A/N : So Readers, what if I tell you, this is the second last chapter of the book? :O

Will it sink in? :P

What, so much is left, the story is not even near closure! What not must be going in your minds, but let me tell you, this is true!

In this story, Nandini is vulnerable but not dumb! So she will figure out her feelings quite fast & you guys will find your happily ever after next week. Did I mention, there will be an epilogue to follow too? ;)

My only request is you guys, continue to shower me with all the love & comments you've shown & left so far & votes of course! :D This is what keeps me going!

On that note, happy reading!

***

Nandini was tossing around on her bed, it was late at night; she kept glancing at her phone, but it was black and silent as ever; not one flash of notification. It had been six days since her birthday night with Manik, and he has been painfully silent. She had texted him the day after her day out with Aryamann, but he hadn't replied for the longest time. Much later at night, he had reverted back saying he needed some time off. Nandini was worried and she tried calling him the next morning, but his phone was switched off. She tried calling Abhimanyu and miraculously his phone was switched off too. She was left with no choice but to enquire with Mukti; although she couldn't really tell, but, even Mukti's text seemed cryptic.

[Hey Mukti, any idea where Abhimanyu is? I have been trying his number for some time, but it's switched off.]

She had reverted back, in some time.

[Hi Nandini! Congratulations to you and Aryamann! I was upset that you didn't tell me yourself, but I guess I will be mad at you later. I'm glad to hear you've found your love! :)]

Nandini looked at the text surprised, how'd Mukti know? Did Manik tell her? Did Abhimanyu know? He'd be mad at her for not telling him, herself. Is that why he was avoiding her call? She immediately called Mukti.

- Hi Nandini, congratulations, yaar!! I am really happy for you.

- Aah, thanks, but how'd you...Manik?

- Yes, who else?

- Mukti, I know he is your brother and we had a 'thing' but..I'd understand if you'd not be okay with this, but I want you to know that you mean the world t...

- Hey come on Nandini! You're family too; if you're happy I am happy for you. As for Manik, I am sure, he's happy to know you are happy.

- But where is Abhimanyu?

- Oh he is flying to Bali as we speak

- Huh, Bali, suddenly, he never told me!

- Well you didn't tell him you're engaged, guess he's paying you back, haha

- Mukti, are you sure you're okay with this?

- Of course Nandini, I mean of all things said and done, it is your choice to make. You get to decide who you want to live with & at the end of the day, we all want your happiness too..

- But why Bali?

- Some guys trip for letting some steam out apparently

- Who all have gone?

- Just the two of them – Abhimanyu and Manik.

- Wait, what? Manik is in Bali?!?

- Looks like you have a lot of catching up to do when they both return!

- When do they return?

- This Friday

- Five days!?!

- Haha Nandini, let the boys have some fun. You can enjoy your time with Aryamann meanwhile.

Nandini could tell, there was some disappointment in her tone. Nandini felt she deserved it. After all, which sister liked seeing her brother's fling choosing someone else over him?

It had been six days since; they must have returned one night before? What was bothering Manik, was it that night? Was she losing him? She had texted him a couple of times after that, but most of the answers were monosyllables, so she couldn't have a conversation. Abhimanyu on the other hand had spoken to her, he was a bit upset that Nandini hadn't given him the info, and he made it very clear that he didn't approve of Aryamann; but he had accepted them anyway for her happiness.

Nandini was wondering if she should call Abhimanyu and ask about Manik,  but she decided not to, he was very touchy about Manik for some reason. Also ever since she owned up to him about her feelings for Manik, she wasn't comfortable asking. He'd definitely ask a lot of unwarranted questions. Maybe she should visit Manik the next day after work? It was a Saturday right, he'd be home, but then Aryamann had made some plans for the weekend, would she manage time? Why was life so complicated? She and Manik were still friends, but why was being close to him getting so difficult? Aryamann seemed like a wall between them; she was feeling restless; she needed him. Maybe not the way that drunken night, but she needed to see him, see his smile, feel reassured that all was good; feel that she was okay again.

[Hey Manik, you have forgotten me] she sent him a text and put the phone aside; these days he didn't revert immediately anyway, but suddenly the phone flashed.

[I can never forget you, Nandini :)]

[You left for Bali just like that; you didn't even tell me]

[I'm sorry, I will inform next time :)]

What was with his fake smiling emojis, clearly he wasn't alright, Nandini thought to herself.

[Manik, are you okay?]

[Why do you ask?]

[Just like that, I haven't seen you in so long]

[I am fine Nandini, we will make a plan to meet soon]

Make a plan to visit? Since when did they need to plan, weren't they more the 'see you in 15' type of friends? What was changing? Why was it changing, why did his genuinely friendly responses seem cold to Nandini, she wondered. it had been one week now, her feelings for Manik should have diminished further right? Was it happening? She felt all the more bothered about him now.

[Okay, meet me at the Hyatt Casino tomorrow 8PM]

Nandini sent the text and thought, would Aryamann be okay with her inviting a friend? Why should he have a problem? If he was entering her life, he'd have to befriend her friends too. She wasn't going to completely lose Manik for this anyway.

[Wow, you all Casino girl now?]

[Haha, no. Aryamann has invested there, it's the opening party and we have some invitee passes for it. I will send you one and a couple pass to Mukti and Abhimanyu too; we can all meet]

There was a stone cold silence for fifteen minutes before he responded.

[I will pass. Not sure I want to be your Aryamann's casino bud; we will catch up later, bye :)]

Nandini stared at the text message, in all this while she knew him, she never said no to meeting her. it stung her and a drop of tear escaped from her eyes, but just then Aryamann's name flashed on the phone, he was calling.

"Damn you Aryamann, always the wrong timing" she whispered, in frustration.

***

Nandini was standing near the slot machine at the entrance of the casino, as Aryamann was engaged in a conversation with the other investors. The place was big, with dark wooden panels. it looked like they had heavily invested in the interiors, the sophisticated gaming tables and parlours. There was good quality alcohol and the choice of music wasn't too bad either. There was both elegance and intimidation in the place. She was waiting for Mukti and Abhimanyu to arrive. It turned out that Aryamann was more than happy to send out the invites to them when she requested him. He was willing to get to know her friends; she only wished Manik came too, but he was on a different trip altogether. Maybe he was dating again? She thought aghast for a moment. She made a mental note to meet him soon.

"Ma'am would you like to try your luck on the slot?" she heard an attendant ask her politely. She glanced at Aryamann once, he seemed busy, she was bored anyway. Why not?

"Sure" she replied, with a smile.

Just as she was about to pay and roll, she heard Mukti's voice, they had arrived; Nandini smiled at Mukti and hugged Abhimanyu, he seemed a bit cold, Nandini ignored it for now. Soon they were playing slots together, and mostly losing more than gaining, but having a great time.

"Your turn Nandz" came, Mukti's hyper excited voice. Nandini had hardly gained any money yet, so with an upset pout she juggled the money into the machine and waited to pull the jack as the three panels in the slot waited to roll. Just as she was about to pull the jack, she heard a voice from behind and a hand stopping her from pulling the jack.

"Wait, wait.......aaannnd now" he spoke playfully.

His hand held her hand and pulled the jack, she quickly turned around, yes he had come. It was Manik. He was smiling widely looking at the stupid slot machine, but her grin knew no bound when she saw him. That warm smile, that affectionate eyes, that feeling of comfort as he held on to her hand.

"Manik?" she called out.

"Annnnnd 10 grand it is!" he shouted excitedly before looking at her.

"What?" she asked, perplexed.

"What, what? Turn around and see Nandini, you just won 10K" he laughed. Before she could respond, Mukti gave her a bone crushing hug in joy as Manik hugged Abhimanyu.

"Looks like you guys are having fun!" came another deep voice, it was Aryamann.

Aryamann had come over to them when an excited Mukti told him about Nandini's win, he looked surprised.

"Nandu won? She has the most rotten luck in the slot but!" he laughed, but Nandini didn't notice, she was stealing glances at Manik, and he had finally noticed that; he smiled back at her.

"Haha, Manik helped her. He has amazing luck in poker too!" quipped a happy Mukti.

"Acha, how do you help one in the slot game, though?" Aryamann sounded fashionably intrigued.

"By holding her hand and helping her pull the jack together, Aryamann!" Abhimanyu replied back coldly as Aryamann looked at him. So this Abhimanyu was team Manik, he thought to himself. He then turned to face Manik and to his irritation, he was looking at Nandini. He was smiling at her, and she? Well her eyes shone like she was looking at fireflies!

"Mr. Malhotra, I didn't know you were coming. I would have sent you a personal invite." Aryamann turned to look at Manik.

"Thanks Aryamann, but my publishing house is the media partner for this place, we don't need the invite" he smiled, then after a moment he added, "Plus Nandini had invited me anyway!"

Aryamann knew the exchange they had was harmless, in fact it was Manik who helped him get her, but he also loved her. It affected him deeply. It wouldn't, if he felt he had control on Nandini, but he didn't, as yet. He could feel it. Thus their proximity bothered him.

"Slot is just for fun, come guys let's play some real games! Roulette anyone?" called out Aryamann, and soon they all went near the Roulette table.

Aryamann, Manik and Abhimanyu were betting, while Mukti went and stood next to Abhimanyu, Nandini was standing next to Aryamann. Manik glanced at his side, it was empty; it stung a little, he smiled to himself. Nandini wasn't his, so, of course she'd be next to Mr. Khurana.

Manik didn't know why he decided to come to this opening at the last moment. He had refused her invite, but it bothered him. Just like it bothered him in Bali, every time he was trying to make a move at a woman. It didn't work there, it didn't work here. He wanted to stay away from her, he didn't want her to be confused, but his urge to see her finally overpowered his will to hold back and hence he had come here. Just for her. Just to see her. Just to ensure he had delivered her in the right hands, and to ensure that Aryamann was keeping Nandini happy.

Nandini had followed his expression like a hawk, it broke her heart to see him smile after looking at the empty chair next to him; a sensible part of her brain told her to be where she was, next to Aryamann; to not do anything that would put off Manik further, but she couldn't. She didn't even realise when she started walking and took the seat in between Aryamann and Manik. Manik glanced at her sitting there, his lips breaking into a genuine smile. She returned it; then she glanced at Aryamann, thankfully he hadn't noticed.

"So my lady luck, what number will it be?" Aryamann asked and gently held Nandini by the waist; instinctively she looked at Manik as he did. She was probably mistaken but his face looked ashened for a second before he recovered and looked elsewhere.

"21" Nandini called out, Aryamann nodded and claimed the chip reading 21.

Next Abhimanyu called out after discussing with Mukti, "16"

They all were looking at Manik now, who seemed to be thinking, but just before he could call out he received a text, he looked down, it was from Nandini, he glanced up once at her before reading it, but it was enough for Aryamann to notice.

"13" he called out with a smile.

"Seriously, 13? That's the definition of unlucky, Manik!!" Mukti laughed as Manik collected his chip with a smirk.

Aryamann looked at Nandini, there was a small smile playing on her lip too, was this their secret, this 13 thing? he wondered, as the attendant rolled the Roulette board. The ball rolled across the circular board with each panel representing each number and finally came to a stand on number fourteen, just before rolling back to thirteen as it stopped.

There was pin drop silence around the table for a second before Mukti screamed in joy! They all clapped, as Manik had won the first round! Manik glanced at Nandini smiling, as she clapped happily for him. Aryamann couldn't take it anymore.

"Nandu, why don't you select a number for Mr. Malhotra this time, I will manage my number fine" he smiled stiffly, Nandini frowned for a second but she didn't think too much about it. The next round of numbers were to be called, Aryamann chose 31 and Nandini chose 6.

"Arre Nandz you selected the number I wanted, 6th is my birth date! It's my lucky number!!" Mukti pouted.

Nandini laughed, "I guess it is mine too! Too late Mukti", Manik nodded and picked up the chip with 6 on it. Later Mukti selected 15 for Abhimanyu. As the table rolled in circular motion, setting the ball in motion, it rolled over the board for a good few seconds before settling on No. 6. Everyone gaped at the sheer coincidence, as Abhimanyu and Aryamann parted with more points and Manik gained them. He gleefully hugged Nandini as Abhimanyu spoke.

"How ridiculously brilliant is your luck Manik? Both times? Like seriously!?!"

That was the last straw for Aryamann, he had put too much of his life into stake for Nandini, she couldn't just be so absent in his life.

"So Nandu, all the luck for Manik, and nothing for hubby dearest?" suddenly he popped the question. She looked surprised as she looked at Manik once before answering.

"You only asked me to select for him" she replied, in a confused tone.

"The second time, but I didn't ask you to text him the first time!" he replied still with a polite smile, but one could tell he was bothered.

"It's just a game, Aryamann" Manik responded.

"Ah friend dearest came to the rescue!" he said silkily.

"Excuse me?" Nandini replied now.

"Arre chill, I am kidding. Enough of games, let's sit in the lounge and have a few drinks?" replied Aryamann

"Yes, great idea" Abhimanyu spoke in between to break the tension.

***

Manik was eyeing Aryamann as he was talking to the waiter, there was something wrong, he could feel a negative vibe coming from him. Did he have an inkling about that night? No he didn't seem the tolerant kind, he wouldn't be here then. Then?

"Please make it one cognac for me, one LIIT for the lady here and you take the rest of the orders from them" he waved his hand at Manik, Mukti and Abhimanyu. Mukti and Abhimanyu then placed their orders and the waiter came to Manik. Manik glanced at Nandini, since when did she like LIIT? But then when did she choose anyway?

"One Jacobs Creek Chardonnay for me, by the bottle" he placed his order.

"Not Macallan 1926?" Nandini asked with a laugh.

"Nope, thought I'd take the wine, we can share in case you don't like the LIIT" he replied. Nandini looked at him quietly, he remembered. A smile automatically played on her lips. These little things always made her feel special with Manik.

"Don't worry Mr. Malhotra, if Nandu liked wine she'd have ordered that, not LIIT, you can enjoy the wine yourself" Aryamann spoke with a firm politeness. His constant bossing over Nandini was bothering Manik now. Didn't he know how strong and independent she was? She didn't need him to choose everything for her! How'd Aryamann of all people not get it?

"Technically she didn't order the LIIT either Mr. Khurana, you did, on her behalf!" he smiled crookedly at him as Nandini glanced at him, and Mukti unnecessarily cleared her throat.

"Nandini, would you like to change your drink?" Aryamann responded calmly, looking at Manik without breaking eye contact.

Nandini could sense the tension, she wanted to say no, but that would mean belittling Manik who was standing up for her. She couldn't do that to him. She looked at the waiter and spoke.

"Can you please cancel the LIIT? I will share the Chardonnay with him" she replied without looking at Aryamann.

Again her words were greeted with an awkward silence when the waiter smiled and left. Aryamann looked at Nandini intently for a minute before he broke into a smile. It wasn't a warm one, it was calculative.

"Anyway, so Nandu, since all your near and dear ones are here, don't you think we should have a tentative plan around the engagement and thereby wedding dates? At least they, the inner circle folks, need time in advance to block calendars, right?"

Nandini stared at him, where did this come from? So suddenly? She glanced at Mukti and Abhimanyu; they were as surprised, and Manik suddenly got up and excused himself for the loo.

"Aryamann, that's for later right? Let your divorce come through first!" she stammered.

"We are the biggest law firm in the country baby, how long do you think that will take? A week or two at max!" Nandini stared at Aryamann horrified, she didn't want to bring up the discussion before Mukti or Abhimanyu, and hadn't she asked for time? Hadn't he agreed? Then what was this discussion about?

***

Manik splashed some water on his face; No he didn't just hear that, but he did. No, he shouldn't have reacted that way, but he just did. No, no. It was a bad idea, coming to the casino was a bad idea, but was it? Is this how Aryamann was always going to treat her? And Nandini? Why was she so meek before him? In front of Manik she will be a nonstop ninja but before him? For the first time a doubt laid seed in his head. Was this a good idea? Did he do the right thing by bringing Aryamann back? He wasn't toxic for her, was he? No, no with Nandini he couldn't take the risk. Even if it cost him his friendship or whatever that was left between them, he'd have to ask her once. He had to, it was for her.

Manik rushed out of the washroom and headed to their lounge area. They were sitting there, Nandini was saying something to Aryamann, no she wasn't saying, she was stammering. No, Nandini didn't break and rebuild to be this stammering person! She was Nandini Murthy, and Manik was going to ensure that she remained that.

"Nandini, please come out for a second, we need to talk" he said coldly as he reached them. All of them looked at him. Nandini nodded and was about to get up, when Aryamann spoke.

"Sorry Mr. Malhotra but breaking into a conversation is considered very tasteless. We were having a conversation on our wedding dates, when you excused yourself" he snapped at Manik, irritation evident in his voice.

"No Mr. Khurana, you two weren't having a conversation. You were telling her that you have decided to fix the dates right now. Plus what I want to talk about triumphs in importance" he replied, and then looking at Nandini, he added, "Come out"

"She won't. You can talk to her right here. This is her immediate circle Mr. Malhotra" now Aryamann looked visibly irked; Nandini kept looking between the two men, panic growing inside her.

"Nandini?" Manik called again, she looked at him, there was a deep urgency in his eyes. How could she ever say no?

"Aryamann, just us five minutes, okay? I will be back" she pleaded, as Manik looked at her, hearing her tone, in disbelief.

"I said no, Nandu. Manik please stop harassing my fiancé" Aryamann was up on his feet now. As he glared at Manik.

"He is not harassing me, Aryamann. He is only..." but Manik cut her this time.

"Fine, I will talk here. Nandini, are you happy with Aryamann? Do you want this? Tell me the truth" he asked, holding her hand and directly looking into her eyes. He was right, he saw conflict there.

"How dare you?" fired Aryamann as he advanced towards Manik, but Abhimanyu came in between while Mukti moved to Nandini's side.

"Calm down Aryamann, if he has a question as Nandz's well wisher let him ask, what have you got to fear? You know Nandz's answer right?" Abhimanyu tried to mellow Aryamann but deep inside he wanted this confrontation once and for all. Nandini had to choose. It was high time. Aryamann jerked for a moment and then stopped and all eyes were on Nandini.

She was breathing heavily, she glanced at all the faces, Aryamann livid, Manik anxious, Abhimanyu worried and Mukti curious.

"Manik, what kind of a question is this, I mean.." she began.

"It's a legit one Nandini. Just answer me. I know you, this is not you. Look into my eyes and answer me, don't fear anything; be honest Nandini. I need to know."

"Manik, I'm already engaged...so then.." she was mumbling.

"So? Nandini be fierce, be you. Fight for yourself the way you fought for my mom, for me! Tell me, are you happy, is this what you wanted? Is this what happiness and love looks like to you? Tell me a yes, and I will never ask you again, but tell me Nandini, I need to know, damn it" he coaxed gently, he sounded desperate, like his life was on the line here.

Nandini opened her mouth to speak, yes she was a lawyer. She fought bravely for the truth all her life, but why was she so weak before defending her own self? What was the truth? She wanted answers herself.

***

A/N : Hello, I'm your writer, back on the other side! How are we? :D

So, firstly how many of you can accept the thought of Manik flying off to Bali in order to try & blow off some steam with other women there, now that he had lost Nandini? Come on, the guy needs closure :P

Manik is Nandini's lucky factor for Slot while Nandini is his for Roulette! Your thoughts on this? Too mushy? (Sh*t I love it! :D I wish my husband & I were so Casino compatible! Usually we enter one & split like repelling magnetic poles! :D)

Aryamann's jealousy & pushing himself on Nandini for wedding dates - just tell me how much you guys hate him here? :P

Any thoughts on Manik's reaction to hearing Nandini's tentative wedding date? Is he justified in asking her questions? What are your thoughts on his pov?

What do you think Nandini is going to say now? Any last thoughts? Are you enjoying the ride??

Next update on 18th Sept. (Sunday)

Until then,

A.