Hello Fam :)

I am back. Hope everyone is safe. The trajectory is increasing. The only way to stay safe is stay inside and social distancing. DO NOT BELIEVE ANY FORWARD MESSAGES. CONFIRM IT USING MULTIPLE GENUINE SOURCES BEFORE IMPARTING ANY KNOWLEDGE. I have been every nonsensical theory for the past few days. 

Drop-in a message if you need any help. Stay virtually close to your loved ones. :)

Meanwhile, Happy Reading...

"I don't know why you wouldn't let me punch your guards?", asked Abhimanyu, slapping the steering wheel in frustration.

Nandini gritted her teeth. "Because they will create a scene and my respected parents would ban you from entering any of the Murthy premises."

"But they order you more than your parents, Nandini", he protested.

Nandini shook her head. He wouldn't understand how Murthy's work or to what extent her parents could go. Instead, she crossed her arms. "Tell me again, what are we doing on roads in the middle of the night. I wanted to sleep", she glared at him.

She was sleeping when the motion from her balcony disturbed her slumber. She waited for a minute and found her best friend entering in with an apologetic grin of a thug. Ten minutes later, she was walking out of her house in her pajamas, Abhimanyu tagged along and towards his car. The head security guard who stopped her from going out after her 'bedtime', which she had no idea she had one, got an earful from Nandini. Right now, she hardly cared about the rules when all she could was get some sleep. Her head duties were keeping her awake till late at night as their college anniversary date was approaching fast. She was feeling grumpy.

"I need to see Mukti", Abhimanyu whispered.

Nandini rolled her eyes and leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. If there was someone else instead of her childhood best friend, she would have punched him, got him admitted to a hospital and walked to her house. She never understood why everyone behaved so melodramatically and promised a forever for a relationship that wouldn't last a few years.

She cursed all such creatures who called themselves as lovers, her parents, people who were responsible to evaporate whatever little trust she had in any relationship, her parents, her principal for selecting a head-boy who could only increase her troubles instead of helping and her parents. She felt much better when Abhimanyu shook her after reaching their destination.

They parked the car outside Vardhan Mansion and sneaked inside without the guard's notice. Instead of going through the main door, Abhimanyu suggested climbing the balcony of Mukti's room.

"You know, you can be a man and go inside through the main door like a regular human being", suggested Nandini.

"And go on a suicide mission? Sorry, no."

Nandini rolled her eyes and waited for Abhimanyu to get back his senses.

If you are done measuring the distance to my daughter's room, would you like to come down?

They turned around and found Mr. Vardhan, Mukti's father standing with a frown on his head. Abhimanyu who was inches above the ground, fell down, hurting his back and a part of Nandini wanted to laugh at the way Mr. Vardhan could scare the boy with just a look.

Mr. Vardhan rubbed his forehead in pure exasperation. "The jet speed isn't required", he muttered. He glared once again at Abhimanyu. "Follow me", he ordered.

Nandini had to hold her best friend's arm to stop him from running away in fright. They reached the living room and found Mukti's mother reading a file.

Mr. Vardhan dropped his mobile on the table before crossing his arms. "What are you two doing here at this time?", he asked, looking at Abhimanyu and Nandini had to control her laughter because her best friend was doing everything to avoid eye contact with the head of the Vardhan family.

"We came to meet Mukti", told Nandini. Of course, she would come to her best friend's rescue, how much ever pissed off she was at him, even if she would laugh on his face later.

Unfortunately for Abhimanyu, Mr. Vardhan didn't move a muscle. If it was in his power, Abhimanyu would have been dead a long time ago. Instead, it was Mrs. Vardhan who raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Mukti? Isn't it too late for it? It's already past midnight."

"Actually Aunty, Nandini had a nightmare with Mukti in it. She was frightened and wanted to see Mukti", explained Abhimanyu, looking straight at Mukti's mother.

Nandini gave him a look. She had to sleep if she had to have a nightmare and thanks to the idiot beside her, she didn't get to that step as of yet.

"That explains Nandini. What are you doing here?", asked Mr. Vardhan.

Abhimanyu snapped his head at Mukti's father. His back stiffened as he answered to the man of the house. "Sir, Nandini was too restless to drive, so, I had to drive her here."

Nandini gaped at him. When Mukti's father turned towards Nandini for confirmation, she schooled her features and nodded. "yes, uncle. I was shivering in fear after my nightmare." She swore, he didn't believe the excuse but let them go.

"Mukti is in her room", he told.

Giving a formal smile, they turn to leave when they were stopped by Mr. Vardhan again.

"Abhimanyu", he called, "if you are staying the night, the guest room is vacant."

"Yes, Sir. I will use the guest room. Thank you", assured Abhimanyu and Nandini controlled her urge to burst out laughing right there.

They went to Mukti's room and found her browsing something in her laptop aimlessly. Nandini fell on the bed with a thud and finally let out the laughter, confusing Mukti while Abhimanyu stood pouting at the corner of the bed.

"I was getting bored and trust me, I am so glad to see you two but what's going on here?", asked Mukti.

Abhimanyu pulled Mukti into a hug without answering. Nandini rolled her eyes.

"Okay. Now I am really curious", muttered Mukti.

"He made up some excuse that I had a nightmare about you and I was mentally disturbed to drive a car", told Nandini, glaring at Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu pecked Mukti's hair. "It wasn't an excuse. I had that nightmare instead of you."

Nandini sat on her place on the bed. "Abhi", she started but stopped when she didn't know how to continue further.

"I got scared", confessed Abhimanyu when Nandini didn't say anything. Mukti tightened the hug.

The head girl felt guilty about misunderstanding her best friend and prioritizing her sleep above his fears.

"Don't", warned Abhimanyu, making Nandini snap her head in his direction. "I know what you are thinking. It's an odd timing and it's not your fault", he told her sternly.

It's rare when Abhimanyu gets stern with her and when he does, even the head girl listens to him without protest. So, Nandini did. She nodded and followed her best friend's outstretched hand as he wrapped her into his embrace. Mukti only joined a second later making it a group hug.

They all settled on Mukti's bed, after deciding to watch a movie, when Abhimanyu grabbed Mukti's hand and asked, "Mukti, what would you do if I die someday."

Mukti slapped his head so hard that he groaned.

Nandini threw a pillow at him. "If you are talking rubbish again I am personally killing you", warned Nandini.

Nandini was a natural leader since the time her class teacher made her the class monitor. She was the favorite for almost the whole class, including Mukti but when the circumstances made her drift away from her parents, she bonded with Mukti over their mutual hatred for their respective parents. Mukti's parents traveled a lot and favored their company instead of spending time with their daughter during her tender years.

Nandini once believed Mukti's parents cared for her and their long travels were just a part of their life even when she never voiced her opinions to her best friend but it all changed when they signed a contract with the Murthy's. Now, she didn't know whom to believe and whom not to.

Abhimanyu joined a year later and by that time the two girls had isolated themselves from the rest of the class. Somehow he ended up in their group and his parents became some sort of foster parents to both the girls. Leaving the associates, these two were the only two genuine people she had around her and she didn't want to lose them too.

Abhimanyu had to shook her back to reality. "Where are you lost? Didn't you see downstairs? Mukti's father was one step away from burying me six feet under the ground."

Nandini rolled her eyes. "Any normal father would want to shoot the guy if he finds him sneaking into his daughter's bedroom. That's a father's instinct, idiot."

"Do you understand now why I always drag you along whenever I want to see Mukti? If not for you, you girls would have been preparing for my funeral", said Abhi, pouting.

"At least, they are better than mine", muttered Nandini. She couldn't stop herself.

Abhimanyu shuddered dramatically. "Dude, leave about your parents, even your guards create a scene at every chance they get."

Nandini grinned beside herself.

"Why are we talking about our parents? Let's watch this", she told, pulling her laptop on her lap.

XXX

Abhimanyu and Nandini had sneaked out of Vardhan Mansion at the crack of dawn. Reason? One, Nandini had a meeting with the principal regarding the golden jubilee event of their college. Two and the most important one, Abhimanyu didn't want to encounter the eldest Vardhan of the household. Hence, he stuck a note to Mukti's mobile and left for his home after dropping Nandini.

He was surprised when he went to his class and found the teaching assistant instead of Professor Verma. It was English today. He glanced around the class and saw Manik sitting alone with Mukti just behind him. He then remembered Nandini's meeting with the principal and their Prof being a part of the committee. Taking permission from the guy, he took his place beside Manik, wished him a good morning and grinned at Mukti. That gained the attention of the assistant.

"Abhimanyu, what's love for you?", asked the assistant.

"What?", he asked, confused, as the assistant stared at him, barely containing his disappointment.

"Love. We are talking about love today, Chapter 5. Tell us, what does love mean to you?", he asked again.

Abhimanyu grinned. He knew the answer to this. He turned sideways and said, "love is Mukti." He heard the class hooting and the wolf whistles. Mukti rolled her eyes at him but the slight blush creek on her face fluttered his heart.

Even the assistant cracked a smile as he shook his head. "Well, Mr. Thakar, I am glad you found your love this early."

Abhimanyu gave a dramatic bow before taking his seat. Manik, who didn't understand half of the chaos inside the class, gave him a brilliant smile.

The assistant turned to the class. "Harshad, how are we this privileged to have you among us today."

Abhimanyu took half a rotation in his seat to look at the head boy, who rolled his eyes at the assistant and stood up reluctantly.

"Sir, I had permission from the principal. I am working to rope in a sponsor for the fresher's day", told Harshad.

Abhimanyu frowned. Why wasn't he attending the meeting with the principal even when he is inside the campus? He whispered to Mukti, who just shrugged. Right. He shouldn't be surprised about the head boy's attitude but probably the assistant wasn't as experienced as him.

"It's the golden jubilee function instead of fresher's this year and I am sure the whole city is busy to provide you with a sponsorship, right?", questioned the assistant.

"It's not as easy as sitting in college and preparing notes for others, sir", mocked Harshad.

"That's out of line", Abhimanyu heard Manik mutter beside him and nodded in agreement.

Even if he was just an assistant and helped other professors too, he was at the start of his career. Everyone isn't lucky enough to have their dads handing them their companies when they were of age. The assistant was fuming and Abhimanyu didn't blame him an inch.

"If it's too easy for you, why don't you explain the chapter to class?", he asked.

Before Harshad could answer the question, Nandini made an appearance with a cup of coffee in her hand. "Excuse me, sir, can I bring my coffee inside?", she asked.

Abhimanyu grinned at his best friend. Her eyes were almost drooping and she had a tired smile on her face. A part of him felt guilty but he was relieved when she winked at him.

The assistant smiled at the head girl. "Of course, Nandini. Get in already."

"Why is she special?", complained Harshad.

He earned a glare from the assistant. "Harshad, she was working with the principal and others regarding the function since morning which even you were supposed to attend. I don't think you out of all people should have any problem if she is having a cup of coffee. Now tell us, what do you mean by love?"

Abhimanyu wanted to whistle again in the class but he reminded himself about discipline and self-control. He could do that.

"Love is an attraction of a girl for a hot boy. Like Nandini is attracted to the hottest guy of this college", said Harshad, smirking.

"And that is?", asked Nandini, raising an eyebrow.

Harshad smirked and Abhimanyu wanted to punch that off his face. "Come on, Murthy. Everyone knows I am the hottest guy in this college. Right, girls?"

Abhimanyu facepalmed himself.

"He is lying again. Nandini isn't in love with Harshad." He heard Manik muttering again beside him.

"How do you know?", Abhimanyu asked Manik. Of course, his best friend would never spare a glance at the head boy who had only added troubles to her but how did sweet innocent Manik know this? Manik wasn't supposed to know all the cruelties of life yet.

Manik shrugged. "Nandini told me."

"Right." When did these two start discussing Nandini's love life. A nerve connected Nandini inside his head to the Nandini in the class and he turned around. The scene in front of him freaked him out.

Nandini was standing in front of Harshad, her hand palming Harshad's cheek as she stared into his eyes. What the hell is even going on here? He wanted to scream but nothing came out of his mouth.

"What are you doing?", he heard Harshad ask Nandini.

"Did I burn my hand by touching you, Harshad?", asked Nandini, after removing her hand.

Harshad gritted his teeth. "Nandini Murthy, I am not radiating high temperatures."

She grinned at him. What the hell is going inside her head, thought Abhimanyu. In a complete twist of the moment, the head girl had poured her coffee on Harshad's hand. He screamed at the top of his voice as the whole class gaped at the duo, their assistant included.

"Are you out of your mind, Murthy?", screamed Harshad.

"Tch. Tch. Tch. Oops, Harshad. Did it burn? Too bad, my coffee is hotter than you. Henceforth, don't call yourself as the hottest one in this college", she said, "go get your first aid done."

Abhimanyu shook his head. "She has lost her mind", he muttered.

"No, she is fine", whispered Manik. When Abhi raised an eyebrow in question, he added, "their temperatures are different. The coffee and Harshad. So, technically, Harshad can't call himself hot when there's coffee present in the class. She didn't deviate from the facts."

Abhimanyu mentally facepalmed himself. Twice. Because he didn't want to come as rude to his nice innocent friend.

After Harshad left the classroom haphazardly, all the while screaming, their professor of the day resumed the class again. He looked around the class twice, probably to find an easy target and found Manik. "Manik, what's love?"

Where Abhimanyu expected Manik to panic and sweat, he stood up confidently in his place as he answered, "Love encompasses a variety of different emotional and mental states, typically strongly and positively experienced, ranging from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection and to the simplest pleasure. An example of this range of meanings is that the love of a mother differs from the love of a spouse differs from the love of food. Most commonly, love refers to a feeling of a strong attraction and emotional attachment. Love can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection, as "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another". It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one's self or animals."

And he was done for the day. He could handle only so much drama in one day. Somewhere in the middle of Manik's rant, Abhimanyu searched his mobile and turned around to Nandini. "This is the first paragraph of Wikipedia", he informed them.

"How do you know?", asked Mukti.

"I just googled it", he told them and showed his mobile. Nandini banged her head on the table lightly.

The assistant silently walked to his desk, gathered his books and smiled brightly at the class. "Submit an assignment on this topic and if you have any doubts, ask Prof. Verma. This class is over for today", he told them and left the class. He looked almost scared and the class burst out laughing.

Since there was a lot of time left for the next class, all the students left for the canteen. On their way out, each and everyone thanked Manik, confusing the boy.

"Why are they thanking me?, asked Manik when the class emptied out sans their friends.

The girls burst out laughing. "Do you thoroughly read your textbooks before coming to class", Mukti asked him.

 "Yes", Manik told them, still frowning in confusion. 

Surprising everyone, Nandini pulled Manik into a hug. It would have been hilarious if not for the way Manik stiffened in her arms. She might have felt that too because, in the next moment, she broke the hug but the smile on her face only grew wider. "Dude, you have no idea how much you have helped me today. I have no energy left to attend a class today", she confessed.

Abhimanyu pulled her sideways. "Do you need another coffee?"

"Yes but I don't want to walk all the way to the canteen", she told, pouting.

He chuckled and winked at her. "Don't you worry, best friend. Coffee along with your favorite cheeseburger coming right up for you."

He dragged Manik along with him. The boy went all rigid from the time Nandini hugged him. Manik's behavior was as weird as it can get but he didn't want to scare him even further by asking him unnecessary questions. It was a strange day even for them and Abhimanyu was grateful when he didn't encounter another incident to top the list. 

There is less Manan. Please be patient. There would be abundance of them. 

How is Abhimanyu?

Is it only me who started loving Manik or is there anyone else too? P.S - I am being too greedy here. :P