Kaise yeh yaarian

Part 34

Author's Note 💔

I'll be very honest with you all — I felt really hurt this time. On my birthday, I requested comments as a little gift from you, and yet, I received only one. Writing this story, pouring my heart and time into it, means a lot to me, and your words are what keep me motivated to continue. When there's silence, it feels like maybe my effort doesn't matter, and that pain caused the delay in this update.

I know everyone is busy, but even a small comment, a few words, makes such a big difference. It reminds me that you're here, reading, connecting with the story and characters I'm shaping for you. Please don't underestimate how much your feedback fuels me — it truly does.

So if you're enjoying this fanfiction, please take a moment to leave a comment. That's all I ask. Your support is the only gift I need to keep writing with the same passion. ❤️

SPACE ACADEMY – UNDER THE TREE – MOMENTS LATER

NANDINI sits on a quiet bench, back straight, expression calm — too calm. Her fingers trace the faint mark on her arm where the wire almost sliced her. The skin is unbroken, but the wound sits deeper, invisible.

The FAB5 approach slowly. MANIK lingers a few steps back, fury radiating off him, jaw locked so tight it looks painful.

CABIR
(soft, worried)
Nandu... you sure you're okay?

She lifts her head, gives them a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

NANDINI
I'm not giving whoever this is the satisfaction.
(beat, steady)
I'm fine.

MANIK
(low, clipped)
No, you're not. You're not safe.

Nandini's gaze softens, but her voice stays firm.

NANDINI
We have album work. That's where your focus should be.
(beat, looking at all of them)
Meet at your place, Manik. I'll join you by evening.

She takes a breath, her voice dipping quieter.

NANDINI (CONT'D)
I want to spend the afternoon with Navya and Rishabh. I... need that normalcy right now.

They exchange hesitant nods, though unease lingers.

Manik doesn't move, doesn't speak — just stares at her like she's slipping further away.

MANIK'S HOUSE – LATE MORNING

The living room is a mix of wires, amps, and restless energy. CABIR, MUKTI, ALIA, and DHRUV set up equipment, but MANIK paces like a caged animal, eyes flicking to the clock every few seconds.

CABIR
(leaning close, low)
She said she'd come by evening, bro. Chill.

MANIK
(snapping)
She's already late, Cabir. Don't tell me to chill.

The sharpness makes Cabir flinch.

ALIA
(tightly, breaking the silence)
Why are you pacing like this, Manik?

His glare cuts to her instantly — dark, sharp enough to silence her. Alia looks away, biting her lip.

The room falls heavy with unspoken fear.

NANDINI'S ROOM – AFTERNOON

NANDINI sits on the floor with RISHABH, building towers from blocks. NAVYA watches from the bed, smiling softly.

RISHABH giggles as the tower falls.

NANDINI
(playfully)
Arre waah, Rishabh, engineer banega tu toh!