Dr. Sharma clinic 

Rohan-" How can you see and hear me?" his question made me confused, and his look even more.

"What do you mean how can I see and hear you? Ofcourse by my eyes and ears na, like everyone else. Also you didn't tell me that why you didn't to school today, our conversation was left mid-way in the hall."

Rohan-" I can't go to school, as I'm DEAD, 3 YEARS AGO. I'm just a spirit and you seeing me is the first time. No one in these 3 yrs could see me or hear me, not even my father. This was the reason when the first time you waved at me I was shocked." As soon as he completed this I was shocked. I didn't know what to say or do, at the same time I felt a sharp prick in my forearms. I looked away from Rohan and saw Dr. Sharma taking my blood sample.

Dr. Sharma-" Its okay, its done already we need your blood for testing and also to get read in the cornograph. All the vaccines have been given to you right? Or something is still left?" He was going through my reports now and checking every details I nodded my head and held the cotton that Dr. Sharma had put on my arm. 

when I saw him getting up to check something else I turned to my right again to see Rohan having a sad dejected look on his face. 

" Rohan, why are you so silent all of a sudden? Ho..How did all this happen?" I was really feeling bad for him. At the same time I was thinking that how could I see him, back when I was young I had once gone with my mum to a palace turned museum in Jaipur and I remember vaguely that then also I saw someone who was looking at me but when I turned to call my mumma that person vanished. That was the last time ever something like that happened with me untill now when I talked with Rohan too."

Rohan-" I... I thought you got scared and would not talk to me. Its been a long time I'm around so many people still alone. That's fine I will not bother you, but I can't leave my father." He was about to go when I stopped him by calling his name.

" Rohan, stop I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just that I was shocked with the sudden knowledge as its been long something like this happened with me. And why are you sad, I'm there na now we will talk and have fun." I smiled at him and saw his eyes sparkling with happiness. 

 Rohan-" You are so sweet, I will call you Nandu Di, so now we are friends na." He forwarded his hand for me to hold but I couldn't do so as he was a spirit so touching him was not possible but i can't make him sad so I did the Yo sign and said FRIENDS. 

Dr. Sharma-" I think you make friends very quickly miss. Nandini. But I'm sorry to say I'm your doctor not your friend so you don't need to be so extra friendly."  

*Oops, i think I spoke a bit loud, What's wrong with you Nandini you can't let people know that you can talk to spirits or they will make fun of you and admit you in some asylum.* 

Rohan was laughing seeing me being almost caught. He then did a 'Yo-sign'🤘 and said "Friends"

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Meeting Hall

I came back to the hall with Moloy uncle only to see my mother who was sitting on the couch with her head burried in the palms while Mr. Malhotra was having a talk with Manik standing near the window. As soon as I came in all of their attention turned to me. I went to my mother who took me in my embrace and peaked my head. 

Nidhi-" Are you alright my child?" Her voice seemed very shakey and I knew that instance that she had cried.

" Mumma, I'm complete alright. Nothing much happened but why is your face so dull and even your voice it seems you have cried. What happened and where is Amms, Mausi and Alia?" i looked around to see Mr. Malhotra staring at mom while Manik was looking completely disinterested. Now he was standing taking the support of the pillar behind with his legs crossed and arms folded around his chest. 

Nidhi-" Its nothing baccha, I was just tensed about you that's it and everyone else have gone back home.Even we should get going you look tired, I will book a cab." She was about to get her phone from her bag when Mr. Malhotra stopped her.

Raj-" Nidhi there is no need to call for a cab at this time. It's already late so I will ask my driver he will drop you both home." His voice held concern while I looked at my mother, her expression was hard and she still was about to call the cab driver.

Nidhi-" Its alright Raj there is no need for favours. We are capable of going back home all by our own and you do your work here or better go back home." I was surprised by the tone of her voice. In the morning when my mother was talking to him they were smiling and now there seemed some tension in between them. I just stood at a distance waiting for what will happen next.

Raj-" Listen Nidhi this is not the time for argument. Its pretty late in the evening and me giving my car does nothing to do with your capability but its my concern for yo... for you both. Just let my driver drop you both home safe and then we can discuss the other things tomorrow, but you really need to come in terms with your daughter being a time traveler sooner or later." He said this look straight at her and I knew they had an argument on me.

Moloy-" Nidhi beta, you should listen to Raj. And look at Nandini she needs rest so just get home and have rest." listening Moloy uncle mom nodded while Raj uncle called up his driver and asked him to get the car ready.

Raj-" Nandini today you can go back home and take proper sleep and tomorrow you will be picked up from your college by Mr. Banerjee and be brought here. You first controlled traveling will take place tomorrow. So you relax for today." His calm n soothing voice with which he gave me my tomorrow's schedule made me smile at him while mu mother to stiffen. I just nodded in a yes.

" Good night everyone." I said to all the 3 people present in the hall before going. Moloy uncle and Mr. Malhotra smiled and wished me back but I saw Manik murmuring something which I heard as a 'kiddo'. How dare he call me a kid. I so wanted to snap at him but my mother held my hand and took me out.

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Next day Morning,

Me and Mukti were at our favorite hangout place in our college,the common room. This place was mostly empty and no faculty use to be here as it was on the 4th floor and mostly was used for bunking spot, while we both had our own spot where we use to have deep talks and silly emotional contents. Right now I was giving every minute details of the adventurous and secret happening of yesterday. From me disappearing in front of my family to my church visit , Alia and Manik talks to meeting Rohan. She was actually writing them down which made me wonder what will she actually do with that. 

Nandini's outfit for the day 

" Mukku what will you do with writing all this down?" 

Mukti-" Nandu I'm going to get some information for you which can help you know about these people and many more things. And I think we should also search a bit about that co-partner of your, what was his name? Manik Malhotra, wait a min let me check." She fetched out her phone and searched on Insta 'Manik Malhotra' then asked that which one was it. I told her who was the one looking at the pic. Luckily his account was public so we stalked his account.

Mukti-" Hmmm... an MBA student, studying at St. Xaviers college. He is a state level basketball player and a passionate Singer. Wow he looks hot, you have got a nice travel partner babes I think this year you will be mingled." Saying she gave a shoulder bump to me smirking while I just gave her a fake smile and said

" He already is in a relationship with Alia and that is why he was so cross with me when he got to know that I'm the chosen one and not Alia. As it is he was really rude to me yesterday so madam dont get ideas." Mukti just made a face at the name of Alia and shrugged her shoulder. 

Mukti-" Okaie, we will get someone else for you. But you really need to tell me everything whatever happens there and I will try to help you and gather informations which will help you. I'm already so excited n thrilled about all of this. Today when will you go to the church?" She wrapped her left arm over my shoulder and I just smiled looking at my bestie excited. 

" I will be picked up by Moloy uncle after college hours and will straight away head to the place and then they will send me to some year from god knows what device. I think we should head for our English class. Raghav sir won't like if we miss and he had seen me in the morning while I was entering the college. We can't bunk his class." 

Mukti-" This was more interesting than his lectures, I want to know more babes. That White Mouse is always after me and asking me questions. And then he will compare me with Alia which I don't like." She made a face but I got up and held her hand laughing.

" Mukku, you can't run away from him always and for god sake stop calling him white mouse, because of your weird name to him I always end up smiling looking at him imagining him like a mouse while the whole college looks at him like some model."

Mukti-" He is a white mouse, Just look at his those big big eyes and pale skin. I toh sometimes wonder that is he a Vampire or what." I just shook my head and walked forward.

**************

Luckily today Raghav sir was in a good mood and thus he didn't picked up people from class to answer his tough n tricky questions. The entire one hour went smoothly with half of the girls oggling at 'Mr. White mouse' while the boys cursing him and making fun of him at his back. When we were leaving the class Raghav sir stopped me.

Raghav-" Nandini, wait a minute I need to talk to you in person." I turned to look at him and saw every other girl looking at me with jealousy because Raghav sir called me. I so wanted to roll my eyes at those bimbos but raghav sir's presence stopped me from doing that. 

Raghav-" I have got to know that you are going to be a part of the LODGE.So from now on I will be taking your classes on history and languages. Earlier I use to teach Alia but I think now you will have to be trained from the start." His penetrating greenish blue eyes made me a bit conscious. I never knew that HE was the part of this Lodge. Great I won't be surprised if someday Mukti's words of him being a vampire also comes true. I just nodded my head.

Raghav-" Remember one thing, this secret should not be passed on to any of your friends or college mates. This is a legacy which now you are a part of and you should know your duties and commitments towards it." 

" I know sir, I will try my level best and I promise I will not tell my college mates anything." I knew I was not going to tell this to anyone but Mukti was not my college mate she was my soul sister and school buddy. So even in this promise I got the loophole for my bestie. 

After this short conversation we parted ways and as I came outside the gate to see a crowd gathered around blocking the main gate. I pushed myself and with great difficulty crossed the crowd only to see the most shocking scene in front of me.

.

.

.

There was a beautiful red Ferrari car was parked just outside our college compound and out came a a handsome man in black t-shirt with white strip on it and blue denim ripped jeans paired up with a black coat and not to forget completing his look with the stylish aviators on his sinfully sculpted Greek god face.

I could hear all the grasps and 'OMG' 'Hold me please' he is so sexy' but what caught my attention was Alia walking in front and greeted him with her ever charming smile and he gave her a hug. 

Mukti-" hmmm... you were right, he really is too HOT but that smirk on his face gives away that arrogant guy vibes. I loved the car though." Mukti was standing right in front and looked at me staring at Manik. 

" I never said he is hot, it was you who said that and about the car, then he is bloody showing it off. But why hell is he in my college? And where is Moloy uncle?"We looked at Alia who looked visibly happy now that she got to meet Manik and she went in her car which was parked right beside his. 

Manik turned towards the main gate and suddenly called me.

Manik-" Nandini, finally I found you. What are you doing over there, come we are getting late." This came as a shocker not only for me but also to all the people standing there around me. Mukti who saw me standing still as a statue nudged me a little to get me back on earth.

Mukti-" Just go Nanz, your HOT Ferrari is waiting." She winked at me and I knew her double meaning talk which actually was for HIM and not for the car. I rolled my eyes and walked with steady steps towards Manik. 

Manik opened the car door for me and in a chivalrous manner stood aside and motioned with his hands for me to sit. I sat inside and gave him a smile with saying 'thank you'.With this off we drove to our destination but from the rear-view mirror I saw a girl from my class almost faint but was caught by someone.

        ●♡●♡●♡●♡●♡●♡●

Manik was driving while I didn't know what to say, I wanted to ask him that what was he doing here in place of Moloy uncle but I was stopping myself because of his earlier interaction with me. Manik gave me a glance when he saw me looking at him and quickly diverting my gaze.

Manik-" If you want to ask something then you can do that. i won't punish you or scold you for asking anything. And about yesterday's odd behaviour with you, so I'm sorry about that. I really was tired and suddenly knowing something that big just got me off track." He gave a cheeky smile and concentrated on driving.

" I... its okay I myself was shocked when I first got to know this. I just wanted to ask that why didn't Moloy uncle come to pick me up? I mean that is what I was told yesterday by Mr. malhotra." I hesitantly asked him but casually. 

Manik-" Ohh yes, there is a bit of change in plan, we both have to meet the Lord back in 1830. So everyone is busy with making last minute preparation and checking the Chronograph. I was free so they sent me to pick you up. Last night I went back in time to let the LORD know about the mishap which happened with the DIAMOND i.e. you and Alia. Now he wants to meet you in person." As he was saying things I didn't get any of the things but I just kept quite and thought to ask Moloy uncle as I was more comfortable in asking him questions. 

Manik-" Btw, umm.., you look nice in this dress." This came as a shock for me. Like what the hell was wrong with people giving me shocks these days. A compliment from Manik was the last thing I imagined. 

"Thank you" With this there was again silence in the car. 

*********************

Wassup people!!!!!  Your views on today's chapter. 

Nandini and Rohan are friends now. Is it creepy or exciting? Will people believe her?

Mukti is really an adventure freak right? Wanna say something about MukNi?

Mr. White mouse aka Raghav sir is also a part of the LODGE of SECRETS. What do you think about the name given to him by our Mukti.

Finally Manik and Nandini's first time traveling together. Are you excited?

Well, well well, I will be seeing you soon with the next update but till then you keep loving this story and if you find it interesting to let your friends know about this. And yes I will love to read your views on this so let me know with your comments and if not a vote. 

TODDLES!!!!!! 

WITH LOVE

NEHA (SATAKSHI)❤