By the time Meera and Manya reached college, Pranav and Nakul were already there.
“Hey, how come you guys came so early today?” Manya asked.
Well… we heard that Meera is angry with Nakul, so we came early to cool things down,” Pranav teased Meera.
However, Meera quickly replied,
“I’m not angry with him. Maybe he’s just adding things that don’t even exist and telling you all,” she said, defending herself.
Hearing this, Manya looked at Meera in surprise, as if asking “What?”
But immediately, Meera signaled her with her eyes to stay quiet, and so, Manya nodded in understanding.
“So… you’re really not angry with me? Because, I felt bad thinking you were upset,” Nakul said.
“Yes, yes… in fact, our guy was feeling so bad, so we came early to fix things,” Pranav added playfully.
“Why would I even get angry at you? After all, if you talk to her, what do I lose?” Meera said, again showing her playful annoyance.
Just then, Nidhi arrived.
“Hi friends! I have some good news for all of you,” she said excitedly.
“What good news?” everyone asked at once.
“Yes! I actually planned to reveal it as a surprise at my birthday party tomorrow. However, if I tell it then, we won’t have enough time to prepare. So, I thought I’d tell you now.”
“Oh come on! Forget all that and just tell us what the surprise is,” Nakul said impatiently.
“Relax, I’ll tell you. After that, after my birthday, Mom has given permission for all of us to go on a one-week trip together.”
“Wow! That’s amazing, Nidhi! We’ve been planning this for so long. But then, where are we going?” Manya asked.
“I don’t know about that. But, I’ll take care of all the expenses and arrangements. Meanwhile, you guys decide the place, stay, and make the full plan,” Nidhi explained.
At that moment, Meera suddenly wondered if Chirant might also join the trip.
“Who all are coming for the trip?” she asked Nidhi.
“Who else? Just the five of us. But why are you asking like that?” Nidhi replied.
“Nothing… I was just thinking, since Chirant is staying at your house, he might come too,” Meera said casually.
“Why would he come? He’ll stay here with Mom. So, don’t worry. Instead, you just ask your uncle and get ready. Also, all of you ask at home today itself,” Nidhi said.
Then, everyone nodded in agreement.
Just then, the college bell rang, and they all went to class together.
Next Day…
It was Nidhi’s birthday.
First of all, after receiving the first wishes from Tulasi at midnight, she then got wishes from Chirant and her friends.
Later that morning, while Tulasi was busy preparing for the evening party, Nidhi came to her.
“Mom, are you done? Otherwise, we’ll be late for the temple,” she said.
“Sorry dear, I still have a lot of work. So, I can’t come,” Tulasi replied.
Meanwhile, noticing Chirant watering the plants, she said,
“Do one thing—go to the temple with Chirant.”
The moment she heard that, Nidhi felt extremely happy. In fact, she had an unexplainable attraction towards Chirant and always wanted to spend time with him. So, she quickly agreed, happy to use this opportunity.
Then, going to him, she said with a smile,
“Hello Mr. Chirant, Mom told you to take me to the temple.”
“Me?” Chirant asked in surprise.
“Yes, you,” she said.
“I was just watering the plants…” he hesitated.
“Hey, there are many people to do that. So, you come with me,” she said, holding his hand and taking him along.
At the temple, Nidhi folded her hands and prayed:
“God… just two days ago, I didn’t even know who Chirant was. But now, after saving my mother’s life, he has become so close to us. Because of this, I can still feel my mother’s love through him. And since you already know how long he will live, please, make sure that no pain touches him for as long as he lives.”
Meanwhile, Chirant was sitting outside the temple.
After a moment, Nidhi came to him.
“Chiru, it’s my birthday today. But still, you didn’t give me any gift—you just wished me,” she said while giving him prasadam.
“There’s still time till evening. So, I’ll give you a gift at the party,” he replied.
“You’ve already given me a gift I can never forget. So, that’s enough. I don’t need anything else,” she said, looking straight at him.
Hearing that, Chirant felt a little awkward and tried to change the topic.
“Nidhi… what did you pray for?”
“I prayed that nothing should hurt the one who brought this happiness into my life—Chirant,” she said, looking into his eyes.
Because of that, Chirant felt even more awkward.
“Alright… then, shall we go home?” he said.
“Hmm… let’s go,” she replied softly.
In the evening, Tulasi was welcoming guests at home for the party. Meanwhile, Pranav and Nakul were helping her, and Chirant was taking care of the guests.
After some time, Nidhi went to Pranav.
“Pranav, Meera and Manya haven’t come yet?” she asked.
“Not yet. Let me just call Manya,” he said.
But immediately, Nakul took the phone eagerly.
“Where are you, Manya? The birthday girl is waiting. So, come fast,” he said and cut the call.
“They’ll come. Meanwhile, you go get ready,” Pranav told Nidhi.
After a while, Meera and Manya arrived.
“Welcome, welcome! The birthday girl is waiting for you. So, if you don’t go quickly, she might kill you both,” Pranav joked.
“Okay, okay,” Meera said.
Just then, Nakul stopped Manya.
“Meera, you go to Nidhi. Meanwhile, I need to talk to Manya,” he said.
Hearing this, Meera got irritated.
“Why are you telling me? You and her go and talk whatever you want,” she said angrily and walked inside.
After that, Nakul took Manya aside.
“Now tell me—why did Meera and Chirant fight?” he asked.
“They didn’t fight. Instead, Meera just stopped talking to him,” Manya replied.
“Why?”
“Every time his father thought of stopping his education, however, Meera would convince him to give Chirant another chance. But gradually, as it kept repeating, she warned him. Eventually, when he failed again, she kept her word.”
“Oh… so that’s it? I thought it was something big.”
“It may seem small to you, but it’s big for them,” Manya said.
“Anyway… I believe they’ll become normal again,” Nakul said.
“Hmm… okay. By the way, you said you wanted to tell me something?”
“Yes… I was about to say, but then you asked first.”
“Okay, tell me now.”
“Promise you won’t get angry… and also, I need your support,” he said nervously.
“Fine… now come to the point.”
“I… I… love Meera,” he said.
Hearing this, Manya felt extremely happy. Because, she already knew Meera loved Nakul too. However, she stayed quiet.
“Idiot! What’s the use of telling me? Instead, go and tell her,” she said.
“I’m scared… so, I told you,” he replied.
“You fool! Then, be brave and tell her right now.”
“Now?” he asked.
“Yes, now! This is the perfect time. So, don’t think too much,” she said and ran off.
To be continued…
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