Nandini's POV

My car stooped in front of the huge gate n I walked out of the back seat, careful with my dress. As I came out, I glanced at the whole Hotel, own by Mr. Vedant, is now exclusively booked for the Jewelry event conducted by 'SPARKLING STAR'. Huge banners all over the place to highlight the event and the place is decorated in & out with lights n decor.

I waked on n passed the security checkup. The security is very very tight in here. Why not? After all, there is a jewelry show event going on inside which must worth in crores.

It's not my first time walking inside. Actually, I've been here with our other staff n bosses for the lats moment's final check. After everything went fine, first the bosses; Manik n Cabir, get dressed n came with some of our colleagues then, I & some others walked out to get dressed up for the event.

I walked inside... It was filled with people, mostly upper-middle-class n higher class families with proper financial background n name in society. The lights r not that dim or bright, light, romantic, songs r playing on the background n right now, the stage show is going on with most of the people watching it. Our bosses with some of their important guests r seated on the chairs along with some visitors n enjoying the show, which displays our jewelry products.

This is one of the major Jewelry events in India. The show serves as a sourcing and an immediate sale platform for buyers to source best-valued quality jewelry under one roof.

I turned to look around on different sections with an expecting number of booths around 500 booths;  Diamond jewelry, Platinum jewelry, 24K fine gold jewelry, Gemset jewelry, Silver jewelry, Jade jewelry, Pearl jewelry, Cultured pearls, Freshwater pearls, Diamonds, Colored gemstones, Jade, Opals, Jewelry mountings, Carvings/display ornaments, Jewelry display & packaging material, Machinery, tools & equipment, High-quality jewelry watches, Refurbished jewelry,  Antique jewelry,  Fashion jewelry, Synthetic diamond...
These are the display of not just this year's work, but all those years since this company is budding...

The jewels are kept inside the glass partition with two of the displayers in each booth who help visitors with it. People r looking around n buying desirable pieces...

I saw Nyo Aunty walking in with a bunch of others; her friends n their daughters dressed all elegant n fashionable.  I smiled n walked towards them.

"Hello Aunty" I greeted Nyo Aunty with a pleasant smile.

"Oh Hello Nandini... I was hoping to meet u here." She returned the smile. She turned to her company "She's Nandini Murty, Dhruv's fiancée." They looked from my head to toe n smiled. "They r my friends n their daughter n DILs" She introduced her clans. I too smiled.

"U look around, Aunty. ... I'll check if anyone needs me. I'll be around if u need me." I assure before walking away n give them space.

"She looks beautiful n gorgeous" I heard one lady's voice as I walked away.

Again as I'm enchanting the beauty of different pieces of jewelry n trying to get its story from my point of view, I spotted one more familiar face.

I walked to her, who's with two other ladies in the late 40s n a man of late 50s, discussing the pearl pieces.

"hey Navya" I greeted her once I reach near her. She along with others turns to see who's calling her.

"Oh Hi! Nandini... Nice to see u" She hugged me. We r close as friends.

"Nandini, meet my mom, my MIL n my FIL..." I folded my hands in namaste with a smile. They couldn't make it for our engagement as they r out of station. "And she is Nandini Murty, Manik's cousin, Dhruv's fiancée." She introduced me. "She works in Cabir's company as Jewelry designer" she added.

"oh! then all these r designed by u" her MIL exclaimed with appraising tone.

"No no, Aunty... I just joined 2 months ago. I can't design all these in a short period. But yes! This  one row is designed by me." I pointed at a particular row with 4 sets.

"Really? my eyes r stuck on this from the start." Navya low squeal in excitement pointing to the first piece.

"And we r just thinking of buying this for our 25th anniversary" her MIL said pointing to the third set. My heart brimmed with joy n satisfaction that they liked my designed jewel.

"Oh My! I'm so glad that u liked them." I smiled Cabir arrived near.

"So, what do u choose? Pick up whatever u like!" He side hugged Navya, she blushed nodding.

"Nandini! u here" He noticed me "Manik is with some foreign delegates. Can u look after their comfort n show them around the jewels?"

"Sure" I replied him then turned to others " I'd leave u choose n buy the best piece u find... there r more of it." and I left with a smile.

I made my way to Manik passing by Sneha, who is keenly keeping eyes on marketing products. She's damn stressed since a couple of weeks.

By the time I arrived Manik sir, he was with three male n four female foreign delegates who r sipping colorful juices n looking around while talking with Manik. Also, dressed up in bright blood-red eye-catching high neck two-piece stood Soha amidst them beside Manik sir, showing her slim legs.

When they noticed me, Sir introduced "Here is our another designer, Nandini Murty" I smiled in greetings.

"u r looking gorgeous young lady" a handsome delegate, maybe in his early 30s, spoke in American accent n held out his hand asking mine. I put out my hand on his n he pecks my knuckles while I smiled.
Well, kissing as a greeting is common outside India, u know.

"This dress suits u along with ur necklace." complimented the lady delegate.

I'm putting on a bluish-black off-shoulder gown, my black, high stilettos, and hair tied in a half-up fishtail braid with a blue gemstone set which I especially bought in the matching of this dress for today's event.

"Thank you... All the ladies here have an eye on ur stylish diamond set" I returned the praise while she laughed touching her neckpiece.

"Really? It's gifted my husband on our second wedding anniversary." She pointed to one of the male delegates over there.

"Ur husband surely held the best choice" I joined her in laughing while I compliment them as couple n her set too.

I noticed that Soha is not so happy with me gaining the attention all of a sudden, while Manik is having a praising n amazed expression on his face.
Well, did I tell u how handsome he looks with his black formal suit on which don't hide this well-toned body to a great extent? Such a handsome hulk!

"So, we'll keep the documents ready at the office tomorrow. ... please enjoy yourself " Manik said to them n they excused themselves looking around the show.

I stood there as neither they called me to join nor sir said so. As they walked away, my eyes turned to the handsome face who is already staring at me.
Our eyes meet, sending a bucket of butterflies erupting n dancing in my stomach... our eyes held each other with no exchange of verbal words except the sound of the music playing on the background n people gossiping around... But it felt that we r talking, in spite of our closed lips. What r we talking?

"Manik, let's go grab us a drink n look around the guests" this voice interrupt our eyestalk n Manik turned to her, Soha, who tugged her hand on his arm, holding him close n pulling him... Away!

He gave a brief nod n walked with her, before giving me a look. She smirked at me while turning back.

I felt a pang of outraged anger n urge to pull apart the arm lock they r having & punch that smirk off that bitch's face. Huff!  I'm turning red in anger, I could feel the heat building up in my blood rushing to my fist.

What's wrong with me?

I turned back to avoid whatever is building up in me... I took some breath in & out, calming my nerves before walking through different booths n checking around.

Manik's POV

I was busy attending some delegates who approach for the wholesale buying of our brand to sell it off in their foreign countries. Of course, it's a great motion and a step towards the success of the company which I started with my own blood n sweat instead of the family hierarchy.

She suddenly Soha popped in with her flirtatious smile n I introduced her as our designer.
Mentioning about the designer, my mind stirred to Nandini! She went to get dressed up for the event since like 2hrs, I wonder when will she be back.

In this one month term ever since the engagement, I tried my level best to avoid her, not think about her, not even look at her...
I terribly failed!
Always end up stealing glances of her while I passed by her cabin, sometimes I used to spot her in the cafeteria; either with some of her colleagues or alone with a cut of coffee n earphones on.

Unlike before when I used to give her a ride back home when we used to walk out of the office together, now, I used to just look her get a cab or picked up by some of her friends or a few times Dhruv would also come, Maddy once included.
That time I had to fight myself from requesting her parents to let her drive her own car to n back the office so that she won't need any ride. ...Ya! she once told that her mom denied her driving car in Mumbai's traffic while office tension. Crap!

Even when once our friends called for a get together on a weekend, I was so disturbed with Nandini n her kiss that I end up avoiding the party at the end moment lying that I got a sudden international business conference in my Dad's company.

I'm hell messed up!

Well, these weeks got me busy in today's show preparation n arrangement but the moment I close my eyes to take a peaceful breath... she appears. Hellish Heaven!

Now, when my eyes caught her approaching us... me... in black-blue gown hugging her fair skin... She looks as if a fairy landed on our event... approaching me.

I introduced her n the man kissed her knuckle. I'm damn pissed off with the sight. Only if he was not my guest, I'd have beaten him up for even touching her, let alone kiss.

Then the lady praised her necklace n dress coordination o which she returns the compliment gracefully gaining content looks on her n her husband. She really knows how to please someone!

After the delegates left we held each other's eyes. I felt like I'm drowning in those deep hazel oceans who held more of precious outlets... only for me! We stood there without talk yet all of the talks, only to be broken by Soha who tugged me with her to drink n look around. I don't wanna leave!

...

..

While I & Soha r moving through the booths while picking small talks with the familiar persons around, my eyes always searched for the black angel. Where is she?

There is she... talking to her teammate, Anubhav.

She didn't notice me, while I'm looking at her in my peripheral vision not wanting others to be aware of my stare on her.

When suddenly a young man of around my age, dressed in a designer expensive tuxedo, tapped on her bare shoulder.

She turned in reflex n instantly gave a bright, surprised smile to the stranger. Do they know each other? I got curious!

Cabir's POV

Finally, I got to escape from my overdramatic family, who one time got head over heels for one jewel n then suddenly reject it giving a lame reason. I wonder the reason for their mood swings!

Anyways! I walked away n then met Nyonika Aunty with her high-status friends out of which I knew a few through her & my mom. I greet them, talked a while before excusing myself.

Then walking ahead I spotted the foreign delegates selecting n discussing the jewels standing near the Diamond & Platinum jewelry booths. I didn't see Manik or Nandini nearby, which means they left them for good.

Let's find them!

And finally, I tracked Manik... with... Am- Soha?  I thought him to be with Nandini!

Soha is drinking her red juice while talking something or other with Manik to which he just nods or answers in monosyllables. I noticed that his attention is not on her talk... His attention..........

I followed her stealthy glances...

Nandini!

I grinned with knowing thoughts. He is behaving strangefully weird from the fast one month or more. And I had a hunch, what could be the reason?

You are right!     Nandini Murthy!

I walked to him n the first thing I did is to shoo away Soha telling her about some work in the farthest corner. Manik raise his eyebrow sipping his drink.

"So, wondering who is that guy?" I asked directly.

"Which guy?" he acted innocent.

"The guy with whom Nandini is laugh-talking" I stated as a matter of fact but his face squeezed displeased.

"He is Arvind Arora, son of Mr. Arora, owner of Indian Oil n Petroleum Private Ltd.
Known for his handsome look n eagle eyes, disastrous smile n flirty talks. Basically a lady-charmer, but not so a bad playboy though!" I gave his description while we both look at his & Nandini's sweet happy talk.

                                                            ( Arvind Arora )

My words did hold an effect on Manik... *Smirk*

Let's test whether what I am thinking is right or wrong?

"Let's meet him" I dragged Manik to them before he could protest.

"It's too sad that I got friend-zoned by a hot, young lady." we heard as soon as we arrived near them. They noticed our presence.

"Oh! Nandini u here n we r looking for u everywhere" I spoke as if we searching her for long.

"Why? Any problem?" she instantly asked.

"Oh! no no... It's solved now" I replied n turned to the man "Hey! I know u, Arvind Arora, right?" I put my hand out for a shake.

"Absolutely right! Even I know u both. Today's host, correct?" we shook hands n then he shook hands with Manik. Manik's fake face is clearly evident to me.

"Oh Man! u r strong!" Arvind said pulling his hands off Manik's grab. I know he pressed his hand tight.

"So, U guys know each other?" I gestured to him n Nandini.

"Ya! We r from same neighborhood. We meet daily at the park while morning jogging." Nandini answered to which I made an O-face looking at Manik, who seems displeased.

"It's fortunate of me to get the pleasure of watching a beauty so early in the morning. It's just making my day." Arvind commented giving a sidewise glance to Nandini along with his famous flirtatious smile. Nandini laughed away at his words. And I don't need to say anything about Manik, u all know!
U r making me test more perfect, Arvind. Unknowingly.

"But, today my day didn't go good becoz u didn't come by. Why?" Arvind demanded.

"Oh! I was busy in today's event preparation n woke up late today." Nandini voiced apologetically.

"No problem, I got to see the gorgeous princess here" He replied. She blushed on his words. It's natural for any girl to react this way around a lady-charmer. Not her fault!

Oh god! Manik is red bull by now.

"Nandini, Follow me!" Finally, voiced the mute red bull in his hoarse voice while releasing anger smoke from his ears.... and without waiting for reply dashed away from us.

My guess is not wrong, friends!

"he might need ur help" I gesture her to follow him n she left after nodding to Arvind.

he really need!

What is Manik gonna do with Nandini?

Thanks a lot 🥰 for ur encouraging words, lots of votes n follows.
It's a pleasure to read everyone's comments n support.