MaNan: It all started with a lie

Excited Nandini

When luck is on your side and you have a bunch of awesome friends, time just flies and you never really realise how fast are you moving ahead.

It had been months since Aryaman and Aditi were happily together now and Aditi too had gelled up well with everyone in the group , Abhimanyu and Mukti's relationship had progressed, Cabir and Navya were still the same who fought with each other for petty reasons but always ended up together at the end of the day, Alia and Dhruv were still the cliché lovebirds of the gang, Maddy was still single, not really willing to get into a relationship and lastly, Manik and Nandini were content together. They fought, they laughed, they joked they teased but never did they fall apart, they only grew stronger and their trust on each other grew manifold.

Months passed by and their bond just grew stronger with time. Diwali, the festival of lights was nearing and so was Musicana and the most excited about it was Nandini since she was going to be trained under a renowned classical musician, Pt. Trilok Chaurasiya. Her being the only efficient classical singer of Space had gotten this opportunity and she was way too glad about it.

Nandini: Manik I am so excited! You know Panditji is the best classical musician and its my honour that he is going to train me for Musicana starting from today. Eeks! I am so excited

Manik could just smile at her excitement as they drove to college. After some fifteen minutes Manik halted the car in the college parking lot and turned towards Nandini but she was already out of the car. He chuckled at her babyness and got out to wish her luck.

Manik: All the best star

He wished her, cupping her face and kissed her forehead. Nandini smiled at his gesture and hugged him which he gladly reciprocated.

Nandini: Manik main chalti hu ab, I can't get late for my first class na

She spoke, breaking the hug and Manik frowned.

Manik: itni jaldi?

Nandini: ha Manik its 9:20 already and my class starts at 9:30 sharp so I need to rush

Manik: Acha baba chill. Let me at least drop you till your class ya?

Nandini: ok chalo!

She beamed as she held his arm and they began walking, chatting and giggling all the way.

Soon they were in front of Nandini's class but Manik wasn't letting her go.

Manik: Nandini mat jao na please. Main toh kehta hu ki lets just bunk college and go on a date vaise bhi its been so long since we have spent some quality time together

He suggested cutely.

Nandini: Manik please chodo na, I need to attend this workshop. Panditji is a very renowned classical singer and learning under him is a big opportunity for me. Please Manik? I can't dissapoint him on the first day itself na

Manik melted seeing her cute face and finally let her go. Nandini smiled at him and left after giving a tight peck on his cheek while Manik stood there stunned at his place with his hand on his cheek where Nandini had kissed.

She was too unpredictable at times.

He smiled to himself and went to the canteen to join his friends.

Canteen

Manik: hey guys!

He greeted everyone and settled next to Abhimanyu.

Manik: Maddy nahi aaya?

Aryaman: Pata nahi dude. I am calling him since morning lekin uska phone switched off hai

Manik: switched off? Weird

Aryaman nodded in agreement.

Aditi: are don't worry Arya uske phone ki battery dead hogi aur phone ko charge karna bhul gaya hoga

She assured him and he nodded.

Aryaman: yeah maybe

Mukti: bye the way Manik choti kaha hai?

Manik: Voh uski kisi pandit ke saath workshop thi na toh she's attending that right now

Alia: oh that's nice....she was too excited about it

Navya: I know right! She was waiting to attend it

Abhimanyu: ha that's because voh pandit na Amms ka student hai and Amms ne uski bohot tarif ki hai which has made her excited

Manik: Yup! She can't stop gushing about it

Manik spoke with a frown and the others nodded.

Nandini's classroom

Nandini entered the classroom all excited to see a man standing there, facing his back to her and looking at his watch. She walked near him and called him out.

Nandini: excuse me?

Man: excused

He said and turned around.

Nandini: Panditji?

She asked uncertainly and got a positive reply.

Pandit: so you are my student Nandini Murthy right?

Nandini: yes sir

She nodded with a smile but received a stern look instead.

Pandit: I hope you know that the one who doesn't value time is always left behind

Nandini*confused*: I didn't get you

Pandit: you are two minutes late Nandini

Nandini: but sir its just two minutes

Pandit: be it two minutes or two seconds, such behaviour won't be entertained in my class and I hope I am clear about it

Nandini: yes Panditji

Pandit: Better! Now lets begin with today's class, start tuning your veena

Nandini nodded like an obedient student and started tuning her veena while Pandit was busy noting down something.

Nandini: done

Nandini said once her veena was tuned.

Pandit: Now begin with the first raag, I want to analyze your singing

Nandini nodded and began and that's how the class continued.

Canteen

The gang was busy talking among themselves when Maddy entered and settled next to Aditi.

Aditi: so you are finally here

Aditi said gaining everyone's attention as they looked up to see Maddy.

Aryaman: Maddy tu subeh se kaha tha? I was trying to call you since morning but tera phone bhi off tha...what's wrong bro?

Maddy: Aryaman please not today, keep this interrogation aside

He snapped and everyone looked at him confused.

Abhimanyu: Why such a foul mood today? Kisi se jhagda karke aaya hai?

Maddy: ask your sister about it

Manik: Nandini? Maddy baat kya hai? Bataega hume?

Maddy: Manik tu veena vadini se kyu nahi puchta

Manik was about to speak something but was interrupted by Nandini who had just entered the canteen after completing her class.

Nandini: tumne mujhe yaad kiya Mr. Madhyam Singhania?

Maddy: So finally Ms. Veena Vadini is here

He said rolling his eyes at her while the gang sat there confused wondering what was happening.

What's wrong with Nandini and Maddy?
Think think!
Stay tuned.

Happy reading.

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