TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-25: Love across Miles

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Nandini stirred, her head throbbing with the unmistakable ache of a hangover. She groaned softly, rubbing her temples as she slowly sat up in bed.

Navya, who was already up and getting ready, noticed her friend's discomfort and smiled sympathetically. "Good morning, Nandu. Rough night?"

Nandini nodded, wincing at the movement. "Good morning, Navya. Yeah, my head feels like it's going to explode."

Navya chuckled, walking over to her. "I'll order a black coffee for you. It'll help."

As Navya picked up the phone to call room service, Nandini took a deep breath and tried to piece together the events of the previous night. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as fragmented memories of her drunken antics with Manik came rushing back.

"Navya," she said hesitantly, "did I... did I embarrass myself last night?"

Navya turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Not at all, Nandu. You were just having fun. Don't think too much about it."

Nandini sighed with relief, though the embarrassment still lingered. "Thanks, Navya. I guess I needed to hear that."

Navya winked at her. "Anytime. Now, get ready. We need to head down for breakfast. Everyone's waiting for us."

With a grateful nod, Nandini slowly got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. As she splashed cold water on her face, she couldn't help but think about Manik and how patient and caring he had been with her last night. A small smile tugged at her lips at the memory of his gentle touch and reassuring words.

Once she was dressed and feeling a bit more like herself, she joined Navya, and together they made their way to the dining area. The delicious aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, making Nandini's stomach grumble despite her lingering hangover.

As they entered the room, the chatter of their friends greeted them. Cabir, Mukti, Dhruv, Alya, and Abhimanyu were already seated, enjoying their breakfast. Manik looked up as they approached, his eyes immediately locking onto Nandini's.

"Morning, guys," Nandini greeted, her voice a bit hoarse.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Cabir teased with a grin. "Decided to join us, huh?"

Nandini rolled her eyes, taking a seat beside Manik. "Yeah, yeah. Don't rub it in."

Manik smiled at her, his gaze soft and reassuring. "How are you feeling?"

Nandini shrugged, managing a small smile. "I've been better, but I'll survive.

As they all settled in and began to eat, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and teasing. Nandini felt a wave of gratitude for her friends and the way they managed to make her feel better, no matter what.

After breakfast, the group began to gather their belongings and load them back into the car. The sun was bright, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.

Nandini was at the back, her eyes glued to her phone as she scrolled through her messages. Manik, noticing her distraction, sauntered over with a mischievous glint in his eye. He leaned in close, his voice low and teasing.

"You know, Nandu," he began, "you were quite the romantic last night. Couldn't wait to kiss me, huh?"

Nandini's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson as she looked up from her phone. "Manik! Don't tease me about that," she protested, her voice a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

Manik grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "But you were so desperate, practically begging for a kiss. It was adorable."

She tried to hide her face with her hands, but his words made her giggle despite herself. "Stop it, Manik. I was just... well, you know how it is."