Hate Story» 8

        e I g h t       

What strange creatures brothers are!

~Jane Austen

M A N I K

It's strange how one does not realize how much someone's absence costs them until they are finally there again. 

I had not realized how much I missed Cabir, his humor, his sarcasm, our banters, and mostly, his presence. His silent support in every mischief I got up to or every struggle I faced. 

This feels good. It felt...hopeful. 

"Bachelor's Day — a time for men to gang up and celebrate with the rest of the single guy bunch. It's about having a good time, and..."  What he didn't miss was this. This was annoying though.

"Cabir, "he stopped," I know what bachelor's day means. Stop reading articles from google." 

"No, you don't." Cabir denied. "If you have known we won't be setting this snack table in front of the TV. "

"A game night is a good start," I said but he wasn't having it.

"Even a movie marathon would have been better than playing these battle games." he gestured to the stack of games on the table.

"We can do that then," I suggested but again, he is Cabir.

"But I don't want to," he whined. Not again.

"Cabir, it was your idea," I pointed out.

"Of course it was. I am not denying it," Cabir said but he was sure there was a but there.

"But..." there. "it was just to stop you from planning a candlelight dinner. And instead of understanding my sarcasm, you decided on just that."

"I...sarcasm?...but... I don't understand. " I said, "You only advised me to talk to Abhi. And to break the ice, I decided to invite him for a game night in my room."

"To break the ice you don't need to play games. You need to say sorry," he advised with a straight face.

I felt my cheeks heat up but no, I was not embarrassed. It's just that Cabir always made me feel like an idiot.

"You look cute when you blush," Cabir stated amused like a nuisance he was.

"I am not," I replied defensively. A chuckle sounded from behind and I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Cabir's big grin was enough of an indication as was the sound itself.

"Well, the effort counts Cabir." Cabir was already moving. And with the laughter that followed, they were obviously hugging. I should turn. I ought to but I could not.

Hate Story» 7

        s e v e n       

"If you have two friends in your lifetime, you're lucky.

If you have one good friend, you're more than lucky."

― S.E. Hinton

M A N I K

Ranting about your life story to a stranger, they say, is sometimes the best option one makes in case family and friends are somewhat; unreachable, if that even makes sense.

But the best of best would come just to the luckiest and that being the presence of that one friend, one who makes you realize you matter.

Cabir Dhawan is just one famous standup comedian whose humorless humor too hit the perfect humorous aspect. As quoted by Cabir himself, "Sarcastic Humor or Humorous Sarcasm, it's all about terms. On the whole, it's all about comedy and comedian."

Whereas Cabir was, is, and will always be my Knight in shining armor if I can say that.

"So," Cabir finally broke the long silence, "Found someone?"

His straightforwardness always manages to make me bewildered. Having known him since childhood too, his to-the-point talk hits me in the head like a bouncer before I get to dodge it.

"What do you think? " he glared at me for my regular question for question instead of an answer.

"What if I say you did? " it's confirmed he knows me like the back of his hand.

"Maybe I will say yes," I replied casually remembering her.

Hate Story» 6

        s I x      

"He was jealous of her future, and she of his past."

― Anaïs Nin,

M A N I K

Sunrise and sunset both are a sight to behold if you really are a beholder of the beauty. But is it necessary for you to be, as quoted by many, "beholder of the beauty?" Is it bad if you are just the beholder of life, or to be specific either an optimistic beholder or a pessimistic beholder?

But again, talking about being optimistic or pessimistic, what will you call a person who is completely optimistic as others like to say after talking to him/her or taking advice from the say but the truth is; there is no one who can hold the title of a pessimist like the same one. Does that even make sense?

Not wanting to read more, for the time being, I just closed the book without even bothering to bookmark the page to continue reading it sometime later. Maybe it was all getting too much to bear that even reading could not stop the turmoil I was feeling.

It's ironic how I was reading the article of the same person for over an hour now when she was the complete reason for all the thoughts going on in my mind. Or maybe she was not?

But again blaming others is as simple as it is then accepting your fault. Isn't that what it describes us as human beings? A better phrase - a jealous human being.

Jealousy in itself is a dangerous world, not just a word. It's like that storm in the depth of your existence- heart, mind, or soul; which either withers your petals or, simply, pierces others with your thorns.

Jealousy - an abyss tinted by your own insecurities, past experiences, or future preferences.

But again comes with it a tinge of regret for some while some drown themselves in the same pit of regret till there are no thoughts to think.

That was the feeling I, Manik Malhotra, was carrying sitting in my music room with bleeding hands that tinted the white handkerchief all red since all the events that happened in just a few hours. And the reason for all the mess was I, me, and myself.

I was drowning in the guilt of running the happiness of my brother when I heard that voice, the voice that is like my salvation for the time.

"Guitar, Guitar strings, and Rockstar, " he greeted while entering the room, "Here I am. And I brought you a surprise gift."

"Tadaaaa...."

Hate Story» 5

        f I v e       

"A soul mate would be great, but at some point

 I'd settle for someone who gets back to a text message."

~Atticus

M A N I K

Life is unexpected they used to say and today I realized it.

Who would have believed I, Manik Malhotra, will be smiling looking at the text messages that too of someone whom I met just three days back?

Yes, somewhere she is still a stranger but again, remembering our journey of these three days we were never strangers though we have met just for once.

My phone vibrated again as I made myself comfortable in the bed.

One new message from Mini Monster.

Mini Monster. That's a nickname given by me to Nandini Murthy. Firstly, that was just based on the things I have heard about her and how she loved to prank others and irritate and annoy others. But now it's from experience. Also, the name is perfect for her personality.

And most importantly, she knows it as well so it does not come under any bad category. But guess what, now I feel like why I had to give her a nickname cause for the last half an hour she has been trying to give me names, and trust me, all are too weird and most of them are so hard to pronounce too or simply say I didn't know such a word even existed.

Mini Monster: 

How about damoiseau?

Me:

What does that even mean? Is it even a word?

Mini Monster:

Leave that. It's difficult to pronounce. How about Pinky Prince?

Me: 

What the hell Nandini?  Pinky? That too prince. Do I look like a three-year-old kid to you?

Mini Monster:

Malhotra, who told you that only a "three-year-old kid" can love pink color? And the prince can wear pink too not just princesses.

Me: 

I don't know that but I don't like pink. So better change that name.

Mini Monster:

Don't worry I will make you love that. Nandini Promise ;)

Me: 

In your dreams.

Mini Monster:

Trust me, I have already seen you in the pink shirt in my dream.

Hate Story» 4

        f o u r       

" There are no strangers here; Only friends we haven't met yet "

~W.B.Yeats

M A N I K

"Wasn't the Ferris wheel supposed to be the last ? " she raised her eyebrow at me as I turned the car in the direction opposite to the place she was staying. 

"It was the last but last, is never the end." she groaned at that. I didn't understand the meaning of her this groan - if it was of approval or not until she spoke out loud confirming it was seriously of disapproval.

"Was Mukti less that you too started with these riddles? " I could not help but smile at that. Being a writer and that too one of the best  ( if I add ) - talking in riddles was something Mukti was too fond of or, simply habituated to. 

"Trust me, I am not even a percent close to hers." to this she simply shrugged,

" Who knows that better than me? " she continued, " And that's not even the thing that irritates me. It's when I ask her what does that even mean and her simple reply saying..."  which I completed for her.

"You will come to know as the time comes." she gave amused smile at that but then maybe realization dawned upon her that Mukti was no different from people she came across. It's just that she was the same for all but again different and it was hard for the person to depict her personality even if they are too close which included Abhi too.

I am not sure about Nandini though as Mukti and Nandini are not someone who would call each other their soul. They don't even talk for days due to their busy schedule but again they can feel if one is fine or not. 

It's like their soul is connected. 

Now also they are meeting after five years but looking at them anyone will think they are always together but no one knows it's never the case. 

Hate Story » 3

        t h r e e        

M A N I K

Today is the day.

Does this statement ever come to your mind? When?

Maybe on your birthday or of someone special to you. Or, on Sunday like we say " Today is the day I am going to sleep and eat all day with no school or no work or any other work but just you and your weekend. Maybe for some, this is during the festive season and time to spend with family, friends, and so on.

The day.

There was nothing like the day for me before today.

Not until morning when I was sitting in the car and was thinking about a person.

A person whom you know but have not met yet. A person about whom you have heard a lot but not ever heard their voice. A person whose face is clear to you from those numerous photographs but again, you don't know the real beauty. A person who is the complete opposite of you but again, it's what you know from other's views. A person who is just like your friend's friend but again, you don't know if you guys are friends or not?

What do you call this sort of person who is the stranger but not a stranger?

How do you start a conversation with a known stranger?

Formal or Informal.

Confused right? The same was the feeling I was going through this morning but now, at this moment it all seems like years have passed and I feel so stupid of myself for even thinking like that.

"Why are you grinning like an idiot?" she asked with curious eyes but before I could reply she herself spoke ..." Never mind, who was I asking to? I just keep forgetting that you are an idiot."

"Did you just call me idiot Miss, Murthy?" I raised my eyebrows but again who was I kidding?

"Yes, Mr. Malhotra. I did call you that only." and she was smirking. This girl. But again I could not help but remember all that happened today and again that stupid smile formed on my lips and I spoke something that never thought I would have said after her previous reply...

"Thank u Nandini. "  and she was shocked would be an understatement. Wait did I just speak any foreign language? No, then but my confusion was cleared by her only...

"This is the first time someone is saying thank u that too so politely with no sarcasm after I called them an idiot." oh god, this girl. How can one be so dramatic?

" It was not for that" and she gazed at me with narrow eyes" It was for today. "

"I don't know when I enjoyed my life like this before today. Life was so hard that I never got time to enjoy it like there's no tomorrow. " but she cut me off...

"Manik, life is never hard. It's us who think so. And about enjoying it, there is always time, we just need to have the courage to live in the time without planning."

I could just nod at her. Somewhere she was correct too. 

"Manik, what do you think will happen if we jump from here?" and I looked at her horrified.

"Nandini Murthy, we will reach either hospital. But seeing on which height we are I guess we will directly reach heaven." I replied seriously while looking down at the ground. No, it's not a cliff, but rather a Ferris wheel.

Ferris wheel of 64 ft. and we were at the top for the last 15 minutes waiting for the ride to start. 

"But seriously Manik tell me, you are enjoying this idea of ending the day with this ride?"

"I hate to say it but yes, I like this idea. Never thought I would do such crazy things in a day."

"Manik, these things don't count under crazy. They are the adventure," she stated as a matter of fact.

"Oh really. Let me remind you about everything we did and explain how this all counts under crazy. Also not just adventure but life-threatening adventures."

"So let's rewind what we did today ?" I nodded and she continued.."Let's point out everything we did and see if they count under crazy or fun."

"Okay done. So first destination among five..."

"Silent disco..."

Hate Story » 2

        t w o       

"I feel like girls who drink whiskey have good stories"

~Atticus

M A N I K

"Heartbroken heart breaker, that's what they call me. They think I rule the dark world but only I know how much I fear that darkness," she said while gulping down the liquid at once with an expression that said it didn't taste good at all but nevertheless. After putting the glass down she looked at me with a smile and asked if I wanted to dance. I nodded negatively and she shrugged casually before making her tipsy form to the dance floor already crowded with people. 

Strangers. It's sometimes good to hear out their story. Some make you laugh, some make you sleep and some show the hidden reality of life.

It's strangely peaceful listening to others' experiences, connecting to their life characters and blending in their words, and brewing your own thoughts about what might have happened ahead. And getting all curious to know more.

"I know the most active part of a person's body is the mind but that does not mean you think so much that forget the surrounding. You are drinking from an empty glass Manik. Let your mind rest at least in this noise of the club." and this brought me out of my train of thoughts.

Hate Story»1

        o n e       

Stars. Moonlight. Cliff

Water.Reflection.Wind

 A firework beside for light

Perfect.

I was sitting there in the midst of all these with a book in hand.

A book, which genre you say then I don't have anything to say. It does not resemble anything I guess. Looking at the cover there it was the title in board letters printed as "Hate Story"

And it's completely just in three colors - Red, white, black

It's ironic how these colors compliment each other so perfectly, so well sculpted.

Black means darkness which can hide the white light while red; one side means blood and the next side it's love as a rose is red I guess. But when these three come together a masterpiece is formed.

Like here the flames are red, tiny stars are white and the dark night but also all the setting is just perfect as if they are celebrating. Today the moon is shining brighter than the one on the usual full moon day. Maybe something big is coming or has already come that they are in full swing to celebrate. Maybe history will be written or has already been written.

Taking my eye off the view and lingering on the cover of the book for some time I turned to the first page.

And there's a slight monologue. Like a blurb maybe.

"hating the word hate to hating you; 

hating you to hating myself for hating you in the first place. 

It's all about the play of fate where the keyword - hate,

 writes our hate story"

Again my eyes started to explore the view surrounding me but my thoughts were stuck in those words which I read just now. Stopping all the pondering I again started to flip the page and there comes the first chapter, the first word,

First-word music. Maybe I will start to read books if it gets to start with my favorite thing always

Hate Story

        p r o l o g u e       

 "hating the word hate to hating you; hating you to hating myself for hating you in the first place. it's all about the play of fate where the keyword - hate, writes our hate story"

She looked at him with those accusing eyes. The raging fire wished him with life all red - his favorite color splashed in hate.

And he was terrified knowing he was heartless? And that thought only brought tears to his eyes.

Next Chapter→

Loveswept↝ TS

"HP what is wrong with you? I told you to use red roses and here you are? " 

Why can't he for once do things properly? Today was such an important day.  Everything needs to be perfect and here they are. And if di comes by, she will scold me only.

'Arnav' Here she comes.

'Arnav what's wrong with you? Why are you shouting at poor HP? Let him do his work.'

She loves that hp more than her own brother.

One thing I didn't get is why the hell everyone supports hp instead of me.

'That's because he is right and you are wrong Chote.' Di answered glaring at me.

'What the! Di, how can you hear what I'm thinking?'  I asked baffled.

'Because as usual, you were thinking loudly. Now don't disturb me and tell Khusiji to get ready fast. It's time to start.'  Di replied and moved away instructing hp to do his work without listening to me.

From the corner of my eyes, I can see HP grinning ear to ear and giving me that winning smile. Wait and watch I thought before moving toward my room not wanting to get the next round of scolding in front of hp.

You must be wondering who I am and what's with the preparation, right?

Ok first let me introduce you to my di. Anjali Jha- my di is happily married to her husband Shyam Manohar Jha who is a fashion designer by profession.

Ok now coming to my introduction. Frankly speaking, I'm not someone who likes praising himself. So in short, it's me Arnav Singh Raizada aka ASR. The most successful businessman in India, the most eligible bachelor... oops! sorry I forgot I'm already married. The devil boss, most dashing, versatile, and most handsomest I know that no such a word exists but what to do, I don't think any word has been discovered to date to justify my good looks.

Like I already told you. I don't like praising myself. So that was my short introduction.

And now talking about the function it's mine and Khushi's pre-wedding function. 

Ok no need to trouble your brain thinking about who my Khushi is. She is my better half, my wife, and my life.

Now don't give me that look. I know the wife and pre-wedding rituals don't go well. Don't worry I'll come there also. First, let me talk about my Khushi.

Khushi like her name has brought immense happiness to my life. Our marriage was in every sense arranged marriage. The type where the groom sees his bride's face only on the marriage day. I know it's hard to believe but my case was the same. I saw her face only on our marriage day.

So the story as always starts with Di.

Gift ↝ OS

"Arnav. Arnav."

Arnav looked up just in time to catch his excited wife from toppling them both with the speed she crashed at him.

"Slow down Khusi. What got you so excited?" Arnav said holding his wife who was already wriggling in his grip.

She gave him a dazzling smile before starting to pull him with her "I want to show you something. Come along."

"What?" Arnav asked curiously while letting her drag him towards the front door.

Khushi turned slightly to give him a beaming smile, "Patience Arnav."

He could only shake his head at his super-excited wife.

Khushi being excited was not a new occurrence. His lovely wife was always sporting that radiant smile and excitement even for small things. But the happiness she had today was more and he knew it.

He was dragged all the way to the parking area where he was greeted by 'The Beauty.'  

Color Brave

 

  ‘‘The blindness of eyes does not matter until your words lit my pathway with light.’’

"In this colorful world, our world is colorless," she whispered looking ahead through her lifeless eyes.

He smiled and his eyes of pure darkness shined and those colorless words slipped from his lips and splashed to make her world colorful. 

"Not everyone is lucky enough to unravel the secrets that dark holds. We should consider ourselves lucky enough to be residing in dark amidst black and grey with a pinch of glimmering white and knowing colors are just a cover to the beauty that dark held. " 

Poetic Trove » 1

 28th February 2019

From falling like autumn leaves 
to rising like sky lanterns
was her journey
of becoming 
stardust 
from ashes of unjust.

⁘⁂⁂⁂⁂⁘

Chaotic Chaos : 5

 

04/01/2022

he walks

barefoot, on the heated sand.

he runs

wet, on the crashing waves.

he skips

laughing, over the tickling grass.

he dances

Chaotic Chaos : 4

 

01/23/2022

he was

breathless

by wandering, 

consumed 

by wanderlust.

←Previous Chapter

Next Chapter→

Coffee Stains ↠ 1

 

◢✥◣

C H A P T E R - 1

◥✥◤ 

Manik stood on the balcony early morning, the heat from the coffee mug warming his cold hands. 

The first sip left a warm trail as it descended. A little steam exhaled with the sound, "Aaah." 

 

His eyes took in the hustle and bustle surrounding the apartment building. He could hear the morning aarti and the laughter therapy. He could see walking for fitness and running for early work. He could see sleepy faces and hear chirpy tones.

It was a contrast to his everyday life. This felt almost...lively. 

"Anything interesting?" he turned to see his best friend leaning against the balcony door running his hands through his hair making it messier.

"It's all so...different." He paused but used a simple word.

"No any complicated words?" ever the insightful one, Manik thought.

"Would your sleepy brain process it?" he asked instead.

"Sarcasm sarcasm...guess I will leave you to your coffee till you are lovely again."

"Where are you going? " he found himself asking.

"The park across the street. It's fresh and lively in the morning." came the reply.

That word again, he thought. He could hear Cabir mumbling about his track pants.  

His eyes once again sought out the view and his mind was made. Drinking the coffee didn't take long. The habit made it easy to drink it hot. Though this never let him have a proper tastebud for all-day with the constant irritation in his tongue.

"Cabir, wait..." he shouted seeing Cabir already out of the main door.

"I am coming." he thought Cabir would ask something, anything. But the silence prevailed. 

He wore his shoes, closed the door, and followed Cabir. He waited for Cabir to ask. He wanted Cabir to ask. But he didn't.

Manik knew he would start fidgeting soon in this silence. His mornings were quiet but that didn't mean he liked it. And with Cabir, this should be filled with talk. This was not acceptable. 

But Cabir didn't say a word. 

He didn't even notice they have descended so many stairs already. They were already in the front of the building now moving out the main gate. 

The street was not busy and they were entering the park within minutes.

"You seem restless," Cabir said. A question phrased, more like stated.

"I am fine." the lie leaving his mouth easily. One more bad habit.

"Are you? Really?" Cabir asked again like he knew what was bothering me. Of course, he knew.

"Don't," he warned already knowing what Cabir will say.

"You want this. This simplicity. This calls you. Lures you." 

Don't I know that he wanted to shout but neither was Cabir's tone accusing nor provoking? It was accepting. And that felt more horrible. 

"No," Manik said. "We are not having this discussion here."

 

 "Manik."Cabir started but he was running already.

He didn't know what he was running from. From Cabir and his insistence or, from himself and his thoughts. He was sweating and panting when he finally stopped to catch a breath. His mind for some time had stopped overthinking and despite his increased heartbeat, he felt calm. 

He looked around for Cabir but didn't see him. So, he took a seat on a nearby bench. The park wasn't too full but not empty either. There was a fair share of people of all age groups. It was nice seeing an aunt scolding her husband while jogging, elder people walking with their grandchildren, the teenagers trying to work out, and couples sharing glances.

He realized he had missed this till he was here, experiencing it again. He loved to have sleepovers with Cabir at his parents' when he was a kid and just came over when Cabir moved out. But now when they were settled and he took over the business more actively, he had stopped being in the moment and daydreaming. He had started to revolve his life around the business so much that he had even forgotten how good it felt to just imagine.

"Stop overthinking everything, you idiot." for a second he thought Cabir was back and he was getting reprimanded. 

"I am not." came the reply instantly which sounded like a whine with its defensive tone. He wondered if he sounded like that to Cabir. 

The first thing he noticed as he turned towards the voices was the long shiny black hair with red highlights. Beautiful, was his first thought. An itch to touch it was second and 'Manik' shouted in horror in Cabir's voice was his third making him snap out of his 'hair trance' as Cabir called it.

He could clearly picture Cabir shaking his head, "You need to stop getting obsessed with hair Malhotra."

 "Nandini, I can hear your brain begging for a moment of peace." Her hands went up to show her exaggeration. Her hair swayed like a dancer in a slow beat.

"Now, you are exaggerating." he couldn't see their faces with one leaning against the tree and the other covering her whole but again, he was too consumed by those beautiful locks to wanting to see their faces.

"Am I now?" the voice loaded with sarcasm. Manik thought the hair color suited her.

"Mukti," and there was the whine again. He didn't want to believe he sounded like that to Cabir.

"Manik" he jumped at the sudden contact of a hand in his shoulder. His hand went to his chest feeling his heartbeat rising.

"Cabir, you scared me." Cabir frowned at him before looking at where his attention was. His expression screamed not again.

"I was not," Manik spoke. His tone was exactly like he didn't want it to sound. Defensive.

"Are you sure about that?" He winced at the two sarcastic voices speaking at once. He had forgotten he was unintentionally eavesdropping.

As a clue, he and Cabir both looked towards the girls while they did the same.

The hair flew in the air at the sharp turn of the girl's head but he didn't care. His eyes immediately found the one hidden from his sight.

The first thought was she looked cute even with the frown on her. 

The second thought was she was glaring at Cabir which he thought was deserved for scaring him.

And the third thought was spoken before he could stop himself, "What have you done to your hair?"

Maybe Cabir was right and he was obsessed with hair.

Cabir was going to kill him when they got back home. 

If they got back home, he corrected himself seeing how the cute one was now glaring at him.

←Previous Chapter

Stupidity Cupidity » 3

 

New Lens; and the stupid cupids

“So, you mean to say Nandini, my cousin sister Nandini, my maternal uncle’s daughter Nandini is in love. With whom? With the ever monstrous monster, my one and only best friend, the silent killer, the angry-young man, Manik.”

Calm Mukti calm, Mukti kept repeating in her head.

“Yes, Cabir." She replied. 

“But...How? When? No no…this cannot be. You must have been mistaken Mukti. Nandini hates …HATES Manik. You do not know how she glares at me when I speak about Manik in front of her."

No, she was not listening to Cabir's rant about Nandini avoiding Manik again.

“What exactly is your problem with Manik and Nandini being together?” Mukti finally asked the question that was nagging her when Cabir straightforward denied that Nandini loves Manik.

“Trust me Mukti, I don’t have any problem.  I will be the happiest if they are together. It just does not fit in.” Cabir said. He didn't know how to say that he was afraid of his best friend getting hurt.

“Oh, don’t give me that crap. I know there is something. Just spit it out.” Mukti said. Cabir sighed.

“I am afraid that what Nandini feels is just like or infatuation and if something more than she might have a crush on Manik but I highly doubt it. I just don’t want Manik to be hurt.”

“She is your sister. Did you even think if Manik hurts her?” Mukti asked listening to the ridiculousness of Cabir's thought.

“I know Mukti. Trust me, I care. But what I can say without a second thought is Manik’s love is genuine cause this is the first and trust me when I say this, this is the first time he has spoken the ‘L’ word. He straight out said, “I love Nandini.” And in all these years never had he told me that then just think.” Before Mukti could interrupt he continued, “And Manik was never loved. They called him a mistake that also a drunken mistake. In addition, coming from a person who does not know what love is that he is in love is just indescribable. You might say how one who does not know love gives the same to another? However, knowing Manik, for him love means home as per my words, but If Manik said then he will say ‘his destiny, his world.’ Tell me can you doubt now that he will ever hurt someone he loved for the first time; Someone who taught him what this feeling of complete warmth was; Someone who was his first and might be last forever-at least in his heart and soul?”

Mukti was at a loss for words. Can such a proclaimed selfless lover who is all ready to love someone for eternities in just his heart with just her memories ever exist? But again, isn’t Nandini the same she thought.

“Nandini is the same Cabir; she had her fair share of insecurities, her demons, her fears yet she kept her past aside and accepted her feelings. I don’t know if you know but she never had a true friend in school; it was only you but after you got Manik it was like she was all alone for herself with no support of someone of her age.” Mukti informed Cabir.

“I won’t say it’s not my fault that Nandini was alone. I know I was not there when she needed me. When all that fiasco happened in school and when her parents were not helping either. And I know from where you are coming from as you were somehow dragged in that fiasco so you might blame yourself for Nandini too.” Cabir stated but Mukti did not correct him. Did she blame herself? No, Never. Was Cabir correct? Not. However, like always she remained quiet. Wasn’t this a habit of hers to let people think as if they know her but did anyone know? The answer was, is, and might forever be a big No.

“But Mukti, I was there at least in her happiness and other times. Not as a friend but as a brother I was and she knows that too. What I know about Nandini is she shares her happiness with others but when it’s time to share her sadness, she shuts down herself. She isolates herself from others, does not talk to anyone, remains coped in her room with her favorite novel, but does not share. And slowly she drifts apart despite others pleading with her to share. She has so many people to share but it’s her decision to show anger as if we are at fault. She never understood that we won’t pity her but be there for her because she was loved.” Mukti was shocked listening to everything because the way Nandini said everything was nothing in front of what Cabir said.

“I know you might think how that’s possible? But Nandini was always the smallest and pampered to no extent. But slight comparison, slight rudeness, a little rise of voice and she will be in tears. With time, she got mature but that pampered girl was still there. And with just a slightly different behavior, she became insecure and it got the worst out of her. Like her parents sometimes felt proud of how you were so good at Sports then she won’t outright say don’t compare but take that as competition. Might have heard of how she tried weight loss and all but she could not. It was not that she could not but her parents would not because they never wanted their child to be hungry or diet and feel their beauty lacks. They were content with how Nandini was. They were proud trust me. But which parents don’t compare their children with others. Mine did and if you ask so does that of every child. Some might go overboard but one’s in a blue moon it was like a dose for a child to do better. But for Nandini, it was always competition. She didn’t like her flaws pointed out and her parents tried to remove her habit until school but could not and after school let her do as per her choice. But she still holds those fears and her jealousy towards Manik is the same. Someone from her family gave more of his attention to someone other than her and it didn’t settle well and came in form of ignorance and anger. I don’t know if she mentioned it, but the way Nandini avoids Manik is not like how you avoided Nandini. It was different and simply painful. It was outright rudeness so I try my best to not invite Nandini to friends or party gatherings where Manik is. I don’t like him getting hurt.”

Somewhere Mukti understood how Nandini could like her parents. Mukti's parents might be indifferent towards Mukti but Nandini was always pampered and not for once her flaws were pointed out maybe cause she was academic and that settled quite well with Nandini and Mutki’s parents both.

“And Mukti, do you know how Manik is?” Cabir smiled, his best friend always manages to do that.” He listens to everyone without interruption. But he talks, talks to just one person and that’s I. But you won’t believe that he talks too rarely, till now too and he might not say and I might not remember almost all except for last time, he shares everything with me when I am drunk and we are alone so not other spectators and listeners. So, in this way, he does not have to keep everything inside himself. He feels satisfied that he shared and didn’t keep it inside himself that might have been bad. For him his sadness is his and it should not affect others around him. He is the master at hiding feelings. I don’t know why he does that though, he knows I am there?” Cabir asked the last part more to himself.

Mukti chuckled, “Because he knows you are there.” Cabir looked at her confused.

“As you said he was always alone and called a mistake; it develops in mind that we are flawed. Then, when someone accepts us we make a better version of ourselves with their help, control the fears and broaden the mind but deep inside we know our flaws as that relationship that we didn’t have always nags. So, it’s like our own self-satisfaction that we get by keeping the people around us happy and not giving them a single reason to be sad from our side; be it from our behavior or our problems. It just helps us to realize we are not a mistake after all because the one who can make at least a person smile is a gift to humankind as in this selfish world, people give money and tears but never love and happiness. It’s like we being selfish.” Mukti added the last part with a wink.

Cabir shook his head and stated, “If this is what you call being selfish then I don’t even want to know what is selfless for you.”

“I can say that too.” Mukti stated, “It’s simple, to be honest. We are never selfless. We don’t know what that means. Whatever we do, we do for our own satisfaction. Every work we do, every person we keep happy, every relation we mend, or every fight we take, it’s for our own selfish reasons. Trust me there is no word as selfless, it’s all about being selfish but that is in a good or bad way. “

“You should give motivational classes, “Cabir said, “Will help many. “

“Now, Cabir, I truly am not someone to motivate others. This was just a thought. And Cabir, I am trying to be a cupid here and you are trying to make me a what? Philosopher?” Come on Cabir; don’t divert the topic from Nandini and Manik.”

“But there’s nothing. I have made my point clear. Nandini cannot love Manik.” Cabir stated.

“What you do not understand is there in that sentence of yours Cabir.” Mukti stated, “Nandini cannot love is not a sentence. Cause she can and she has already. But what you need to understand is if she will hurt Manik or not? And I can guarantee you she will not.”

“How can you be so sure?” Cabir asked with raised brows.

“Answer is something you gave me yourself. As you said, If something bothers Nandini she remains shut in her room with her novel; not go to a party and get drunk to divert her mind. You told me she is competitive. But May I ask did she ever try to be like Manik to you? “

Getting no answer from Cabir, Mukti continued, “I take that as no. Also, you said she does not like anyone to pinpoint her flaws, but do you know what the main flaw was in her own plan for herself. She tried to be jealous of Manik, to avoid Manik, but with just a few encounters she realized something you never realized that he is selfish and flawed.”

Cabir remained silent and Mukti was sure her last words would convince him that Manik and Nandini are supposed to be.

“One cannot accept others' flaws without mocking till they know that they too are not flawless and are still imperfect. And Nandini, she accepted Manik as he is. Her exact words were, “Maybe exactly as I have wanted my forever to be but just a little more flawed, a little more reckless, a little more handsome, a little more selfish, and a little more…loving“ Mukti was sure she got Cabir at this. So, she silently got up to have a few more drinks before calling it a night leaving Cabir to his thoughts.

“But how did you know how to find me? You just came and said, you were Nandini’s friend and she loves my best friend Manik.” Cabir asked before she could leave.

“I have seen you since childhood Cabir. You were that small prankster of our locality whenever you came around at Nandini’s house. Trust me, the damage you have done to my parent's flowerpots, they were so close to banning you in the locality. And about this party, sometimes having party animals as colleagues come in handy. I was sure you would never miss a party on Saturday night and with you already known as the party-loving cousin of Nandini, your invitation was confirmed. So, tried my luck and here you are.”

“You are smart,” Cabir stated.

“It’s just that I think,” Mukti said with a wink and disappeared in the crowd of drunkards leaving Cabir to his thoughts.

It was time to search Mukti’s Instagram id and follow her, thought Cabir, Cupids need to remain in touch.

It was Sunday evening when Cabir finally messaged Mukti who had accepted his follow request just in the morning and followed back too.

He decided to not do any formalities and come to the point of thinking about Mukti’s straightforward character.

Cabir

So, what’s the plan?

Mukti

Plan? What plan?

Cabir

Cupid’s plan?

Mukti

What rubbish is that?

Cabir

You got to be kidding me?

Mukti

???

Cabir

Plan to bring Nandini and Manik together

Plan to be cupids for MaNan

 

Mukti

Oh

Wait…what?

Do we need to plan that?

Cabir

Of course, we need to.

What did you think?

We will just keep them together in a place and ask them to confess.

Mukti

Umm…Yeah

I thought that only.

You will bring Manik to my place where I will call Nandini too 

Just repeat their confession to each other.

Cabir

For a second I thought you were serious.

You are funny Mukti.

Mukti

I am serious Cabir.

Cabir

What the hell?

Cabir:

Have you gone nuts?

And you wanted to be cupid with this plan?

I don’t believe this.

Mukti

That’s not a plan Cabir.

That’s a logical thing to do.

And trust me, it took me exactly 2 hours to think through every loophole.

Cabir

Wait? Loopholes? Is this some business project?

And 2 hours for this crap?

Mukti

Crap? How dare you?

This is unique cupidity and you call it crap.

And may I ask what did you plan that you dare to call my plan a crap?

Cabir

I may not have a plan but this is bullshit.

And if you really think us asking them to confess they will confess then, I must say you are delusional.

Mukti

It’s called being rational. Not delusional.

I will say you are delusional if you think I didn’t think this through.

I have prepared a complete chart of loopholes of how this might not work.

Trust me there was just a 1% chance of this working but guess what?

Cabir

Guess what? There is no chance left now.

Mukti

So much negativity is harmful Cabir.

So, now there is a 100% chance that this will work.

And you are to follow my lead.

Cabir

You really think I will support this.

It. Is. Stupidity. Not. Cupidity

Mukti

With Manik being selfish (selfless as per you), he will never confess.

With Nandini being still uncertain, she will not do so too.

So, we ought to do the confessing part.

 

Cabir

And they will straightforward deny it.

Mukti

I know that.

But when will that talkative nature of yours and logic of mine come in handy.

I will give them logics to support my point. You back me up.

Cabir

Do you think Cupidity is a debate?

Mukti

Nope, I don’t.

But these two are just not …normal.

So this is the most logical thing to do.

Cabir

There is nothing logical in LOVE.

And I am sure you have never known what love is.

Mukti

For the first time, you are right in both statements.

But in this case, this is the only right thing to do.

Mukti

We just have to make them see from our lens, and make them give each other a chance, a start.

Cabir

Since you said ‘right’ instead of logical, I will think this through.

Mukti

Does that mean you are convinced that it will work?

Cabir

Not yet.

But since I don’t have any plan and they have waited enough.

Though I still feel this isn’t going to work.

Mukti

Cabir, we are just giving them a blank page.

They will start their story on their own.

Cabir

I didn’t take you as one to read Romance.

Mukti

I can say the same.

I didn’t take you as one pessimist.

Will just need to remember ‘not to judge a book by its cover’.

Cabir

You should change your name to “Straightforward Cracker”

Mukti

And you too “Humorless Pessimist”

Cabir

How can you call me Humorless?

I am funny okay.

People are fond of me for my jokes.

Mukti

PJs you mean.

Pathetic Jokes of Pathetic Joker.

That will be a small description of your name.

Cabir

Ha-ha. Very funny.

I died laughing.

Mukti

Thanks for the name though.

I like it, defines me.

Also, glad you find me funny.

 

Mukti

I will show you more of my shades next Sunday evening 

with Manik at my place whose address

 I will send it to you later.

Cabir

Why next Sunday?

Mukti

Cabir…you need to learn a lot.

This one week for our MaNan to think everything through?

Come on they have just realized and that someone other than them knows it.

It needs processing and polishing from their side before we give them the final touch.

Cabir

Tell me how much did you think in 2 hours?

Mukti

That was just a joke Cabir. 

You don’t expect me to keep thinking about someone else’s love story 

 I have work to do.

It’s all spontaneous.

What can I do if my sarcasm seems likes seriousness to you.

Cabir

I am signing off Mukti.

Cabir had just one thought in mind, “I don’t know about MaNan, but the day Mukti falls in love or say someone falls in love with Mukti, that day hell will break loose for that Guy cause for this Straightforward Cracker, Love will not be the beauty of fireworks but the blast of bomb and aftereffects.”

While Mukti thought, “I am certain MaNan will get their forever but Cabir will have to first exactly stop opening his mouth to utter those PJs and it will be possible when the girl is really a pro at humor and sarcasm, unlike the Humorless Pessimist who is delusional to think he can be anything but stupid.”

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