I called my friend and she picked up after few rings and Manik insisted to put the speaker on "Nandu is everything ok why are you calling on Monday night?" was the first thing she asked. I hesitated for a moment but then talked in my Nandan voice "Well, Sis, one of my friend wanted to talk to you as he missed meeting you yesterday when you were here. Please say Hi to him. His name is GG I mean he is Manik Malhotra." I smiled looking at Manik, my very own artificial smile. Manik was literally biting his nails.
"Sure Nandu. Hi Manik I am Nandini, I am Nandu's twin sister. I am sorry I couldn't meet you yesterday. May be next time and please be good to my sister ok. Good night." She hung up the call to my relief with a yawn. I was impressed that she played her role so well.
I looked at Manik.
He looked at me.
I smiled.
He scowled.
I showed him my tongue.
He raised his eyebrows trying to intimidate me but I knew he had lost this one.
"I still don't believe this. I have to see her and meet her until then you are not off the hook."
Idiot!
He threatened me again. I just shrugged and agreed to it thinking I will come up with something at that time.
He went out to have dinner and I sighed. I was in a big mess because of my ignorance. I shouldn't have left my phone. How could I be so vulnerable, I cursed myself asking my God to help me. Gods must be so annoyed listening to my silly prayers every single day.
Manik.
What in the world just happened? Was it a freaking movie? I was still not out of shock. I had no idea what to believe and what not. But one thing was sure I was completely smitten. Nandini was a very beautiful and talented girl I had seen all the videos and I was mesmerized. Yes, she resembled Nandan a lot. Maybe Nandan was right or may be he was lying. But why would he go with such a big lie. I was not letting this go easily I was so much intrigued now. Nandini you are in my radar now no escaping for you, I chuckled.
I saw the videos again which I had made sure were on my phone as well. There were some five videos all just amazing, oozing talent out of her. She had the most gorgeous hair and eyes. I was going crazy to think about a girl whom I had not even met. But I couldn't help it.
I decided to join my friends for dinner and think about this later.
Nandini.
The main event got over without any chaos. My script writing was appreciated and Manik's acting was praised. I was so relieved with all the stress. Still worth it as I had performed my best. I had hardly slept for the entire month and since Manik was so busy with his own rehearsals he did not bother me much at all. That made my life more easier and now I was so close to finishing my course here with flying colors. Nobody would ask me where I studied all these things. If I had to make it big in the industry they would probably only see my talent than checking my academic credentials. And since I always wanted to work behind the camera my life wouldn't be as chaotic as it is now. For my dreams I was really paying a heavy price. But they say dream big or nothing. After six months the entire course would be over and there would be one more big event at the end which would be judged by celebrities. So for next six months we were all going to be slogging.
I had a break for a week so I wanted to visit my home so badly. But no, my life wouldn't be this easy right? Monster Manik had to strike back he wasnt going any where so he dropped a bomb saying he would accompany me to my place or I had to call my sister here. So I was back to square one. I told him to give me some time to think which he happily obliged because he was winner either ways.
When I had sorted out a plan I was going crazy to implement it because it was full proof plan and there was no chance of any glitches.
It was Monday morning and most of the academy was empty as everyone were visiting thier families for a break.So my plan was easy to put in action with no much audience or stipulations.
I told Manik that Nandini was visiting us that day in the afternoon. He gave me a wicked smile, seemed quite happy and accomplished. All Morning I started acting weird saying I want to vomit and then I acted like I was completely dehydrated and was asking for a doctor. So, according to my plan the doctor came and said I had to be admitted and should be given IV in the hospital asap. Manik said he will accompany me but I refused saying he should attend my sister as she would be worried about me and also made him promise me that he wouldn't tell her where I was. This plan was easier because Manik had got the take away food previous night and I blamed it on food poisoning, so did the doctor. I dont know how he was a doctor in first place because he believed whatever I said and may be because of the money they were ready to get me admitted in their hospital. Anyways, I was benefitting from this scenario so no complaints there.
After getting into the hospital and staying there for an hour I decided I had to become Nandini Murthy so while there were hardly any attending staff I discharged myself saying I was feeling better. Once I got the discharge papers I changed my dress put all my other stuff in my locker, which I had rented in the local storage house. I got a new bag with all my girly stuff and went back to Gurukul and entered my name in the visitors section and then I knocked on my door very gently.