Healing Echoes

Chapter 9 - Treasure hunt

The next day, Nandini comes to college and is looking for Manik. There is an announcement for everyone to come to the auditorium.

Professor: Students, today is the day when you will be choosing your partners for the Musicana competition! And-

There is a silence as Manik enters the auditorium. Nandini wonders why everyone is so silent. She turns and sees Manik. Manik and Nandini exchange looks, both filled with anger.

Professor: And you have to start practicing from today! So come on, choose your partners! First, Cabir, choose your partner!

Cabir chooses a random girl named Alia. Like this, everyone chooses their partners.

Professor: Nandini, whom do you want to choose?

Nandini looks at Manik and says, "Sir, Manik!"

Everyone is shocked, as she had previously said she wouldn't choose Manik as her Musicana partner no matter what. Manik is also in shock. Nandini comes close to him, holds his hand, and says, "Sir, I choose Manik Malhotra as my partner for the Musicana competition!"

There is silence in the auditorium.

Professor: Okay, we are done now! You all may go and practice now! There is only one month left for the Musicana!

Nandini leaves Manik's hand and walks out. Manik is still in shock. He goes after Nandini.

Manik: Nandini, wait!

Nandini doesn't listen to him. Manik stops her, drags her to a corner, and puts both his hands on either side of her. Nandini looks down. Manik touches her chin and makes her look up.

Manik: Nandini, look at me!

Nandini: What do you want now?

Manik: Till yesterday, you didn't even want to see my face, and today you want to perform with me!

Nandini: What's your problem, Manik? First, when I rejected being your partner, you were requesting me and did what not! You even threatened me, and now when I am willing to become your partner, you have a problem!

Manik: What do you think of me? Do you think I am a fool? I know very well why you want to become my partner!

Nandini gets nervous and asks, "Why?"

Manik: Because according to you, I played your song recording in front of everyone to humiliate you! And now you want to take revenge! Am I right or—

Nandini holds Manik by his collar and says, "Yes, Manik Malhotra, yes! I must say you are very smart! But let me tell you one thing very clearly, the way you humiliated me in front of everyone, I will do the same to you."

Nandini releases his collar.

Nandini: For the first time in my life, after that past incident, I tried to sing, and you ruined it! (getting emotional) What do you think of yourself? You might be a bully, but that doesn't mean you can ruin my life! Have some humanity!

Manik gets angry and holds her by her waist.

Manik: Ms. Nandini Murthy, I agree that I am bad, I bully everyone, but that does not mean I don't have any feelings! I too have a heart. You think that I played the song recording in front of everyone to humiliate you, right? You are so wrong! I played the song recording in front of everyone to make you realize that... you know what? Just forget it, it's useless explaining anything to you! But just remember one thing, I may be bad for you, for the world, but I am not so bad that I don't understand anyone's feelings! Understood?

Manik releases her.

Manik: We are getting late for practice! Let's go!

Manik:There are so many practice rooms here, which one is ours?