MaNan: Tamasha (The Twisted Tale) (#multimedia)

21. The Big Shock

NANDINI'S P.O.V.

Today I automatically woke up at four in the morning. I pushed the royal red coloured covers off, skipped out of bed and went to take a shower.

I decided to wear a plain white coloured suit and for like the first time in ages, I let my natural hair shoe their beauty. I did not style them with straightners and machines. I just combed them straight and put some hair clips.

I was ready till 4:45 A.M.. Pretty early for me... In NYC every Saturday night, I used to go to sleep at 4A.M. when Amms would sing Indian Classical Music. I miss her today.

Today I wanted to look simple and beautiful, just the way dad liked me. Today is their death anniversary and Chacha has planned a little prayer. Today's day is big for me. I am going to introduce Manik to ma and appa. Actually, Chachi has invited all of my and Aarayaman's friends to the pooja. In this way, they will meet our friends and we will also introduce our friends to my ma and appa.

I went down to the hall to find Chacha and Chachi doing the preparations for the pooja. I went and greeted both of them and sat down next to them. Today Chachi wasn't smiling... She was really emotional today...

"You were very close to them?" I asked her.

"Of course yes... Your mom... She was my roommate in my college. We were in the same batch. She used to do Aeronautical Engineering while I did Computer Engineering. She was like my elder sister and we used to share everything with each other. You know, she was the first person to whom I told about your Chacha who didn't had this huge belly in college days. And your dad was an angel. I don't have any brother so after my marriage at my first Rakhi, he gave me his hand to tie Rakhi. I wish their murderer die! I wish that guy---" she said when I was shocked so I interrupted her and shouted, "MURDER? WASN'T IT A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH KILLED THEM!?!"

They both remained silent while I just looked down. I tried to cheer them up and make them laugh but nothing would help them.

Then Chacha said, "Nandu! Please call Aaryaman and wake him up."

I went back to my room and called Aaryaman again again to wake him up. He is just like Manik... Khumbhkaran.

With this, I remembered something very important.

"SHIT!" I shouted and quickly dialled Manik's number. It was 6:30 A.M. now and if Manik doesn't come till 7, he'll be late and have a bad first impression on ma and appa. Then, I heard Manik's ringtone. I freaked out and opened my window to see him climbing up the side of the wall to get to my room.

"NANDINI? WHO CALLS SOMEONE SO EARLY IN MORNING? NOW I AM HANGING AND I CAN'T EVEN SHUT IT. DISCONNECT THE PHONE." he shouted calmly and I quickly disconnected the call.

"Manik. I think you've had a diploma in the course of home-breaking. You should drop out of college and start breaking in and doing robberies in people's home. It'll offer you more money." I said to him with a poker face as soon as he entered my home with my window again. It has become his private entrance to my room and now, I must learn to keep my window locked.

He, looking extremely hot in a white kurta and blue jeans, took a step near me and grabbed my waist. I wanted to put my arms around his neck when I realised that today isn't a day to flirt! I pushed him back and said, "Sorry sorry. Today is Ma and Appa's death anniversary. Sorry."

"Nandini! Um... I'll... Um..." he began to think of a reason to threaten me and said, "YES! I'll break up with you." he said joyfully.

"I know you won't and as if this would work... And even if you dare to break up with me then..." I said when he asked, "What?"