Nandini sat in her combined physics class alone. Abhi was not there and Mukti was seated with Manik, Aliya, Cabir and Druv at the back. From time to time she felt someone's eyes on her.
Time to time she would look around but would fine no one. She just was looking around when Cabir kicked Manik's leg
"Itna mat ghur... Woh dekh kaise dekh rahi hai yaha waha... She is a fighter Manik... Uss ke senses bahut high hai..." Cabir said to him but Manik wasn't taking his eyes off her.
"Manik" Druv too said as he felt Nandini was going to turn. Seeing him not listen to anyone Aliya took her book and slammed it on his head. That was when Nandini turned to them. Hurt Manik looked at Aliya with suprised and winch
"Pagal aurat!" Manik said and Aliya wacked him again making Mukti chuckle
"Majnu kahi ke" Aliya said making Mukti giggle more
"You five" they heard the teacher call pointing at them
"Ek aur disturbance and I'll throw you out" he warned
Manik looked at Nandini and she was giving him a look which he cannot disphere
"Manik" the teacher called again
"Dhyan kaha hai tumhara aaj?" he said seeing Manik distracted. He was a star student of physics
"Get up from your place" he ordered and Manik looked at his friends
"Get up now!" he said giving Manik's friends a stern look
"Come here... Sit here..." he pointed next to Nandini
"Lottery..." Cabir coughed saying it. When Manik collected his books and went and sat next to Nandini
Manik smiled looking at her and she gave him a wired look.
"Hi Nandini" he whispered to her leaning close but not to close. Nandini just ignored him.
"And that will be your assignments, you all will work in pairs. Bacche nahi ho toh choose your own partners" he and the bell rang
"Manik" Manik turned to see Jiya standing with a grin. He mentally rolled his eyes as Jiya came and stood really close to him invading his personal space.
"Tum mere partner banoge?" she asked him and he stepped back saying
"Sorry Jiya, main ne already Nandini ko puch liya and she said yes" Manik said and Nandini looked at him as if asking 'Tunne kab pucha?' Manik just gave her a smile
"Next time maybe" he said to Jiya and walked away.
___________________________________________"So who is your partener?" Mukti asked Nandini as she walked with her to canteen
"Abhi ko puch lungi." Nandini said and Mukti looked at her with a Opps face
"Tum aur Abhi already partner ho?" Nandini asked and she nodded her head
"God!" Nandini groaned
"But I heard Manik is your partner" Mukti said
"Woh nahi hai mera partner!" Nandini said frustrated
"Consent naam ki chij hai ki nahi. Hum dono agree hone chaiye na? Aur waise bhi mujhe aisa lagata hai uss ne Jiya se bachne ke liye jhoot bola" Nandini told Mukti
"Jiya that chipku" Mukti made a face
"Haan... Vaise Mukti yeh Jiya Manik se chipkti kyu hai itna?" Nandini asked
"She wants only one thing from Bhai Nandu" Mukti said and Nandini made a confused face. Mukti gave her a duh expression and Nandini cringed getting the meaning