Arranged Fate

Chapter 5 - The One

QOTD: Do you believe in 'The One,' like there is someone made for you, and you are made for them?

I guess I believe this. There is someone made for me, and I am made for someone. I am someone's 'The One,' and there is someone who is mine.

Awkwardness

It’s funny because you always think the hard part is meeting someone for the first time. It’s not. It’s meeting someone you already know after years. You don’t know what to talk about with them.

That was the current situation of Manik and Nandini, sitting between their parents, looking everywhere but at each other. Fab 5, well, they were trying very hard to control their laughter.

When their parents found out that they knew each other from school, they were more than happy to fix their alliance.

Nandini was answering every question asked by Nyonika, and Manik was also talking to Ram.

In between, whenever their eyes locked, they would quickly look away. This was noticed by Nyonika, who smiled.

Nyo: Chalo bhai, humne toh baat karli Nandini se, toh Priya ji, main kya keh rahi thi, kyun na bachho ko bhi mauka dein baat karne ka?

Pri: Ji Nyonika ji, aapne theek kaha, aakhir aakhri faisla toh inka hi hoga.

She turned towards Nandini and said:

Pri: Jao Nandini, Manik ko ghar dikhao.

She nodded, and they both left.

They entered Nandini's room, and Manik was impressed with the décor. It was a simple room but, at the same time, elegant.

They both settled down in the balcony.

Both were silently looking here and there. They both started together:

Man: Hi.

Nan: Hey.

There was silence again. They both tried to start the conversation again.

Man: I wasn’t expecting you.

Nan: Mujhe nahi pata tha tum ho.

They both closed their eyes tightly, equally embarrassed.

Man: Ok, you speak.

Nan: Mujhe nahi pata tha you were the boy.

Man: Mujhe bhi. I mean, it was totally surprising for me.

Nandini nodded, and again they fell into awkward silence.

Man: So, long time.

Nan: Hmm, very long.

Man: What are you doing now?

Nan: I’ve finished my medical and will be starting my internship soon.

Man: Hmm, as expected. Well, you were the topper of our class.

Nan: Hehe, but you were also tough competition.

Man: Yeah, right, but I never thought of it as competition. Did you?

Nandini looked down, closing her eyes tightly.

Nan: Umm, I guess...

Manik was shocked.

Man: Seriously? I mean, you considered me your competition? That’s why you never talked to me properly, not even once during school?