Which is worse?

Late for a date or break a promise?

Rejected by crush or your crush doesn't know your feelings?

Hero dies in a movie or dog dies in a movie?

Stubbing your toe or bitting your tongue

Liking your crushes old photo on Instagram or letting your friend upload your ugly photo?

Uh, that is it.

And I think there is something we need to clear out.

Anurag and Mannat did sing together in the train, but Anurag is oblivious to this fact.
So there is no chance for him to reveal anything since he isn't aware of this.
Thus there is no one who is going to propose anybody, at least not this soon. And anybody matlab, *anybody*.
And you all know my stories, everything happens in a unique way
So all I ask for lots and lots of love and a very tiny winy bit of patience.

Do inline comment and vote

Target: 80+ votes and comments.

Also, pweaseeeee vote on all the other chapters too.
Even your comments are love. I read all of them. Please do comment.

Happy reading!

Nandini:

"You need to calm down baba." I sighed looking at my man so much nervous just before his, God knows, thousandth concert may be.

I was dressed up in a white chikankari suit and denim palazzo. I paired it up with chand baaliyaan and short heels. He was all, hunk in white vest, dark blue Jean and multicolored jacket. That locket hung from his neck and wrist adored with Rolex watch.

"I'm." He whispered looking at me, rubbing his hands. I reached out for him and looked out of green room to see it locked. I cupped his face and tilted it upwards, since he was sitting on his chair.  I pressed my lips steadily against his forehead. I felt him shuddering and sighing. I pulled apart and looked down, at him. He wrapped his hands around my waist and hid himself in my stomach. My hands itched to caress his hair, but I decided otherwise knowing I'll mess them up. Just then his hands reached my wrist and placed my palm on his scalp, gesturing me silently. I smiled and pressed my lips, again, but this time against his hair.

Damn, those soft locks sliding through my cheek.

Shivers!

We pulled out and I said, "You'll rock." He got up and held my hands to pull me closer.

"You listen to me carefully okay?" I bobbed. "Whenever you feel, you cannot sit there anymore, just walk out. No one will question anything. Whenever you are hungry, just order anything from menu and don't you dare wait for me. Cramps ho rahe hai, toh I've arranged hot water bag too. It's all in that wardrobe. There'll be two people with you, everytime till I come back to you. You stick to them. Okay?" His every word snatched my ability to speak, little by little. Speechless was all I could feel.

[If you get cramps, then I've arranged hot water bag too.]

"Manik." I whispered breathlessly. Yes, that's what had happened with me. I shook my head looking down and chuckling softly. I gazed up back at him. I stood up on my toes and he immediately bent down. I pressed my lips against his cheeks and whispered there, "You're the best thing that has happened to me." I felt him stiffening, his hold tightened up on my waist. I pulled back. A smile touched his lips and looked down. I grinned at his blush.

A knock on the door interrupted our sweet little session. "Sir, we're all set." The spot boy said and we made some distance between us.

"Let's go Mr. Rockstar." I said and he looked at me, with that small smile. He held my hand and we both made our way out.

Just when we stepped out, not even a second and we were surrounded by the paparazzi. Bodyguards and spot boys chained us around and Manik pulled me closer with my waist. His hand was always forward, as to prevent those flashes and my grip on his shirt and arms tightened. Soon enough, we entered the VIP area, were the paparazzi wasn't allowed. I heard the crowd behind me going violent. The stadium suddenly echoed hoots and thunder claps.

He made me sit there, stuffing a few cushions around me and behind me. I shook my head in disbelief and said, "You're treating me as if I'm pregnant." I rolled my eyes.

"My treatment isn't based on the phase you are in. Pregnant or not, you are Mrs. Manik, Mrs. Manik." He mumbled slowly, and placed a chaste kiss on my forehead.

"All the best." I whispered. He passed me his best smile and cupped my face before walking away.

Within a few moments, he stepped on the dias. I saw the crowd behind getting hyper. My eyes fell on a few charts that said, 'I love you Manik', 'Only here for Manik', 'Marry me Manik'. I chuckled loudly at the last one and shook my head. I decided to look ahead, seeing him fixing his microphone and guitar.

"How's my fam." His voice echoed and the cheer increased to three folds. "Great. Thank you for being here. But this one is special one for me. Any guesses?"

"Nandini." The whole crowd's voice echoed and I palmed my face to hide the reddened cheeks. He threw his head down and chuckled. His gaze found mine and winked. My eyes widened at his shameless stunt in front of millions. The red deepened and head shook in disbelief.

End:

(I do not need to tell you what song it is, do I?
Thus, PLUGGG PLEASEE)

The stage was set, adorned with a dazzling display of lights and an air of anticipation. With a deep breath, Manik strummed the first chords of his guitar, setting the rhythm for the song that he had poured his heart into. The melody reverberated through the hall, enveloping everyone in its enchanting embrace.

Hmmm...

Baatein Karne Laga Hoon
Khud Se Hi Mein Khwaabon Mein
Tere Aane Se Pehle Tujse
Judne Laga Hoon Khayaalon Mein

With a deep breath, he closed his eyes, surrendering to the melody that echoed through his soul. He began to sing.

Among the sea of faces, his eyes locked with his girl who held his heart. Her eyes dint leave him. Not even for a second. Every word which escaped did wonders to her system.

Roshan Hua Andhera
Kyun Hai Hua Main Janu Na
Teri Aahat Bhi Rok Deti
Hai Saansein Meri Sau Dafa

His lyrics painted a picture of their little story, each word carefully crafted to capture the essence of their journey.

The hall darkened and flashlights swayed with the crowd, to the rhythm, enchanted by the melodies that intertwined with Manik's heartfelt vocals. He moved along with the crowd. Among many, there was also one whose harmony mattered the most.

But his focus remained fixed on his wife, who sat there, her eyes locked with his, feet tapping in rhythm and eyes closing momentarily at certain notes.

Thoda Sa Gabhra Hoon
Keh Bhi Na Paaun
Haal Mera Jo Mera Ho Raha

With every verse, Manik's voice grew stronger, resonating with a depth of feeling that reached far beyond the stage.

Savera Savera
Savera Ho Raha
Jo Khoya Kabhi Tha
Woh Mera Ho Raha
Bhulake Woh Yaadein Purani
Savera Ho Raha
Aaan...

His words were a love letter, woven into the lyrics, reaching deep into the hearts of everyone in the audience. In that moment, it was as if the entire world faded away, leaving only him and her, connected by the melody and the emotions it carried.

Every word that escaped his lips was filled with the intensity of his feelings, a tale of love pouring forth from his soul.

The words carried the weight of his adoration
Whispered secrets
Promises
Unsaid feelings

With each verse, he bared his heart, leaving nothing hidden, knowing that this was his chance to show her the depths of his love. His every word thrown were like magnet which knew it's direction of belonging heart.

Savera Ho Raha
Savera Ho Raha

As the chorus swelled, the crowd joined in, their voices blending with his in a harmonious chorus.

The sheer goosebumps of the moment enveloped the entire hall, filling it with a sense of unity and shared emotion.

But amidst the sea of voices, it was that one girl's voice that Manik longed to hear the most.

He arched back, streaming guitar to its highest note. Sweat trickled down through his temple to the midriff.

Sapne Woh Tere
Wahi Toh Mere Sapne Ho Gaye
Teri Aankhon Ne Bune
Tabhi Se Mere Apne Ho Gaye

Each word he sang was infused with tenderness and passion, his voice soaring and caressing the hearts of those who listened.

But for Nandini, his voice resonated on a whole different level, like a serenade crafted solely for her.

Darta Bhi Hai Yeh Dil 
Kahi Na Bhikhroon Toot Ke
Par Teri Aasoon Mein
Mein Jiyu Khud Ko Hi Bhool Ke

In that moment, the rest of the world melted away, leaving only the connection between them and the melody that enveloped them both.

The lyrics became a heartfelt confession, an intimate declaration.

Koi To Ek Wajah De
Jaise Ki Khuda Hai
Door Saara Andhera Ho Raha

Not for ones there wad a fall in the cheer of his crowd.

But for him, the true measure of success was the tear that glistened in his girl's eye— a tear that spoke of a love that had been touched and moved by his music.

It revealed how naturally, beautifully and intravenously the lyrics were traversed .

Savera Savera
Savera Ho Raha
Jo Khoya Kabhi Tha
Woh Mera Ho Raha
Bhulake Woh Yaadein Purani
Savera Ho Raha
Aaan...

Savera Ho Raha
Savera Ho Raha

And as the last note faded into the silence, the cheers of the crowd continued, merging with the beating of Manik's heart, for he had sung for the girl who held a place which was irreplaceable.

Final chorus approached, the intensity of the music soared, echoing the magnitude of his emotions. Manik's voice soared with it, reaching the highest notes with passion and conviction. And as the last chord reverberated through the hall, a profound silence fell.

She was the first one to start clapping

And the last one to end it...

Anurag:

My eyes, flickered a little before opening it to the light that came across. I groaned really bad before shutting my eyes again and caught hold of my head. It was throbbed in pain, as if somebody was hammering it. I fisted my locks and opened my eyes again slowly.

"Oh god." I pressed my head against the pillow and shook it vigorously. It pained so bad. Tired with my moves, I sighed and threw my head to a side. I parted my lips and inhaled a deep breath. I caressed my cheeks against the pillow to feel something soft. I tried opening my eyes, uh wait-

I jerked up and sat erect. I rubbed my eyes using my palms to make sure my vision was correct.

A girl.

Beside me.

Sleeping.

WHAT THE HELL?

Her face was partially covered with her hairs and dug into the comforter. My heartbeat raised upto its maximum and I banged my head, trying to remember what happened yesterday.

I gulped nervously, unable to remember a single thing.

Anu did you ever drink before?

Kya hua anu?

A girl

Mild voices rang in my ears. By eyes fluttered open.

Mannat?

I glanced at the girl beside me and with shivering hands, I tried pulling duvet off her face. My breath hitched seeing her beside me, sleeping with that calm look which could bring anybody to oblivion. Her hands were clutching the duvet closer and herself, snuggling deeper into the pillow.

At that moment, I couldn't think of anything but her. Her mere breathing gave me a sensation which no intimacy did.

But the thought of anything going wrong between us in heat sent shivers down my spine. We were in a duvet, though clothed. But it dint give me good feels.

"Shorty?" I was shocked at my tone getting softer. It was different that I was different around her.

More tender

More softer

More desperate

I caressed her cheeks, her soft skin underneath my skin. My lips stretched into a small smile.

"Hmm." She hummed, snuggling into my touch. My heart accelerated at her action. I gulped, looking away but again, back at her. There was no going back.

I'm not going to wait for an unknown girl and let another treasure slip away. I had no idea where our future would go, but a probability of her being with me is better than a reality where she doesn't exist.

Her eyes slowly opened and found its way to mine. I blinked softly and moved away, as she sat erect. She pulled duvet and sat resting towards the headboard. Her eyes never looked at me. Again, ever.

Sensing a deep silence, I spoke. "Mannat?"

She sighed deeply and looked at me. "You don't remember anything, do you?" I frowned.

"Is there anything I need to?" I questioned, seriously. She looked down, fidgeting with the duvet. My heart dropped at her silence.

Please, no. God.

"Mannat." She did not budge. I held her chin and made her look at me. "Tell me."

"We..yesterday..night.. you were drunk. We had.." It felt as if somebody dropped a bomb on me. I dropped my hand and my face went blank. "Anu?" I blinked and looked here and there, ruffling my hair.

No, this wasn't what I planned.

I got out of the bed and made some distance. "How are we clothed?" I couldn't stop.

"We don't intimate just by getting naked, so we?" Her mumble shocked me.

I immediately climbed on my knees and held her hands. "I'm.. I'm sorry." No, that's worsening it. I could feel when she stared at me with that look. "No, I dint mean that. God it's messed up." I pulled my locks.

"Anur.." I interrupted her. "I'm sorry about that Mannat. God no, I'd fix it. You tell me what to do. I'd do what you want. Tell me."

She looked at me with those big doe eyes which shined differently. "Anything?"

I whispered back. "Anything." Her lips parted and closed again, unable to form a sentence. "You're the last girl I'd think about in that way Mannat. Whatever it is, it's soul. It's happy. It's different. I dint want to destroy it. But I did, I always do." I mumbled the last part, trying not to sob.

I dint want to mess it up. But I did. She's the last girl I'd want to be away from. And my one mistake could do anything.

"Anurag." She sensed my voice and immediately panicked. I knelt down completely and covered my face with my palms to muffle my sobs.

God help me.

"Oh god no, I was joking. Anu please." I went still, and looked up at her.

"What?" I whispered unbelievably, my eyes were bathed with tears.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted to witness you like this." She knelt to my level and wiped my tears. Next what I knew was she placing a chaste kiss on my forehead. I couldn't control further and wrapped my arms around her waist, burying my face in her stomach. I sniffed slowly while she caressed my hairs.

"I'm sorry." I felt a kiss on my hairs and her breathing over my locks.

"Kitna zor se dil tutne ki awaaz aayi pata hai?" I sniffed, coming out of her embrace. She chuckled and wiped that line trail of tear before nodding in a no.

[You know my heart was about to crack?]

"Cry baby you are." She hit my forehead and giggled. I glared at her statement.

"That's you. Your height matches too." I snapped.

"Now that's like a jerk I knew." She chuckled and I stared at her before a smile broke on my lips. I shook my head and pulled apart completely.

"It was your success party, I spoiled it." I sighed, sitting on the bed with my legs hanging.

"Areh aise hazar partiyaan qurbaan." She winked and I chuckled, nodding my head in disbelief. She sat beside me.

[Arey I can let go thousand parties like these.]

"Tum ek hi piece ho. You know that right?" I hit her forehead.

[You're only piece.]

"Of course." She flipped her hairs and I chuckled before pulling her into a side hug.

"We're friends right?" I don't know why did I even ask her that.

She looked up at me and smiled softly. "Indeed." She whispered. "Chale kya?"

[Let's go?]

We pulled apart and stood from our places. "Hanji." I quickly passed her her phone and other stuffs. I quickly went through the room and found nothing.

We checked out. "Kaise ja rahi?" I asked.

[How are you going.]

"Cab." She shrugged.

"I'm bringing my car. I'll drop you." I said.

She hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"No, I'm Anurag Malhotra."

She glared me. "Your jokes can be used in wars as weapon. It's that bad." I bowed dramatically and moved away to bring my car, chuckling and nodding my head at the scene that just occurred.

This thing I'm witnessing right now, is the thing I'd wanted forever.

It was a simple dua in fact, just a word.

Mannat!

End:
_________________

"Did you just friend zone them?" Aiyappa's blank look caused me to giggle out.

"Yeah, as if you don't know the meaning of 'just friends' between these kind of species." I said.

"It's Mannat and Anurag, the chaotic duo were talking about." He mumbled.

"Slow burn Aiyappa." I winked and passed him a gesture to calm down. He huffed and took his seat, while I opened up a new page for the new chapter
________________

Precap: With each other

Hello there.

First of all, I'm shocked after seeing my book crossing 8k+ from just 4k in three days.

*touchwood*

What's happening I've no idea. May be my account was shadowbanned.

Anyways, good to see you all.

So how was the update?

Mannat Anurag?

Manik Nandini?

Stay tuned to witness how arranged love and loved arrange can be a beautiful turn

Lots of love

~
Mahak