Under the Mistletoe - MaNan

Part 6

It wasn't long after until the time Dhruv turned the Christmas lights on; I hadn't even realized the movie was over. Before the others could notice our position, I shifted out of the hug awkwardly. He tried to hold me back, but I elbowed him to get away, eliciting a slight groan on his part. Cabir looked at us with raised eyebrows, but he also had a smirk on his face. Either he knows what we were doing, either he... Actually at this point, I couldn't even think of another possibility. I could feel my cheeks warming up, so I let my hair cover the right side of my face.

Manik finally straightened up on the couch, meaning he could see my stupid blush. Ughhh. Aiyyappa, this is so embarrassing. Why am I blushing?

Actually, that was a bad idea. The more I questioned myself, the more I blushed.

I quickly got up to use the washroom, not giving him any chances to make me blush even more. As I came out, I noticed they were all sitting in a circle with a bowl of chips and popcorn in the middle.

Cabir patted the spot beside him, which was also co-incidentally beside Manik. I sat down in between them, closer to Manik though.

As mean as it sounds, I was so glad Navya hadn't stayed back for the break this year. I wouldn't have been able to find out what Manik actually felt about me had she been with me. I'd probably have been stuck with her at the old-sweater themed Christmas party.

I shuddered at the thought; there was nothing that could be better than this. I turned to look at Manik, only to see him already looking at me. His eyes were captivating; made you want to drown in them, drown in oblivion from everything around us.

I wasn't sure if the others knew what was going on, but no one seemed to mind. Until Cabir gave me a slight push, making me lean towards Manik, who by the way held me safely and didn't let go even after I caught myself.

Mukti laughed at the sight, and it was then that I realized they were all looking at us.

"Nandini, you have noooo idea how long he's been wanting to do that! Honestly, I'm so glad you guys are finally together," Mukti said.

My eyes widened. Was I actually in a relationship with Manik? THE Manik?

I looked at him in surprise, to which he just grinned back and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Cabir!" I called out, turning myself to him and offering my arm. "Please pinch me right now."

I was serious but I guess they thought I was just joking, because the whole room erupted in laughter. They didn't know I was serious. Damn serious. Like how? Aiyyappa! Is this really happening?

Mukti broke my train of thoughts; "Guys, I need to go pick up Abhi. Cabir mind coming with me? It won't be long."

"Yea sure," he responded.

"Okay, we'll be back!"

And with that, they left Dhruv's room, leaving me with Manik, Dhruv, and Alya.

"So, what do you guys want to do now? It's still only 10pm," Dhruv questioned us.

I looked over to him to give an answer, only to realize he was looking only at Alya, their hands bound together. Seeing them like this brought a huge smile on my face.

"Ahem ahem," Manik coughed to grab their attention. "It's okay if you guys want to ditch us, we don't mind. Right Nandu?" he added.

My eyes widened as he called me that; and then I replied with a slight shake of the head, "Yea of course. I don't mind."

Alya blushed, "We'll just go for a short walk and come back".

Dhruv offered his hand to her, and off they both went, leaving me and him. Alone.

Aiyyappa, please don't embarrass me this time. I've had enough of such moments today.

"So..." he spoke out, breaking the silence. "What do you want to do?"