Chapter 5

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"Alright, everyone, let's get going," Dhruv announced, his excitement palpable

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"Alright, everyone, let's get going," Dhruv announced, his excitement palpable.

Mukti chimed in eagerly, "How about we hit up Club No Mas?"

Alya hesitated, "But do any of us know the way there?"

Cabir playfully teased, "Come on, Alya, don't you have Google?"

My mind was elsewhere, consumed by the weight of guilt. Manik sure feels a lot for me and my insecurities are stopping me, but he is so persistent.  Abhimanyu's concerned inquiry brought me back to the present, but I couldn't bring myself to explain.

"Nandini, what's up? You seem lost," Abhimanyu remarked, breaking through my thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, I zoned out," I mumbled, struggling to focus.

Abhimanyu filled me in, "We're heading to Club No Mas."

"Right, got it. I'll get ready," I replied, my voice lacking conviction.

In my room, I wrestled with my emotions as I picked out an outfit, the memory of Manik's hurt expression haunting me. 

The group gathered again, ready for the night ahead. Mukti's infectious energy was contagious as she twirled around, eliciting laughter from Cabir and Alya.

I tried to blend in, keeping my distance from Manik, who seemed to be in high spirits, his playful demeanor contrasting sharply with my somber mood. But no matter how hard I tried to avoid him, he kept finding ways to draw me into conversation, his teasing words laced with a hint of mischief.

"Nandini, why the long face? Is it because you're worried you won't be able to keep up with my dance moves tonight?" Manik quipped, flashing me a playful grin.

I sighed out  a worried look "How can you be so normal manik"

"Come on, lighten up kiddo! It's not every day we get to let loose like this. Let's make some memories, even if it is these 7-8 days why not create the best memories" he urged, nudging me gently.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his attempt to cheer me up. "Easy for you to say, I feel so guilty for hurting your feelings, pushing you away and you are behaving as if I am not hurting you"

"Nandini, I know it's too soon but I for a fact know" he murmured, his voice laced with sincerity, "the only thing that hurts me is seeing you in pain. You can push me away all you want but till you don't actually want me gone I will always come back to you."

"Forget all this chalo chalte hain I want to see how shrek dances"  I said diverting the topic

Manik feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Ouch, Nandini, that hurts! I'll have you know, it took me years of practice to perfect my party animal skills."

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