MANAN - Cloud with a Silver Lining

12-The STAR meets the SUN

The relationship between the people who were right now busy connecting and sharing was a lot more than just friendship. They had shared closeness which was difficult to understand but an absolute bliss to watch. They parted their ways but life and the passing time had brought them back together. In that coming together, the respect and love they held for each other was surprisingly palpable and apparent while their differences seemed to be superficial and irrelevant.

.............Manik's POV.............

They say time flies with good company, soon it was dinner time and we all headed towards Nandini's home for dinner as Amms had invited us. I was a little skeptical of going to her place, purely because of our history but couldn't disrespect Amms by declining her invitation, so finally agreed. We received a warm welcome at her place. Her house was small but its aura was quite overwhelming. I couldn't help but admire the simplicity and calmness of her abode which was oozing with positivity. My admiration spree was broken by Cabir's voice

Cabir – Wah yaar Nandini...your house is really beautiful, I am impressed.

Alya – Absolutely Cabir..Nandini your place is quite warm and cosy...the one with At home wali feeling..

Nandini – Thank you guys....I am glad you liked it...Honestly the warmth and coziness you guys are talking about is because you all are here...

Amms – Chalo baatien bahut ho gayi...dinner lag gaya...chalo sab aa jao

Nandini – Sorry guys my dinner table is a little small to accommodate everyone...

Mukti – Oh come'on Nandini...don't be so formal....It is okay

Navya – Yes...what's gotten into you...you were fine sometime ago...and now you are back with your Sorry's and Thank you's..relax...chill..!!

I looked at Nandini and sensed her being uncomfortable...Is my presence Making her uncomfortable..?? Come'on Manik you are thinking way too much...But I am sure there is something that is troubling her but what is it ??....Ever since yesterday, why do I always feel she is hiding something....why do I feel that she is wearing a mask to cover her real self..??.. I need answers...DAMN....I wish things weren't that complicated between us Nandini... I wish I could still hold your hand and drag you out and bug you with my doubts till the time you clear them all...But I have lost that right...I have so many questions but ALAS I cannot ask them...!!

I was still in my thoughts when I heard Abhi arguing with Amms

Abhi – Why Amms...Why this sudden plan...?? You could have informed me before

Amms – Kanna...We wanted to but didn't the time..we were so busy with the shopping today

Chachi – And this thing came up all of the sudden...it suited well too so we agreed

Nandini – One minute..Agreed on what..what is going on..??

Abhi – Yahi ki Amms, mom, dad and rishabh are leaving for Mangalore in an hour..!!

Nandini – Whattt...when did this happen...and why so suddenly..Amms everything is fine na..your music school and everything...what happened in Mangalore...kuch hua hain kya...yeh achanak se kyun..itni jaldi..kya baat hain Amms...aap chup kyun hain bolon na...!!

...I want to shout out " Well she would Nandini..if you let her speak" but restrained myself...Why...well everyone knows why..but with Nandini's behavior my suspicion had turned even stronger...I had never seen her this restless...never...anyways coming back silence engulfed the room for a brief moment after Nandini had finished speaking but soon everybody bursted out laughing....Nandini realized that probably we all were laughing at so she made an irritated pout...Amms took her in a hug and said