Echoes of Fate (Part 2 of Hallway love series)

14

Nandani: let's all not think about it right now! Get up both of you, shower, and get ready for breakfast. You guys have to go back to your house today and show your very sweet and sometimes scary parents that you are very much alive and not dead after having an alcohol overdose!

Maya: hahaha! Nandani made such a joke! If my parents came to know that I had alcohol they would get me married and would say go and do these things with your husband if they come to know I have an addiction they will kill me.

Saying this she went away to a room with her coffee while Nandani and Zoya giggled listening to her.

Zoya and Nandani had some very random discussion by the time her coffee finished and then she too went away to get ready while Nandani went to the kitchen to make breakfast. She looked at the food she made and somehow thought that it was not enough for the future guests who would come so she ordered some paneer and planned to make it after Zoya and Maya leave.

Soon after that Zoya and Maya came and the three of them had breakfast and they went back to their place. Nandani was going to make something else for the guests when she received a message from Aisha that would reach her place in 1 hour even though they live 10 minutes away. Nandani made something and was going to take another shower when she got a video call from Manik so she answered his phone kept it facing her and started searching for some clothes to wear.

Nandani: yeah Manik!

Manik: Zoya and Maya left?

Nandani: Yeah they left like an hour ago?

Manik: When will Aisha and the group reach?

Nandani: She will be here in 30-ish minutes I guess? Why what's up?

Manik: nothing just asking!

Nandani: yeah (She takes out a short kurta and jeans to wear and looks at Manik) I am going to go take a shower then!

Manik: Oh you can, I don't mind watching!

Nandani: I mind showing! Goodbye!

Nandani hangs up the call and smiles. She goes to take a shower, does her skincare and makeup clean the apartment, locks her room and then wait for Aisha and others to come while reading her novel.

It was after 20 minutes when her phone notified about their arrival. She got some water ready and waited for them to come up. A few minutes later her house bell rang and she opened the door and looked at everyone surprised because it was not just Aisha and her two sister-in-law's standing there.

Her three aunts, both cousin sisters and sister-in-law's with kids where standing there. And behind them was Manik who was giving her a sarcastic smile.

Manik: Hi Nandani!

Nandani (confused): Hi?!

Aisha: NANDANI! Hi sis!

She came and hugged Nandani who responded still confused. She folded her hands and greeted everyone and invited them in. As they all settled and were exchanging pleasantries, in which Nandani conveniently stepped back when they were trying to hug her, Manik closed the door and stood beside Nandani.

Nandani: I will just go get some water!

Manik: I will help!

Nandani went in the kitchen and cursed her mind for having an open kitchen. She still smiled looking at them and turned her back and whispered to Manik,

Nandani: What are you doing here?

Manik looked at her confused and whispered back to her,

Manik: WHAT? You are making such a face after looking at me?