Manik and the Fab 4, along with Abhimanyu, landed in London, the familiar sights of the city welcoming them back. The transition from the vibrant, chaotic days in India to the structured, bustling life in London was palpable. Each of them quickly fell back into their routines, the responsibilities and demands of their careers consuming their time.

Manik found himself particularly swamped. His schedule was packed with meetings, rehearsals, and strategy sessions. The upcoming collaboration with the music label demanded a lot of his attention, and he often found himself working late into the night. Despite his hectic routine, thoughts of Nandini constantly lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the emotional connection he cherished deeply.

Days turned into weeks, and the Fab 5 hardly found time to relax together. Neyonika, sensing the strain and distance growing among them, decided it was time for a family dinner. She invited everyone over, insisting that they needed a break and some time together.

That evening, the living area of the Malhotra household was filled with laughter and conversation. The warmth of the family reunion brought a sense of comfort and joy to everyone present. Raj and Neyonika were delighted to see their children and their friends finally taking a moment to unwind.

As they settled in after dinner, Neyonika, with a curious gleam in her eye, asked, "So, how was your trip to India? Did you all have a good time?"

"It was wonderful," Cabir said with a smile. "We got to see a lot of places and even attended Manik's high school reunion."

"Really?" Raj said, raising an eyebrow. "Who did you meet there?"

Mukti jumped in, "We met someone interesting, actually. Nandini, Manik's best friend from school."

Raj and Neyonika's interest was piqued. "Nandini? We didn't know you had a best friend from school, Manik," Raj said, turning to his son.

Manik felt a sudden wave of nervousness wash over him. He fumbled for words, trying to downplay the significance. "Yeah, we were close back then, but we lost contact over the years. It was nice to see her again."

Alya and Dhruv exchanged amused glances. "Come on, Manik, you know it's more than that," Alya teased. "You're always so different when she's around. More calm, more patient."

Manik tries to control the damage, but it was too late. Abhimanyu chimed in, "It's true. We all noticed how you light up when Nandini is around."

Raj and Neyonika looked at each other, intrigued. "It sounds like she's had quite an impact on you, Manik," Neyonika said, smiling.

"Maybe we should send a proposal to her family," Raj added teasingly, causing everyone to laugh.

Manik's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. He couldn't help but imagine how happy Nandini would be if she heard this, but he quickly remembered the complexities of their situation. He needed to deflect the conversation before it went too far. "Well, it's not like that. Besides, Nandini already has someone in her life," he said quickly, hoping to steer the topic away.

Cabir and Mukti, jumped in. "Yeah, she's pretty serious about her current relationship," Mukti said.

Manik seized the opportunity to change the subject. "Anyway, speaking of relationships, did you hear about the new project we're working on with the music label?" he said, shifting the focus to their professional lives.

The conversation smoothly transitioned to their upcoming projects, and Manik breathed a sigh of relief. The intensity of the discussion about Nandini had stirred something deep within him, a longing and a sense of what could have been if circumstances were different.

As the evening went on, Manik's thoughts kept drifting back to Nandini. He wished she could have been there to hear his parents' teasing, to share in the joy and laughter of the evening. Despite the distance and the challenges, his love for her remained unwavering, a beacon of hope and strength in his life.

After everyone had left and the house had quieted down, Manik found himself alone in his room, staring at his phone. He wanted to message Nandini, to share with her the moment that had made his heart soar with happiness. But he knew it wasn't the right time. Instead, he sent her a simple message, hoping to convey his feelings in a few words.

"Missing you more than words can say," he typed, hitting send before he could overthink it.

In her hospital room, Nandini's phone buzzed. She picked it up, her heart leaping as she read Manik's message. A smile spread across her face, the same longing and love reflected in her eyes.

She quickly replied, "Missing you too, Manik. Counting the days until we're together again."

Manik read her response, a sense of peace washing over him. Despite the miles between them, their hearts remained connected, their love a constant source of strength and comfort.

Nandini woke up the next morning to the familiar sounds of her family bustling about. She stretched and got ready, feeling a mix of emotions—still lingering from the bittersweet farewell with Manik and the comforting presence of her family. As she came down the stairs, she saw Vishaka, Bela and Mahir, sitting at the breakfast table.

"Mumma, Mom, Pops," Nandini greeted them warmly, giving each of them a hug.

"Nandu, there you are," Vishaka said with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, Mumma," Nandini replied, taking her seat. "It was a long trip, but it was great."

Navya joined them, her cheerful presence brightening the room. "Good morning, everyone!" she said, sitting down beside Nandini.

"Morning, Navya," Mahir said, pouring himself another cup of tea. "So, how was the trip? You two seemed to have had quite the adventure."

"It was amazing, Dad," Navya said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "We saw so many beautiful places, and it was great catching up with old friends."

Bela smiled, looking at her daughter and Nandini. "I'm glad you both had fun. It's important to take breaks and enjoy life."

As they started their breakfast, the conversation flowed easily. They laughed and shared stories, the warmth of family time enveloping them. Vishaka was particularly curious about the details of the trip.

"So, Nandu," Vishaka said, a hint of curiosity in her voice, "tell us more about the trip. Any interesting incidents?"

Nandini hesitated for a moment, trying to choose her words carefully. "It was really nice, Mumma. We went to some beautiful places and met a lot of people."

Navya, ever the enthusiastic one, chimed in, "It was so much fun. Manik and Nandini were inseparable!"

Nandini's breath hitched slightly at the mention of Manik's name. She saw Vishaka's eyes narrow slightly, her suspicions clearly piqued. Nandini knew her mother had been trying to piece together the nature of her relationship with Manik ever since the trip.

"Manik, you say?" Vishaka said, her tone casual but her eyes keenly observing Nandini. "I don't think I've heard much about him before."

Navya, oblivious to the tension, continued, "Oh, Mumma, you should have seen them. Manik was so attentive to Nandini. They have this incredible bond. Remember, Nandu, how he took care of you when you felt dizzy?"

Nandini's cheeks flushed as she tried to maintain her composure. "Yes, Navya. Manik is a good friend. We've known each other since school."

Vishaka raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident. "A good friend, hmm? Nandini, you never mentioned him before the trip."

Nandini's heart raced as she met her mother's gaze. "Mumma, there's nothing more to it. Manik and I are just friends. We've been out of touch for a while, and it was nice to reconnect."

Bela, sensing the slight tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, it's always nice to have friends who care about you. Right, Mahir?"

Mahir nodded, smiling. "Absolutely. Friends like that are rare and should be cherished."

Vishaka, however, was not easily swayed. "Nandini, you know how important your future is. Remember the promises you've made."

Nandini nodded, her eyes earnest. "I remember, Mumma. I promise there's nothing to worry about."

Navya, realizing she might have said too much, quickly tried to change the subject. "Anyway, Dad, you should have seen the view from the hilltop. It was breathtaking!"

The conversation shifted to safer topics, and the breakfast continued with laughter and stories. Nandini tried to relax, but the tension between her and Vishaka lingered in the air. She knew her mother was concerned, and the last thing she wanted was to cause her any worry.

After breakfast, they all decided to spend the day together. They played board games, watched movies, and shared more stories. The house was filled with laughter, and for a while, Nandini was able to push aside her worries. In the afternoon, they sat in the living room, enjoying tea and snacks.

As the day wore on, Nandini found herself relaxing more, enjoying the simple pleasures of being with her family. They teased each other, shared inside jokes, and reminisced about old times. It was exactly what she needed after the emotional rollercoaster of the trip.

In the evening, they all gathered for dinner, the table laden with delicious food. Nandini felt a sense of contentment as she looked around at her family, grateful for their love and support.

As they were finishing up, Vishaka turned to Nandini, her tone softening. "Nandu, I trust you. I just want what's best for you."

Nandini nodded, her eyes meeting her mother's. "I know, Mumma. I promise I'm taking care of myself."

After dinner, they all sat together in the living room, enjoying the calm of the evening. Bela and Mahir were sharing funny stories from their youth, and everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves.

Nandini's phone buzzed with a message. She checked it discreetly—it was Manik. He had sent a simple message: "Thinking of you."

A small smile played on her lips as she replied, "Thinking of you too."

As the night grew late, the family started to wind down. Nandini felt a sense of peace, surrounded by the people she loved. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, she knew she had a strong support system behind her.

Before heading to bed, Vishaka hugged Nandini. "Goodnight, Nandu. Remember, we're always here for you."

"Goodnight, Mumma," Nandini replied, hugging her back. "I love you."

As she lay in bed that night, Nandini thought about the day's events. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to face it with strength and grace. And with Manik's love giving her hope, she felt ready to take on whatever challenges came her way. 

Manik sat on his balcony, the cool London breeze brushing against his face as he stared out into the distance. It was a rare weekend when he didn't have pressing work to attend to.

His thoughts wandered, and he found himself transported back to one of the most memorable birthdays of his life, a time when Nandini had made everything better.

Flashback,

It was Manik's first birthday one he was spending away from his parents. Manik sat on the stairs in school, feeling a pang of loneliness.

Nandini noticed his subdued demeanor and approached him. "Hey, birthday boy. Why the long face?"

Manik sighed. "It's just... this is the first birthday I'm spending without my parents. It doesn't feel right."

Nandini gave him a sympathetic look, then her eyes twinkled with an idea. "Come on, Manik. Birthdays are meant to be happy. And I'm not going to let you be sad on your birthday. Wait here."

She ran off, leaving Manik puzzled. A few minutes later, she returned with a small box wrapped in bright paper. "Happy Birthday, Manik!" she exclaimed, handing him the gift.

Manik took the box, curiosity piqued. He unwrapped it to find a small, hand-carved wooden figurine of a guitar. "I know how much you love music, so I thought this would be perfect," Nandini said, smiling.

Manik's face lit up with a genuine smile for the first time that day. "Thank you, Nandini. This means a lot."

"But wait, there's more," Nandini said, pulling out a cupcake with a single candle stuck in it. "We can't have a birthday without cake, right?"

Manik chuckled. "You're right." He blew out the candle, making a silent wish.

They sat there for a moment, enjoying the simplicity of the celebration. Then, Nandini's mischievous grin returned. "Now, for the fun part. How about we pull some pranks to cheer you up?"

Manik raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of laughter and mischief. They started by sneaking into the art room and "borrowing" some paint. Their first target was the school statue, which they decorated with a colorful if temporary, makeover.

As they stood back to admire their handiwork, Nandini giggled. "He looks so much better now, don't you think?"

Manik laughed. "More festive."

Next, they moved on to the canteen. Nandini whispered her plan, and Manik's eyes widened with excitement. They quietly crept into the kitchen and switched the labels on all the food in the pantry. Sugar and salt were swapped, and the cereal boxes were mixed up.

The next morning, chaos ensued as students discovered their food was not what they expected. Manik and Nandini watched from a corner, barely containing their laughter as their classmates' reactions ranged from confusion to outright hilarity.

"Best. Birthday. Ever," Manik whispered to Nandini, who beamed back at him.

As the night wound down, Manik and Nandini found themselves back on the steps where it had all begun. The school grounds were quiet, the chaos of the day giving way to a peaceful evening.

"Thank you, Nandini," Manik said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You made this birthday special."

Nandini shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. "That's what best friends are for, right? Besides, I can't stand to see you sad."

Manik looked at her, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Nandini nudged him with her shoulder. "Good thing you'll never have to find out."

They sat there in comfortable silence, the bond between them stronger than ever. As Manik reflected on that day, he realized just how much Nandini had always been there for him, lifting him when he needed it most.

Flashback ends

Manik smiled at the memory. He missed Nandini more than ever, but he felt comforted by the thought of her. She had a way of making everything better, even when they were miles apart.

Manik picked up his phone and sent a quick message to Nandini: "Thinking about you. Remembering that amazing birthday you gave me. Thank you for always being there."

He put his phone down, feeling a bit lighter. The memories of their shared laughter and mischief were a reminder of the strength of their bond. Even across the distance, he knew that Nandini was a constant in his life, just as he was in hers.

On the other side of the world, Nandini sat in her room, a soft breeze blowing in through the open window. The moonlight cast a gentle glow, and she found herself lost in thoughts of Manik.

She smiled as she remembered one of her most cherished birthdays, a day made unforgettable by Manik's efforts.

Flashback,

It was Nandini's birthday, and she woke up feeling excited but also a bit apprehensive. Her birthdays had always been simple family affairs, and she wasn’t expecting anything grand.

As she got ready for school, she received a message from Manik: "Meet me at our spot after school. Special plans today!"

Nandini's curiosity was piqued, and she spent the day wondering what Manik had in store. After school, she made her way to their favorite spot—a quiet clearing near the old oak tree on the school grounds.

When she arrived, she was greeted by the sight of colorful balloons tied to the branches and a blanket spread out with an array of snacks and treats. Manik stood in the middle, holding his guitar, a big smile on his face.

"Happy Birthday, Nandini!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Nandini's heart swelled with joy. "Manik, this is amazing! You did all this for me?"

"Of course," he said, setting down his guitar. "You're my best friend, and you deserve the best birthday ever."

They sat down on the blanket, and Manik handed her a beautifully wrapped gift. "Open it," he urged, looking eager.

Nandini carefully unwrapped the gift to find a handmade scrapbook filled with photos and mementos from their years of friendship. Each page was meticulously crafted, with little notes and drawings that captured their shared moments.

"Manik, this is incredible," Nandini said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I can't believe you did all this."

Manik grinned. "I wanted to give you something that would remind you of all the fun we've had together. But there's more."

He picked up his guitar and began to strum a familiar tune. It was their favorite song, one they often sang together. Manik's voice was soft and melodic as he sang the lyrics, his eyes never leaving hers.

Nandini joined in, her voice blending harmoniously with his. As they sang, she felt a deep sense of happiness and contentment. Manik had a way of making everything feel special, and this birthday was no exception.

After the song, Manik looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ready for some fun?"

Nandini laughed. "What do you have in mind?"

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and playful antics. Manik had planned a series of silly games and challenges, each one designed to make her laugh. They played charades, had a mini scavenger hunt, and even tried to see who could do the best impressions of their teachers.

At one point, Manik surprised her with a small cake he had baked himself. It was a bit lopsided and uneven, but to Nandini, it was perfect. They lit the candles, and she made a wish before blowing them out.

"What's your wish?" Manik asked, a playful smile on his lips.

Nandini shook her head. "I can't tell you, or it won't come true."

They shared the cake, each bite sweeter because of the effort Manik had put into it. As the evening drew to a close, they lay back on the blanket, looking up at the stars.

"Thank you, Manik," Nandini said softly. "This is the best birthday I've ever had."

Manik reached over and took her hand. "I'm glad. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Nandini."

They lay there in comfortable silence, the bond between them feeling stronger than ever. Nandini knew that no matter what the future held, she would always cherish this day and the incredible friend who had made it so special.

Flashback ends

Back in her room, Nandini smiled at the memory. Manik had a way of making every moment feel magical, and that birthday was a testament to his thoughtfulness and love.

She picked up her phone and sent him a quick message: "Thinking of you and the best birthday ever. Thank you for always making me feel special."

She put her phone down, feeling a sense of warmth and connection despite the miles between them. The memories of their shared laughter and love were a reminder of the depth of their bond, a bond that distance could never diminish.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

What were your favourite moments???

Guys any suggestions you want to give for upcoming chapters like you want to see something???

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️