chachi will be worried if you're out for longer."

I nodded and stood up straight. Once he stood up, we made our way towards the gate swiftly.

However, the moment I stepped outside, I was hounded by a dozen news reporters before me.

"Manik Sir? Manik Sir? Aapko bari hokar kaise feel ho raha hai"?

"Manik, how does it feel to be the richest man in the country right now?"

"Manik Sir, kya aapne Mukesh Singhania par hamla kiya tha?"

The questions were incessant and I felt utterly paralysed due to the blinding lights of the cameras.

However, Manik was quick to act and wound his arms around me as we walked to the car.

The reporters trailed behind us and Manik simply ignored them. He opened the door to the car and I quickly sat in it and locked the door.

Manik had nearly entered the car, when a particular question caught his attention.

"Nandini ma'am, did you run away from your engagement? How does it feel to have publicly disgraced your family?"

My eyes grew slightly moist at the question, despite my efforts to shut the voices out.

Manik turned around and walked to the reporter who'd asked the question and said. "All the information that you want is available in the form of a public document. The judgment released by the session's court. So, it's better you stop asking such disgusting questions, and actually do your damn job. And yes, if there's any article or story that tries to denigrate Nandini's character, printed by any of you, trust me I'll shut your channel down!"

The last statement came out as a bit of a roar and it shocked even me.

Manik turned around and got into the car. He started the engine and drove out of there at rapid speed.

As he drove, I admired him from afar. The way he stood up for me was truly touching.

After a few seconds he looked at me and asked. "What?"

I merely shook my head and took his free hand up to my lips and pecked it slightly.

"Thank you." I said, softly.

He smiled and entwined my fingers with his own.

All the residual worries I had about the possible failure of our relationship evaporated then and there. For I knew, that our love would be eternal. The stars and fireflies would always remain united and accentuate the other's sheen. Forever. Hamesha.

*********