Same day 5pm,
Infinity industries,
All the employees were trembling in fear as their all time professional yet calm boss was literally behaving like a monster but, who would tell these poor people that this is going to be the scenario more often now as this monster will miss his mini-monster, Mrs Malhotra! ❤

Manik: *to a finance team leader* Why is there so many mistakes here? I take off for few days and you people make a circus out of my office! *throwing file on the table* I want all these mistakes rectified by today until then no one leaves this premises from your department! Am I clear?

Guy: *scared to the core* Ye..yes sir! Sorry sir!

Manik: Leave! *the guy leaves and Manik turn to other guy who was already shaking* Mr Sen, the designs are done well but dont you think they should match clients requirements?

Mr Sen: *trying to act confident* Yes sir infact I have asked my team to do so as well.

Manik: *smiling sarcastically* Oh really, then please remind me Mr Sen, why would you use a heavy material for the body when the client wants it to be high speed? I suppose you do know by now that heavy cars lack in speed.... Secondly, why are there all dark english colours selected for youngsters as our target audience? Didnt you read the survey we took about their preferences? *in a deadly tone which can scare the person to hell* Mr Sen, giving work to your team is not the only thing you get paid for, they are still interns so looking into their work and helping them is your job too if you would like to be reminded and moreover, I have had many complaints regarding you bossing around so let me remind you, you are a team leader not a boss here. This is the last time this should be happening, if I get any further complaints, it wont take me a minute to suspend you and maybe fire you too! Ms Raizada will let you know about the timings for meeting tommorow where I would like to see the design which meets all the client's criterias along with the presentation from other team so let them know about the changes too! I hope I am very much clear on that! Now you may get back to work.

The guy left when Manik slumped himself on the chair throwing his head back on the chair closing his eyes. His head has been hammering ever since he returned to office straight from the airport dropping off his shona! He was resting when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see his old PA, who was on leave as she was getting married and returned to work today itself, smiling brightly at him. He smiled and sitting straight, sighed.

Manik: *looking at her* I am fine Khushi, just a headache! Do me a favour, get me a strong black coffee please.

Khushi: Sure sir!

Manik: *glaring* How many times have I asked you not to call me sir when we are alone?

Khushi: *sheepishly smiling* Woh you are so grumpy today so thought, kya pata mujhe bhi daant padegi!

She giggled at the end and he too smiled at her cuteness! She went to get coffee for her when Manik got lost again in his Shona's thoughts.

Manik: *in mind* Kya kar raha hai Manik, usse gaye sirf 2 hrs huye hai and you are behaving like a devdas! I need a distraction and nothing can be better than music. Let me ask Fab 5.

He texted Fab 5, if they could jam today in the group chat and got a positive reply with Alya suggesting them to meet at Vedant mansion as MukAlya is home anyway so all agreed. He shut his laptop when he heard a knock.

Manik: *sighing* Come in Khushi! Tum sunogi nahi na, haven't I told you not to knock when I am alone in my cabin?

Khushi: Nope! I will behave like an employee outside this cabin as I dont want anyone to say that you are being partial with me! So bhai, pls drop this argument!

Manik: *chuckling and sipping coffee* Fine behna, but tera pati kaha hai aaj kal? Shaadi hogayi matlab no phone calls or text?

Khushi: Offo bhai, unki toh baat hi mat karo aap, he doesnt even have time for me, shaadi mujhse aur humesha meri uss sautan se chipke rehte hai! Laadgovernor kahi ke!

Manik: *scrunching his eyebrows* Sautan?

Khushi: Unka phone aur kya!

And that is it, Manik burst out laughing and Khushi huffed. Manik after that left to Vedant Mansion not before informing Khushi. On reaching Vedant mansion, he went inside and back hugged a lady!

Manik: *back hugging* Hello darling!

Lady: *hitting him* Chal badmash! Tu aur Cabir mujhe aise hi chane ke phed pe chadate ho... I look so old!

Manik: Oh hello, Mrs Vandita Vedant, dare you call my darling old! She is still sweet 16!

Yes it was none other than Mrs Vedant, Dhruv and Mukti's mother! She chuckled and hugged him. MukAlya too joined and hugged Manik waiting for Cabir and Dhruv. After they came, all settled on couch having snacks!

Manik: Guys lets jam yaar, its been long!

Alya: Exactly, lets reminish our college moments, what say?

All: We are in!

They all went to jam room and arranging their instruments, they started with the song. Manik sang first making all of them nostalgic!

Yaaron Dosti Badi Hi Haseen Hai
Yeh Na Ho To Kya Phir
Bolo Yeh Zindagi Hai

Koi To Ho Raazdaar
Begaraj Tera Ho Yaar
Koi To Ho Raazdaar

They all were thinking of their college days and the adventures they did together. Those late night parties, early morning fights, canteen gossips, them bullying people! They were the true example of friendship in Space, USA. Though they met in high school, their friendship became strong in college, away from home as each other's support!

Yaaron Mohabbat Hi To Bandagi Hai
Yeh Na Ho To Kya Phir Bolo Yeh Zindagi Hai

Koi To Dilbar Ho Yaar
Jisko Tujhse Ho Pyaar
Koi To Dilbar Ho Yaar

Alya and Dhruv sang next looking at each other. They remember how shy they were to confess to each other when their friends organised a surprise date for them and also brought a boy near Alya to make Dhruv jealous and confess his feelings.

Teri Har Ke Buraai Pe Daante Woh Dost
Gam Ki Ho Dhoop To Saaya Bane Tera Woh Dost

Naache Bhi Woh Teri Khushi Main
Aree Yaaron Dosti Badi Hi Haseen Hai

Yeh Na Ho To Kya Phir
Bolo Yeh Zindagi Hai
Koi To Ho Raazdaar
Begaraj Tera Ho Yaar
Koi To Ho Raazdaar

Cabir sang next remembering how he injured his leg and was also suffering from high fever when his friends stayed awake the whole night taking care of him. They even missed their exams next day not caring even a tad bit about the consequences.

Tan Mann Kar Tujhpe Fida
Mehboob Woh
Palkon Pe Jo Rakhe Tujhe
Mehboob Woh
Jiski Vafa Tere Liye Ho

Are Yaaron Mohabbat Hi To Bandagi Hai
Yeh Na Ho To Kya Phir
Bolo Yeh Zindgi Hai
Koi To Dilbar Ho Yaar
Jisko Tujhse Ho Pyaar
Koi To Dilbar Ho Yaar

Mukti ended the song remembering how Manbiruv used to pamper her and Alya when they missed home. All the boys were really protective of both girls especially Mukti after Alya started dating Dhruv! Any boy who dare to propose Mukti would be in hospital the next day. Some even spread rumours about Mukti with Manik or Cabir but they couldn't give a damn! All were hell emotional as the song ended but had a peaceful smile on their face!

Mukti: Guys group hug?

All jumped on Mukti for hug after which they had lots of masti and also prepared a tune for their song in next album. Soon Manbir departed home where Cabir was cracking some silly PJs as he knew Manik was missing his Nandu! ❤

Night,
London Heathrow airport,
It was 10pm UK time, when Nandini and Arneha's flight landed in London. She knew Manik will be still awake so she texted him immediately from the flight itself.

Hi Manik! I have landed safely but cant call as Arneha is around and yes now sleep, its 3.30 am there but I know you are still awake! 💓

Here, Manik was trying to work on his laptop as sleep was far away from him. His phone binged gaining his attention. He read the message and immediately a smile broke on his lips.

Well glad you reached safely! Call me once Arneha is not around, dont think much about my sleep I will catch up as it is I am going to sleep now anyways! Good night! ❤

After that Manik tucked himself in bed obviously feeling her absence as sadness washed over him but soon being exhuasted, sleep took over. Here in London, Nandini's case was no different, firstly arrival took a while for them due to an issue at airport regarding their luggage and then in the car there was some sort of accident near airport due to which there was traffic even at 11 in night. She was getting highly impatient to talk to Manik as she read his message but alas she has to wait until she is alone in a room and for now put a fake smile with Arneha. They reached Arneha's home at around 1 am so Neha forced her to stay over which she didnt resist as she was damn tired. As soon as she went in the room, she went and had a warm shower as her neck was aching due to sleeping in the wrong position in flight. She changed in her cute pjs and slumped on the bed, dialling a number after telling everyone that she reached safely in their family group chat.

Her nightwear 👇

The person answered the call after 5 rings in his sleepy voice. Yes it was Manik, who woke up with the call at 6.30 am having hardly 3 hrs of sleep. His voice was sleepy but had that husk in it, stirring something deep in her stomach. She smiled at his cute way of saying 'Hello' being in sleep.

Manik: *with closed eyes* Haallo... who's it?

Nandini: *softly* Manik... its me Nandini. Actually mein aapko disturb nahi karti but you told me to call so I thought aap paresan hojayenge isliye...

Manik: *yawning and lying down properly* Nah its ok shona.. I just wanted to hear your sweet voice.

Nandini: *blushing* You are too much Manik.... ab sun li now sleep as you have to go office too in couple of hours.

Manik: *frowning* Nahi na... Tumhe sona hai? Are you tired?

Nandini: Nahi but...

Manik: Thats it then! Now tell me how was your flight?

Nandini: Hmm all good but I already started missing to sleep hugging you...

Manik: *smirking* Hum hai hi aisi cheez, hume koi chahkar bhi nahi bhul sakta begum sahiba..

Nandini: Aren't you getting a bit self obsessed nowadays Mr Malhotra?

Manik: *rolling his tongue in his cheeks* Yah ofcourse, you know sangat ka asar!

Nandini: *pouting* You mean I am self obsessed? How mean hubby!

Manik: *laughing* Nahi... maine toh aisa nahi kaha. I never mentioned a name shona, now its your fault to interpret like that.

Nandini: *huffing* Mai aapse baat nahi karne wali! Huh! Monster Manik Malhotra.

He laughed harder hearing his name but than controlled not wanting to actually anger her. He decided to change the topic and remembered something.

Manik: Waise shona... you didnt tell me about your nightmare this morning?

Nandini: Manik rehne dijiye na... It was just a bad dream..

Manik: But I want to know!

Nandini: *sighing* Woh I saw that we were in the car together when a truck came towards us with high speed. You tried to stop but the brakes didnt work hence you pushed me out but couldnt jump out yourself on time. And when I woke up, aap waha nahi the which scared the shit out of me! *By now her eyes were wet again whereas he became confused on her sudden nightmare but then remembered Harshad threatening her to harm him*
(Here Itz_Me_Adi and shivangik23, since you both wanted to know the dream so yh... I know its too cliche but adjust karlo! 😂)

Manik: *concerned* Shona first drink some water... *she did as he said calming a bit* Now listen, I know you are being affected by that jerk but Nandu mujhe uss jaise insaan ko handle karna aata hai, pehle bhi kiya hai and as far as I know, he is not that brave enough to do anything especially when his sister is so close to me.. so just relax ok!

His words were really soothing for her and it did calm her down a lot but deep down inside, she was still scared. However, she wasn't going to let her worry for future ruin their present. She smiled a bit and changed the topic making him smile too.

Nandini: So how was your day?

Manik: Hmm..haa it was ok, I went to office for a bit...

Nandini: *cutting him off* And waha employees pe chilaya hoga, unhe daraya hoga, haina?

Manik: *smiling* Mrs Malhotra you know me too well but it was their fault so they deserve this scolding.

Nandini: *sighing* Manik they deserve the scolding but you definetly dont deserve to ruin your health by increasing your blood pressure.

Manik: *smirking* Haa toh I have my personal doctor na..

Nandini: *giggling* I am not a doctor yet Manik..and waise bhi I am a cardiologist not a general physician..

Manik: Toh madam hume bhi heart treatment hi chahiye so Dr Malhotra, tell me what should I do now that my wife took away my heart with her?

Nandini: *blushing and giggling at his drama* Hmm, that is a serious problem Mr Malhotra! Do one thing, for now aapke wife ke heart se kaam chala lijiye which she left for you till the time she comes back forever to never leave you ever! 💓

Manik: *sighing smilingly* I hope that time comes soon! I miss you already shona!

Nandini: I miss you too Manik! Meri ek request manenge please?

Manik: *smiling* Anything.

Nandini: Please go to office late today and get some sleep now.

Manik: Ok! You too sleep, I will call you later! Bye!

Nandini: Bye! ❤

Next day morning,
London,
It was a new day with new adventures but taking past adventures, past memories along. New phase in life does not necessarily mean you need to forget the past ones, you can always cherish them and learn from them. Nandini woke up at around 9am feeling fresh. First thing she did was to pray to her Ayiappa from bed and then picked up her phone to see a 'good morning' message from her Man few hours ago which she replied back instantly. She went to take a shower and came out wearing her black and white jumpsuit. Jumpsuits were always her favourite and her preference in western attire. She combed her hair, applied a bit of makeup keeping it simple as today was just a chill day before her Uni and internship starts again tommorow. She also wore her heart chain and knot bracelet gifted by Manik. Satisfied, she went downstairs and joined Arneha for breakfast greeting them good mornings.

Nandini's attire 👇

Neha: Nandu, I have already sent butler to your place to get it cleaned up coz its closed from 3 weeks na..

Nandini: Thanks Nehu, I was thinking we should go for some grocery shopping today as I will be all out of food in apartment and then we can go to bua's place for dinner. She would love to have you there too and Arya can join us later, what say? *she said looking at both of them*

Neha: Sounds good to me!

Arya: Ok peeps, I need to go office so bye!

Saying this he pecked Nandini's forehead making her smile and pecked Neha's lips in front of Nandu making her close her eyes and Neha hit him.

Nandini: Tum na besharam ke besharam hi rahoge!

Arya: Ha toh, she is my wife! I dont mind your husband doing so after your marriage infront of us. 😉

Nandini widened her eyes but unknowningly heat crept on her cheeks thinking of Manik pecking her lips. She hid her blush biting her lower lip making Arneha chuckle. Soon both the ladies too went for shopping.

Here in Mumbai, Manik had a very tight schedule today with back to back meetings since he came late in office at around 11am. He also had a jamming session in evening after which a meeting over dinner. He had already informed Nyonika who was sulking as her son was going back to workaholic phase but little did she know, his shona never left his mind. They both were not able to talk much today other than some texts due to one being busy and other being with Neha. At night after returning from dinner, Manik called Nandini when she was at her bua's place to which she excused herself on the pretext of being tired getting a knowning smile from Swarna. They both talked for a while and Manik slept while talking itself being exhausted making her giggle. Soon Nandini too departed to her apartment and crashed into bed as the new day awaits.

Author's note: Hey guys, how's the update? Liked it? What part do you like the most?

A bit boring, I know but was necessary, thus this long 3000+ words update. Lots of Fab 5 moments in this one! So from your comments in last part I was really confused on how to go about with this story and I have decided to go with the flow but will take small leaps in between and not to skip the whole journey. I hope everyone is ok with that!

One more thing, do you want me to show pics for Nandini's appartment?

Pls vote if you liked it, drop long inline comments and follow me!
Silent readers, it won't take long to press that star button so pls do!
Target :- 450+ votes on this part for next update!
Lots of love from Vaish! ❤