Hustle For Love |COMPLETE| MaNan Fiction

5. The One Where We Celebrated Christmas

A/N : Hello everyone! I started this story during the Holiday season of 2020 so a lot of it is inspired from the Holiday feels and cheers! Hope you enjoy that!

Also, this is not just a feel good story of good old college love and romance, gear up for an explosion 'SOON-ish' ;)

Happy Reading!

A.

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S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2011

(Common kitchen, S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

Nandini Murthy

It was early in the morning, and I was up and about and not to mention ecstatic, why not, today is Christmas Eve! My own buddy Ayappa's birthday! I know, I know, it is actually the birthday of Christ, technically the 'son' of God and whatnot, but hey, a large chunk of people out there consider Him God, and I have been raised learning there is all but one God. So, technically it's my Ayappa's birthday, nah? I rushed to the kitchen to quickly make some coffee and grab a fruit and dash. I had to be at Harshad's to finish decorations before afternoon, then I had to go shopping to buy gifts for myself, and also one for Harshad. Yeah, I know it is kind of weird, but he was really nice to me and offered to celebrate together, I can't just bundle up gifts for myself under the tree and leave nothing for him, right?

I was quickly brewing the coffee when Mr. Hulk Malhotra, of last night, walked into the kitchen. I turned and casually glanced at him and when our eyes met, I smiled a little in greeting before turning back. I wasn't mad or angry anymore. Not even Manik can ruin Ayappa's special day for me. Hmph. Also, isn't Christmas, all about being generous, kind and forgiving?

"The usual?" he asked, after coming near me, pointing at the eggs. Even he wasn't acting cold like last night anymore.

"Naah, you carry on. I got to rush" I replied politely, and his face formed a slight frown.

"Breakfast with Harshad?" he asked, although I couldn't quite place the tone there.

"Deadline pressure. Christmas tree decoration" I giggled in response and he seemed amused for a moment.

"Aah, you must scram then!" he said after a few seconds, and I don't know why, I saw a mischievous glint in his eye. Was Mr. Monkey Malhotra up to something? Nope, I am probably reading too much into it. Anyway, putting my suspicious thoughts aside I poured my coffee into the mug and grabbed an apple and walked towards the door, to leave.

"Have a great day, princess!" I heard him call after me. Wait. Princess? Did Mr. Manik 'Obscenely Gorgeous' Malhotra, just call me 'princess'? Oh Ayappa, why so generous?! Breath Nandu, breath! I turned around to see him smirking at me, and it is then I realised he wasn't calling me 'princess' out of endearment, he was only teasing me, mimicking Harshad. Good one Ayappa, three cheers. Had your birthday morning laugh at my expense? Meh.

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2011

(Harshad's building lobby, S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

It had been an hour that I had arrived to find Harshad enthusiastically waiting for me, with hot chocolate on standby. I giggled like a ten year old in delight, as I ran to him and grabbed my drink; then we began decorations. I was having fun playing with synthetic cotton and putting them as fake snow on the base of the tree, when the doorbell rang, and Harshad got to the door. I didn't turn around, until and unless I heard the unmistakable voice of His Monstrocity, Manik Malhotra! Ayappa, what was he doing here now?

"Hey I grabbed us breakfast!" Manik chirped happily walking inside the lobby and settling down on the couch, eyeing me with a smirk.

"Thanks man, but I didn't know you're joining us today, did you Nandini?" he asked with uncertainty, looking at me. As usual, before I could reply, Mr. Mario jumped into the conversation, shutting me up. Argh. This is his most irritating habit!