The Same Day

After making sure Aliya was fine and not crying or stressing over the whole situation anymore, Cabir was passing through the corridor to go back to his room. All of the sudden he heard someone sobbing loud. He frowned and realized the sound was coming from the open window of the room he was just going to pass infront of.

He peaked from the window and his eyes softened seeing Navya sitting on the bed clutching her knees near her chest, and sobbing out loud.

Even though Cabir was aware of how Navya was wrong in all the matter, he couldn't help but feel bad seeing her crying her heart out. No human deserves this, he thought. Her each and every tear pricked his heart like a needle.

All the feelings he had in his heart for her, he named them as an attraction or later on believed he had a crush on her but today, seeing his heart breaking at the sight of her sobbing figure, he was sure it was more than that.

After having a detailed fight with his heart and mind on whether to go to her or not, his mind won and he decided not to. But then, leaving this way didn't feel right too.

Getting a paper and pen from his room, he wrote a small note for her.

As he came back near her room, he found her in the same position. Sighing, he kept the note on the floor with the pen on the top of it so it doesn't flew away. He knocked at the door before walking away.

While Navya was cursing herself for being so rude or accusing Nandini when she wasn't at fault. She always thought it was Harshad or her who were in more pain after Soha's death but today she realised nothing could compare Nandini's pain and she had wronged her bestfriend in the worst way possible.

Suddenly, a knock on her door disturbed her thoughts. Confused, she stood up and opened the door only to find the corridor empty. She looked around and was about to close the door when her eyes fell on the note kept on the floor.

She frowned but nevertheless picked it up. It read,

Crying is never going to solve your problems. So wipe those tears and earn her forgivness. I know your mistakes are big but her heart is bigger and you know it too. So don't cry, if not for anyone then atleast for her.

Yours,
Wellwisher.

Though Navya had a slight idea who it could be, she didn't want to believe it for she wasn't sure it was actually true. All these days, she had seen a certain someone looking at her in between. She had noticed him to.

The small note, made her smile despite the bad situation she was going through. Not giving it much thought, she kept the pastel blue coloured note in her drawer. She didn't know but after reading those words, she was more than determined to not cry and work to earn her bestfriend's forgivness.

Soon, thinking about all this she slept wishing for a new hopeful day.

°°°

M

ukti let out an another sigh. It had been minutes she was standing outside Abhi's room, staring at him from the small window. He had been sitting holding his head between his palms all the time.

Even though she had assured Cabir she wouldn't cross Manik's words, a small part of her was determined not to leave Abhi like this but now, when she was actually here, she couldn't bring herself up to go inside and console him.

And It was not only because she didn't know how to console him. Afterall, he was at fault to. But with that, Manik's reaction scared her too. She knew Manik would never think bad for her and then, it wasn't daily he shows his protective side like this. He had asked her something with so much right. How could she go against him?

Abhi, as if sensing her presence looked up. It happened so fast that Mukti didn't even get the time to hide away.

He continued to stare at her, and she couldn't look away. His red bloodshot eyes bothered her to no extent. As if understanding her dilema, Abhi silently shook his head no. A small gesture for her to leave from there. As much as he needed her, he knew if Manik saw them together, he would get upset with her and Abhi for sure didn't want that.

He smiled softly at her, trying to assure her he was fine and she returned the small smile with a blink. Without another word, Mukti walked away and it was all what took Abhi to break down again.

The Night passed slowly before the new day arrived with new hopes. The sun rays fell on Manik's face directly who was sleeping on the floor with Nandini beside him. He frowned, due to the sunrays that pricked his eyes or even the heavy weight on his right shoulder.

It took him a moment to remember what happened last night or how he and Nandini had fallen asleep in her balcony itself. As soon as his mind reminded him of Nandini, his eyes snapped open. He panicked until Nandini who was still sleeping beside him snuggled in him more. The slight small on her face was enough to vanish the stress lines from his forehead.

He chuckled, admiring the innocence that reflected on her face.

When was the last time he had seen a sight as beautiful as this? Or had he even seen a one? Probably, he hadn't.

Chuckling at his own stupid thoughts, he threw back his head, closing his eyes to absorb the moment. Nandini was in his arms, sleeping peacefully. How much he wanted to see this scenario daily, all through out his life. Only if his arrogant boss or business partner spares him a glance.

It had been only five minutes when all of the sudden, Nandini's mobile rang loudly breaking the peaceful moment.

Manik cursed the caller in his mind before bending down on her side to pick up her mobile. He saw an unknown number flashing on the screen. Before the true caller I'd could do it's work or Manik could pick up the call, he was pulled up harshly and punched across his face by Madhayam, who had came there to check on Nandini.

Behind him, Aryaman stood holding his mobile in his hand. It didn't take Manik more than a second to understand the whole situation. Probably, Aryaman and Madhyam had came to Nandini's room but seeing her not there, they called on her number, and as they heard the ring coming from balcony, they reached there only to find Manik practically bending over Nandini.

Taking the whole situation wrong, Madhayam thought he was here with wrong intentions.

Before Madhayam could yell at him, Manik turned to look at Nandini who seemed to be waking up hearing the commotion.

Manik: Madhay-

Madhayam: Shut the fuck up you moron! How dare you even go close to Nandini hah! Who do you think you are! Just a mere client-

All this while Manik tried to silence him, all because Nandini was sleeping and he didn't want to disturb her but Nandini's sleep broke the moment Madhayam started yelling at Manik.

And even before he could go ahead with his rubbish, she turned him around and slapped him across his face.

Madhayam: Nan-

Nandini: How dare you, Madhayam Singhania!

Madhayam looked at her shocked along with Aryaman and Manik while all she noticed was Manik's bleeding lip which fueled her anger more.

Madhyam: Nandu-

Nandini: Shut up! Just stup up!

Manik: Nandini-

Manik tried to interpret but Madhayam didn't let him.

Madhayam: You stay out of it, Malhotra! I will tell you! How dare you touch my sister!

Madhayam launched at him again, punching and dragging him to the hall followed by an equally angry Aryaman and an angry Nandini.

Within seconds, the other members gathered in the hall. They all were shocked seeing Madhayam beating up Manik and Nandini trying to stop him.

The boys came forward and tried their vest to seperate them but couldn't. Seeing the situation getting worse, Nandini came forward and this time, she covered Manik which angered Madhayam. In anger he didn't realize when he pushed her away and she fell down on the floor.

Madhayam himself looked horrified as he stared at Nandini who was helped by the girls.

When Madhayam tried to go to her, Kqnik pushed him back.

Manik: How dare you push her!

Madhayam: You! She is my sister, Manik Malhotra. You don't tell me what to do or what not.

Though Madhayam was guilty of pushing Nandini too, yet he didn't want to accept defeat from Manik. For him, Manik had no right to interfere in his and Nandini's matter and from yesterday he has been seeing this boy repeatively stepping in between.

While for Manik, Madhayam's words did nothing but fueled his anger more. He was silent and not reacting only because he didn't want to create a scene. No matter what, Black Shinners were connected to Nandini, they meant a lot to her in the past and there was no way he could hurt her by raising his hand on them but now, after Madhayan pushed Nandini, he could no longer control himself.

Blinded by the rage, he held Madhayam's collar and punched him straight on his face. Dhruv, Abhi and Cabir came ahead to stop him but one look from him, even they stepped back. Manik turned back to Madhayam who was now held by his friends.

Manik: You shouldn't have pushed Nandini! I am silent only because of Nandini otherwise!

Madhayam: Excuse me, by which right are you speaking for her? Who are you even to her?

Madhayam smirked as Manik went silent. Yes, he was in love with Nandini but was it same for her? Could he say it here on their face? He looked down and at the same time felt Nandini stepping infront of him facing Madhayam.

Nandini: Since you arevtalking about rights, Mr.Singhania, let me enlighten you, He has more rights on me than anyone else present over here. For your kind information, he is my friend. He has the right to take stand for me, to speak for me unlike you who thinks hurting me is your right!

Nandini fumed in anger while each and everyone present there including Manik was stunned. Did she just referred Manik as her friend?

Him and Nandini friends.

He looked at his friends asking if what he just heard wasn't a beautiful dream as they nodded their head in yes, his lips curved up in a beautiful smile.

His mind went dizzy with the amount of happiness he suddenly felt.

Madhayam: Nandini! Do you even know what are you saying? You don't even know him for more than a month and you say he has more rights on you? Why?

Nandini: Because he had given me every reason! He might not be there for me for years but from the time we have met, he has always been there for me. Even last night when you people were so busy in your grief, it was him who came to me. It was him who held me when I cried my heart out! And it is him because of whom you are able to hear me today because trust me, tolerating your face even for a second is impossible for me now!

Aryaman: Nandu, we were just worried you. He was practically upon-

Nandini: So what Mr.Khurana! So what if he was lying above me! So what if he was sleeping beside me! I am an adult and it is my life. I can do whatever I want. You have no right to speak about what happens between me and my friend! Stay away from us, all of you!

She glanced at each and every member of Black Shinners as they looked at her stunned. Her eyes moved to Sid and she sent him an accusing glare which made him look down. She chuckled and turned her attention to Madhayam.

Nandini: Mr.Singhania, don't you think you should apologise.

Madhayam: Nandu, I am-

Nandini: From him.

She interuppted and Madhayam looked at her shocked along with others. Manik stepped forward and kept his hand on her shoulder. She eyed it for a second before looking at him.

Manik: I don't need him to apologise. Leave this matter.

Nandini: No, he will apologise. Mr.Singhania.

Nandini looked at Madhayam who though fumed at Manik but still nodded.

Madhayam: I-I am sorry, Manik.

Manik: It is okay.

Nandini: It is ironic how your tongue shutters while apologizing but not while accusing.

Madhayam: Nandu,

Nandini: You can leave from here now. All of you, Leave.

She ordered showing the door and even though disheartened, Black Shinners decided to go for time being. They knew the more they will try to talk now, the more she will get angry.

They walked away while Nandini turned to Fab5 who looked very much frightened from her except Manik.

Nandini called her servant and ordered him to get the first aid box. Since Manik knew it was from him, he tried to deny but her one glance stopped him.

As the servant came with the first aid box, Nandini turned to Cabir who was still looking at her with mix expressions. One, amusement and second fear.

Nandini: He is hurt on his hand and lower lip. Apply the medicine.

Cabir bobbed his head and giving a last glance to Manik, Nandini walked away from there.

Manik: Guys! S-Sh-She said I am her friend! Y-you heard her!? Cabir, Dhruv, Aliya, Mukti, you people heard her! friend!

He laughed and they all shouted, hooted and whistled in happiness. Soon enough he was holding their hands one by one and twirling them around in happiness.

Unknown to them, Nandini watched everything standing behind the pillar. Seeing Manik happy and literally celebrating, a lone tear managed to leave her eye.

Only if she could actually give him this happiness for always...

To Be Continued.