That NC story was also considered as participating if posted in contest thread. Even once he post it was not mentioned not competing. If you are counting numbers then it's five as per your rule. NC only means that they don't want any prizes but they also want their story to be judged.No it was non contesting story how could there be a winner? With 4 stories? Kobra ji ne dibbe k lalach mein story thodi naa likhi thi issiliye NC thi..
Rest you can decide on this ,but if you made it a different language option then you should encourage it and give prizes for this language too. Don't give me but to others.
to all winners