Malhotra house: Dhruv's bedroom: 2:30 am:

Needless to say, the surrounding is dark and silent as long back all the members of this family went to sleep. The wall clock in the living room strikes at 2:30 am and the gong temporarily shatters the pin-drop silence. Simultaneously, Dhruv's bedroom's door squawks. A silhouette stealthily enters his room and with the same care, closes the door behind him. The gentle sound of breathing proves that Dhruv is in a deep slumber. As the room is quite dark it becomes a bit difficult to locate the bedside for the person. Still, he strains his eyes to get any visual help and carefully saunters in the direction. First, he hits the side table and then gropes to reach the bed. He sits beside asleep Dhruv and calls him in a low voice.

The person: (In a careful low tone) "Dhruv...Dhruv.."

Most expectedly the sleeping beauty doesn't pay any heed to this romantic whisper. Now, the person seems a bit restless and gently shakes him to wake him up.

The person: (A bit louder) "Dhr...u...u..v...wake up, Bro!"

Still, it doesn't work on Dhruv's motionless body. Now, the person becomes more desperate and prods Dhruv's rib cage.

The person: (With annoyance) "Wake up...you Kumbhakaran (Ravana's brother in Indian Epic Ramayana who is famous for his long and deep sleep)

It finally works and Dhruv sits squarely on his bed with a jerk.

Dhruv: (In a sleepy yet scared voice) "Who...who is there? Who tickled me...uncivilised, rude.."

Lest his voice exits the decent sound limit and makes all the other members awake the person palms his mouth.

The person: "Shhhhh.....quiet. It's me Manik. What can I do? You were sleeping like a log and I have something important to discuss."

Dhruv grunts and switches on the side lamp. He sees Manik is sitting on his bed with a restless face. He yawns and glances at the clock.

Dhruv: (With sleepy voice) "Bhai!...What the fuck! It's 2:40 am. What...(yawns) is the important...thing that (yawns) you couldn't... wait for the morning...(yawns)

Manik lifts his legs and sits squarely on the bed, facing Dhruv. His expression is serious.

Manik: (With a perplexed voice) "She wants me to runaway."

Dhruv squints in confusion.

Dhruv: "She!...Runaway! Who? And why does she want you to run? Neither are you Usain Bolt nor a criminal. Please, Bhai, say clearly. I am seriously not in a mood to solve your 'who am I riddle' and words game at this time. Just look at the clock."

He again yawns but Manik ignores.

Manik: (Sternly) "Your friend my girlfriend Nandini Murthy. She wants to elope with me."

These words gradually widen Dhruv's eyes and then they almost bulge out from their sockets.

Dhruv: (Shouts) "WHA.....TTT...!"

Manik immediately covers his mouth.

Manik: "Shhh....hhh. You want all to awake? Yes, she called me half an hour back and literally threatened me if I won't runaway with her then she will come to my place and get me for court marriage. Dhruv, you never told me this desperate side of hers. She is scary, Man."

Manik rolls his eyes. Until now, Dhruv's all drowsiness has left him completely. He gets down from the bed and starts pacing in the room.

Dhruv: "Wait...wait..let me understand the whole thing first. Did she tell you why she wants to elope with you and get married? As per I know, you both are not planning about your marriage right now. Spill the whole bean, Bro."

Manik: (Restlessly) "I asked her the same question. But somehow, she was in hurry and didn't tell anything further. In fact, she cut the call abruptly and her last line was, 'Runaway with me or I will kill you."

A teasing smile peeps on Dhruv's lips. He takes the bottle kept on the side table and gulps some water.

Dhruv: (Laughing) "You really have rubbed off on her, Bro. You have made a shy, reticent girl a desperate wild cat. Nandu and elopement plan...unthinkable. But jokes apart. Tell me one thing; when did you last meet her? I mean, did she say this to you that time also? Because as far I know her; she is not at all a whimsical girl. She can't say this without any proper reason. Tell me when did you both last meet and where?"

Manik: (With a pout) "Today evening only. I met her at her college and after that, we went for a coffee date. After that, I dropped her at home."

Dhruv: (Suppressed grunt) "Home! You went to her home? Did her family member see you?"

Manik: (Shrugged) "Maybe..I don't know. She was standing at her bedroom window and I was waving at her. I think that time someone called her from behind and she dispersed."

Dhruv: (With a frown) "Hmmmm....I think something definitely happened after that. Bhai, we have to contact her. I am sure she is under some family pressure because of your filmy bye."

Manik makes a puppy face and gets up from the bed.

Manik: "Now what? How will I contact her? After that call, I have tried numerous times to connect her number but she is not picking up. Dhruv if she doesn't call me till tomorrow I will land up at her home."

Dhruv: (In a serious tone) "No...you won't do anything like that. It may complicate the matter. Let me try to meet her if she won't come to college tomorrow. Have patience. Now, go to your room and let me sleep."

In reply, Manik crawls over the bed and lies down.

Manik: (With a nonchalant smile) "Forget, Bro...your friend snatched all my sleep. So, how can I let you sleep peacefully? Let's discuss the plan to elope if it is actually necessary. Because she was sounding too serious, Man."

Dhruv sighs in disbelief and occupies the space beside his elder brother. It's not easy to be a cupid.

..............................................

Murthy house: Nandini's bedroom: 2:00 am

Nandini is standing on her balcony while stealthily talking on her phone. The room is dark and Amms is peacefully sleeping on the bed. Usually, Kishori sleeps alone in her bedroom but today Rituja asked her to sleep with Nandini as Kishori's BP is a bit high and her daughter didn't want to take any risk. For a long time, Nandini was waiting when her Amms will sleep and she will talk to Manik. It's urgent. Since her Appa saw Manik in the evening in front of their house waving to her, he keeps on asking questions about Manik. Being irritated Nandini revealed Manik's name. Although she didn't tell anything about their relationship her Appa suspected something. The matter becomes graver and more tensed for her when Amms reveals something before going to sleep. She tells her granddaughter that they want Nandini to marry Harshad as it is his parents long time wish. Nandini was not ready for it. Since her childhood, Nandini has considered Harshad as her elder brother. She didn't have the slightest notion about this. She even asked her Amms about Harshad's point of view in this matter. In reply, Amms said that they will ask him in the morning but she is confident about his positive reply. It is like a bolt out of blue for her. She can't think straight anymore and decides to call Manik. It is needed to talk to him right now. But as usual, Manik starts his ever flirtatious and cheesy conversation. She even tries to tell everything that her family members told him after knowing about Manik. However, Manik was all in his romantic mood and didn't pay any heed to her words. Being irritated Nandini cuts the line by saying, "Runaway with me or I will kill you." After that, she turns to head to the bed but the sight in front of her startles her to the core.

Nandini: (Inhales sharply) "Amms...you scared me."

Kishori nears her. Her eyes are sceptic.

Kishori: "And you scared me. What are you doing on the balcony at this time?"

It's dark outside but the streetlights are illuminating the balcony partially. Kishori's eyes fall on the mobile held in Nandini's hand.

Kishori: (Quizzically) "You were talking to someone? Who? That Punjabi boy? Nandu...tell me clearly. Do you love that boy? Do you want to.....Impossible!"

Nandini holds her shoulders. Her eyes are hopeful.

Nandini: "Why impossible Amms? He is a good guy. He loves me."

Kishori: (Sternly) "Because he is Punjabi and a North Indian can't be our son-in-law. Nivu arthamadikondiddira? (Have you understood?)"

Nandini removes her hands from Kishori's shoulders with a jerk. Her eyes are beaming with determinations.

Nandini: (Intently) "Then listen to my last words. If I ever get married, I will marry only Manik. Nannannu yaru tadeyabahudu endu nodona. (Let's see who can stop me.)"

Author's note: So, this is the first chapter of this story. More obstacles, twists and hilarious moments are coming in the next chapter. Till then, enjoy the read. 🤗🤗❤❤