"Mannu since when you started nature photography as your hobby? Jeevika quizzed when Manvi insisted to go on jungle trekking for her project. "Woh Di, aapki shaadi ki baat mein bahut bored hogayi aur meina socha kuch interesting hobby dundo. Us waqt meina photography choonliya. In fact, I have always loved to capture all memorable moments in my camera since young nah, the only difference now that I m capturing nature's memorable moments" Manvi happily answered Jeevika. "But Mannu, I wanted to spend the day with you and you are planning your jungle trip today" Jeevika sulked in disappointment. "Di, I didn't know about your surprise plan and I have deadline for submission. Let me think of something Di" Manvi told her and went into her thinking mood. She was torn between her Di and her deadline; of course her Di always took precedence in her decision. "Saali saheeba, can I suggest something?" Viren intercepted unable to bear seeing the behna's in helpless state. "Of course Jeeju, is there a need to ask?" she replied instantly. I know a good resort nearby Rishikesh which is near to the woods. Most people go there to escape the busy city life for camping and rafting. Let me get Virat to see whether he can get reservation for us. Then all of us can go a holiday, my wife can spend time with her sister and my saali can still meet her deadline. What say ladies?" Viren asked. "Jeeju, you are a genius... How can you come up with perfect solutions all the time?" Manvi cried in excitement but the name Virat irked her. The plan would have been perfect without him she thought to herself. Jeevika was beaming in joy.
"Jeeju, why Virat? Give me the name of the resort, I will check it out. After all, he is in Chandigarh, so why bother him" she volunteered in her attempt to keep Virat off her bay. "Chandigarh? Nah Mannu, Virat is here in Rishikesh with us. He dropped us here and went off to sort out something" Jeevika replied naively failing to realize the uneasiness in her sister but it didn't go unnoticed by Viren. "Oh, Virat is also here?" Manvi cited in reluctance. Viren has always knew something was brewing between his little brother and his saali and his observations only strengthens his suspicion. "This is his forte Manvi, he will sort all this within minutes. Let me call him now." Viren replied and walked out to call Virat. Manvi has kept her distance from Virat ever since she noticed difference in his behaviour. He was no longer the Chep that she knew, she was unable to look into his eyes anymore, his proximity gave her goose bumps and his sudden affection was different. His words had double meaning which she found it difficult to decode.
Jeevika excused herself to help Beeji while Manvi left to prepare the guest room for their unexpected guest. Their bond as frenemy somehow boomed well into partners. Although they seem like total opposite in nature, there were many similarities between them that brought them together. Unknowingly the Maya's entry has been the stepping stone for realization between them. They began to understand each other more and saw the other side of themselves that they failed to notice earlier. Instead of being sad of his break-off, Virat was angry at her for breaking this trust. Manvi was angry at him for breaking her attempt to patch him up with Maya. It was her first mission that took off well and failed, in opposite of the previous track record. All her missions start off with a blow and ends up successful. She expected an apology and explanations from her partner but he refused. He ignored her; refuse to answer her calls and one fine day ends up standing in front of her in Rishikesh pretending nothing has happened. She wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine but instead of brewing in fury at her cold treatment, he was ever- accommodating. He never irritated her, he was almost flirting with her, trying to impress her and somehow that freaked her out. It seemed like he planned a sweet revenge for her, which she was caution enough not to fall for. He insists on having 15 minutes of her time which she refuses to grant. She knows that next to her Di, he seems to know her weak points. Something in him, his eyes will make her melt and lose her sanity. She was never going to give in this time until he gives her overdue apology. She made his stay a living hell in Rishikesh, got him into awkward situation with Beeji, Chachi and Chachu, used Dabbu as her bait to drive him off the walls but somehow he tolerated all knowing she was the mastermind behind. The longingness in his eyes, the sweetness in his words and the vibes around him disturbed her physically and emotionally.
Heavy heartedly he left after 3 days; he was never granted the 15 minutes that he pleaded for. Instead of rejoicing her triumph, Manvi was disturbed. The longingness and yearning in his eyes when he left haunted her till today. At first, she felt guilty for behaving in such manner. Then her guilt became longing for him, she missed him, his voice, his nok-joks, his smile, their long chats. The longing became yearning, she started to dream of him and now she feels his presence around her. "Manvi... Kaha hai tu?" she heard Jeevika's call from downstairs. "Di, I'm preparing the guest room" she replied back. Minutes later, she heard a knock on the door. "Di, since when you started knocking in your own house?" she hailed back while finishing on the final touches in the room. Surprised on her Di's silence, Manvi turned towards the door. Her feet were rooted to the floor, her heart performed rhythmic gymnastics and she felt a surge of happiness seeing him there. She expected him to greet his partner and welcome her with his smile but Virat did neither of that. He just stood there, with his arms cross and his expression was new to her. She regained her composure and decided to leave before her sanity betrays her. She walked pass him and he didn't bother to greet her nor did he stop her. She felt a pang of disappointment in her but her pride was not going to let her down. "Virat Singh Vandhera, tum attitude dekhna chaatha hai! I'm in for the game as well" she mentally challenged him.
Viren updated everyone on their plan for their getaway in the forest resort. Virat engaged in conversation with everyone except her and it irked her. Viren noticed the exceptional behaviour of his brother and saali and mentally made a note to speak to Virat about it. Virat was at the balcony after the dinner when Viren joined him. "Virat, what are you doing here?" Viren's voice startled him from his train of thoughts. "Kuch nahi, just needed some fresh air. Anyways I'm not getting signal in the house, so decided to come here for better signal" he lied. "Acha, since when our service provider started to be bias in providing coverage?" Viren questioned him. "Bhai, we both are using the same provider. It is nothing to do with telephone signal but it has something to do with the Manvi. Kya chalraha tum dunno ki beech?" he asked. Virat knew that he couldn't hide any further from his br other. Virat absently rubbed his forehead thinking how to begin. "Bhai, remember how you always thought that there was something more than mere friendship between me and Manvi. Initially I brushed off the thoughts as well but as days passed, I felt my attraction, affection towards her grew stronger. I started my day and end my day with her voice, her calls. I started seeing her qualities in Maya; I realized that it was the Manvi in Maya that brought me back to her. When you described Maya to Dadaji, I swear I saw Manvi in your words and no one else. It took a while to realize that I decided to give Maya a shot because Manvi wanted it. Everything around me happened because either it was what Manvi wanted, or it is because it made Manvi happy or that would have been what Manvi would have done. I didn't want to share this with you as I was not sure of it myself. I didn't want to be influenced by what others perceive, I wanted to be sure it was Manvi who I really want, whom I really love. Bhai, I apologized to you the other day because Manvi refused to talk to me till I apologized to her peace loving Jeeju. Finally I saw it, all the puzzles seems to make sense. I broke-up with Maya; I told her that the fog that was clouding my mind was gone. I knew who my heart desires, whom I truly love. Ironically she knew it was Manvi. Seems like the whole world knew we were meant for each other, except us. Unfortunately your dear Saali is still clueless about it. I came to Rishkesh in pretence of our new project, I wanted to confess my feelings, wanted to ensure she feels the same for me before I share it with you. Being a typical Bandariya, she was mad at me for dumping Maya, failing her mission, disappointing her trust and not realizing what I truly feel for her, she is my happiness. She refused to grant me the 15 minutes I requested as my punishment. I decided to give her the pleasure of winning and decided to give us the space and time needed. I know she was equally disturbed, there are hundreds of questions in her head and today when I saw her, my heart knew she felt the same for me. She went thru the same torture that I went thru without her. I decided to give her a taste of her own medicine for awhile "Virat finally poured out his emotions.
Viren couldn't contain his excitement any longer; he once started doubting himself and thought he was wrong in his judgment as how Jeevika sees it. He was glad to prove her wrong. He hugged his little brother, "You have made the right choice bhai. Finally you have found someone who is meant for you. She is the only one who can control my bhai and the same time drives him off the walls" he told him. "Thanks Bhai" Virat replied him. "Anyways, stop torturing my saali any further with your attitude. I will ensure both of you have sometime alone to sort things out tomorrow" Viren warned him. "Bhai, your Saali tortured me for three full days and you don't want to give me a pleasure of torturing her for even one day. Anyways, it won't be for long. I promise. I can't bear to see her in that state as well. " Virat assured him and both the brothers called it a day.
They left early for their getaway. Manvi was elated for being able to spend time with her Di but she was also anxious about Virat. It would be almost impossible to avoid him and try to act normal despite her internal turmoil. Manvi was sitting with Jeevika while the Virat was driving and Viren was navigating. They finally reached their destination after the long drive. The atmosphere was breathtaking, it was so close nature. Viren was completing their check-in formalities while the sisters were busy making themselves comfortable in their chalet. Jeevika was singing her Devar's praise for choosing such a fine and beautiful place. Nothing was more meaningful for her than to be close to her husband and sister in Rishikesh itself. Virat returned moments later with booklets and brochures on all the activities available and the jungle trekking options. The foursome had their sumptuous lunch and decided to get ready for their jungle trekking. Everybody patiently waited for Manvi to get ready and almost after 15 minutes she appeared from her room all geared up for her trekking cum photography trip. The brothers and Jeevika was astonished when they saw her. She was cladded in her jeans, top with a backpack that was almost as huge as her. Her camera hung around her neck and her bag containing her other equipment on her shoulder. Virat was unable to contain his laughter any longer; he burst out laughing joined by Viren and Jeevika. "Bhai, I thought we are only going jungle trekking for a few hours but someone is packed as if we are going for a week" Virat chuckled and Manvi's cheeks turned crimson red out of anger. She shot him her dagger glance and retorted "Di, I just packed some food stuff and some other necessities in case we need them in the jungle. Anyways, why should anyone bother since I will be the one carrying it! If anyone has the right to complain, it will be me" she snapped at him and walked towards the door. Virat realized that both the dagger glance & words were directed at him but he chose not to argue. Viren patted on his shoulder "Chal mera bhai".
Manvi was leading the trail while Virat was behind her and his bhai and bhabi was behind him taking their romantic stroll. He was amused to see his Bandariya struggling with the trail map, her camera with her food supplies for their hike. He offered his help to carry but she declined it. Suddenly they heard loud cry from behind and Manvi immediately knew it belonged to her Di. She dashed behind to see Jeevika was in pain. 'Di, appko kya hua? " she cried out. "Kuch nahi Mannu, I slipped on the rock and I think I have sprained my leg." Jeevika explained. "Di, can't you be careful while walking. Are you sure it is only a sprain and nothing else? Can you walk? Should we call for help?" Manvi panicked. "Relax Mannu, it is a small sprain. Nothing else, I will be fine." Jeevika reassured her. "Manvi, I don't think Jeevika can continue the trekking. I will take her back to the chalet while you continue with Virat. We shall meet in the evening" Viren suggested. "Nahi Jeeju, I will also follow you back" she insisted. "No Mannu, Viren ji is right. There is nothing you can do as well. I think I will be fine if I rest for a while. You continue with your photography, the weather is good and I'm sure you will get good shots." Jeevika explained. Reluctantly Manvi agreed and bid her sister goodbye. She carried on with her trekking with Virat. When Manvi and Virat where off their sight, Viren carried Jeevika and headed back to their chalet.
Both Virat and Manvi felt awkward with the silence that was lingering between them. It was the first time that they were both together after their fiasco. Virat was thinking hard on how to break the ice between them. He had his moment that he was yearning for, only both of them with complete solitude. He saw her slowing down with her pace; he knew she couldn't bear the weight of her bag. Manvi was about to lose her balance when Virat holds her on time. She froze on his arms, she felt so safe in his arms and wish she never had to leave his arms. It took her awhile before she got back to reality and abruptly freed herself from his grip. Virat reluctantly let her off but held her hand to stop her. "Manvi, give me your bag" Virat requested but Manvi ignored him and started to walk. Virat stopped her and forcefully removed the bag from her shoulders and carried it instead. "Manvi, don't argue. You have tendency on falling down on normal occasion, I can't imagine how you will manage with this weight on your shoulder" he explained. Manvi tried to argue but Virat cut her off. "Manvi, No more arguments! You just concentrate on your photography while I will manage this" he instructed, leaving her no option but to agree. Manvi was immersed in her photography while he was immersed in admiring her. He occasionally took shots of her from his mobile while she was busy in her task. He didn't realize how the time passed until he heard the sound of birds returning to their nest. Virat glanced at his watch and realized that it will be dark soon. "Manvi, chalo yaar. It is almost dark, we should start now else we will be stuck here." 'Hain Virat, just give me 5 mins yaar. I just need a perfect angle for this shot" she requested. "Theek hai, jaldi karo yaar" he reminded her. Typical of Manvi, her 5 minutes stretched to almost 30 minutes and Virat was reluctant to stop her. Bechari was trying to get a perfect shot from all angles " he thought to himself
"Ok Virat, I'm done! We can leave now. "she exclaimed. From Virat's expression, she knew she was late. She checked her time and realized how late it was. "Oh damn Virat, it is almost dark. We need to rush else it will be impossible to find our way back once it is dark." She told him while guiding him the way out based on her map. "Oye Bandariya, this was what I was trying to convey to you earlier as well." He slumped reiterated as he followed her. After almost an hour, Virat was sceptical on the path they were going. "Manvi, are you sure where you are heading to. It looks wrong" he asked her. "I'm sure Virat. The map indicates this as the alternative route back to our chalet. Don't under estimate me, I do know how to follow map" She replied him confidently. They quietly walked for another 30 minutes, when he noticed Manvi slowing down and scratching her head. His instinct was right, they were totally lost and off track from the trail. "Virat, according to the map, we should have reached but I don't see any sign of the chalets nor any other indications specified in the map. I think we may be lost!" she confessed in a low tone. "Manvi, at least give me the map now." Virat requested. Manvi handed the map to him, he was calm but she could sense the tension in his voice. "My-Dear-Ms-I-Know-How-To-Follow-Map, you have been reading the map upside down! Following the map and reading the map correctly are two different things Manvi and that is the reason why we are lost" he finally answered after studying the map. She was dumbstruck; she didn't realize she made such a huge blunder. She thought she could handle it and she screwed up again. "What are we going to do now? "she asked softly not wanting to irk him any further. "Let me think. It is almost impossible to find our way back even with the map coz we don't know where we are now! He took out the leaflets from his bag, and suddenly she saw a spark in his eyes as if he found a solution. "Ok, this is the plan. We have approx 30 minutes before it turns completely dark, it is impossible to reach back within 30 minutes. According to the leaflets, they have several viewing point towers in the jungle and I remember sighting one on our way earlier. We shall spend the night at the tower, and leave back to the chalet first thing tomorrow morning. Once we reach the tower, we will know our exact location and we can find our way back with the map. So what do you say? "he asked her. She nodded in agreement and what surprised her that he was still calm and that he even bothered asking her opinion despite the blunder that she has made. He led the way and she followed quietly; he frequently turned behind to ensure she was alright.
They both slumped off on the floor the moment they reached the top of the tower; they were totally exhausted and hungry. Virat called Viren to update on how they got lost and his plan. Moments later, Virat received a text message "Bhai, do you want me to arrange for help or would you rather I leave both of you alone?". Virat smirked the moment he read it, "Whatever you deem as suitable" he replied back and he immediately got his reply "You wanted 15 minutes and now you have the whole night to confess. All the best mera bhai and take care of my Saali" . Virat smiled and replied back "Thanks Bhai. You enjoy your romantic getaway with Bhabi as well". Manvi was silent but she was scrutinizing his expression, she couldn't bear the awkwardness that was surrounding them but at the same time she was not ready to give in first. Virat noticed this from the corner of his eyes and decided that he will make the first move to end it. "Manvi, I have informed Bhai about us, he will inform Bhabhi but no one else will be aware of this. Don't blurt it out to anyone at home and Bhabhi is fine now. "he updated her as he walked towards her. He sat next to her and asked her "Is everything alright with you? You have been exceptionally quiet "he asked in concern. "Virat, I m sorry." she finally spoke. "It's alright, I know how much you love being close to where you truly belong Bandariya" he chuckled. It took Manvi awhile to understand what he actually meant and she smacked him on his head for his sarcasm. "Actually, I owe you several apologies" she started. "Please enlighten me" he told her. "Firstly for Maya fiasco, I was actually angry with you when I heard about the breakup. Then I spoke to Maya a few days ago and then I realized my mistake. Maya told me it was a mutual breakup and she realized that she couldn't see the love and affection for her in you. She finally realized that you have moved on and you will never be happy with her. Then I realized that I was the one who forced you to patch up with my emotional blackmail under the impression that it was for the sake of your happiness. I actually listened to others and assumed your happiness was with Maya but I fail to ask you. I didn't bother asking my partner where his actually happiness lies. I could have ruined your life and Maya's but you manage to salvage me from the biggest blunder in my life. I don't care whether Swamini bua will be angry with me or not but what really matters to me is your happiness." She explained and Virat was relieved to hear that she has realized his love lies somewhere else but she just didn't know it was her. "The next apology would be? " he asked her. "Well the next apology would be f or the way I behaved when you were in Rishikesh. Instead of being there for you, listening to what you had to say, I threw my tantrum on you. I refuse to grant you the mere 15 minutes to listen to you. Virat, you have been there for me whenever I needed you, you have always helped me to redeem myself from all the mess that I have caused after Di, you have stood up for me whenever I was taunted and in return I was never there for you. I failed you as your partner, I failed you as a friend" she told in a shaky voice and tears started forming in her eyes. Virat wanted to hug and tell her that she was wrong but he refrained himself. He put his hand around her shoulder in comfort and whispered to her "Enough of apologies Bandariya. You have never failed me partner and you will never do. You have all the rights on me. I will accept all your apologies with one condition" he told her. "What condition?" she asked him immediately. " Erase all the guilt from you and I only want to see the smile in your face and nothing else. This emotional character doesn't suit you; I want back my old Bandariya. Ok?" he asked her. Her eyes sparked in joy and the beautiful smile adorned her face again. "Now that is like my darling" he replied softly. "What did you say Virat? "she questioned him but he diverted her.
"I'm famished; let's see what you have in this mini storage of your" he suggested and she immediately agreed. Manvi laid the spread of food that she brought and Virat was astonished. "Manvi, you can practically open a mini Dabba here tonight" he teased her. "I'm so hungry that I can finish everything here, so shut up and eat else there will be nothing left" she warned him. They enjoyed the rest of night in each other's company with their typical nok-jok and masti and fell asleep in each other's arms without realizing it. The rays of sunshine woke Virat from his sleep, he woke up to see Manvi holding tight to his shirt while her head rested on his chest and his hand were wrapped around her. "Good morning sweetheart" he whispered in her ears and she stirred in her sleep while moving closer to him, "Let me sleep a bit longer in your arms before you disappear again" she mumbled. Virat couldn't believe his ears; he was now sure she felt the same for him as much as he did for her. "I believe I have not acquired the skill to disappear yet Bandariya but I will promise that I will not disappear today" he replied her as he tightens his arms around her. Suddenly he felt her body became stiff, she opened her eyes in shock and realized her position. She tried to untangle herself from him but instead she ended up falling on him again. "What is the rush Bandariya?" he asked as his hand snaked around her waist holding her closer to him. "Let me complete what I have wanted to tell you since the day I was in Rishikesh. Manvi, I realize that you were not only my partner but you were more than that. You are my life; you are where my true happiness lies. It is you whom my heart truly desires and loves. My happiness lies in you, in your smile. Manvi, I love you and I want you to b e my partner in my life forever, in my happiness. Are you in for ready for this new partnership?" he asked her. Manvi was blushing and finally she got the answer for her questions, it was love. She was in love with her Chep and she failed to realize it. "Partnership accepted and I love you too Chep" she finally confessed the words that his heart wanted to hear.