Whispers of Heart (Part 1 of the Hallway Love Series)

Chapter 22

Everyone there was shocked listening to Aryaman's words whereas Nandani looked at him surprised. Aryaman looked at Nandani with a straight face and then back at Nandani's aunt who was looking at him with her mouth open.

After a long minute of silence almost halting everyone's movement and gaining their attention Aryaman said,

Aryaman: That's what you expected me to say?

Nandani sighed listening to him and elbowed him almost glaring while all her friends laughed to ease out the situation when Aryaman continued,

Aryaman: I am Nandani's school friend. (He then turned to Nandani and said) and before I get interrupted again I have something to tell you!

Nandani looked at him confused and asked raising her eyes. Aryaman turned and looked around as if finding someone when he called up someone. Everyone turned towards the person he called out for and stood there confused. A girl walked towards them and smiled at them. Aryaman smiled at her and holding her waist he turned to Nandani and others and said,

Aryaman: Meet Shrishti... My girlfriend.

Nandani gasped and looked at Aryaman with a huge grin and hugged him before introducing herself to Shrishti who replied back to her with equal enthusiasm. Before she could indulge in a full-fledged conversation, her mom called her out for the upcoming ceremonies as everyone got busy with that.

It was evening when all of Nandani's friends bid her bye. She smiled at everyone while her mother asked everyone to come the following day to take part in the ceremonies to which they nodded enthusiastically.

At night nandani after changing into comfortable clothes and bidding bye to everyone opened up her diary and wrote,

Dear Diary,

Life can take some unexpected turns. I have read it in various books and heard it in multiple movies. But the feeling of actually experiencing it, in reality, is such a heavenly feeling. Knowing all those people who were a few reasons for my run are now turning out to be my friends from childhood and a good one ... thankfully.

It was for the first time that Mukti dii and Manik bh.... MANIK... had a civil conversation with me. I met Navya, Maya, and Zoya after soooo longggg. And Of course I met Sanket, Cabir, Alya, Dhruv, Abhimanyu, and Aryaman. If not for my family being around, otherwise I would have started crying seeing them all together. I am so so so happy for Aryaman and Shrishti. They both look so good together *heart eyes* I can't wait for tomorrow to come and to see them again. TO SEE HIM AGAIN!

Nandani after writing her diary lay on the bed and thought to herself,

Am I doing the right thing if I am thinking that there could be something between me and Manik?

Before she could ponder more on this thought she slept because of exhaustion. She woke up the next morning at her regular time and made a cup of tea for herself before heading out for a walk. She went to the park and as expected saw Manik sitting there on her usual seat like yesterday. She went towards him and smiled at him. Manik gave a small smile and said,

Manik: Good morning!

Nandani: Good morning!

Manik: You are here only na?

Nandani nodded at him while he said,

Manik: Okay I am gonna take a run until then!

Nandani smiled at him and sat there having her cup of tea while her eyes were on him. Until Manik came back after taking 5 rounds Nandani was done with her tea and they sat there in silence.