Manik sat in his room, looking at his phone. He dialed Nandini's number and waited for her to pick up. After a few rings, her cheerful voice came through.

"Hey, Manik! How was your day?" she asked, her excitement evident.

"It was good. Busy but productive," Manik replied, leaning back against his headboard. "How about you?"

"Oh, same old. Work was hectic as usual, but I kept thinking about you coming back and how we finally got to meet today," Nandini said, her voice filled with happiness.

Manik smiled. "Yeah, meeting you today was the best part of my day. But guess what? I found out something interesting at work."

Nandini's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Manik took a deep breath. "So, the company we're collaborating with is Sehgal Industries, and their owner is Mahir Sehgal. Does that name ring a bell?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Nandini's shocked voice came through. "Mahir Sehgal? Pops! Oh my God, Manik, this is unbelievable!"

"I know, right? I was shocked too when I saw him today," Manik said, chuckling. "I guess it really is a small world."

Nandini was quiet for a moment, processing the information. "Manik, there's something I need to tell you."

Manik's tone became serious. "What is it, Nandini?"

She took a deep breath. "I've decided that I'm going to tell Navya about us. About our relationship."

Manik's heart skipped a beat. "Are you sure about this? I mean, we've been keeping this a secret for so long. Are you ready for that?"

Nandini's voice was firm but gentle. "Yes, Manik. We have to tell everyone one day, and I think it's time we start with our friends. Navya is my soul sister, and she deserves to know. Plus, Mukti and Alya are here, so we can tell them together."

Manik was silent for a moment, processing her words. "You're right, Nandini. We should tell them. I'll be there with you every step of the way."

Nandini felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Manik. I know it won't be easy, but we can do this together."

Manik's voice softened. "Of course, we can. Now, let's talk about something happier. Your birthday is this week, remember? What does my birthday girl want on her special day?"

Nandini smiled, though Manik couldn't see it. "I just want everyone to accept our relationship, Manik. Nothing else."

Manik's heart ached at her words. "I promise, Nandini. We'll make it happen. But I also want to do something special for you. How about we go out for a nice dinner? Just the two of us?"

Nandini's smile widened. "I'd love that. You always know how to make me feel special."

Manik's voice was filled with affection. "That's because you are special, Nandini. You mean the world to me."

They talked for a while longer, sharing sweet and loving words, consoling each other, and planning how they would break the news to their friends. Eventually, it was time to say goodnight.

"Love you, Manik," Nandini said softly.

"Love you too, baby. Goodnight," Manik replied, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.

They hung up, both feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness about the days to come. But they knew that as long as they were together, they could face anything.

Nandini sat on her bed, a smile playing on her lips as she remembered the first day of college. She had been so excited and nervous, waiting for Manik in the canteen as they had planned. Her heart raced at the memory of how things had unfolded.

Flashback,

Nandini sat in the bustling college canteen, her eyes darting towards the entrance every few seconds, eagerly waiting for Manik. Her phone buzzed with a message from him, saying he was on his way. As she waited, she noticed a group of seniors ragging the freshers, making them do silly tasks.

One of the seniors, a tall guy with a smug look on his face, noticed Nandini and called out to her, "Hey, you! Are you a fresher?"

Nandini nodded, trying to keep her calm. "Yes, I am."

The senior grinned mischievously. "Great! We have a dare for you. You have to kiss the first person who walks in through that door."

Nandini's eyes widened in shock and anger. "What? No way! This is ragging, and it's illegal."

The senior waved off her protest. "Oh, come on. We're just having fun. It's just a kiss."

Before Nandini could respond, she saw Manik walking towards the canteen, his eyes glued to his phone. An idea struck her, and a smirk formed on her lips. "Fine," she said confidently, "I'll do it."

The seniors exchanged amused glances, clearly not expecting her to agree so readily. Nandini walked towards Manik, who was still engrossed in his phone. She stood in front of him, and he looked up, sensing someone's presence.

Manik's eyes widened in surprise when he saw Nandini. "Nandini? What are you-"

Before he could finish, Nandini cupped his face in her hands and leaned in, planting a quick kiss on each of his cheeks. The entire canteen fell silent, eyes fixed on the unexpected spectacle. Manik stood there, frozen, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.

Nandini turned back to the seniors, a triumphant look on her face. "Dare completed."

The seniors were taken aback, clearly not expecting this turn of events. They mumbled among themselves, unsure of how to react.

Nandini grabbed Manik's hand and started walking away, pulling him along. Manik, still in shock, allowed himself to be led, his heart pounding in his chest. As they reached a quieter corner, Nandini stopped and turned to him, shaking his shoulder gently.

"Manik, are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Manik blinked, finally snapping out of his trance. "What... what was that, Nandini?"

Nandini giggled. "It was a dare. Those seniors were ragging the freshers and dared me to kiss the first person who walked in. I saw you and thought, why not?"

Manik's initial shock turned into anger. "Those idiots! How dare they make you do something like that? I won't let them get away with this."

He started to march back towards the canteen, but Nandini grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Manik, it's okay. It was just a silly dare. I did it because it was you. I trust you, and I knew you'd understand."

Manik looked into her eyes, his anger melting away. "But still, Nandini... I don't like the idea of them forcing you to do something like that."

Nandini smiled warmly. "That's why I kissed you. I knew you'd react like this. And besides, we're best friends. We always look out for each other, right?"

Manik sighed, his expression softening. "Yeah, you're right. I just... I didn't expect that."

Nandini laughed. "Neither did I. But hey, it's a memory we'll never forget."

Manik chuckled, shaking his head. "You always manage to surprise me, Nandini."

They shared a moment of laughter, the tension easing. "Come on," Nandini said, "let's go to our classes before we're late."

As they walked towards their respective classes, Nandini felt a sense of contentment. Despite the unexpected start, it had turned into a moment that strengthened their bond even further. And Manik, though still slightly bewildered by the turn of events, couldn't help but feel grateful for having Nandini by his side.

Flashback ends

Nandini smiled at the memory, her heart warming at the thought of how their friendship had only grown stronger since then. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as she had Manik, everything would be alright.

Manik sat on his balcony, the cool night breeze ruffling his hair as he stared out at the city lights. His thoughts wandered to Nandini, as they so often did. He couldn't help but smile, remembering the day she got drunk for the first time at a college party. It was a night that had changed everything for him.

Flashback,

The party was in full swing, music blaring and people dancing. Manik leaned against a wall, scanning the crowd for Nandini. He had lost sight of her a while ago, and he was getting worried. Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Manikkkkk!" Nandini's voice was loud and slurred. He turned to see her staggering towards him, a wide grin on her face.

"Nandini, are you drunk?" he asked, incredulous.

She giggled, swaying slightly. "Maybe just a little," she admitted, holding her thumb and forefinger close together to emphasize the point.

Manik sighed, stepping forward to steady her. "Come on, let's get you some water."

But Nandini had other ideas. She grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the dance floor. "Noooo, Manik! Dance with me!" she insisted.

Manik couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. Just for a bit."

They danced for a while, Nandini's enthusiasm making up for her lack of coordination. She spun around, laughing, her eyes sparkling with joy. Manik found himself mesmerized by her, his heart swelling with affection.

After a while, he managed to guide her off the dance floor and towards a quieter corner. "Sit here for a moment, I'll get you some water," he said.

As he turned to leave, she grabbed his hand again. "Don't go," she said, her voice suddenly serious.

Manik sat down beside her. "Okay, I'm here. What's up?"

Nandini leaned her head on his shoulder, her voice soft and a little sad. "You know, Manik, I've never told anyone this, but I feel so... deprived."

Manik frowned, confused. "Deprived? Of what?"

She sighed, her breath warm against his neck. "Of having a father. I've never even seen him, don't know his name or his face. I can't ask Mom because it hurts her. She gets so sad whenever I bring it up."

Manik felt a pang of sympathy. "Nandini, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "Navya's father, Pops, he treats me and Navya the same. He's wonderful, and I love him. But... it's not the same, you know? I just want to know why my father left us. Why he didn't want me."

Manik wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Nandini, you're amazing. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a daughter. If your father couldn't see that, then it's his loss."

She sniffled, looking up at him with big, teary eyes. "Do you really think so?"

"I know so," Manik said firmly. "And you're not alone. You have Pops(mahir), Navya, your mom(bela), your mumma(vishakha)... and you have me."

Nandini's face softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Manik. You always know how to make me feel better."

They sat there for a while, Nandini leaning against him, both lost in their thoughts. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep, her head resting on his shoulder. Manik gently shifted her so she was lying more comfortably, watching her sleep with a tender smile.

Flashback ends

Back on his balcony, Manik shook his head, chuckling softly at the memory. That night had been a turning point for him. Seeing Nandini so vulnerable, so open, had made him realize just how deeply he cared for her. Her strength, resilience, and ability to find joy even in the darkest moments had captured his heart completely.

He remembered how she had looked at him, her eyes full of trust and affection. It had been the moment he knew his feelings for her had changed from friendship to something much deeper.

And now, as he thought about their upcoming reunion and the challenges they might face, he felt a renewed sense of determination. He would do whatever it took to protect Nandini and their relationship, no matter what obstacles lay ahead.

As the night grew darker, Manik closed his eyes, holding onto the memory of that night and the promise he had made to himself. No matter what happened, he would always be there for Nandini, just as she had always been there for him.
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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 ❤️❤️