Crazy, Stupid, Summer Sparks |COMPLETE| MaNan Fiction

Chapter 5: 'Nandu' Is Still M-I-A

11:23a.m. [Hi Sexy! How is it going? Missing me much? ;) ]

Manik woke up in the morning and was taken by surprise to see Soha's message. Where was she all of Saturday? And How come he never tried to find out? Oh, right he was busy worrying for Nandini. Manik gave himself the mental shake - he was worrying unnecessarily for that Nandini, she was obviously not bothered about him worrying for her - he should focus and worry about Soha - she was sweet, pretty, cute and also hot - she would make an amazing girlfriend smiled Manik and replied to her text.

11:27a.m. [Hey babe, where were you all of yesterday? Missed you. Wanna do lunch?]

11:30a.m. [Sweety I would love to, but I am out of town - came with a few friends. See you tomorrow? And let's do dinner tomorrow instead?]

11:32a.m. [Your wish is my command, princess. Have a safe trip!]

Manik met up Aryaman instead that day, Aryaman was sulking, and that surprised Manik. He had hitched with a beautiful girl and had spent most of the weekend with her, then why was he low? Upon enquiring he told him that Nia had had an ugly fight with her boyfriend and hence had spent the last two days with him - she rebounded on him - and last night after patching up with her boyfriend, she had snapped ties with him.

Manik tried very hard to not laugh at his state, but it was difficult. He sniggered and after cursing Manik, Aryaman soon joined in. Manik briefly filled Aryaman with whatever was going on and also mentioned 'the Nandini incident' in the club.

"WHAT? Like really? You guys LEFT her? How irresponsible of you guys!" jerked out Aryaman in dismay. Then he wondered why Nandini never called him, and realized he had told her he was leaving with Nia - maybe that's why she didn't call. He quickly called Nandini, and Manik was soon very alert to eavesdrop - but all he heard was Aryaman say, "Hello Nandini? Yeah, okay. Sure." And he hung up. Manik looked at him questioningly; Aryaman informed Nandini was out with friends for a movie. Manik frowned - out with friends? Where did these friends suddenly turn up from? Didn't Mukku ask him to befriend her because she didn't have any friends? Suddenly the image of that dancing boy from last night flashed in his mind - dancing with Nandini - pretty idiot boy he thought.

***

Nandini had met Aliyaa and Dhruv for the movie, but later thought it was prudent to leave them alone for a bit - citing assignments as her excuse, she came back to Aliyaa's hostel - she still wasn't ready to head home.

Aliyaa and Dhruv had gone to a cafe, Aliyaa sat quietly, a little far from Dhruv. She smiled at him politely, but the twinkle in her eyes was missing - Dhruv didn't notice that. He was feeling better today - more hopeful about their future today than yesterday. He smiled at her with satisfaction. He enquired if she wanted something to drink - a glitter almost came back to her eyes as she opened her mouth to ask for "Cold chocolate with whipped cream and choco chips and red velvet cake for a side" but her smile faltered, she remembered her sister's advice - to be matured around Dhruv - did mature people have these? Probably not. She changed her mind in the last moment and asked for a simple cappuccino. Dhruv smiled and asked for the same - her eyes shone to see they had similar taste - but did they really? She didn't like cappuccinos! Dhruv however seemed more impressed. He began,

"After yesterday, I thought you would order silly things like those fancy chocolatey drinks you know! The ones you see silly school kids fawn over? I guess Nandini was right, you aren't as childish, you were only happy to see me suddenly last morning!" Aliyaa's stiffened, and internally thanked her stars for not ordering those - it hurt her to finally see what Dhruv felt about her true self, but at least he thought better now - she smiled. She only had to behave matured around him - that's it. Simple