MaNan: It all started with a lie

Manik Malhotra Loves Challenges

It was yet another day in space where Nandini was on her way to attend Panditji's class when out of nowhere she felt an arm around her shoulder. She stiffened for a moment but on realizing who it was, a smile made its way on her face.

Nandini: Manik tum subeh se kaha gayab ho? I have been searching for you. Tumne mujhe college drop kiya and then you just disappeared somewhere

Manik: voh main actually mom ke saath tha...she had some work so yeah

Nandini: noni mom college aayi hai?

Manik: Ha. Musicana is getting near na so isliye she's come to college today

Nandini: mujhe unse milna hai

She pouted.

Manik: and that's exactly why I am here. Chalo mom is calling you in her cabin

Nandini: par Manik Panditji's class?

Manik: you don't have to worry about that because even he is in mom's office

Nandini: ok toh lets go

She said giving her million dollar smile to Manik as they walked to Nyonika's cabin.

Manik: may we come in?

Manik asked formally unlike the usual as they stood outside Nyonika's cabin, waiting for her permission. Nandini was amused for a moment but realizing Panditji's presence inside she understood his behaviour.

Nyonika: come in

Entering inside, Manik and Nandini passed a smile at Nyonika and Nandini wished Panditji who nodded at her.

Nandini: Mam you called me?

Nyonika: yes Nandini as you know that we will be having a fusion performance on the last day of Musicana for which you are being trained by Panditji which is really a huge honour for space and you would be knowing that you will need a partner for the same right?

Nandini: yes Mam Panditji told me about it

Nyonika: Right. Actually Panditji yaha aaye the to ask me about the best male singer we have in space so that he can pair you up with him for the performance toh maine Manik ka naam diya hai unhe

Nandini's eyes widened for a moment as she listened to what Nyonika said and then turned to look at Manik with narrowed eyes who grinned sheepishly.

Panditji: And I hope Mrs. Malhotra that Manik won't disappoint me and that you have suggested him only on the basis of his talent and not because he is your son

Nyonika: ofcourse Panditji Manik is really very talented and I assure you that no one could prove to be a better pair for Nandini than him

Pandit: But I still need to test him for my satisfaction and I hope Manik is fine with it?

He asked looking at Manik who bobbed his head at him.

Manik: yes Panditji

Pandit: Great then start preparing, your test will be after two days. Mera ek student aane wala hai, specially to attend Musicana. You will be competing with him

Manik: as in its a challenge?

Pandit*smirks*: Ha challenge hi samajhlo. By the way just so you know he is one of my best students and very talented

Manik*smirks*: Don't worry Panditji, your student is gonna have a very tough competition because Manik Malhotra loves challenges

Manik replied coolly with the Malhotra attitude radiating in every word of his.

Pandit: that we shall see

He stated, maintaining the smirk and stood up to leave.

Pandit: I might take your leave now Mrs. Malhotra

Nyonika*fake smile*: sure

Once the Pandit left, the fake smile on Nyonika was replaced by a scowl.

Manik: kya hua mom? Why that face?

Nyonika: Faces hi bana sakti hu na main aur kuch toh kar nahi sakti

Nandini*confused*: huh? Matlab?

Nyonika: Are matlab didn't you listen to what that Pandit said? He challenged my son and was doubting his capabilities. What does he think of himself?

She frowned again but this time Manik smiled.

Manik: aww mom you are so cute

He remarked pulling her cheeks and then side hugged her.

Manik: Mom its ok na aur vaise bhi after this challenge thing gets done, he won't repeat what he did today so chill....I will handle this my way

Nyonika*smiled*: I want you to win this Manik and show him that you are bestest singer he could get for this fusion performance and make me proud. Promise me!

Manik laughed on her childish antics while Nandini adored the duo with a smile.

Manik: I promise Ma....now relax

After making the promise, Manik and Nandini left her cabin when Nandini received Pandit's message.

Message

Get back to practice now and don't get Manik along. He will be practicing only after he clears his test, till then you will be practicing alone as you have been doing till now. Inform the same to Manik too.

Manik: kiska message hai?

He asked peeking over her phone to see when Nandini replied.

Nandini: voh Panditji ka...he wants me to get back to practice

Manik: ha toh chalo

Nandini: No Manik not you....only me. He said ki you will join me only after you clear his test, tabtak I'll practice alone jaise I have been doing till now

Manik*frowns*: but why alone? Test ke baad toh vaise bhi I am gonna be your partner na toh agar pehle se hi we start practicing toh what's wrong?

Nandini*sighs*: Manik let me remind you that Panditji is still not sure about you so till then please let things go according to him

Manik: fine!

He huffed cutely making Nandini smile.

Nandini: you are such a kid Manik

Nandini giggled, pinching his cheeks to which Manik made a bad face and  rubbed his cheek.

Manik: ya whatever now lets go....I'll walk you to your class

Nandini*giggling*: Chalo

Manik went to the canteen after dropping off Nandini while she got busy in tuning her veena and rehearsing when Pandit entered the class.

Pandit: I thought you will be late again but am glad you are here already

Nandini didn't know what to say so she just passed him an awkward smile.

Pandit: anyways you continue with your practice, I only wanted to tell you ki aaj se your practice hours will increase by one hour matlab pehle jo tum do ghante practice karti thi ab uske jagah tum teen ghante practice karogi

Though a bit shocked, Nandini didn't show it on her face and nodded.

Nandini: ok sir

Pandit nodded at her as Nandini resumed to her work and he sat there correcting and supervising her till the class ended.

Happy reading.

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