Cause I'm not just a pretty girl.

29]That's what friends are for!!!!

As the door swung open and revealed Manik and Nandini, the group inside the jam room fell into an expectant silence. Manik's friends were taken aback, their eyes darting between him and Nandini. It was clear that this wasn't just any ordinary gathering.

"Okay, so what's going on?" Mukti asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern. "We weren't expecting to see Nandini here."

Manik cleared his throat, clearly more nervous than usual. "Yeah, about that... I've got something to share. Nandini and I have been spending time together and—well—she's been a good friend."

The group blinked, processing the revelation. Dhruv squinted, trying to make sense of it. "Wait, so you and Nandini are friends? Like, friends-friends? I thought she was pretty private."

Nandini, who had been standing slightly behind Manik, took a small step forward, her expression resolute. "I know this is unexpected. I'm usually not the social type, but Manik and I have developed a friendship. I just wanted to make sure you all know."

Cabir, always quick with a quip, leaned back with an exaggerated sigh. "Well, I didn't think we'd be getting a new member of the 'Manik Malhotra Fan Club' today. Nandini, welcome! We usually have snacks at our meetings, but it looks like you're getting the full initiation."

Nandini raised an eyebrow but couldn't suppress a small smirk. "Thanks. I hope my initiation doesn't involve any secret handshakes or embarrassing rituals."

Navya, sensing the seriousness beneath the humor, stepped in with a warm smile. "We're really glad to meet you, Nandini. Manik talks a lot about how much he values his friends, so it's nice to see why."

Mukti nodded in agreement, though her eyes still held a hint of wariness. "I think it's great that Manik has someone he can talk to outside of our usual circle. It's clear he values your friendship a lot."

Nandini, although guarded, appreciated the support. "I'm not great with groups or socializing, but Manik has been understanding. I'm just here to be honest with you all."

Dhruv looked between Nandini and Manik, his curiosity piqued. "So, does this mean we'll be seeing more of you, Nandini?"

Nandini gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "I suppose that depends on how much chaos I can handle and how often Manik drags me into his antics."

Manik chuckled, his usual confidence returning. "Don't worry, Dhruv. Nandini's got her own way of dealing with things. But I'm sure we can manage to keep her entertained without too much trouble."

Cabir grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Well, if you're ready for a taste of our weekly chaos and endless food debates, you're in for a ride."

Nandini couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "I think I'm prepared. I've had my fair share of chaos already."

Alia, ever the peacemaker, offered Nandini a reassuring smile. "It's nice to finally meet you. Manik's been pretty secretive about his 'friend'—but now that you're here, it's clear why he values you so much."

The group's acceptance was palpable, and even though Nandini was reserved, she could sense that the atmosphere had shifted from tense to welcoming.

"Alright then," Manik said, breaking the ice. "Enough of the serious talk. How about we celebrate this new friendship with some pizza? It's the best way to welcome anyone into the fold."

Nandini raised an eyebrow at Manik's enthusiasm but found herself smiling. "Pizza sounds good. Lead the way."

As they walked out together, the group chatted animatedly about their favorite pizza toppings and life's absurdities. Manik and Nandini walked side by side, the tension easing between them. Nandini, despite her usual guardedness, felt a small but significant shift within herself—maybe, just maybe, she could let a little more of this new friendship in.