Nandika places the abrupt question. The question is sudden but the intention is planned. Nandika wants to dive down in his mind and love life is the best start for it. Again, a brief pause and then the message flashes.

“Love is an unsaid understanding. I will love her if she understands my unsaid mind. In short, she should be my mirror. To whom I can be myself.”

Nandika’s eyes squint at the reply.

“He is different.”

Her subconscious appreciates. She types,

“Will!... That means you haven’t found her yet.”

“No… have found her but yet to know what she thinks about me. Actually, we just met…I mean kind of and there is more to know about each other. But I am very much hopeful.”

He sounds really optimistic. Somehow Nandika couldn’t be happy to read the reply. She doesn’t know why. Was she expecting a negative reply from him? But why? She hardly knows him. She doesn’t even care for his love life. Still, she feels discomfort in her heart. Nandika eyes the wall clock. It’s almost 2:30 a.m. Enough for a day.

“All the best. I wish she responds positively and you will get your mirror. Have to sign off now. Have to write my book. By the way, I still don’t know your real name. I am sure it is neither Shinchan nor Lost Boy.”

Nandika’s words have a hidden sarcasm. The reply comes and it is not any simple one.

“Thanks for your wishes. I don’t know if she will be my mirror or not but she will definitely be my secret Cinderella. No, this is not my real name as Nutty M is not yours. But for now, I think these names are enough for us. Because little curiosity makes things interesting and I don’t want you to lose interest in me so soon.”

A winking emoji is sent with this which makes Nandika agitated.

“Too smart, Mr. But one swallow doesn’t make a summer. Just wait and watch.”

She utters in mind and types,

“Good night…talk to you tomorrow.”

Nandika switches off the phone and opens her laptop. She has only an hour to write a chapter. She opens the page but doesn’t feel the urge to write anything.

“God…total wastage of time.”

She purrs in annoyance.

“Is it? I don’t think so...”

Her mind counters sarcastically.

“He is engaging and interesting. You can waste a night on him.”

Her naughty mind whispers. Nandika frowns at her but ends with a bright smile. In the next moment, the double meaning of the line spreads colour on her cheeks. Naughty Nutty M even dares to tease her alter ego.

...................................

Maan throws the mobile casually and reclines on the bed rest. A nonchalant smile is lingering on his lips.

“Did she understand my hint? Maybe not…or maybe yes.”

He mumbles with a suppressed smile.

“I have found you my secret Cinderella…Ms writer. Now, I just have to convince you how perfect I can be for you. You don’t know that opening up in front of you is just a chance that I am taking. A chance to know you more closely. Because I know even you have so many things to tell and you are also searching for your prince. I want to know the real Nutty M…behind her pages. I want to know the secret of this Cinderella.”

He sounds determined. After brief self-talk, he grabs his guitar and starts playing. Nights are perfect for artists and creative people. The twinkling stars agree.

.......................................

Nandika is sitting in the library. In front of her, a pile of books is there. She has to make some notes urgently. Navya hasn’t come. So, it is her sole responsibility. Sometimes she thinks that she gives the exams for both. Navya is only there to nag about how exams are harmful to the students. Because she thinks that exams inculcate an inferiority complex in their minds. Bright students get brighter when average students become poorer. Nandika wobbles in disbelief. Navya and her theory. She again indulges herself in the books when some suppressed words pour into her ears.

“Just look at her, girls. Do you think Maan will be interested in her? I am sure it was her trick to get close to him. Otherwise, this nerd is only good in exam papers…he..he..he…”

The laughter makes Nandika’s ears burn. She gulps the lump and tries to concentrate on the pages. However, the girl group hasn’t finished yet.

“Exactly…only good in papers because I doubt, she hardly knows how to be good in…ahem …ahem…bed….”

Again, a giggle invades Nandika’s ears. A drop of tear falls on the open book. She is about to get up when a strong hand touches her shoulder and makes her sit again. Nandika stares up and locates the person. Maan Malhotra is looking at her with convincing eyes.

“Don’t go…Do your work. I will be back in a minute.”

His virile voice has something which impels her to sit again. Maan approaches the table where the girl gang is sitting. He occupies a chair and looks at everyone. Needless to say, the condition of each girl is, “Pinch me…is it a dream?” Maan smirks and starts with a low yet dominating tone,

“What do you think girls? Being good in bed can be the only best capability of a girl? And for a boy, it is the best quality he searches for in a girl? Then let me burst your bubble. No, a boy considers the best quality in a girl is her beautiful heart and sensible mind which I don’t think none of you has. But the girl sitting on that table, whom you are making fun of is the brightest student in this college. She has been the topper for the last 3 years which I think is much better quality than your benchmark. And I am sure, none of you can be like her because she is special…unlike you all. So, clean your filthy mind and respect this place. Library is for studies. Not for your spicy gossip.”

His razor-sharp tone splashes some ink on their faces. They bend their heads. Maan gets up and nears Nandika’s table. She heard everything. For the second time, he rescued her from humiliation. Maan sits on the opposite chair and says in a serious tone,

“Ignore these rats. You have better things to do. In fact, I have a proposal for you. Ummmm….not proposal; I need your help, Nandika.”

Nandika meets his eyes with sheer confusion. Maan purses his lips and replies,

“Can you be my teacher for this upcoming exam? Because I have doubts that I will even get a pass mark this time. Please….”

Nandika gapes a little to see his puppy face. A puppy Rockstar. The thought makes her grin.